Claiming for damage to or loss of teeth Under the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) Scheme
The CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) scheme is a government funded scheme for victims of violent crime. Violent crimes cover both physical and sexual crimes.
If you have suffered facial injuries from an assault these injuries can be very distressing as well as painful. Injuries such as a broken jaw, or damage to teeth are a common result of a violent assault.
The CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) scheme covers some damage to teeth, although the terms of the scheme are very restrictive.
It is recommended that you see a dentist as soon as possible to get the damage to your teeth assessed. The dentist will be able to tell you what treatment may be required. You can use your dental records, along with photos, to evidence your dental injuries. In some cases the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) will request a report direct from your dentist.
If you have visible damage to your teeth, or have had teeth knocked out take photos to show this.
It is possible to claim for loss of teeth, (or loss of crowns); damage to front teeth resulting in the need for crowns; or for fractures to teeth that require a specific root canal treatment called an apicectomy, or root resection.
The compensation scheme awards between £1500 and £3500 for loss of teeth depending which teeth have been lost and how many. Loss of your front teeth, incisors or canines is assessed at a high rate than loss of your back teeth.
It is possible to claim for damage to teeth. You will need to have seen a dentist. The scheme awards compensation if you have damage to a front tooth that requires a crown. It is not possible to claim for damage to back teeth, such that a crown is needed.
Compensation can be awarded for fractures, or breaks, to teeth. The restrictions with the compensation scheme are that it needs to be the type of fracture that is confirmed by a dentist to require surgery to the gum to reach the root. Some fractures to teeth, such as if a corner is chipped off, would not be awarded compensation under the terms of the scheme.
The recommendation is to see a dentist as soon as possible if you have suffered dental injuries from an assault. If you are not registered with an NHS dentist some A&E departments have a specialist dental team.
If you would like further information about claiming for damage to or loss of teeth under the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) scheme you can call the specialist team at Winston Solicitors on 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk
