Man loses ear in assault

Mr Harvey of Merseyside was assaulted in the street by a neighbour who bit off his left ear. He underwent surgery and has to wear a prosthetic ear which is unsatisfactory from a cosmetic point of view.

In addition, he suffered significant mental trauma.

We submitted a claim for compensation to the Crimial Injuries Compensation Authority.

The claim was rejected by the Authority partly because Mr Harvey's assailant had not been convicted.

We appealed and at an appeal hearing, we were able to persuade the Authority that Mr Harvey was entitled to be compensated.

The total compensation payment was £74,550 and was made up of awards for the injuries suffered, loss of earnings and the cost of private medical treatment.

Claimant Solicitor: Stephen Ireland of Paul Rooney Partnership.