Criminal injury compensation claims

Criminal injury compensation claims

Experiencing an injury due to crime can be one of the most distressing events in your life. Whether you’ve been physically harmed or suffered psychological trauma, the impact can be overwhelming. We understand the emotional and physical toll these experiences can have, and we are here to offer you the support and legal expertise you need. 

Our specialist solicitors have helped many survivors of violent and sexual crime to claim criminal injury compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme. CICA is a UK government body that provides compensation to victims of crime.

This page will guide you through the process of making a CICA claim so that you understand your rights and options under the scheme. If you’ve been affected by violent crime, seeking expert legal support early can significantly strengthen your claim and accelerate your path to justice.

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What is CICA and how does it work?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) plays a key role in providing financial compensation to victims of crime who have suffered physically or psychologically due to violence, sexual assault or abuse. This includes crimes such as assault, robbery, domestic violence and sexual offences. 

CICA is a government-backed scheme offering a vital safety net for victims of crime, and does not rely on the offender having the ability to pay compensation.   

The incident must have occurred in England, Scotland or Wales and been reported to the police. The offender does not need to have been convicted of the crime, though the CICA must have some evidence that the crime took place and been reported to the police.

 

Who is eligible to make a CICA claim?

To be eligible to make a CICA claim, you must have been a victim of violent or sexual crime. Family members or dependents of victims who have died as a result of their injuries can also apply for CICA compensation. In addition, the following criteria apply:

  • The incident must have happened in England, Scotland or Wales. 
  • The crime must have been reported to the police. 
  • You must fully cooperate with the police and CICA.
  • You must have no unspent serious criminal record or prior involvement in criminal activity.
  • Your claim should generally be made within two years of the date of the incident. 

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our experienced team can assess your situation and provide expert advice. All initial discussions are free of charge so you have nothing to lose by picking up the phone to us.

We’re here to help. You can call us on 0800 0448488 or email or request a call back

What types of compensation can be claimed through CICA?

The CICA scheme provides a range of compensation to help victims of violent crimes and their families. These include: 

  • Injury award: This covers physical injuries, mental trauma and psychological harm suffered as a result of the crime.
  • Special expenses: This reimburses you for some financial losses and expenses relating to NHS medical treatment, special equipment and any accessibility adaptations needed for your car and home.
  • Loss of earnings: This covers any income you’ve lost if your injuries prevent you from working or severely limit your ability to work for more than 6 months.
  • Bereavement compensation: Financial support for the families of victims who have tragically lost their lives due to a crime. 
  • Financial assistance for families of deceased victims: Additional support for family members of victims who have died to alleviate some of the financial burdens they might face.

 

How to make a CICA compensation claim

The criminal injury claim process can seem complicated and daunting at first, but our specialist team will make it as easy and straightforward for you as possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

  • Gather evidence: Collect any relevant documentation that supports your claim, such as medical records, police reports and witness statements. 
  • Submit your claim: Complete the CICA claim forms with detailed information about the incident and its impact on your life. 
  • Cooperate with investigations: CICA will investigate and assess your claim. At this stage, you may need to work closely with the police and CICA to ensure all the necessary information is available to support your claim.  It may also include being assessed by a medical expert. 
  • Receive a decision: Once the investigation and assessment are complete, CICA will notify you of their decision. If successful, your compensation will be paid. 
  • Appeal stage: If you’re unhappy with CICA’s decision, you can make an appeal to the CICA Tribunal. 

It’s advisable to start your CICA claim as soon as you can. Claims can take several months to process as each case is different and requires thorough investigation.

 

Ready to seek legal representation for CICA claims?

While it’s possible to submit a CICA claim yourself, the claims process can be complex and overwhelming, particularly after experiencing a violent crime. Hiring an experienced solicitor can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. 

We provide expert legal advice, using our knowledge and experience to guide you through the CICA claims process and inform you of your rights and options. By helping to gather the necessary evidence, we work with you to build the strongest possible case to support your claim.

We also focus on securing the maximum compensation available to you. This involves assessing how the crime has affected your life and presenting a full report of your injuries and losses to CICA. Having supported hundreds of people with life-changing injuries caused by violent crime, we have developed a wide network of specialists. These experts help us understand the long-term impact of your injuries, allowing us to ensure your compensation award addresses future needs and challenges.

If your claim is rejected or you are dissatisfied with the outcome, we can also manage the appeals process for you. This includes providing expert representation at any hearings to ensure your case is effectively presented. Hiring an experienced solicitor gives you the support and expertise needed to maximise your chances of receiving the settlement you deserve.

How much compensation can be awarded through CICA?

The amount of compensation awarded through CICA is set at fixed levels that range from £1,000 to £500,000 depending on the specific circumstances of each case. 

There are several factors that influence the compensation amount, including: 

  • The severity of your injury: The more severe the injury, the higher the potential compensation.
  • Long-term impact: The lasting effects of the injury, such as pain, suffering and the impact on the quality of your life will also be considered. 
  • Loss of earnings: If your ability to work is affected by your injuries, compensation may be awarded for lost income due to time off work or reduced earning capacity. 

It’s important to note that while CICA compensation can be substantial, it is capped at £500,000. 

 

Understanding CICA claim rejections 

While CICA aims to support victims of violent crime, there are times when claims may be rejected. Rejections can happen due to insufficient evidence, late submissions, a lack of cooperation with the police and CICA or if you have a criminal record. 

If your claim is rejected, you can ask CICA to review their decision. This is dealt with internally and your claim will be reassessed by a different person. If you are still not happy with the outcome after the review process has been followed, you may be able to appeal the decision. A solicitor can play a crucial role in the appeal process by:

  • Gathering additional evidence to strengthen your claim 
  • Preparing a compelling appeal that addresses the reasons for your initial rejection
  • Representing you throughout the appeal process and advocating on your behalf 

CICA appeals are made to the First-Tier Tribunal, which is not part of CICA. There is a strict 90-day deadline from the date of receiving your decision letter, so it is important to act quickly. 

If your application for CICA compensation has been rejected, or if you had been hoping to receive more damages, it’s worth speaking to our specialist team about making an appeal. We have a strong track record of making appeals that result in better outcomes and higher damages. 

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If you’ve suffered a serious injury, speak to one of our specialist serious injury solicitors now for a free, confidential discussion of your claim.

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