If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime, be it a physical or sexual assault, obtaining compensation for your injuries and trauma can be a vital step toward recovery. At Ison Harrison, we specialise in helping victims navigate the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims process, ensuring you get the support and financial award you deserve.
What Is the CICA Scheme?
The CICA scheme is a government-funded initiative providing compensation to innocent victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The level of compensation is based on a fixed tariff of awards, reflecting the severity of injuries. Additional payments may also cover lost earnings or special expenses arising from your injuries.
Eligibility for a CICA Claim
To claim compensation under the CICA scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Report the Crime Promptly: Incidents must be reported to the police as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can be considered for cases involving trauma, such as sexual assault.
- Innocent Victim: Applicants must not have contributed to the crime, whether by provoking it or engaging in criminal activities themselves.
- Time Limits: Applications must typically be submitted within two years of the incident. Extensions may be granted for exceptional circumstances. This time frame only starts once the victim has turned 18 old
- Residency Status: You must generally be a UK resident or an EU/EEA national.
- Injury Severity: The injuries must meet a minimum compensation threshold of £1,000.
Types of Injuries Covered
The CICA scheme compensates both physical and psychological injuries, including:
- Physical Harm: Fractures, scarring, traumatic brain injuries, or loss of function.
- Psychological Harm: PTSD, anxiety, or depression caused by the crime.
- Sexual Offences: Compensation for physical and psychological trauma resulting from abuse.
Additional compensation may also cover financial losses, such as long-term lost earnings (paid after 28 weeks and at a level equivalent to SSP) or costs for medical care and mobility aids.
Why Choose Ison Harrison for Your CICA Claim?
- Expertise You Can Trust: With decades of experience in personal injury and compensation claims, our team knows the intricacies of the CICA scheme.
- Comprehensive Support: From gathering evidence to submitting applications and handling appeals, we ensure your claim progresses smoothly.
- Compassionate Approach: We understand the emotional challenges victims face and provide tailored, empathetic support every step of the way.
- Proven Success: Our track record of securing compensation includes cases involving severe injuries, multiple incidents, and psychological trauma.
Our Step-by-Step Approach
- Initial Assessment: We evaluate your eligibility and advise on how to strengthen your claim.
- Evidence Gathering: From police reports to medical records, we ensure all necessary documents are in place.
- Application Submission: We prepare and submit a strong application, avoiding common pitfalls.
- Review and appeals: If we feel that the decision is unfair, or the award offer inadequate we can request that the matter be reviewed and, if required, thereafter provide representation at the First Tier Tribunal.
Start Your CICA Claim Today
Navigating the claims process can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Ison Harrison, we’re committed to helping victims of crime secure justice and financial recovery.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
Let Ison Harrison be your trusted guide to justice.