Who Are The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an executive agency under the Ministry of Justice that compensates victims of violent crimes across Great Britain. It provides a route for individuals who do not have other means of claiming for the injuries they suffered in violent crimes, including physical assaults, terrorism, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. To be eligible to claim, the injuries you suffered must directly result from a violent crime that has been reported to the police.

Awards are determined by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, a tariff-based system that covers physical and mental injuries, as well as specific financial losses. To be eligible to claim, you must have suffered an injury as a result of a violent crime that has been reported to the police. At Public Interest Lawyers, we understand that navigating the CICA claims process can appear daunting. That’s why our advisors are available around the clock to answer your questions, give you helpful advice, and provide a free eligibility assessment.

Following an initial consultation, you could be connected with one of our expert criminal injury solicitors. These legal professionals all operate on a No Win No Fee basis, providing practical support and guidance for clients throughout the process.

To discover more about claiming through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority or if you have any questions about specific legal terms, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who Are The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?
  2. What Does The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Do?
  3. Who Can Claim Through The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?
  4. What Is The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?
  5. When Might Someone Apply To The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?
  6. How Our Solicitors Can Help Your CICA Compensation Claim
  7. Can CICA Claims Still Be Made On A No Win No Fee Basis?
  8. More Information

Who Are The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is an executive agency that can compensate victims who are injured in violent crimes in Great Britain or other eligible locations. It administers a tariff-based system that can provide a financial award for the physical, psychological, and financial impacts of harm.

As a government-funded agency, the CICA acts as an avenue of last resort for applicants who cannot claim against individual perpetrators or third parties with vicarious liability, such as the employer of someone who commits a rape or assault. Applicants can seek compensation for their injuries even if the person responsible has not been identified, apprehended, or convicted.

To learn more about making a claim through CICA, please get in touch with one of our friendly advisors today.

A gavel and a pair of handcuffs on a wooden table.

What Does The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Do?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority administers the government’s tariff-based system for providing financial awards to individuals harmed by violent crimes across Great Britain. Unlike civil claims, CICA compensation is determined by fixed amounts rather than by a negotiated settlement between involved parties.

As part of the application process, the CICA:

  • Assesses claims: Claims officers determine eligibility using the police, medical evidence, and other sources to assist with their evaluation.
  • Reviews decisions: If you disagree with the outcome, you may request a review of the initial decision. This request should be done within 56 days of receiving the original decision letter.
  • Pays out compensation: The CICA usually issues payments within 20 working days of receiving the applicant’s acceptance form.
  • Supports victims: Financial assistance is available to eligible low-paid workers in England and Wales through the CICA-administered Hardship Fund.

To discuss your personal experience with one of our advisors, please feel free to get in touch with our team.

Who Can Claim Through The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?

Any individual can claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if they sustained a physical or mental injury as a result of a violent crime somewhere in Great Britain. To claim, you must be able to meet the CICA’s well-defined eligibility requirements:

  • You must have sustained an injury in a crime of violence. This can include physical attacks, sexual assaults, and the threat of violence.
  • The crime must have taken place in England, Scotland, Wales, or another relevant place; this can include a ship registered in Great Britain.
  • You must have reported the crime to the police, as the CICA requires applicants to have a valid crime reference number.
  • Your claim should be brought within 2 years from the date of the incident. However, the CICA can consider whether exceptional circumstances prevented you from meeting this time limit.

To learn more about the eligibility criteria for claiming through the CICA, please contact a member of our team today.

What Is The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 is a tariff-based system that sets out fixed compensation amounts for specific types of criminal injuries. Payouts are designed to serve as an acknowledgement of the harm caused by a violent crime and to display public sympathy.

As the tariff is fixed, successful claimants will always receive the exact amount that is listed in the Scheme. This tariff allows the CICA to award up to £500,000 for claims involving multiple injuries and financial losses. Awards for physical or psychological injuries alone cannot exceed £250,000.

