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 send an email to 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.