CICA Claims Solicitors

What is a criminal injury?

A criminal injury is an injury that was sustained by an innocent person and was inflicted upon them due to the violent criminal act of another individual. This may be a physical injury, psychological injury or a financial loss that was incurred due to the criminal act. 

What crimes can I claim for?

You may be eligible to claim for criminal injuries compensation if you were a victim of a violent crime and were injured.

Assault

Sexual Assault (single incident or period of abuse)

Historic Sexual Abuse

Domestic Violence

Victim of a terrorist attack abroad

If a family member has died as a result of a violent crime; or

If you have paid for a funeral for someone who has died as a result of a violent crime.

Who can claim compensation for a criminal injury?

If you have been injured within the past two years, then you could be eligible to claim for your injuries. If you are a minor, then you have until your 20^th birthday to bring a claim for your injuries. The two-year time limit may be extended due to special circumstances for example, if you have been a victim of historic sexual abuse, you may not have been able to bring a claim sooner due to your mental health.

If you have reported the incident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable time and you have co-operated fully with their investigations, then you may be eligible to claim for your injuries.

Unfortunately, if you have any unspent convictions, you will not be eligible to claim for your injuries.

How do I make a CICA claim?

You can make a Criminal Injuries Compensation claim by contacting our experienced team or by completing the online application form on the Government website.

How long does CICA claim usually take?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority aims to provide a decision on their claims within 12 months depending on the severity of the claim and as such, this timeframe may be extended by the Authority.

How much could I claim?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority offers an award for a wide range of injuries. You can check if your injuries are eligible using the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authorities Tariff of Injuries.

What if no one is caught for the crime?

There does not need to be a successful conviction in order for you to be eligible to claim for your injuries through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

What is the criminal injuries compensation authority? 

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is government funded organisation that was introduced to compensate victims of violent crimes in England, Scotland, and Wales. 

Why choose Phoenix Legal to help me with my CICA claim?

Phoenix Legal Solicitors acted on behalf of a young female who experienced a period of historic sexual abuse during their childhood.

As a result of the abuse the applicant suffered from a disabling mental injury that limited their day-to-day activities and was unable to work.

Where an applicant has sustained a mental injury as a result of a sexual assault, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will make an award for whichever of the sexual assault or the mental injury would give rise to the highest payment.

In this case, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Injury Tariff offered a higher award for the applicant’s mental health and as such, she was awarded a sum of £22,000 for a permanent moderately disabling mental illness confirmed by a psychiatric diagnosis.