We are experienced CICA Solicitors
The CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) is a government body set up to compensate victims of violent crime. The scheme is used to compensate victims who may not be able to claim compensation from those responsible for causing their injuries.
We have a team of experienced CICA solicitors who can make a CICA claim on your behalf and appeal decisions made by the Authority.
What criminal injuries can I claim for?
If you have been a victim of a violent crime you may be able to recover compensation for some of the following:
- Assault including ABH and GBH
- Threats of violence that have caused psychological injuries
- A loved one being murdered
- Domestic abuse
What is the CICA claims process?
CICA claims generally go through a three stage procedure. Your claim could be settled during any one of these three stages:
- Commencement Stage: Your Claim is submitted to the CICA. After they have requested and received police and medical evidence they will decide whether to pay compensation and the amount.
- Review Stage: If you disagree with the initial decision by the CICA, a review application needs to be submitted within 56 days of the initial decision. At this stage, the CICA will reassess your claim and may ask for further evidence.
- Appeal Stage: If you are still unhappy with the CICA decision, an appeal can be made at the CICA Tribunal. This is separate to the CICA, but the Tribunal’s decision is usually final.
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How much compensation will I receive?
Compensation for CICA claims is set at fixed levels and depends on the severity of the injury and the type of injury. You can claim for up to three injuries through the CICA.
- You will receive 100% of the compensation for the most serious of the injuries.
- 30% of the compensation award is for the second most serious injury.
- 15% of the compensation award is given to the third most serious injury.
The minimum amount of compensation the scheme awards is £1,000.00 and the maximum amount is £500,000.00 which relates to the most severe injuries.
Compensation can also be provided for loss of earnings and expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two years from the date of the crime is the normal time limit for making a CICA claim. However, there are some exceptions which include: children, where a claim can be made at any point before the child’s 20th birthday. The CICA also allow claims if there are exception circumstances and reasons for delaying claiming, for example if the person claiming lacks mental capacity.
In all instances, it is best to begin a CICA claim as soon as you are able.
Our team of experienced solicitors will handle these cases on a No Win No Fee basis and notify you of all developments at every key stage.
If you have an unspent criminal conviction the CICA will usually reject your claim. Your case may also be rejected if you delayed reporting your case to the police or did not co-operate with their investigation.
Each personal injury claim is different and the amount of recoverable compensation will depend upon the severity of your injuries, whether you are partly responsible for the accident, how much you have lost in earnings and whether you have made a recovery or whether you require further treatment.
Please click our personal injury compensation calculator to obtain further information about personal injury damages.
If your claim is successful you will receive one total sum that is arrived at by combining two heads of damage, namely general damages and special damages. General damages is an award of money that is given to you purely in relation to the injury you have suffered and takes into account pain and suffering, loss of amenity, severity of injury and whether any ongoing treatment and care is required.
Special damages are all those losses and expenses you have incurred as a direct result of the accident including loss of earnings, loss of pension, medical treatment, ongoing care and rehabilitation, travel expenses and modifications to your home.
You usually have three years in which to make a personal injury claim. This is usually three years from the date of your accident or three years from the diagnosis of a workplace illness. On occasions, the three year period will also run from the date on which you learned that your injury or illness was caused by somebody else.
There are some exceptions to the above period, and therefore it is best to get in touch with us as soon as possible. This will give our personal injury solicitors every opportunity of obtaining the relevant evidence that they need to successfully make your claim. We will be able to advise you of the exact legal deadline and will still be able to help you if the deadline is approaching.
Serious injuries are those which will have a long-term effect and are life-changing. Compensation for these injuries must take into account:
• Rehabilitation needs
• Long-term care and support
• Loss of earnings and pensions if you are no longer able to work or cannot perform the same job
• Moving to a new home or making adaptations to your existing home
Serious injury claims usually take a few years to bring to a conclusion. However, it is possible for us to obtain interim compensation payments before the conclusion of your claim, to help pay for any treatment you require. These payments are available if the responsible party admits fault for your injury. The final settlement will depend upon a number of factors including whether you have made a full recovery or not. Our specialist lawyers will make sure that your compensation is calculated to take into account all relevant factors.
You can claim damages to reflect the injury that you have sustained. This is known as general damages and takes into account pain, suffering, loss of amenity, how seriously injured you are and whether you have made a full recovery or not.
Any compensation claim would also include any financial losses you have suffered including loss of earnings, loss of pension, costs of medical treatment and travel expenses and costs of any rehabilitation and care, if needed.
The value of your claim depends on a number of factors but generally there are two categories:
1. Compensation for your Personal Injury
2. Compensation for your financial losses
We will help you understand the likely level of compensation you could receive providing:
• A full assessment of the extent of your injuries
• The type of injury sustained
• Your symptoms and their duration
• Advice on what can be claimed for
Why should you choose Edwards Duthie Shamash to handle your CICA claim?
We have provided specialist legal assistance for over 120 years to individuals, families and businesses.
We have a compassionate, friendly and experienced team of solicitors who specialise in CICA claims. We often handle CICA claims that involve complex injuries including brain injuries, fatalities and severe psychological injuries.
We’re experienced and compassionate.
Our CICA claim solicitors have extensive experience in handling claims and have recovered compensation for thousands of clients. We work on a No Win No Fee basis and do our utmost to recover the compensation that you deserve in a friendly and diligent manner.
