05/02/2010
Compensation for Victims of Overseas Terrorist Attacks
The Justice Secretary Jack Straw MP has announced that victims of terrorist atrocities abroad will be able to claim compensation under a new scheme, which has been introduced as part of the Crime and Security Bill.
Up until now, UK victims have been unable to make a claim under the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme.
The Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme will apply to designated terrorist acts that occur outside the UK. The scheme will broadly be the same as the existing current domestic scheme. Awards will be based on a tariff.
British victims and nationals of a member state of the EU and EEA with a sufficient connection to the UK will be eligible.
The scheme applies to any terrorist act that takes place on or after 18 January 2010.
The Government has also said that victims of overseas terrorist attacks which have occurred since January 2002, who continue to face harship because of ongoing disability arising from the injuries sustained, will also be able to apply for assistance for a limited time.
Full details of the scheme are awaited.
Goodmans Solicitors is a solicitors practice in Liverpool, Merseyside, specialising in personal injury and medical negligence compensation claims.