What Is A CICA Claim And When Are You Eligible To Make One?

What is a CICA claim?

What is a CICA claim?

If you’re wondering, “what is a CICA claim?” then this guide could help. We will look at the role of the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority and when you could be entitled to pursue compensation for a crime of violence.

We also look at the tariff of injuries that are used to assign values to these claims and the potential value of a compensation claim for assault and other violent crimes. Furthermore, we’ll address the evidence required to make a claim of this nature.

Get in touch today if you have any additional queries. Our advisors are available 24/7 to assist. You can:

  • Call us on 020 8050 2736
  • Contact us about your claim through our website
  • Speak to us using the pop-up window in the corner

Select A Section

  1. What Is A CICA Claim And When Are You Eligible To Make One?
  2. Examples Of Incidents That Could Lead To You Claiming Criminal Injuries Compensation
  3. What Compensation Could You Receive Through The CICA Tariff?
  4. What Do You Need To Potentially Receive Compensation Through The CICA?
  5. Benefits Of Working With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
  6. Learn More About What A CICA Claim Is

What Is A CICA Claim And When Are You Eligible To Make One?

The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA) is an executive agency, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. Because of this, if you make a successful claim through the CICA, the compensation comes from the government.

Being physically or mentally injured due to a violent crime is part of the eligibility criteria for claiming compensation through the CICA. The CICA exists so that victims of violent crime can receive compensation for their injuries if claiming through another route is not possible.

Your attacker does not need to be charged or identified in order for you to claim through the CICA. However, it’s essential that the incident is reported to the police and that you obtain a crime reference number.

In order to claim through the CICA, the incident needs to have happened in Great Britain or another relevant place as defined in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. You also need to meet the relevant residency criteria.

If you’re still wondering, “what is a CICA claim?”, speak with a member of our team for guidance.

Is There A Time Limit To Make A CICA Claim?

Generally, the CICA claim time limit is 2 years. This time limit will typically begin from the date that you report the incident to the police.

You are usually expected to report the incident immediately unless exceptional circumstances apply. Similarly, if exceptional circumstances stopped you from making a claim within the two-year limit, and you’ve provided enough evidence that means a claims officer won’t need to make extensive further investigations, then your claim could still be considered.

Reach out to us for information on how long you have to claim. Our advisors can also provide answers to other questions, such as, “how long can CICA claims take?”.

Examples Of Incidents That Could Lead To You Claiming Criminal Injuries Compensation

Reading specific examples of a criminal injury you could claim for can be instrumental in understanding the answer to the question, “what is a CICA claim?” In this section, we have included a few. However, you should bear in mind that these are not the only instances in which you could claim CICA compensation.

Claims made through the CICA could include:

  • Assault claims – For example, claiming for ABH or GBH compensation or for domestic abuse. This can cover physical and psychological injury, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
  • Sexual assault claims – This can cover non-consensual sexual acts, including rape and sexual abuse.
  • Arson – For example, you might sustain burn injuries if you were inside a building that was purposefully set on fire.

In some cases, threats can be considered a crime of violence. However, these need to be such that someone of reasonable firmness can be put in such fear.

What Compensation Could You Receive Through The CICA Tariff?

This section gives example answers to the question, “what is a CICA claim worth?” When claiming through the CICA, a tariff of injuries will be used to value your settlement. Each injury is assigned a set fee.

You could be awarded up to 3 injuries, and they would be valued as followed:

  • 100% of the tariff amount for the injury with the highest value
  • 30% of the tariff amount for the injury with the second highest value
  • 30% of the tariff amount for the injury with the third highest value

If your injuries have an equal value in the tariff, they’ll still be valued in accordance with this formula.

Below, we’ve included some examples of payouts that could be awarded for certain injuries through the CICA. The table shown is not exhaustive. You can find the full tariff in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, or you can use our criminal injury claim calculator.

InjuryDescriptionAmount
Major paralysisHemiplegia – Severe impairment of the motor/sensory functions to one half of the body£110,000
Major paralysisParaplegia – Sensory/function minimally impaired in the lower extremities£27,000
Mental injuryMental injury of a disabling nature that lasts over 5 years without being permanent – Needs to be confirmed by a clinical psychologist£13,500
Mental injuryMental injury of a disabling nature that lasts between 6 weeks and 28 weeks – Needs to be confirmed by a clinical psychologist£1,000
Non-consensual penile penetration of the anus, mouthBy one perpetrator £11,000
Head injury For instance, concussion injuries or permanently impair balance or lasting headaches£6,200
HandFracture that leads to ongoing disability of a significant nature£3,500
Sexual assaultNon-penetrative acts under clothing £3,300
TeethLoss of two or three front teeth£2,400
Burns - HeadModerate burns that cause more than minor disfigurement£2,400

When Could You Receive Special Expenses As Part Of Your CICA Compensation?

The CICA may also compensate you for other losses associated with your injuries. These are known as special expenses. You could be compensated via the scheme for amounts associated with costs such as:

  • Loss of earnings
  • Additional care costs
  • Special equipment to accommodate your injuries
  • Adaptations to your home

To find out more about the eligibility for claiming special expenses, get in touch with us today.

What Do You Need To Potentially Receive Compensation Through The CICA? 

When making a claim through the CICA, there are certain pieces of evidence you’ll need to provide. You’ll need to supply:

  • Evidence that you meet residency requirements.
  • A police reference number.
  • Medical evidence

The CICA will be able to use your police reference number to confirm aspects of your claim with the police. For example, they will be able to confirm that you have worked with them in their investigations.

To find out more about how to claim, get in touch with us today.

Benefits Of Working With A No Win No Fee Solicitor 

When working with criminal injury solicitors on a No Win No Fee basis, there are no upfront costs to worry about. Additionally, your lawyer would only take a legally capped fee from your settlement in the event of a successful claim. If the claim fails, they do not take this fee from you.

All of the lawyers on our panel can work on a No Win No Fee basis. They have helped clients up and down the UK, including those in Manchester, Liverpool, London, and many other places. If you’re looking for a No Win No Fee solicitor to assist you, get in touch with our advisors today. Our lawyers offer a nationwide service. You can talk to us in the following ways:

  • Call our team on 020 8050 2736
  • Contact us about your claim through our website
  • Chat with an advisor using the pop-up window in the corner

Learn More About Making A Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim

If you want more information on the answer to the question, “what is a CICA claim?” then the following links may help you.

Writer Dan Burns

Publisher Fern Shelley