CICA Compensation Claim Increased from £50k to £200k
A CICA compensation claim can provide vital financial support to victims of violent crime. However, many awards don’t fully reflect the long-term impact of serious injuries. If you’ve been left with life-changing physical or psychological damage after an assault, it’s important to know that you have the right to challenge an unfair decision. At Winston Solicitors, we’ve helped clients like John* secure the full compensation they deserve. We can help to increase awards by hundreds of thousands of pounds through expert legal advice and determined advocacy.
To discuss CICA compensation claims call 0113 320 5000
When someone becomes the victim of a violent crime, the physical and emotional consequences can be life-altering. For John, what began as an ordinary journey home from work ended in an unprovoked assault that left him with devastating injuries and a completely changed life. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of our team at Winston Solicitors, John’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) award was successfully increased from around £55,000 to almost £200,000, ensuring he received the full compensation he deserved.
The Attack That Changed Everything
John had always been a sociable, active man, working as a driver and interacting with people daily. His job gave him purpose and routine, and he enjoyed the lively connections it brought. But one evening, as he was making his way home through Tyneside town centre, an altercation escalated without warning into a violent assault.
John was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries. Doctors soon confirmed the worst. He had suffered significant brain damage and developed epilepsy as a result of the attack. His injuries were catastrophic, affecting not only his physical health but also his mental functioning. John’s life was never the same again. He was unable to return to work, and his everyday independence was profoundly impacted.
The Initial CICA Compensation Claim - A Shortfall in Justice
John rightly sought a CICA compensation claim. The CICA exists to provide financial support to victims of violent crime. The CICA offered an initial award of around £55,000 to compensate him for his injuries.
However, there were some glaring omissions in the award. There was no compensation for loss of earnings. Despite the medical evidence indicating that John’s injuries prevented him from working again. There was also no allowance for special expenses. This included the costs of the care and assistance John needed on a daily basis after the incident.
Given the severity of John’s situation, the CICA compensation claim amount did not come close to reflecting the full impact the assault had on his life.
Challenging the CICA’s Decision
Recognising that he had been significantly undercompensated, John turned to us for help. Our CICA specialists immediately began working to strengthen his CICA compensation claim.
Gathering Robust Medical Evidence
To bolster John’s CICA compensation claim, we obtained updated medical reports from neurologists and occupational therapists. These reports confirmed that John had ongoing and permanent brain damage. This caused regular and unpredictable epileptic seizures, weakness and lack of motor control on one side of his body and significant cognitive impairment. This was affecting his mental processing and day-to-day living skills.
The medical evidence was crucial in demonstrating that John’s injuries were not only life-changing but also permanent.
Verifying Employment and Financial Impact
To evidence John’s loss of earnings as a result of his injuries, our experts obtained detailed records to meet the strict criteria set by the CICA. This was an extensive and time consuming part of John’s claim but it was necessary to secure him the CICA compensation claim he deserved.
This clear and irrefutable financial history demonstrated the ongoing loss of earnings John suffered as a direct result of the attack.
Achieving a Life-Changing Result from a CICA Compensation Claim
Armed with comprehensive evidence, Winston Solicitors formally challenged the CICA's original decision. We specifically sought loss of earnings compensation up to John's expected state retirement age. This covered special expenses compensation for the cost of daily care and assistance.
Following the review, the CICA agreed to substantially increase John’s award. He was granted just under £200,000. This covered compensation for his injuries and loss of earnings from the date of the attack until retirement. As well as special expenses for essential daily care support, such as washing, dressing, and meal preparation.
John’s final award was almost four times higher than the initial offer, providing him with the financial security he desperately needed.
Why Legal Representation Matters in CICA Claims
John’s case highlights the importance of specialist legal support in CICA compensation claims. Particularly where the initial offer does not reflect the full extent of a survivor’s injuries and losses.
Many victims initially accept a CICA offer because they do not realise that they can challenge it or because they feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the process. However, a well-prepared challenge can make an extraordinary difference to the final outcome.
If you are considering challenging a CICA compensation claim award, it is essential to act promptly. Strict time limits apply to both making a new application and requesting a review or appeal of a decision.
Typically, you have 56 days to apply for a review after receiving a decision. In certain cases, this can be extended up to 84 days if you provide a valid reason for the delay.
Having expert representation ensures that deadlines are met and that your challenge is submitted with the strongest possible supporting evidence.
How We Can Support You with a CICA Compensation Claim
If you’ve been injured in a violent crime and feel that your CICA compensation claim offer is unfair, we are here to help. Our experienced team specialises in challenging and reviewing CICA awards, ensuring that victims receive the full compensation they deserve.
We have helped countless clients achieve significantly higher awards, securing financial support that acknowledges the real and lasting impact of their injuries.
Contact us today to speak confidentially to a specialist solicitor by calling 0113 320 5000 or emailing @email.
You do not have to accept an unfair decision. With the right support, you can fight for the justice and financial security you deserve.
*Name changed for anonymity
