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01/05/2002
Victims to benefit from revised compensation scheme
Victims of violent crime are set to benefit from new and improved compensation arrangements, which came into force on May Day.
From May 1, 2002, anyone who is the victim of a violent crime can avail of a simpler and quicker way to get compensation for personal injury.
The new scheme will also help those who have suffered in the past from childhood sexual offences, and were unable to get compensation because they did not make a claim until after the current three year time limit had expired.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 is the result of a review undertaken by victims' commissioner Sir Kenneth Bloomfield and former secretary of state Mo Mowlam.
The new tariff-based scheme will remove the lengthy negotiations required under the common law system and reduce the trauma for victims of reliving distressing experiences.
Tariff awards for payment for pain and suffering, range from £1,000 for multiple minor injuries to £280,000 for permanent brain damage.
On top of this, victims who suffer the more serious injuries can get additional compensation, with no upper maximum limit, for loss of earnings or earning capacity and the cost of care or other medical expenses.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne said: "I believe that the new scheme brings many improvements to the current system and will make the process of applying for compensation, at a difficult and traumatic time, much quicker and easier for a majority of people."
Dependents in fatal cases will continue to qualify for compensation for financial loss.
(AMcE)
From May 1, 2002, anyone who is the victim of a violent crime can avail of a simpler and quicker way to get compensation for personal injury.
The new scheme will also help those who have suffered in the past from childhood sexual offences, and were unable to get compensation because they did not make a claim until after the current three year time limit had expired.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 is the result of a review undertaken by victims' commissioner Sir Kenneth Bloomfield and former secretary of state Mo Mowlam.
The new tariff-based scheme will remove the lengthy negotiations required under the common law system and reduce the trauma for victims of reliving distressing experiences.
Tariff awards for payment for pain and suffering, range from £1,000 for multiple minor injuries to £280,000 for permanent brain damage.
On top of this, victims who suffer the more serious injuries can get additional compensation, with no upper maximum limit, for loss of earnings or earning capacity and the cost of care or other medical expenses.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne said: "I believe that the new scheme brings many improvements to the current system and will make the process of applying for compensation, at a difficult and traumatic time, much quicker and easier for a majority of people."
Dependents in fatal cases will continue to qualify for compensation for financial loss.
(AMcE)
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