In an attempt to save money the Government have confirmed that there will be an overhaul of the CICA system which will mean that around 17,000 victims of criminal injury who suffer "temporary" injuries each year, such as fractured ribs or a dislocated jaw, will lose out on compensation altogether.
Another 13,000 with more serious injuries,
including minor brain damage, a fractured skull or damage to the retina, will
see their compensation cut. Overall, an estimated 83 per cent of crime victims
will lose out.
Other changes will effect dog attack victims who will only be entitled
to compensation if the dog involved was used as a weapon. This chance comes as the number of dog attacks are actually going up,
with more than 6,000 victims going to hospital last year.
The changes will tighten eligibility to apply for compensation,
for example, by introducing residency criteria for applicants who are not in
certain exempted categories (including British citizens, members of the armed
forces and EU/EEA nationals and their families). In addition those with an
unspent criminal record attracting a custodial or community sentence will no
longer be eligible to apply.
Forster Dean are disappointed by the changes to the
law which will leave many victims of crime with no or lower compensation.
The changes are due to come into force from 30th
September 2012.
If you have been injured as a result of crime, feel
free to contact one of our solicitors on 0800 389 1978 for free initial advice.
Danielle Abbott
Solicitor at Forster Dean Solicitors
Harpurhey
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