Can I make a CICA compensation claim?
Making a CICA claim could not be easier. Contact us for a free case review and details of no win, no fee funding on 0333 888 0446 or email us at [email protected]
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or CICA, administers a government funded scheme to compensate victims of violent crime in Great Britain.
Do I need to appoint a solicitor?
You can submit a CICA application yourself, but it often pays to retain an experienced solicitor who can improve the prospects of both obtaining a compensation award and maximising the amount of compensation you receive.
As an example of what our lawyers specialising in CICA claims can achieve, by reopening a client’s case, we managed to have their compensation award increased from £7,500 to more than £180,000. We also recovered compensation for a rape victim whose application was initially rejected by the CICA because it was made too late.
The criminal injuries compensation scheme is a complicated one, and our solicitors will be able to guide your CICA claim through the complex maze of regulations.
How does the CICA compensation scheme work?
Here is a summary of the key elements of the CICA scheme:
- For criminal injuries compensation to be payable, the incident must have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
- The application must be made within two years of the incident; unless you are under 18, or there are good reasons for delay – such as in the case of sexual abuse or assault.
- Awards can be refused or reduced on the basis of the victim’s conduct, or their unspent criminal convictions
- The maximum compensation award is £500,000.
- Payments for injuries are made in accordance with a tariff and include both physical and mental injuries.
- Payments can be made for up to three separate criminal injuries.
- Payments can also be made for:
i) Loss of earnings
ii) Special expenses, such as care
iii) Bereavement and dependency in fatal cases - The CICA will not pay an applicant’s legal costs.
- Applications can be reopened and further payments made where it is appropriate to do so.
- CICA decisions can be reviewed and appealed.
- A “crime of violence” includes sexual assault and threats of violence.
Our CICA experts are here to help you
If you select our experienced team to handle your claim, then you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are in safe hands. We are an award-winning SRA regulated firm of solicitors, recommended by the Legal 500, the clients’ guide to the best law firms, with a five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.