A Sunderland man who suffered a serious brain injury from an unprovoked attack has secured the maximum award possible under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme with Irwin Mitchell’s assistance.

Andrew was serving as an army medic in the British Army when he was assaulted while leaving a public house. As a result of the attack Andrew sustained brain damage and has been able to work since the assault.

Andrew applied for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, but was refused compensation on the basis that he had provoked his attack.

Andrew then contacted Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, who applied for a review of the CICA decision.  The claim eventually went all the way to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel.  The Appeal was successful and the panel decided that the CICA were wrong to refuse Andrew's claim altogether and decided that an award should be made to him on a 50% basis.

Lindsey Houghton, Associate Solicitor, who dealt with Andrew’s case, successfully argued that Andrew should receive the maximum award available under the scheme, which is £500,000.

Lindsey Houghton said: “I am pleased that I have been able to help Andrew secure the maximum award possible under the CICA scheme, however, I am saddened that Andrew, who was the victim of a horrific crime, sustaining life changing injuries, has had to fight to obtain the compensation he deserves. I believe that changes are required to the way victims of crime are treated in the UK.”

If you have been injured in a violent crime, our specialist solicitors could help you to secure criminal injury compensation. Our lawyers have helped clients after many different incidents, often through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme. Contact us for advice today.

Back to Client Stories