Claiming from CICA, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Becoming a victim of violent crime can be a traumatic experience, often leaving lasting physical and psychological scars. While no amount of money can undo the harm caused, the CICA scheme aims to provide some financial support to help victims rebuild their lives. This guide will walk you through the process of claiming from CICA, explaining eligibility criteria, the application process, and what to expect.

Understanding CICA

CICA plays an important role in supporting victims of violent crime in the UK. Established by the government, this agency administers a compensation scheme designed to recognise the pain and suffering endured by innocent victims.

Key points about CICA:

• It’s a government-funded scheme, ensuring that compensation is available even when offenders can’t be identified or lack the means to pay.
• Compensation is awarded based on a tariff system, which provides a standardised approach to valuing different types of injuries.
• Claims can be made for both physical and mental injuries, acknowledging that the impact of violent crime isn’t always visible.
• The scheme covers England, Scotland, and Wales, with Northern Ireland operating a separate but similar system.

This structured approach allows CICA to process thousands of claims each year, providing vital financial support to those affected by violent crime. While no amount of money can truly compensate for the trauma experienced, the CICA scheme aims to offer some measure of recognition and practical assistance to victims.

Types of Injuries Covered

CICA recognises that the impact of violent crime can manifest in various ways, and its compensation scheme is designed to address a wide range of injuries and their consequences.

CICA compensates for various types of injuries resulting from violent crimes, including:

• Physical injuries: This covers a broad spectrum, from cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like broken bones or long-term disabilities.
• Mental trauma: Recognising that psychological scars can be as debilitating as physical ones, CICA provides compensation for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression resulting from the crime.
• Sexual assault: Victims of sexual crimes can claim for both the immediate trauma and long-term psychological effects.
• Loss of earnings: If your injuries have affected your ability to work, CICA can compensate for lost income.
• Special expenses: This category covers additional costs incurred as a result of your injuries, such as medical treatments not covered by the NHS, or necessary adaptations to your home.

It’s important to note that each case is assessed individually, taking into account the specific circumstances and long-term impact of the injuries. This ensures that the compensation awarded reflects the true extent of the harm suffered by the victim.

Evidence Required

Providing robust evidence is crucial to the success of your CICA claim. The authority needs to verify the details of the crime and its impact on you to make a fair assessment.

To support your claim, you’ll need to provide:

• Police reference number: This confirms that you reported the crime, which is a key requirement for CICA claims. It helps verify the details of the incident.
• Medical evidence of your injuries: This can include GP records, hospital reports, and assessments from mental health professionals. Comprehensive medical evidence helps establish the extent and duration of your injuries.
• Proof of loss of earnings (if applicable): If you’re claiming for lost income, you’ll need to provide documentation such as payslips or a letter from your employer confirming your absence from work.
• Details of any other compensation received: CICA needs to know if you’ve received compensation from other sources related to the same incident, as this may affect your claim.

Gathering this evidence can sometimes be challenging, especially if some time has passed since the incident. However, it’s important to provide as much detailed information as possible. If you’re struggling to obtain certain documents, explain this in your application. CICA may be able to help obtain some records with your permission.

Remember, the more comprehensive and accurate your evidence, the smoother the claims process is likely to be. If you’re unsure about what evidence to provide or how to obtain it, consider seeking advice from our solicitors who are experienced in CICA claims.

Compensation Amounts

CICA uses a carefully structured tariff system to determine compensation amounts. This system aims to provide a fair and consistent approach to valuing different types of injuries and their impact on victims’ lives.

Factors affecting compensation:

• Type and severity of injuries: The tariff system categorises injuries based on their nature and severity, with more serious injuries attracting higher compensation.
• Duration of recovery: The length of time it takes to recover from your injuries is taken into account, recognising that longer-term impacts often result in greater hardship.
• Impact on your life and work: CICA considers how your injuries have affected your daily life, including your ability to work, engage in social activities, or carry out everyday tasks.
• Any contributory behavior: If your behaviour contributed to the incident in any way, this might affect the compensation amount. However, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It’s important to understand that CICA compensation is not intended to match what you might receive in a civil claim. Instead, it’s designed to provide recognition of your suffering and some financial support to aid your recovery. The tariff system ensures that similar injuries receive similar compensation, promoting fairness across all claims.

Time Limits for Claims

CICA has specific time limits for making claims, but there are exceptions to accommodate various circumstances. Generally, you must apply within 2 years of the incident. However, exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, such as:

• Claims involving children: The two-year limit doesn’t start until the child’s 18th birthday, giving them until age 20 to make a claim.
• Cases of historical abuse: CICA recognises that victims of historical abuse may not come forward immediately. In these cases, they may waive the time limit if you can explain why you didn’t claim earlier.
• Delayed onset of symptoms: Some injuries, particularly psychological ones, may not manifest immediately. If your symptoms appeared later, you may be able to claim from the date you first sought medical help for them.

If you’re outside the 2-year limit, you should explain in detail why you couldn’t claim earlier. CICA will consider each case on its merits, looking at factors such as the reason for the delay, the availability of evidence, and whether a fair decision can still be made.

Remember, while these exceptions exist, it’s always best to claim as soon as possible after the incident. This ensures that evidence is fresh and readily available, increasing the chances of a successful claim.

Alternative Options

While CICA provides a valuable route to compensation for many victims of violent crime, it’s not the only option available. If you’re not eligible for CICA compensation or if you’re looking for additional support, consider the following alternatives:

• Civil claims against the perpetrator: If the offender has been identified and has sufficient assets, you may be able to pursue a civil claim against them. This can potentially result in higher compensation but carries more financial risk.
• Victim support services: Various charities and organisations offer practical and emotional support to victims of crime. These services can provide counselling, advice, and assistance with navigating the criminal justice system. For example, https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ and https://www.supportline.org.uk/. There are also regional support services your local police can direct you to.
• Local authority support: In some cases, local councils may offer support services or financial assistance to victims of crime, particularly if you need help with housing or social care as a result of your injuries.

Each of these options has its own advantages and considerations. Civil claims, for instance, may offer higher compensation but can be costly and time-consuming. Victim support services, while not providing financial compensation, can offer crucial emotional and practical support during your recovery.

It’s often beneficial to explore multiple avenues of support. Even if you’re claiming from CICA, you may still benefit from the services offered by victim support organisations. Remember, the goal is not just financial compensation, but also ensuring you have the support you need to recover and move forward after experiencing a violent crime.

Do You Need a Solicitor to Make a CICA Claim?

Claimants should be aware that they do not need to have a solicitor to pursue a claim via CICA, and they can make an application directly on the CICA website. There is no cost involved and they will not have to pay a percentage of any compensation settlement to a solicitor.

However, while many claimants successfully navigate the CICA process independently, others prefer the reassurance and expertise of a specialist solicitor. Our experienced solicitors can assist with CICA claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you won’t incur any costs if your claim is unsuccessful.

Engaging a solicitor can significantly strengthen your CICA application. A legal professional can:

1. Compile a comprehensive case that covers all aspects of the crime
2. Detail your injuries thoroughly
3. Gather and present relevant evidence to support your claim
4. Submit a well-structured application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

As the CICA claims process can be lengthy, having expert legal support can help ensure your case is presented in the strongest possible light. Your solicitor will guide you through each step, from initial application to final decision, maximising your chances of securing fair compensation.

Remember, the CICA scheme exists to support victims of violent crime. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate to apply. Whether you choose to proceed independently or with legal representation, understanding your rights and the claims process is key to getting the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions