VICTIM OF CRIME - CICA CLAIM

Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA)

This page contains a brief overview of the requirements for bringing a compensation claim to the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA) by a victim of crime. Our solicitors are not connected to the CICA in any way. We provide independent legal representation to innocent victims of crime who are seeking compensation for their injuries.

CICA Compensation Claims

Legislation sets forth specific requirements that must be met if a victim of crime is to bring a successful claim. For example, the victim must file their application with the CICA within two years of the date of the incident. However, this time limit can be waived by the CICA if certain extenuating circumstances are present.

Who Can Apply to the CICA

Individuals who can apply for compensation include :-

Victims of violent crime who have suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of the incident.

Individuals having a close relationship with the victim who were present when the violent offence occurred. These individuals can also file a claim if their involvement immediately following the incident caused them mental trauma.

The victim's parent(s), spouse, child or partner if the victim died as a result of injuries incurred in the assault.

Who is Ineligible to Make a CICA Claim

Not all victims of violent crime are eligible for compensation from the CICA. Compensation will not be paid in the following circumstances :-

The violent crime took place outside of England, Wales or Scotland. Note that Northern Ireland has a separate compensation scheme.

The victim suffered minor injuries that did not require a minimum of two visits to a medical doctor and their recovery period was less than 6 weeks.

Certain circumstances where the victim suffered sexual abuse which ended prior to October 1979. These situations present complicated cases and the legal advice of a specialist solicitor should be sought.

What Factors Affect a CICA Claim

Other factors can affect if and how much compensation the victim receives. The following situations can have a negative impact on the success of a claim by a victim of crime :-

The applicant failed to fully cooperate with police as they investigated the crime. A conviction is not necessary in order for the victim to receive compensation.

The applicant took an unreasonably long time to report the incident to the police or other appropriate authority. A delay of even a few days can put the success of your claim in jeopardy.

The applicant provoked the incident in any way or agreed to take part in a fight and was subsequently injured.

The applicant behaved in an aggressive or otherwise unreasonable manner before, during or after the violent incident.

The applicant has an unspent criminal record under the specifications of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Fatal Injury Compensation

If the victim of crime dies as a result of the injuries incurred, a qualifying applicant, such as a parent, child, spouse or partner, can receive the compensation. When there is only a single qualifying applicant, that individual will receive an award of £11,000. Should there be more than one qualifying applicant, each individual will receive an award of £5,500. The individual who paid for the funeral, regardless of whether or not they are a qualified applicant, can claim reasonable expenses.

Lost Wages Compensation

Compensation for lost wages can be claimed only if the victim of crime has been unable to work for more than 28 weeks. The amount of compensation awarded will be equal to financial losses incurred after the 28 weeks of absence from work. Applicants who meet this requirement are also eligible to claim certain "special" expenses such as medical care, treatment or equipment.

No Win No Fee Compensation Claims

We utilise a no win no fee scheme in helping victims of violent crime bring compensation claims to the CICA. A no win no fee scheme makes bringing your claim completely risk-free because you pay absolutely nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. Contact us today for a free assessment of your claim, including its value and your chances of success. Simply call us on our helpline, email us or complete the contact form on this website.