What is a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government agency that provides compensation to people physically or mentally injured because of a violent crime in the UK.

To be eligible to make a CICA claim, you need to have one or more of the injuries specified in Annex E of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

The crime must have been committed in the past two years and have been reported to the police as soon as possible, except under exceptional circumstances.

Victims who have been injured in a violent crime can receive compensation between £1,000 and £500,000 from the CICA.

If you are considering making a UK CICA claim, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an expert solicitor, as the process can be lengthy and complex.

This blog will answer some common questions about CICA claims and who can make them. Please be aware that this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.

What is the CICA?

The CICA is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, a government agency in the UK that operates independently of the police and the court system.

The CICA provides compensation to people physically or mentally injured because of a violent crime in England, Scotland or Wales or in an act of terror abroad.

What is a CICA claim?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a government-funded scheme overseen by CICA.

Victims of violent crime who have been physically or mentally injured in the UK can apply to the scheme for compensation.

The Secretary of State establishes the rules of the scheme and determines the value of the payments, with approval from Parliament.

For those who qualify, CICA must pay an award to the victim, in line with the prescribed amounts set by the government based on the severity of their injuries and their impact.

How much is a CICA award?

Awards for victims who have been injured in violent crimes range from a minimum payment of £1,000 to a maximum payment of £500,000.

CICA compensation is based on a set of guidelines that consider the type and severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s lives, and any financial loss they have suffered as a result of the crime.

Who is eligible to make a CICA claim?

The CICA decides if applicants are eligible and assesses the appropriate value of any award.

The CICA considers financial claims for the following reasons:

• Mental or physical harm resulting from a violent crime.
• Sexual or physical abuse.
• Loss of income due to limited or no ability to work directly caused by a criminal injury.
• Special expense payments, covering specific costs incurred as a direct result of the incident.
• Death caused by a violent crime, including bereavement payments, compensation for loss of parental services and financial support, and funeral expenses.

To qualify for compensation, the victim must have an injury listed in the tariff of injuries in Annex E of the Scheme.

These include:

• Burns
• Major paralysis
• Medically recognised illnesses or conditions
• Mental injury
• Peripheral sensory nerve damage
• Peripheral motor nerve damage
• Brain damage
• Epilepsy
• Scarring

Compensation can also be awarded to victims of the following:

• Fatal criminal injury
• Physical abuse of adults or children, including domestic abuse
• Sexual offences
• Infection with one or more of HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
• Loss of foetus

How can I make a CICA claim?

To make a CICA claim for criminal injuries, you can apply online through the UK government website.

You must report the crime to the police and apply within two years of the incident. You will be asked to provide details of the crime, your injuries, and any supporting evidence, such as medical reports.

The CICA will assess your eligibility based on factors like the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. If successful, compensation is awarded based on a tariff system.

Seeking legal advice is not a requirement. However, it is advisable as making a criminal injuries claim can be a complex process. The guidance of an expert solicitor can ensure the process is completed correctly and maximise your chances of receiving fair compensation. 

Should I accept the first offer?

Whether or not you should accept the first offer will depend on the circumstances of your case.

A solicitor with a specialist understanding of the CICA application process and how the awards are calculated can advise you on whether your claim has been assessed fairly.

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.