Compensation

[UK Andy]

I got assaulted in a bar last week. The thug who bottled me from behind admitted the offence and was then duly cautoined by the police for ABH, then released!! I have two missing teeth, numerous scars and memory problems now. I have been told I can claim compensation trhu the Criminal Injuries Board or sue the guy. Any body out there with experience of either of these courses of action? Cheers!

[WoWo]

I was bottled also in 1997. I have a very large scar down the right side of my face and one on the back also. I got �4000. It depends, its different for me as the people who attacked me were never caught, therefore I only had the CIB option. I personally would have prefered to forget the whole episode and get on with life therefore the CIB route would have been prefered. As ansteyg suggests the person who assulted you might not have much money, its a bit of generalization but people who go round attacking people don't tend to be city types. I'd say it would be more trouble than its worth, CIB would be the way to go. Good luck

[eddyned]

I have used the Criminal injuries Compensation board for a similar attack. You must have a police crime number to claim. You can use the victim support services or go to a solicitor. I couldn't work for 5 years after my assault and used Victim support for a few months and then passed my case on to a solicitor. My attack was in 1995, and I received compensation from the CICB in 2001. A payment of �125,000 was awarded and the solicitors took �3000 costs out of that. So yes, do try the CICB and don't bother with trying to sue them personaly. Get a crime number and good luck.

[invalensname]

The Criminal Injuries Board is now CICA and has a help line which is listed on their website www.cica.gov.uk - 0800 358 3601? It is a freephone number and you will be able to get some advice on that line regarding making a claim to CICA for compensation and ask for an application form. You may also be able to get help with an application from your local Victim Support branch which will be listed in the phone book or at their website - www.victimsupport.org. The website also has a short, useful, FAQs section giving information abouit claiming compensation - http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/coping/practical_matters/cic .html. You can also apply online and calculate how much compensation you may be entitled to receive.