John's Story of Being Punched in the Face and His Devastating Loss of Smell
Winston Solicitors recently supported a client, John*, who experienced life-changing consequences including loss of smell following a violent assault. His story illustrates the importance of seeking justice and support through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA).
The Assault and the Resulting Loss of Smell
John was enjoying a night out when he was attacked and punched in the face several times by another individual. The assault left him with a broken nose, which, while painful, fortunately did not require surgery. However, as John recovered from the immediate injuries, he began to notice a more concerning issue - his sense of smell had been significantly affected.
Initially, John assumed the loss of smell was temporary. His doctor advised that it might return over time, but as weeks turned into months, it became clear that the damage was permanent.
The impact of this condition on John’s everyday life was more profound than he initially realised. He found himself burning food while cooking because he couldn’t smell it. He also became anxious about the safety of his home, particularly his gas oven, as he could no longer detect if gas was leaking. Despite multiple visits to the doctor, John was told that nothing could be done to restore his sense of smell.
Compensation for Loss of Smell
Determined to seek justice for the assault and the lasting effects it caused, John reported the incident to the police and supported their investigation. He then approached us to help him make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Our experienced team guided John through the claims process, ensuring all necessary evidence was submitted, including medical reports detailing his condition and its impact on his daily life. While John’s broken nose was a result of the assault, the permanent loss of smell was the determining factor for his compensation eligibility under the CICA guidelines.
With the assistance of Winston Solicitors, John was awarded £3,500 in compensation. While no financial award could restore his sense of smell, the compensation acknowledged the significant impact the assault had on his quality of life and provided him with some financial relief as he adapted to living with this condition.
Moving Forward After a Violent Crime
John’s case highlights an important point: victims of violent crime may be eligible for compensation, even if their injuries are not immediately visible or fully understood. Loss of smell can be devastating, even if there’s nothing external to see. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme exists to provide support to those who have suffered physical or psychological harm as a result of crime. Seeking professional legal advice ensures that claims are handled efficiently and that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
At Winston Solicitors, we have extensive experience helping clients navigate the CICA process with compassion and professionalism.
If you have suffered injuries as the result of a violent crime, we’re here to help. Contact Winston Solicitors today at 0113 320 5000 or email @email for confidential and expert advice.
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* Name changed for anonymity
