If you have suffered physical or psychological harm as the innocent victim of a violent crime or other criminal incident in the past two years, you may be entitled to criminal injury compensation.
Our experienced solicitors have helped many clients in securing compensation for injuries through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme.
The CICA is a government body that provides financial compensation to people who have been injured—physically or mentally—because they were the blameless victims of violent crime. It is a scheme is funded by the government.
While it is possible to apply directly to the CICA, many people prefer to have our professional team manage the process. By instructing us, you benefit from expert guidance, reduced stress, save time, and give yourself an better chance of a successful claim. We can also support you in appealing a decision if an application is initially rejected.
How does the claims process work?
- Contact us so we can review your circumstances and advise whether your case has good prospects of success under the CICA scheme.
- We will complete and submit the CICA Application Form on your behalf.
- The CICA will then investigate, which typically involves:
- Reviewing the police incident report
- Considering witness statements
- Obtaining and Examining your medical records
- Requesting additional information from you
- Assessing evidence of financial losses (such as loss of earnings)
Once the investigation is complete, the CICA will decide whether you meet the criteria and what level of compensation to award you.
Key eligibility requirements
- You must have been an innocent victim (i.e. you did not provoke the incident or been involved in the crime).
- The incident must have been reported to the police promptly (usually straight after it occurred).
- You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK at the time of the incident.
- A criminal record may reduce or prevent an award, even if you were not at fault.
- You must cooperate fully with the CICA throughout the process.
The time taken for a decision depends on the complexity of your case. Straightforward claims are resolved more quickly, however complex claims can take longer.
Does it matter where the incident took place?
Yes – the crime must have occurred in England, Wales, or Scotland.
Must the police have been informed?
Yes – you must have reported the crime to the police for your claim to be valid.
Does my attacker need to be convicted?
No – a conviction is not required. However, you must show you did everything reasonably possible to help the police identify and prosecute the offender.
How long do I have to claim?
In most cases, you must apply within 2 years of the incident. Exceptions may be made if your injuries prevented you from applying sooner, but this is assessed individually by the CICA.