In recent years, there have been multiple high-profile terrorism incidents globally. 2017 saw 3 major incidents in the UK alone: the Manchester Arena bombing, the London Bridge attack and the Westminster Bridge attack. So, we’ve made this guide to terrorism claims to advise when you could claim compensation for a terror incident.
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, any specified actions that are intended to influence the government, an international organisation or intimidate a civilian population are deemed to be terrorism offences. If a specified terrorist action injured you or a family member, then you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, financial losses and psychological distress.
We also examine how our dedicated criminal injury lawyers could assist you with claiming compensation under some highly desirable No Win No Fee terms. To learn more about making a claim following a terrorist act, or for a free eligibility assessment, get in touch with our team today:
- Call us on 0800 073 8804.
- You can contact us online by completing a callback form.
- We operate a 24 hour live chat service which you can access by clicking the window in the bottom left of your screen.
What Are Terrorism Claims?
Terrorism claims are criminal injury claims made by the victims of terrorist attacks for injuries and losses they have sustained as a result of terrorist action. A designated action under the Terrorism Act does not need to have been committed by a proscribed or known terror group. That being said, many high-profile terror attacks in recent years were carried out by known terror organisations, particularly ISIS and other affiliated groups.
The Crown Prosecution Service provides detailed guidance on when they will charge an offender under the Terrorism Act. The specific actions are:
- Serious acts of violence against persons.
- Serious damage to property.
- Endangering the lives of others (not including the perpetrator).
- Creating a serious risk to the safety of the public.
- Actions that, or are designed to, seriously interfere with or disrupt electronic systems.
We should reiterate that what separates a terrorism offence from other offences against the person is the aims and motivations of the perpetrators. An act of terrorism is designed to intimidate the public or influence a governmental organisation in pursuit of a political, ideological, religious or racial cause. The CPS also stress that the use or threat of any of the specific actions that involve either explosive material or firearms is deemed an act of terrorism regardless of whether or not that action was intended to intimidate the general public, or influence a government.
What Is The Role Of The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government-sponsored executive agency that was established to give the victims of violent crimes a means of seeking compensation if other avenues are unavailable or have been exhausted. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 is used to determine payouts to the victims of violent crime in Great Britain. There is a separate Scheme for overseas terrorism that we will examine in the next section.
You can learn about the CICA and start a claim through their schemes by talking to our advisors about terrorism claims today.
The Victims Of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme
The Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme is administered by the CICA to compensate those who sustained injuries or were the family members of someone who was injured in designated terrorist acts. This Scheme sets out a tariff of injuries which is used to determine compensation payouts. We’ll look at the tariff in greater detail further on. While the tariff is very similar to that of the Criminal Injuries Scheme, the eligibility requirements for the Victims of Overseas Terrorism are slightly different.
While a payout from either Scheme can never fully compensate for the losses sustained due to domestic or international terrorism, this compensation acts as an acknowledgement of what you lost and provides payments to help you adapt and come to terms with your injuries.
Our advice line operates 24/7 so you can ask any questions you might have, as well as get a free eligibility assessment. Use the contact information given below to talk to a member of our team.
Who Can Claim Terrorism Compensation?
In order to claim under the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme, certain criteria will need to be met. These are:
- You were a British, EEA or Swiss citizen or had the right to reside by virtue of a family member, or enlistment in the armed forces.
- Had residency in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the incident.
- The injuries were sustained after the Scheme came into effect.
The criteria to claim criminal injury compensation for an incident that occurred in Great Britain are slightly different:
- You were the victim of a violent crime.
- The crime occurred in Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) or another relevant place.
- This crime was reported to the police.
You can also claim as a qualifying relative of someone who died as a direct result of a designated act, or if you were present at the scene of the immediate aftermath of a designated act where a loved one was injured. The psychological impacts in these cases will be valued in line with the Scheme tariffs.
To get your free eligibility check, get in touch with a member of our advisory team using the details provided below.
What Payouts Can Be Awarded For Terrorism In The UK?
Payouts for various injuries can be awarded for harm sustained due to terrorism in this country. If the incident occurred in this country, then your claim will be valued according to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. Amounts from the fixed tariff have been included in the table here. We need to emphasise that these amounts are set and that the value listed is what will be paid out.
Compensation Table
Please be advised that the top entry in this table was not taken from the Scheme.
| Type of Injury | Severity | Tariff Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Very Serious Injuries with Loss of Earnings and Special Expenses | Very Serious | Up to £500,000 |
| Paralysis - Quadriplegia | Substantially Complete | £250,000 |
| Paralysis - Paraplegia | Moderate - Substantially Incomplete | £110,000 |
| Moderate Brain Damage | Significant | £82,000 |
| Moderate | £55,000 | |
| Burns | 25% Coverage + Significant Scarring | £33,000 |
| Elbow | Both Elbows -Continuing Significant Disability | £11,000 |
| Ear - Deafness | Permanent Total Deafness in One Ear | £16,500 |
| Partial Deafness in One Ear | £1,800 | |
| Femur - Fracture | Both Legs - Continuing Significant Disability | £11,000 |
In cases where more than one injury has been sustained, the CICA will apply the multiple injuries formula to your overall compensation payout. The formula is as follows:
- 100% of the tariff amount for the highest value injury.
- 30% for the next highest, or an injury of equal value.
- 15% for the third highest, or an injury of equal value.
