UK CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION AUTHORITY (CICA)

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) may pay compensation for the victims of violent crime in the U.K. The levels of compensation that may be obtained are based on a tariff system and are calculated by reference to:

• Physical or mental injury suffered
• Compensation for loss of earnings
• Special expenses

Notes:

1. The physical and mental injuries are assigned a band according to the seriousness of the matter. These bands run from £1,000 to £250,000. Generally, a victim must have had injuries that necessitated at least two visits to a doctor for treatment and it took at least 6 weeks for the injuries to recover.
2. Normally only claims for loss of earnings or the ability to earn that involve more than 28 weeks will be sustained. The first 28 weeks of loss of earnings is normally not paid.
3. Special damages will normally form part of the claim if the injuries have caused the victim to be incapacitated for more than 28 weeks. If this applies then the cost of care or medical treatment may be included in the claim.

How do the CICA assess a claim for an award?

They use a number of criteria including:

• Has the matter been reported to the police – this will normally be required to have been done very quickly – even a delay of a few days can prejudice a claim.
• Would an award of over £1,000 apply.
• Has the application been received within two years from the incident.
• Did the victim provoke the attack – this will be reviewed and assessed.
• Has the victim co-operated with the Police and the CICA – a conviction is not normally required before a claim can be sustained.

Notes:

1. Road traffic accidents are normally excluded from Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority awards unless the vehicle was actually used as a weapon.
2. If a family member of the victim caused the incident then a claim may still be sustained provided the offender does not benefit from the claim.

What should you do?

Contact us today and we will arrange for an urgent initial assessment of the matter from one of our panel solicitors.

Will this cost me anything?

We will review the matter initially for free but if accepted by our panel solicitors they will agree with you what the costs will be as no legal costs are payable by the Authority over and above any award they make to you.