Criminal Injury

Are you a victim of violent crime? Criminal Injuries Compensation can help.

Convictions, and indeed a lack thereof, may not always deliver the justice victims of crime are entitled to expect. To that end, for the benefit of victims of violent crime, the government set up the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board – now, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This is a state-funded organisation to which applications to compensate innocent parties injured in the commission of a crime can be submitted. There is a £500,000 upper limit to CICA claims.

Although it is possible to submit and manage your own claim, it is a difficult, time-consuming process for which a good degree of legal expertise is expected and in a time of continued government austerity which prompts agencies like the CICA to be particularly difficult about issuing compensation and so for that reason, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced solicitor to represent your interests.

At Wafer Phillips we have a proven track-record in securing significant compensation payments for our clients. We have a network of experienced, sympathetic medical professionals who can help us to build a compelling case on your behalf. So if you’ve suffered physically or mentally as a result of violent crime in the last two years talk to us now. We’ll provide free, confidential and professional advice on the best course of action.

Unfortunately since 2012 sweeping changes have been made to the legal system. Costs are fixed so that we are only entitled to a set amount of money for the work that we do and this is very low. This therefore means that we are forced, as are other solicitors, to deduct part of your compensation in part payment of our costs and at the moment this is set at a maximum of 25% + VAT (30% OF YOUR DAMAGES IN TOTAL, MAXIMUM) of your compensation. If you are to receive £4,000.00 in compensation we would deduct £1,000.00. There is obviously an incentive for us to secure for you the best possible deal –something that is, of course, mutually beneficial.

Prior to 2012 if a case was taken to Court and lost the defendant’s costs would have to be paid by the loser, either you or us. However, since the introduction of Qualified One-Way Costs Shifting – also known as QOCS – if a case proceeds to trial and is lost there is no responsibility on you or us to pay the opposition’s costs but there is one significant exception to this rule which is that if the Court decides, however, that if you have behaved fraudulently the protection is removed and you will be personally liable to pay the opposition’s fees. The Government are keen to stop what it sees as widespread fraud and deception (the actual reality is another matter) in regard to car crash claims and it is because of this perception that changes have been made and continue to be made to the legal system.

WE ARE STILL A NO WIN, NO FEE FIRM