Did You Know that You Can Appeal a CICA Decision?
Have you had your CICA claim rejected? Or have you been offered less than you deserve? You can appeal a CICA decision, and you don’t have to face it alone. Our caring team of CICA appeal solicitors can help you challenge the decision and seek fair compensation. We’ve supported people across the UK with honest advice and over 3,000 five-star reviews.
- Get expert CICA appeal advice UK-wide
- Challenge unfair CICA decisions fast
- Understand your rights in plain English
- Gain confidence with 3,000+ 5★ reviews
- Speak directly to a friendly solicitor
- Start your CICA appeal today
Understanding CICA Appeals – What Happens After a Decision?
When you’ve been through trauma, the last thing you expect is for your Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim to be rejected or under-valued. Many people feel let down or confused, unsure of what went wrong.
At Winston Solicitors, we help people across the UK appeal unfair CICA decisions and guide them through each step with compassion and clarity.
The claims process with CICA can be confusing to say the least, especially when trying to navigate this alone. A CICA claim is usually a claim that you will never have made before, and hope to not have to make a again. When the CICA make their decisions, it can be difficult to understand how they have come to their conclusion. More often that not, the decision seems unfair and unjust. Our extensive knowledge of the scheme means we can identify when an incorrect decision has been reached, and successfully challenge the CICA on this.
Stacey Flegg, CICA Manager at Winston Solicitors
With over 3,000 five-star reviews, our firm is trusted for clear advice, open communication, and genuine care during difficult times.
Before You Appeal a CICA Decision – Is It Worth It?
Not every case should go to appeal, and that’s where we can help. We’ll review your decision letter and tell you, in plain English, whether you have strong grounds to challenge it.
Common reasons to appeal a CICA decision include:
- New medical or police evidence that wasn’t considered
- Errors in fact or law by CICA
- Incorrect assessment of your injury or losses
- Procedural mistakes in how your case was handled
If we believe you have a solid case, we’ll act quickly to protect your right to appeal before the deadline passes.
How the CICA Appeal Process Works (Step-by-Step)
- Request a review – You have 56 days from your decision to ask CICA to reconsider.
- Submit supporting evidence – This can include new reports, medical records, or witness statements.
- Await CICA’s review outcome – If CICA doesn’t change their decision, the next step is a tribunal.
- Appeal to the tribunal – An independent panel reviews your case under The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 and decides whether the original decision was fair.
- Receive your outcome – Many appeals succeed, especially where new evidence or legal representation is provided.
- We’ll support you throughout – Our solicitors prepare your appeal, manage deadlines, and, if needed, represent you at the hearing.
We’ll keep you updated at every stage, explaining what’s happening and what each decision means.
What We’ll Need from You
To help you quickly and effectively, we’ll usually ask for:
- Your CICA decision letter
- A brief overview of what you initially applied for
- Any medical or police reference numbers
- Details of injuries or ongoing symptoms
- Copies of any previous correspondence with the CICA
Don’t worry if you’re missing something - we’ll help you gather what’s needed.
Why CICA Decisions Are Often Wrong
The CICA handles thousands of cases each year. In our experience, many are rejected because of simple misunderstandings and not because victims don’t deserve compensation.
We’ve helped clients who were told their case was “out of time” or “not supported by enough evidence”, only to later receive a fair award on appeal.
Even if you’ve been told “no”, it’s worth getting a review from our team before giving up.
What to Expect When You Work with Us
- Clear advice – You’ll always understand your options and costs.
- Empathetic support – We listen first, act second.
- National reach – We act for clients throughout the UK.
- Flexible fees – We offer fixed-fee or no win, no fee arrangements where possible.
I’d lost hope after my CICA claim was rejected. Winston Solicitors explained everything and appealed for me. The panel overturned the decision, and I finally got the compensation I deserved.
Client, Manchester
Take the Next Step – Appeal a CICA Decision with Confidence
If your CICA outcome feels unfair, you don’t need face it alone. Our friendly solicitors will review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through every stage with honesty and empathy.
Start your CICA appeal today – call us, chat online, or request a free callback.
Fair compensation is still possible and we’re here to help you achieve it.
Yes. You can appeal if your claim was rejected or if you believe the compensation offered was too low. We’ll help you understand whether you have strong grounds before you act.
Here are two stages to requesting a review. In the first instance, you usually have 56 days from the date of your decision letter to request a review.
The second stage is the appeal (tribunal), which is 90 days from the review (2nd) decision.
If you miss this, there are limited exceptions, so make sure to contact us quickly for advice.
You can appeal on your own, but having a specialist solicitor often makes the process smoother and improves your chances of success.
An independent panel reviews your case and decides whether CICA’s decision was fair. Our solicitors prepare your evidence and, if needed, represent you during the hearing.
No. If you have accepted an award with the CICA then your claim is considered to be finalised. We can apply to re-open on medical grounds but only where there has been such a martial change in the symptoms, that the initial award is unjust.
Most appeals take between 3–9 months, depending on complexity. We’ll keep you updated so you always know what to expect.
Our clients often come to us feeling let down by the system. With the right guidance, many go on to secure the recognition and compensation they deserve
Stacey Flegg, CICA Manager at Winston Solicitors
After my CICA claim was rejected, Winston Solicitors turned everything around. They kept me informed and treated me like a person, not a number.
David, Birmingham