The CICA compensates for up to 3 injuries, with a maximum award of £500,000. However, there is a separate tariff not affected by the multiple injuries formula for if you:
- Were infected with an STI.
- Became pregnant.
- Loss of a foetus.
We must emphasise that, while the tariff payments are fixed, this section is intended as guidance only. You can learn more about what a claim in your particular circumstances could be worth by speaking to our advisors today. Our team is available at all times to answer your questions and provide a no-cost eligibility consultation.
Terrorism Abroad Compensation Amounts
Terrorism abroad compensation amounts are determined using the fixed tariff in the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Scheme 2012. While the criteria for claiming under each Scheme are slightly different, as we examined above, the tariff amounts are the same. The multiple injuries formula also applies to claims made under this scheme.
To get a free eligibility assessment, or for a more detailed estimate of what your potential claim could be worth, talk to our team today via the details given below.
Compensation For Special Expenses After Terrorism
Compensation for special expenses after terrorism can be awarded under the Scheme. Certain qualifying costs may be reimbursed as part of your payout. You’ll need to show that these expenses were a direct result of the designated act. Special expenses payments can cover costs such as:
- The repair or replacement of any physical aid equipment, such as glasses, hearing aids or a wheelchair, that you relied on if it was damaged or broken in the attack.
- Care costs relating to meal prep, cleaning tasks and washing yourself if you cannot do these things safely on your own.
- The cost of managing your affairs if your mental capacity has been affected.
- Any equipment needed to cope with the injuries sustained. This could include a specially modified car, kitchen equipment or a personal alarm.
- Accessibility modifications to your home, including ramps, stairlifts or an accessible shower.
Remember, any costs you claim as special expenses will need to be reasonable, directly result from the injuries sustained and not be available for free elsewhere. Make sure you hold onto any documents, including care bills, purchase receipts or invoices for admin services for use in your supporting evidence.
You could also claim for a loss of earnings if you were out of work for more than 28 weeks due to the incident. To find out more about claiming for your financial losses, talk to our advisors today using the details provided below. They can discuss what expenses terrorism claims may be eligible for.
What Is Needed To Support A Terrorism Compensation Claim?
Evidence that you meet the nationality requirements and medical documentation will be needed to support a terrorism compensation claim. You won’t need to prove you were a victim of the terrorist incident; the CICA will liaise with relevant law enforcement agencies for all that information.
What you need to provide is the following:
- Proof that you meet the nationality and residency criteria.
- Your medical evidence showing relevant injuries compensated under the Scheme.
- Evidence relating to past or future financial losses.
- Your police crime reference number if you are claiming for a designated act perpetrated in Britain.
One of our dedicated solicitors could help you with gathering your supporting evidence. They can also talk you through the claims process and ensure you’re putting the best possible case forward. Our advisors can tell you if you could make a claim in as little as a few minutes, so talk to a member of our team today.
How Long Is The Terrorism Claims Time Limit?
The terrorism claims time limit is 2 years from the date of the designated act, whether that act occurred in this country or overseas. This may be extended if exceptional circumstances prevent you from claiming during this time. If the designated act occurred when you were under 18, and no one claimed on your behalf, then the two years will be counted from your 18th birthday.
The CICA generally encourages people to report incidents to the police and begin a claim as soon as is reasonably possible. You can learn more about the time limits for claiming through the CICA by talking to one of our advisors today.
How Legal Expert Can Help Claim Compensation After Terrorism
Legal Expert can help you to claim compensation after an act of terrorism by offering a range of tailored services, ensuring your specific needs have been met. Everyone at Legal Expert fully understands just how difficult being a witness to or being injured by a mass terror incident is. We want to reassure you that your claim will be treated with the very highest standards of professionalism and discretion, so talk to us today to find out if you could make a claim.
Here are just some of the ways we can support eligible claimants and the services we can provide:
- Getting you any medical treatment, rehabilitation, counselling or other support you might require through referral to relevant specialists.
- Assisting you with the CICA claims process.
- Accurately calculating your special expenses and loss of earnings.
- Explaining exactly what is happening with your claim and helping you to understand all the technical language.
Our solicitors work on strictly No Win No Fee terms under a specific type of contract called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). The CFA insulates claimants from solicitor fees both at the beginning of the claims process and as the claim progresses. You also won’t owe any solicitor fees if the claim fails.
A success fee is taken if your claim succeeds. Since The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 caps the percentage that can be charged for this fee to 25%, most of the compensation is yours to keep.
Contact Our No Win No Fee Solicitors
To learn more about making a claim following a terrorist act, or for a free eligibility assessment, get in touch with our team today:
- Call us on 0800 073 8804.
- You can contact us online by completing a callback form.
- We operate a 24 hour live chat service which you can access by clicking the window in the bottom left of your screen.
Learn More
You can read some more of our criminal injury claims guides here:
- You can find out if you could claim for grievous bodily harm with this guide.
- Learn more about claiming compensation for being stabbed during a violent attack.
- Read our guide to murder compensation claims here.
We’ve also provided a few external resources that you might find useful:
- Use this government page to get support as a victim of crime and access a range of services.
- Access the NHS guidance on grief after bereavement or loss on their website.
- Find out about the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division of the CPS.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide to terrorism claims. To get your free assessment, or to put any questions or concerns about claiming you may have to our advisors, call the number above today.