Recent national coverage has raised serious concerns about how victims of violent crime are supported financially after life-changing injuries.
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has highlighted that compensation available through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) has not kept pace with inflation for three decades, with the maximum award remaining at £500,000 since the mid-1990s, when it would now be worth over £1 million.
Why this matters
For many people, compensation is not about a financial windfall. It’s about support after serious harm.
This may include:
- long-term medical care
- rehabilitation and therapy
- adapting a home or living arrangements
- loss of income or future earning ability
When compensation limits do not reflect current costs, victims may find it harder to access the support they need to rebuild their lives and may find their compensation running out whilst they still have need of long term care.
APIL has stated that injured victims of crime have been “overlooked for too long”, with concerns also raised about how the scheme handles eligibility, time limits, and newer forms of crime such as online grooming.
Understanding the criminal injuries compensation scheme
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) is a government funded scheme designed to compensate people who have been injured as a result of violent crime. It is intended for those who are considered “blameless”, meaning they did not contribute to the incident.
It is different from a standard personal injury claim, with compensation awarded based on the specific impact the injury has had on your life. Under the CICS, payments are set using a fixed tariff system with each type of injury having a set value, regardless of individual circumstances.
While this approach can make the process more structured, it can also feel restrictive. For example, two people with similar injuries can receive the same award, even if the long-term effects on their lives are very different.
Eligibility rules can also be complex. For example:
- the incident must be reported to the police as soon as reasonably possible
- applicants are expected to cooperate with the police and the claims process
- previous criminal convictions can affect eligibility or reduce an award
- some types of harm or circumstances may fall outside the scheme altogether
These rules can mean that some people who have experienced serious harm may not qualify, or may receive less than they expected.
Because of the fixed tariff, strict deadlines and detailed criteria, many people are unsure whether they can make a claim or what level of compensation they might receive - speaking to someone who understands how the scheme works can help you get a clearer picture of your position before you decide what to do next.
Why early, local advice makes a difference
If you or a family member has been affected by a violent crime, getting clear advice early can help you understand your options.
At Poole Townsend, our litigation team offers:
- face to face appointments in our local offices across South Cumbria
- clear explanations in plain English, without legal jargon
- support throughout the claims process, from initial enquiry to outcome
Being able to sit down with a local expert can make a real difference, especially at a time when things may feel uncertain or overwhelming.
We take the time to understand your situation and explain whether a claim through the CICS is appropriate, or if there may be other routes to consider.
Support beyond the claim
In many cases, a serious mental or physical injury has wider implications beyond compensation alone.
You may also need to think about:
- managing finances during recovery
- planning for long-term care or support
- putting legal arrangements in place, such as powers of attorney
Because Poole Townsend offers legal, property and financial services under one roof, we can help you access joined-up support if and when you need it.
Here when it matters most
The recent spotlight on compensation levels highlights a wider issue. For victims of crime, the system does not always reflect the realities of modern life.
While national policy may take time to change, having the right advice locally can help you make informed decisions now.
If you would like to speak to a member of our litigation team, we are here to help with straightforward, supportive guidance at every stage.