criminal injuries compensation

criminal injuries compensation

in the UK, a state-funded scheme by which payments are made to a person who is injured as a result of crime, or the family of a deceased victim. It was originally ex gratia but is now statutory. It is the oldest in the world and at the time of writing the largest. The scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (formerly a Board). There is a right of appeal on point of law. There is a list of qualifying offences including, among others, rape, assault and arson. Attempts are included. Generally included are offences that require proof of intent (or recklessness) to cause death or personal injury. Injuries sustained in apprehending or attempting to apprehend offenders are included. Applications are made by the injured party or, if deceased, a relative. Compensation for pain and suffering is calculated according to a tariff Future wage loss and other heads of damage are recoverable. If the injured person later recovers tort damages, he must repay the Authority. The Authority may refuse or reduce an award in light of the applicant's criminal record or his conduct in relation to the incident in question. Certain cases of domestic violence are excluded, as are incidents covered by compulsory insurance or by the motor insurers' bureau. See also MALICIOUS INJURIES LEGISLATION.