CICA claims

A Winston Solicitors’ client, Mary*, suffered serious injuries after an assault in shared accommodation. When Mary chose to move into the shared property, she only saw the benefits. Cheaper rent and bills, and an opportunity to live closer to her job in the city centre seemed like a dream. However, she would be living in a house with other tenants that she didn’t know particularly well. While she had her own private room, the kitchen and bathroom were shared.

A Misunderstanding Over Money Leads to an Assault in Shared Accommodation

One evening, after finishing a long shift at work, Mary returned home and went into the kitchen. One of her flatmates was there, smoking and using his phone. The flatmate suddenly accused Mary of owing him money. Mary explained there must have been a mistake and, in a panic, offered him all the money she had to hand. The flatmate became angry and violent. He started shouting and then began hitting Mary repeatedly about the face and head.

The attack only stopped when another flatmate stepped in and pulled the attacker away. Mary was left unable to see properly as her face was so swollen. An ambulance was called, and she was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment.

The Assault in Shared Accommodation Leads to Multiple Fractures

Doctors found that Mary had multiple fractures to her face, including broken cheekbones, a broken nose, and a broken jaw. She needed several surgeries to repair the injuries. Thankfully, after a long recovery, her injuries healed, but the experience of the assault in shared accommodation was deeply traumatic.

Mary contacted Winston Solicitors to help her to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). With our support, Mary received £11,000 - the highest amount available under the CICA Scheme for facial fractures.

The Importance of Getting Legal Advice in CICA Compensation Claims    

Mary’s case shows how important it is to get legal advice if you’ve been a victim of violence. Winston Solicitors is here to help you through the CICA claims process, offering clear advice and support to get you the compensation you deserve.  

If you have suffered assault in shared accommodation, or any other facial injuries due to a violent attack, contact us today for confidential advice and support.

To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below

More Case Studies

* Name changed for anonymity

A client, Peter*, suffered life-changing injuries with loss of sight in one eye after being violently assaulted in his own home. The incident occurred when an intruder broke into the Peter’s property late one evening. At the time, Peter was in the shower upstairs and unaware of the intrusion. He later speculated that the house most probably looked like nobody was in.  

Loss of Sight in One Eye After Physical Assault

Hearing noises from downstairs, Peter hurriedly dressed and went downstairs to investigate. That’s where he encountered the intruder holding his laptop, which the intruder was clearly intending to steal. Peter tried to intervene in the robbery and take his laptop back. In the chaos that followed, the intruder struck Peter on the head and face with the device. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Peter managed to call 999 before losing consciousness.

Peter awoke in the hospital, where he was informed that he had suffered significant injuries to his head and face, resulting in extensive swelling and bruising. Tragically, the damage to his right eye was so severe that, despite weeks of treatment, medical specialists confirmed Peter had permanent loss of sight in one eye. The emotional impact of this devastating news was profound, compounded by visible facial scarring.

Seeking Compensation for Loss of Sight in One Eye

Determined to seek justice, Peter approached Winston Solicitors for help with a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Scheme. Our experienced legal team guided him through every step of the process to ensure that the claim was handled with care and sensitivity. After a thorough application and representation, Peter was awarded £22,000 in compensation for the loss of sight in one eye, along with additional damages for facial scarring.

This case shows the importance of professional legal support in helping victims of violent crime secure the compensation they deserve.  

The Importance of Getting Legal Advice in CICA Compensation Claims

Securing legal advice after a violent assault is critical, especially when the injuries sustained have a life-altering impact, such as the loss of sight in one eye. Pursuing compensation through the CICA can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of eligibility criteria, evidence submission, and the valuation of claims. Expert legal representation ensures that every aspect of a claim is carefully managed. A lawyer can help with documenting the severity of injuries and their emotional toll to highlight additional damages such as scarring or psychological trauma. With compassionate and experienced guidance, victims can navigate this process with greater confidence, secure the compensation they are entitled to, and focus on rebuilding their lives after such a traumatic experience.

At Winston Solicitors, we understand the emotional and physical toll that incidents such as loss of sight in one eye can have. We are committed to providing compassionate, expert guidance to help clients rebuild their lives.

If you have suffered loss of sight in one eye or any other life-changing injuries due to an assault, contact us today for confidential advice and support.

To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below.

More Case Studies

* Name changed for anonymity

John*, a young man in his late teens, endured a deeply traumatic assault involving penetration at the hands of his own family. After coming out as gay during his early teenage years, he faced persistent verbal taunts and ridicule from his older brothers. While their teasing was emotionally distressing, it had never escalated to physical harm until an incident during the Christmas holiday changed his life forever.

At the time of the assault, John was still living at home with his mother, while his brothers had moved out. They returned for the holiday season, and during an evening of heavy drinking, the atmosphere took a dark and horrifying turn. While their mother was out of the house, the brothers began yelling at John, mocking him cruelly. The situation quickly escalated as they forcibly restrained him, pinning him face down on the sofa. Laughing and jeering, they pulled down his trousers and violated him with an object, even taking photographs of the incident.

The following day, John’s brothers left the house. In the aftermath, John bravely reported the assault to the police, initiating what would become a long and challenging journey toward justice and recovery.

The Impact of Assault Involving Penetration

The physical injury John sustained required immediate medical attention. However, the emotional and psychological wounds inflicted by the assault were far more enduring. John struggled with feelings of shame, fear, and betrayal, which began to affect his daily life. His GP recognised the severity of his mental health struggles and referred him to a specialist for further support.

Over time, the psychological toll of the assault involving penetration deepened. John found it increasingly difficult to manage the emotional weight of what he had endured. With professional counselling and mental health support, he began the arduous process of healing. Although the court proceedings added to his distress, the guilty verdict delivered against his brothers provided him with a profound sense of validation and justice. He found that having his courage in speaking out affirmed in such a way gave him some semblance of his confidence back. But he still had a long road of healing ahead.

Seeking Compensation Through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

John sought the assistance of our specialist team at Winston Solicitors to pursue a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. We recognised the serious impact the assault had had on John’s life and were determined to ensure he received the financial compensation he was entitled to.

Our team worked closely with John’s medical and mental health providers to gather the necessary evidence to support his claim. This included obtaining detailed reports on both the physical injuries and the significant psychological harm he suffered. We carefully prepared and presented these documents, highlighting the severity of the trauma and its lasting impact on John’s well-being.

Thanks to our expertise and commitment, John received an award that reflected both the grievous nature of the crime and the enduring mental health challenges he faced as a result. The compensation not only acknowledged his suffering but also provided him with the means to access further support and begin rebuilding his life.

Contacting a Criminal Injuries Expert Can be Key in Securing Compensation

We understand how devastating it is to be the victim of such an attack, especially when it comes from those who should provide love and support. We approach every case with sensitivity, professionalism, and a commitment to securing justice for our clients.

If you, or someone you know, has experienced a traumatic crime, our experienced team is here to help. We can guide you through the claims process with compassion and expertise, ensuring that your voice is heard and your suffering acknowledged.  

Contact us today for confidential advice and support.

To read more first-hand stories resulting in compensation, click the button below.

More Case Studies

* Name changed for anonymity