Under the Scheme, you can receive payments for up to 3 distinct injuries. In these cases, the following formula applies:

  • The most serious injury will be awarded as 100% of the tariff value.
  • The second-most-serious injury is compensated at 30% of the tariff value.
  • The third-most-serious injury receives 15% of the tariff value.

If a violent crime results in the loss of a foetus, pregnancy, or sexually transmitted infection, then applicants may receive additional payments that are exempt from the multiple injuries formula outlined above.

Special Expenses

You may also be awarded compensation for financial losses directly related to the injuries you sustained, otherwise known as special expenses. Any special expenses must be necessary, reasonable, and not be freely available from another source. Special expenses can cover the cost of:

  • Physical aids that were damaged in the incident, and which you relied on (e.g., glasses or walking sticks).
  • Equipment needed to cope with your injuries.
  • Modifications made to the home in support of your independence.
  • Care to help with bodily functions and meal preparation.

In addition, the CICA can compensate applicants for lost earnings under strictly defined circumstances. You can learn more by getting in touch with one of our friendly advisors today.

A man suffers with a bruise after a physical assault.

When Might Someone Apply To The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?

Someone might apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for compensation if they have sustained an injury from being a victim of a violent crime in Great Britain, such as a physical assault or domestic abuse. Specific scenarios where compensation can be sought through the CICA include:

  • Physical assaults: Attacks may involve blunt force, weapons, or corrosive substances such as acid, resulting in injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma and permanent scarring.
  • Sexual offences: Includes sexual assault, rape, and historical sexual abuse.
  • Fatal injuries: Eligible family members can seek compensation for bereavement and dependancy awards if their loved one has died as a result of a violent crime.
  • Domestic violence: Where a violent act of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse directly causes injury to the victim.
  • Psychological injuries: To claim, you will need to have suffered a disabling mental injury that substantially affects your ability to carry out everyday activities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The diagnosis must be confirmed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.
  • Arson and terrorism: Covers injuries arising from intentional or reckless acts of fire-raising and arson, as well as recognised terrorism-related incidents.

To learn how you could make a claim for any of the scenarios above, please feel free to get in touch with one of our advisors.

How Our Solicitors Can Help Your CICA Compensation Claim

Our solicitors can help your CICA compensation claim by liaising with the CICA claim officers on your behalf, ensuring a stress-free process. If you’re connected to one of these dedicated legal professionals, you can benefit from:

  • Knowledgeable assistance with criminal injury claims, ensuring details such as the extent of your injuries and financial losses are not overlooked.
  • Ensuring that the CICA has all the documents it needs to process your application.
  • Helping you with gathering evidence to submit to the CICA, including your medical records, police reports and witness statements.
  • Regular claim updates so you’re never left wondering where your criminal injury claim stands.
  • Connecting you with the help you need, including physical therapists, cognitive behavioural therapists and counsellors.
  • Providing expert advice about challenging a CICA decision and helping with the process.

To find out whether you can be connected with one of our experienced solicitors, please contact us today.

Can CICA Claims Still Be Made On A No Win No Fee Basis?

Yes, CICA claims can still be made on a No Win No Fee basis. Our No Win No Fee solicitors offer their services under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), meaning:

  • No solicitor service fees at the beginning of your case.s
  • Zero service fees as the claim progresses
  • No service fee to pay in the event that your CICA application is unsuccessful.

If your CICA claim is successful, you will pay a success fee to your solicitor. Please be aware that this is a percentage of the compensation, but a legal cap ensures the majority of it will go to you.

Contact Our Team To Make A Claim

For more information on claiming through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, please feel free to get in touch. Our advisors are available 24/7, ready to answer any questions you might have about how we can support you through the CICA claims process:

A solicitor helps to make a criminal injury claim on behalf of a client.

More Information

To discover more about criminal injury claims, please see some of our other helpful guides for reference:

Additional external resources:

Thank you for reading our helpful guide about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.