The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) agreed to award the maximum permitted under the criminal injuries scheme to our client James who had been severely assaulted. James had gone to visit an acquaintance and who owed him some money and as he was leaving the property he was struck on the head by the assailant and fell down 3 steps banging his head and falling unconscious.
James suffered a severe head injury with "frontal lobe" damage leading to severe personality disorder with extreme behavioural difficulties. He also developed post traumatic epilepsy and required supervision with his finances and suitable case management.
An application was made to the CICA, who decided that he was entitled to an award of £6,000. We advised that this was too low and applied to the CICA for a review of their decision. We also arranged for a Professional Receiver to be appointed by the Court of Protection to help James with his money and obtained a number of interim payments totalling £20,000 as the case went on.
We obtained a number of medical reports from a Consultant Neurosurgeon, Neuropsychologist, Neuropsychiatrist and a Care Expert to prepare evidence to disclose to the CICA in support of the claim for compensation.
On review in 2002, the CICA increased their award to £8,200.00, we again advised the Applicant and his Litigation friend to reject this amount as it was too low and James agreed to apply to the CICA Appeals Panel for an Appeal Hearing.
At an Appeal hearing in November 2006, the Panel agreed that the Applicant suffered severe injuries as a result of the assault and awarded the maximum award available totalling £500,000.
Our serious injury solicitors could help you claim compensation if you have suffered a serious head or brain injury as the result of an accident. See our Brain & Head Injury Compensation Claims page for more information.
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