Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims
If you have been victim of a violent crime or subjected to several years of abuse then you may be entitled to make an application for compensation against the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority also known as the “CICA” is a government body that operates a compensation scheme for the victims of violent crime in England, Scotland or Wales. It was set up to help those who have been physically or mentally injured as the victim of criminal violence.
How will the CICA deal with my Claim?
The CICA will review:-
- The applicant’s application
- applicant’s medical records (GP, hospital, counselling, physiotherapy)
- police/CPS evidence
The CICA may also require the applicant’s GP to prepare a report commenting upon the injuries suffered by the applicant and the duration in which they lasted.
It is important to note that the CICA only compensates an applicant for their three most severe injuries. The first injury is compensated at 100%, the second at 70% and the third at 30%. The CICA also make awards by following their Tariff system. For example:-
As with many claims for CICA, applicants not only suffer physical injuries but also mental injuries which may require formal diagnosis by a clinical psychiatrist/psychologist. In certain cases the CICA may make an applicant an award in relation to some aspects of their claim but fail to make an award for mental injury or argue that their award for mental injury falls short of the higher bracket without formal diagnosis from a clinical psychologist/psychiatrist. In the event that this happens the CICA will give you the option to request a review and appeal their decision should you not be happy with their reasoning behind making the award. We have many years experience in dealing with a wide variety of CICA claims and are familiar with the process of dealing with claims which advance to appeal by the First Tier Tribunal.
How Will I Fund my Claim?
We offer “no win no fee” funding for CICA claims. This means that you will not have to pay our legal fees out of your own pocket.
How Long do I Have to Make a Claim?
You only have 3 years from the date of the accident to make a claim. If the case involves a child the 3 years will begin after the date of their 18th birthday. In some circumstances the 3 years may run from when you became aware of the injury.
Ready to make a Criminal Injury compensation Claim?
If you have been injured in a trip-and-slip accident and you are ready to make a claim for compensation, please contact one of our experts to book an appointment by telephone at 0114 358 3134 or email at civilenquiries@bestsolicitorsonline.co.uk. In certain circumstances, we can offer home visits should you not be able to attend a face-to-face consultation at one of our offices.
