Understanding the CICA

Stuart Winston
0113 320 5000
compensation@winstonsolicitors.co.uk

"I was worried about making the
claim initially but right from the
word go you have helped me
through the process"

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is a government-funded scheme which enables victims of crime to receive compensation for their injuries. In some cases other losses can also be claimed.

Whilst you usually receive less compensation under this scheme compared to bringing a personal injury claim at court, the person who injured you is unlikely to be in a position to pay you compensation, as they probably have no money and will not be insured for causing you the injury.

The main benefit of the scheme is that it pays compensation when otherwise you would probably receive nothing. The C.I.C.A. also deals with claims following sexual abuse.

Our 'no win, no fee' service

We will check your application for free and contact you to discuss how to proceed with your claim.

We will advise you on how best to claim the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to. We help you complete the claim form and our criminal injury solicitors will correspond with the C.I.C.A. on your behalf. This means we negotiate with the C.I.C.A. to ensure you receive the maximum you are entitled to, and only if you are successful do you pay any legal costs. The amount is usually just 25% of your compensation.

Click on compensation calculator to see how much you may be entitled to claim.

This is what one of our clients recently said about our CICA Compensation Service: "Just a quick line to confirm receipt of your cheque from the CICA. Let me say that I am pleased with the outcome. I was rather worried about making the claim initially but right from the word go you have helped me through the process. Thank you for all your advice during the last twelve months.  I will contact you again if I need legal advice and would definitely recommend you to others." >>read more    

Making a C.I.C.A. claim

1. The incident can be for any crime, even a minor assault.
    
2. The incident must have been reported to the police.
    
3. The value of the injuries must be over £1,000.
    
4. The claim must be made within two years of the incident.
    
5. Road traffic offences are excluded - use the Motor Insurance Bureau Scheme (MIB).
    
6. Damages for loss of property are excluded.
    
7. The victim must not have provoked the attacker or caused the crime.
    
8. The victim should not have any previous convictions or be of a dubious character (deductions of between 10% and 100% are made in respect of these factors).
    
9. The compensation award will be based on a fixed tariff.
    
10. A victim of violence in a family will receive compensation so long as the offender will not benefit from any award.

Further information

To speak to a member of our personal injury team, in confidence call 0113 320 5000.

Or if you are calling from outside the area, use lo-call 0845 890 2277.

Or email us directly on: compensation@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.