Government announces compensation schemes for victims of Paris attacks (18 February 2016)

The government has announced that those who suffered injuries in the terrorist attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015 can make clams for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), under the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme 2012 (VOTCS).

Bereaved families whose loved ones lost their lives in the attack can also apply to the CICA for compensation.

In France, a separate compensation scheme applies – the Fonds de Garantie – which the government advises has procedures to ensure prompt compensation to the victims of the attacks. More information about the French Scheme on the Foreign and Commonwealth GOV.UK page “Terrorist attacks in Paris – Support for people affected”.

The government advises those who wish to make a claim to do so within two years. The CICA may defer an application until all reasonable steps to obtain compensation from the French Scheme have been taken.

However, claimants should still apply under the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme 2012 as soon as reasonably practicable.

People who are eligible under the UK Scheme may receive a payment if they do not get compensation from the French Scheme – or if they receive less than they would have been entitled to under the UK Scheme.

Claimants may apply themselves – or seek advice from a solicitor.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Criminal Injury Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who have suffered injury as a result of unprovoked criminal activity and their families on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims relating to:

• ABH/GBH
• Acid attacks
• Assault
• Attempted murder
• Careless/dangerous driving
• Child abuse/child destruction
• Claims Against MoD
• Claims Against the Police
• Domestic violence
• Gun crime
• Knife crime
• Murder
• Poisoning
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Terrorist attacks.

Compensation for criminal injuries can be claimed from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – as well as through the civil courts on a no win no fee basis.

Duncan Lewis can help victims of criminal and terrorist attacks apply to CICA for compensation, as well as pursuing a no win no fee claim in the civil court in cases where a conviction has been obtained against the perpetrator.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on historical cases of criminal injury and sexual or physical abuse – and offers sympathetic legal advice to families who have lost a loved one as a result of criminal activity on how to claim compensation.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Criminal Injury Claims, call Duncan Lewis in confidence on 0333 772 0409.