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Claiming Compensation from the UK Government
[14.11.11] |
 While it is possible to get compensation directly from the person or business which harmed you, there are also government compensation schemes available for when there is no clear responsibility or the company involved cannot pay. This may be the case if you are injured due to a criminal act where no one was convicted or if you have been injured while working as a civil servant or while in the army. Financial services such as banks and insurance companies which are insolvent may also have their compensation paid by a government backed scheme.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
This service is free and provides compensation to those who have been affected by a violent criminal act. It is open to the victim themselves, the family of anyone who has died as the result of a criminal act and to those who have suffered a loss of income or other financial loss due to a criminal act.
The awards usually given can range from £1,000 up to £500,000 and claims can be made for both physical injury and mental anguish. The person who committed the crime does not need to have been convicted for a claim to be made. However the crime needs to have been reported to the police and medical evidence will need to be supplied.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
In cases where you have already approached the company or bank involved and have not received the compensation you feel you deserve, you can approach the FSCS. It will pay out if the financial service company has become insolvent or ceases trading and cannot pay the compensation you are entitled to.
The FSCS is impartial and independent of the government, however if was set up to cover the businesses which are authorised by the Financial Services Authority which is a government body.
The FSCS protects deposits made in banks and building societies, insurance policies, broking services, investments and home finance. This body will only pay compensation for direct financial loss and there are maximum amounts of compensation available.
Deposits are covered to a maximum of £85,000, investments and home finance are covered to £50,000, while insurance is unlimited.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Any current or former members of the UK Armed Forces can make a claim under this scheme if they have an illness or injury which was caused during their service. This includes both training and service related activities.
The amount of compensation available varies depending on the injury suffered. But it can be anything from £1,200 to £570,000. There are 15 levels of compensation and it is very clear what the cover will be.
In addition the scheme will offer a monthly payment for those soldiers who face a loss of earnings due to their injury. This is paid when the soldier has been discharged and will be paid until death.
The partners of soldiers who have died are also entitled to compensation, although a substantial relationship needs to be proved. This applies to marriages and same sex partners. In addition some child payments may be made to surviving children.
Those who are receiving a monthly income or have received a lump sum are recommended to declare this if they receive a state benefit as it may affect payments.
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