Does it usually take this long, will I be successful or not?

Question

I was the victim of a really horrific and unprovoked attack whilst out with my baby nephew at few years back, my lawyer subsequently put in a claim for Criminal Injuries Compensation and it's been going on ever since. I've had police reports done, pictures done, sent in doctors proof of scars etc etc etc and to be honest I just wish it was over so I could try and move on with my life without this constant reminder. How long do you think I'll have to wait before I receive word back from them? my lawyer keeps reassuring me that these things do take time but just to try and forget about it meanwhile which is very hard.

They sent me a letter at the beginning of May which my lawyer forwarded to me stating: as a result of the assessment on your clients case, it is clear that we will require some further information before we can decide whether your client is eligible for compensation under the terms of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. This does not mean that your client will not receive any compensation but simply that we have not yet got enough of the evidence we need to make a decision.

We have contacted the following on your behalf to obtain the information we need:

(My local Police force)

Answer 1

You have no choice but to be patient.  The process takes time - that's all there is to it.  

Answer 2

Unfortunately this is what bureaucrats are for. The wheels grind slowly. Some cynics argue that this delaying tactic is to let some claimants die off and they can file away the papers without paying. But the truth is probably because they need to follow through numerous processes, reviews, scrutiny, re-review, etc., and then there are not enough staff to do the jobs. There are many victims of the 7/7 attacks still waiting for compensation, and I believe the family of Menezes are still waiting for the police to pay out.

Answer 3

Take comfort that your claim is still alive, as in this context where there's life there's hope. My son was viciously attacked by thugs who left him for dead and his claim was turned down on the basis of the police evidence that "his injuries were consistent with his falling down and hurting himself" (despite the fact that their inquiry started as a potential murder inquiry!) . This could only have been because of their inability to charge any of the people concerned, but it is horrifying that their view, however unrealistic, can carry such weight. It is very frustrating for you, but perhaps the best thing to do is to get on with the rest of your life setting aside this whole issue of compensation. This way you'll be able to deal with the situation even if there is disappointment at the end of the day and if, on the other hand, justice is done and you get your compensation, this will come as a welcome bonus.

Answer 4

Keep on at them .. my cousin was a fire fighter .. he suffered terrible injuries in an attack by a drugs gang  when he and his colleagues were trying  to control a fire and rescue some people .... he waited 6 years for his claim to be settled .. it was a substantial amount but he will never work again ...