How long does a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim take?

A Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim is for victims who have suffered injuries as a result of a violent crime in the UK.

The time it takes to complete a CICA claim will vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

CICA claims can be complex and lengthy to complete, so it is advisable to have an expert solicitor on hand to guide you through the process.

Solicitors specialising in CICA claims can help ensure your application is completed correctly and on time to give you the best chance of receiving fair compensation.

In this blog, we will answer some common questions about the time it takes to complete a CICA claim and how we can assist. Please be aware that this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.

What is a CICA claim?

A CICA claim is a claim made to a government agency known as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

This agency runs a Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to compensate victims who have been injured by violent crimes in the UK.

There are several criteria to assess whether you are eligible to make a claim, including:

• The incident must have been reported to the police.
• The incident must have occurred within the last two years, except in exceptional circumstances.
• The victim has one or more of the injuries specified in Annex E of the scheme.

The CICA will assess the case using guidelines that consider the type and severity of the victim’s injuries, the impact on their life, and any financial loss they have suffered as a result of the crime.

If they are eligible, the amount of compensation awarded will be based on these factors.

CICA compensation awards can range from £1,000 to £500,000 in severe cases.

How long do CICA claims take to make?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority claim process typically takes around 12 to 18 months.

However, the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of evidence, and whether medical assessments or further investigations are needed.

Straightforward cases may be resolved within a few months, but more complex cases, such as those involving serious injuries or ongoing criminal investigations, can take longer.

Applicants are encouraged to provide as much information and supporting documentation as possible to help speed up the process.

Your solicitor can assist with obtaining CICA claim updates on the progress of your application.

What information do I need to make a claim?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority specifies that you will need to provide the following information to make a claim:

• The date and location of the crime.
• The police force you reported it to.
• Your crime reference number.
• Your GP's name and address.
• Your dentist's name and address (if dental treatment was needed due to your injuries).
• Information about any previous CICA applications.
• Any unspent criminal convictions.

You will also be asked if you've sought compensation through other means, such as:

• Through benefits.
• Insurance payouts.
• A civil court claim.
• A criminal court case (if applicable).

There is a CICA claim time limit, as the incident must have taken place in the last two years unless under exceptional circumstances.

How long do CICA claims take to pay out once accepted?

Once you accept an offer of a CICA payment, the CICA aim to pay the financial sum directly to the applicant’s bank account or to that of their representative within 20 working days.

Whether you decide to accept the first offer will depend on the circumstances of your case.

A specialist solicitor with expertise in the CICA claims process and how the awards are decided can help you assess whether the compensation award is fair.

If we believe it is in your interests, we can help you appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal if your application is rejected or the compensation sum can be disputed.

Speak to our CICA claims solicitors in Bristol

To book a free initial consultation with our specialist, CICA claims solicitors in Chew Magna, Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch today.

You can use the contact details for each office or, alternatively, fill in the enquiry form to request a call back.