We have previously looked at the mechanics of the Criminal Injuries Scheme. Recently we at Emmott Snell Solicitors have been reminded of its importance to victims who have no other form of redress open to them. It is hoped that the case study below will encourage those who are considering making applications to the CICA to go forward with this.
A significant number of people suffer injuries in public places such as shops, restaurants, schools and parks. Many of these accidents are as a result of negligence or a breach of duty of care on the part of those who own and or control the premises and could easily be avoided.
A significant number of our elderly and most vulnerable members of society live in care homes (for a variety of reasons). Those of us who have relatives who are being looked after in these homes are entitled to expect them to be safe and well cared for. Whilst most do, sadly there are some whose care is below the required standard leaving its residents open to harm, abuse and injury.
There can be no doubt that being bitten by a dog is a traumatic and frightening experience that can cause debilitating psychological and physical injuries. If you have been bitten/attacked by a dog and suffered injury then you may be able to make a claim for compensation. This compensation could cover any lost earnings if you’ve had time off work, the cost of any treatment as well as for the injury itself.
Many of us associate personal injury claims with injuries such as broken bones, burns, lacerations, bruising or other similar injuries.
However, many people who have been involved in accidents suffer injury to their teeth and jaw in addition to other physical injuries or as a stand-alone injury.
Medical and police records play an important role in any personal injury compensation claim.
They can support a person’s case in a number of ways and therefore can be of great evidential value.
Compensation settlements and awards from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (as a result of psychiatric or physical injury) will be taken into account by the Department of Work and Pensions when assessing a person’s entitlement to means tested benefits.
1. Do I have a claim and what do I have to do?
If you have suffered an injury (physical or psychological) in the last three years as a result of being involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you may have a personal injury compensation claim.
There are some cases where the criteria might be different. For example, a child has three years from their 18th birthday to make a claim (and will be represented in the claim by a competent adult known as a litigation friend), regardless of how old they were when they were injured.
Every year a significant number of workers are made ill and/or injured at work. According to statistics released by the Health & Safety Executive :
- 137 workers were killed at work
- 31.2 million working days were lost due to work-related ill-health and non-fatal workplace injuries
- 1.3 million work-related ill-health cases
