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Compensation For Terror Attack Victims

The deadly rise of modern terrorism means that extreme acts of violence are a constant danger to our daily lives, with victims and survivors suffering the harshest impact of rising instances of violence and intimidation.

For years to come, victims of terrorist attacks will bear the physical and psychological scars of this devastating harm. Their relatives suffer as well, too. It can be incredibly difficult to know where to turn after being involved in such a traumatic incident, particularly if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a terrorist attack. Fortunately, there are procedures that exist to help you get the support you need.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme, developed by the government in 1996, helps to support victims of violent crime. The CICA can provide compensation for victims of terrorism in the United Kingdom and abroad as long as the incident has been reported to the appropriate authorities and recognised by them as a terrorist attack.

Unfortunately, the UK has seen terror attacks taking place in large cities all over England, where many innocent people have become victims of these devastating attacks.


Manchester 2017 terror attack 

The Manchester terror attack in 2017 affected thousands of innocent people at the Ariana Grande concert. Plans have been now been announced to accelerate the payment of compensation to victims of terrorist atrocities. Last year, a group of survivors from the 2017 bombing of the Manchester Arena-and previous attacks in London-requested political parties to agree on a new ‘charter’ to provide faster access to mental health care and quicker compensation.

In order to ensure that applications are handled as quickly as possible and families receive the assistance they need, the government said it aims to set up a dedicated system for people affected by terror attacks in the UK or abroad. The proposed reforms come after criticism, which is under review, of the current compensation claims process. The Victims’ Commissioner has branded the support, including financial help provided to families when a loved one is killed, as ‘patchy and inadequate’ overseas.

The plans propose:

  • A simpler list of eligible injuries
  • Higher single payments of up to £8,000
  • Payments for funerals raised to £4,500
  • Gathering views on whether families of people murdered abroad should have access to compensation.

Justice minister Alex Chalk said: “All too recently we’ve witnessed the devastating effects of terrorism, which is why this government is determined that victims get the support they need to rebuild their lives.

“While no amount of compensation can ever make up for the suffering they’ve endured, our reforms will ensure the system for claiming awards better reflects the needs of victims, and that applications are processed as rapidly as possible.

“But this is only one part of our plans to boost the support available for people injured by violent crime.”

“We are simplifying the scheme making it easier to understand, as well as increasing pay-outs for bereaved families.”

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a terrorist attack, there are procedures in place to help you get the support you need, and our CICA solicitors could help you claim compensation.


What is the claims process? 

To make a compensation claim for a terrorism-related injury, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss the circumstances of your injury and advise you on whether or not we think you can claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Claiming through the CICA begins with an online application. After that your claim will follow the same basic steps:

  1. Investigation. The CICA investigate your claim and make checks to decide whether you are eligible for compensation. If the CICA decides you are not eligible, we can help you request a review and have many years’ experience in successfully overturning eligibility decisions.
  1. Compensation. If your claim is deemed eligible, the CICA will offer you compensation. If the compensation amount offered by the CICA is too low, then we can appeal the amount, and we have a proven track record in helping people to recover a more significant settlement.
  1. Conclusion. If your original application to the CICA or an appeal is successful and you are happy with the amount offered, then you’ll be awarded compensation.

How long do I have to make a terror attack claim?

You generally have to make a compensation claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) within two years of the date of the attack. There can be exceptions made to these time limits (such as if you were too ill to make a claim), but this is judged strictly on a case-by-case basis by the courts, so it’s best to get in touch with us for some advice.


How much compensation can I expect from a terror attack claim?

After a terrorist attack, how much compensation you get depends on a few factors relevant to your injury, the circumstances and the care and rehabilitation you require.

The amount of compensation you would be entitled to receive is dependent on:

  • The injury that you suffered
  • Treatment that might be required now and in the future
  • Earnings losses now and in the future
  • Court of Protection fees (if you lack the mental capacity to deal with your financial affairs)

We can help with your terror attack compensation claim

We have a team of expert CICA solicitors who can help if you or a loved one has been a victim of a terror attack. We can pursue your criminal injuries compensation claim. We understand these claims can be emotionally challenging but we do everything we can to make the process as easy and hassle-free as possible for you. We are here to support you every step of the way. If you need help with your terror attack compensation claim, find out more about making a claim on our website, speak to one of CICA claims team on 0151 203 1104, or fill in our criminal injuries online claim form today.

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