Compensation for Victims of Crime –
Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal

O’Neill & Partners LLP represents victims of violent crime in applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal.

If you have suffered physical or psychological injuries as a result of an assault or other violent crime, you may be entitled to apply for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is an independent body which considers applications for compensation from people who have suffered personal injuries as a direct result of a crime of violence.

O’Neill & Partners LLP has extensive experience in personal injury litigation and in representing clients who have suffered serious physical and psychological injuries. We can advise victims of crime on their entitlement to make an application to the Tribunal and assist in preparing and pursuing their claim.

What can be claimed?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme has traditionally provided compensation for financial losses and expenses arising directly from injuries caused by violent crime. These can include:

  • Medical and hospital expenses
  • Dental expenses
  • Prescription and medication costs
  • Counselling and psychological treatment
  • Travel expenses associated with treatment
  • Loss of earnings
  • Future loss of earnings
  • Other vouched expenses arising from the injuries
  • Medical and expert-report expenses
  • Claims by dependants where a victim has died as a result of a violent crime

There have also been important recent developments concerning compensation for the injuries themselves.

Following a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in October 2025, the Government announced in April 2026 that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is to be amended to make provision for damages for pain and suffering.

This represents a significant development in the compensation available to victims of violent crime in Ireland.

We can advise both new applicants and people who already have applications pending before the Tribunal on the implications of these changes.

Who can make a claim?

Applications may arise from many different types of violent crime, including:

  1. Assaults
  2. Serious assaults causing significant injury
  3. Sexual assaults
  4. Domestic violence
  5. Unprovoked attacks
  6. Incidents involving weapons
  7. Violent robberies
  8. Other crimes of violence causing physical or psychological injury

It is not necessarily a requirement that the person responsible for the crime has been successfully prosecuted or convicted before an application can be made. Each case must, however, satisfy the requirements of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Time Limits Are Important

There are strict time limits governing applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal.

An application should generally be made as soon as possible and within three months of the incident. The Tribunal has a discretion to accept certain late applications, subject to the terms of the Scheme.

For this reason, anyone who has suffered injuries as a result of a violent crime should obtain advice as soon as possible.

Even where the normal time limit has passed, we recommend obtaining advice before assuming that an application cannot be made.

How We Can Help

We can assist you with:

  • 1. Advising on eligibility under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
  • 2. Preparing and submitting an application to the Tribunal
  • 3. Obtaining appropriate medical evidence
  • 4. Preparing evidence of loss of earnings and expenses
  • 5. Advising on claims for future financial losses
  • 6. Dealing with correspondence and queries from the Tribunal
  • 7. Advising on the developing entitlement to compensation for pain and suffering
  • 8. Advising on the interaction between a Tribunal application and a civil personal injury claim
  • 9. Representing and advising applicants where a decision of the Tribunal is disputed

Contact O’Neill & Partners LLP

Being the victim of a violent crime can have consequences extending far beyond the immediate incident. Physical injuries, psychological trauma, inability to work and the financial cost of treatment can continue long after the criminal investigation has ended.

Our Personal Injuries and Litigation team can advise you on the compensation which may be available and guide you through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal process.

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

Have a question?

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.

An initial consultation allows us to understand your circumstances and provide preliminary legal advice. We will listen carefully, explain the relevant legal framework and outline the options available to you. Our aim is that you leave the consultation feeling informed and clear about the next steps.

Yes. Relevant documents will be reviewed as part of your matter. Where documents are provided in advance of a consultation, they may be reviewed beforehand where possible. Otherwise, they can be discussed at the consultation and reviewed in more detail as the matter progresses.

The duration of a legal matter depends on its nature, complexity and the forum involved. At an early stage, we will give you a general indication of likely timelines and will keep you updated as your case progresses.

We are committed to transparency in relation to legal fees. Where possible, an initial consultation will be provided free of charge. This will depend on the nature of the issues involved and the work required to provide meaningful advice.

Where a consultation fee applies, we will endeavour to advise the client in advance and to explain the purpose of the meeting, the likely fee and what the client can expect to achieve from the consultation.

If a matter proceeds beyond the initial meeting, legal fees will be discussed at an early stage so that clients have a clear understanding of costs and can make informed decisions.

Yes. Clients deal directly with qualified solicitors, with partner oversight throughout their matter. We place importance on clear communication and ensuring that clients know who is handling their case.

We act for individuals, families, businesses and companies across a broad range of legal matters. Each enquiry is considered carefully to ensure that we can provide appropriate and effective advice.

Yes. We provide interpretation and language support services for clients who require assistance in languages other than English. Please let our office know in advance if language support is required so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In house support is available for many of our clients from Eastern Europe.

Yes. All enquiries and consultations are treated in strict confidence in accordance with our professional and ethical obligations.

You can contact our office by phone or email to request an appointment. Consultations normally take place in our office but can also be by video conference using Microsoft Teams or Zoom, or, where appropriate, at a client’s home or another suitable location. Our team will take your details and arrange the most appropriate consultation with the relevant solicitor

Why choose us?

O’Neill & Partners is a seasoned general legal practice located in the heart of Limerick City Centre. We proudly serve a diverse range of clients, including private individuals, local businesses and companies.

  • We offer accurate and reliable advice.
  • We are committed to delivering your goals.
  • We are discreet, personal and friendly.

  • We are experienced, efficient and professional.