Bomb Victim’s Criminal Injury Compensation Claim

When a bomb went off in a pub in Soho, London, it caused severe injuries to many. We were able to secure compensation for some of those injured through the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority.Bill was enjoying a quiet drink after work with a friend on 30th April 1999 in the Admiral Duncan public house in Soho, London. Suddenly and without warning a bomb exploded in the pub which led to him sustaining multiple life threatening injuries. These included severe bone and soft tissue damage to the left leg and ultimately a below knee amputation. Bill also sustained multiple soft tissue injuries to his right leg. As well as these injuries, the force of the explosion caused burns affecting over 55% of his body.

Bill was critically ill for many months and he spent approximately 5 weeks on a ventilator. He underwent a multitude of surgical operations before making a slow recovery.

Starting the Criminal Injury Compensation Claims for Victims

A representative of the Metropolitan Police asked us to assist Bill and other seriously injured victims of the explosion. We immediately submitted an Application for Criminal Injuries Compensation and guided and supported Bill through the process of assessment. Unfortunately the CICA refused to fund the detailed medical evidence. This evidence was essential for us to establish the extent of Bill’s injuries. It allowed both them and us to value his claim.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority eventually – after 6 years made an offer to Bill of £96,000 in full and final settlement of his claim. After many months of detailed negotiations with the CICA we are pleased to say that we were able to persuade them to increase their offer to £430,000, almost 5 times their first offer.

This is an example of how important legal representation can be in complex Criminal Injuries Compensation claims. The award allowed Bill to start rebuilding his life after the terrible experiences of 30th April 1999.

Find out more about making a claim for criminal injuries or call us on (0115) 931 51 71. You will find our criminal injuries solicitors are experienced and understanding.