<< For a regularly updated guide to the CICA, click here.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government-funded scheme which compensates blameless victims of violent crimes.
This can either be as a direct result of a crime towards a victim or a person who’s loved one has died as a result of a crime.
The Police have recorded that reported crime has risen by 10% across England and Wales, which is the largest annual rise for a decade according to the Statistics.
The latest crime figures for the 12 months to March 2017 also show an 18% rise in violent crime, including a 20% surge in gun and knife crime.
There are some requirements that have to be met in order to be able to apply for a CICA claim. The most fundamental of those are:
- The Applicant must be a British citizen.
- The Applicant must for compensation within 2 years of the crime occurring unless there is a very good explanation for the delay.
- The crime must have been reported to the Police as soon as practicably possible.
- The Applicant must have fully co-operated with the Police and the Criminal Justice System. This does not necessarily mean that the offender has to be prosecuted.
- The Applicant must have suffered either Physical or Psychological injury serious enough to qualify for the minimum award under the scheme.
- Very serious cases may be also entitled to Loss of earnings and additional expenses.
The Application process is fairly straightforward and can be done online. If the Applicant has a valid claim and CICA are satisfied that the required criteria have been met, then an award will be made in respect of your injuries and associated expenses.
The below is a guide to the most common types of injuries and what you can expect dependant on the severity:
- Severe Scarring to Face, Head and Neck – Award of up to £11,000
Under the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) rules, dependant on the location of the scarring and the severity, the CICA may make an award.
The highest award being as a result of scarring to the face this can be up to £11,000 in severe cases.
- Serious Psychological Injuries – Award of up to £27,000
In regards to Psychological injuries, the CICA state that as long as the mental injury has had a substantial adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities over and beyond a period of 6 weeks or more, the claimant may be eligible for an award. In serious cases of mental injury as a result of the crime, the CICA can make awards up to £27,000, dependant on each case.
- Fractures to the Face – Award of up to £11,000
Depending on the severity of the fractures to the face an award of up to £11,000 could be made in compensation to the victim. If there is also significant disability due to the fractures this is also taken into account when making the award.
- Sexual Abuse – Award up to £27,000
Where a person has been the victim as part of a pattern of abuse of a number of sexual assaults which would otherwise qualify for separate payments, payment will normally be made for the pattern of abuse, based on the most serious incidents in the pattern, rather than for each separate incident. If the sexual abuse/assault has caused severe mental illness then an award of up to 27,000 could be compensated.
- Domestic Abuse – Award up to £13,500
Whether this is a single incident or a pattern of abuse an award can be made in respect of the physical and mental injuries that can be sustained as a result of domestic abuse. For example, a persistent pattern of severe abuse over a period more than 3 years may be awarded up to £8,200 dependant on the severity.
Being the victim of a violent crime can not only result in immediate physical injuries but can lead to lengthy psychological problems as a result of the incident occurring.
If you have been a victim of a violent crime and believe you may qualify for an award from the CICA, then please contact one of our specialist for a free, no obligation chat.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you, get in touch today for a free initial consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims for Victims of Domestic Violence – The Challenge
The CICA has strict conditions on making a claim which can result in Applicants having them rejected and having to go through a distressing Appeal process.
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Making a Personal Injury Claim
When making a claim for Personal Injury, it is important for the Claimant to make sure that they are certain of the facts and figures before it is submitted.
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Psychological Injuries
The psychological state of an individual refers to their mental and emotional disposition and may be altered for the better or worse by biological factors. Psychological Injuries.
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