Acts of terrorism are a global threat and for the innocent victims of these atrocities and their families the effects can be devastating.
Where these atrocities happen in the UK there is help for people under a Government scheme called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which compensates blameless victims of violent crime.
However, it was recognised that victims of overseas terrorism should also be provided with compensation and the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme was introduced in 2012. This scheme applies to a designated act and the Foreign Secretary decides whether an incident is a designated act based on the facts and circumstances of the violent incident committed overseas.
Compensation For Terrorism Victims
Victims can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) which administers the scheme. The scheme includes physical injuries and mental injury arising from a designated act and claims for fatal injuries. This includes:
- Physical and mental injuries as a result of being a direct victim of a designated act
- Mental injury as a result of witnessing and being present at a designated act where a loved one was injured including being involved in the immediate aftermath of a designated act in which a loved one was injured.
- If a victim dies as a result of a designated act, then the family may be able to claim compensation for bereavement, loss of parental services and financial dependency, and funeral payments.
- Loss of earnings if the victim has no or limited capacity to work and for expenses payments for costs incurred as a result of the incident.
To make a claim, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a British citizen or a close relative of a British citizen
- You were ordinarily resident in the UK on and for a period of three years immediately before the designated act
- You must submit the application to the CICA within two years of the date of the designated act or if you are under 18 years old at the time of the designated act then you must submit the application by your 20th birthday. The deadlines will only be extended in exceptional circumstances.
It is also necessary to co-operate with the prosecuting authorities in the country where the designated act took place and to co-operate with the CICA. It is not necessary for the perpetrators to be identified or convicted.
If you have any criminal convictions, it’s important to note that your award may be withheld or reduced.
How Nelsons Can Help
If you would like to make a claim for criminal injuries, Nelsons are experienced in handling applications to the CICA and we would be happy to advise you further on whether you have a claim and how to proceed.
For more information, please contact Helen Froggatt or Dianne Collins in our expert Personal Injury team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form for advice.