ADVICE FROM SPECIALIST CICA SOLICITORS
 

The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority ( CICA ) is a government funded scheme that enables a victim of crime to receive compensation for their injuries. In some cases other losses can also be claimed.

Whilst the amount awarded under the scheme is usually less than the amounts awarded in a court of law the main benefit of the scheme is that it pays compensation even though the assailant may be unidentified or unable to pay personally. Winston Solicitors are able to represent you throughout your claim, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

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Starting a Criminal Injury Compensation Authority claim

1. The incident can be for any crime even a minor assault, providing the symptoms lasted at least 6 weeks

2. The incident must have been reported to the police, as soon as is reasonably possible after the incident. If you are hospitalised this will be a longer time than if you saw your GP and then went home. Many claims fail because the victim did not report the incident to the police quickly enough

3. The claim must be made to the CICA within two years of the incident, whereas personal injury claims may be made to the courts up to three years from the date of incident

4. Road Traffic offences are excluded - use the Motor Insurance Bureau Scheme (MIB)

5. The victim of crime must not have provoked the attacker or caused the crime

6. The victim should not have any previous convictions or be of a dubious character (percentage deductions of between 10% and 100% are made in respect of these factors)

7. The damages award will be based on a fixed tariff

8. A victim of crime in a family will receive damages provided that the offender will not benefit from any award

The legal process

Once a claim is acknowledged by the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority, they will commence investigating it.

The police are required to provide information on the incident. This will include time, date and place of incident, when the incident was reported to them and whether or not you co-operated with them by providing a witness statement and agreeing to attend court.

Once the CICA is content that you have complied with the police requirements of the process, they will then obtain medical evidence to independently substantiate your injuries. Even if your injuries are minor you should still report them to your GP

Criminal Injury Award

Providing you have jumped through the required “hoops” namely that you were the victim of crime which occurred less than two years ago, which you reported to the police straightaway and your injuries are documented by your GP or Hospital as lasting more than 6 weeks then you are likely to receive an offer of compensation.

Compensation is based on a tariff system ranging from an award of £1,000 up to a maximum of £250,000. Examples of awards are as follows

• Mental anxiety which is medically verified lasting 6 – 13 weeks £1,000

• Minor multiple injuries, cuts, bruises, black eye, hair loss, fingernail loss £1,000 (must be 3 distinct injuries requiring 2 plus GP visits, with 1 injury lasting at least 6 weeks)

• Concussion lasting at least 1 week £1,500

• Broken nose up to £2,000

• Loss of teeth up to £3,800

• Broken arm up to £5,500

• Fractured pelvis up to £11,000

• Facial scarring up to £11,000

Winston Solicitors are personal injury claims lawyers who will advise you on compensation claims arising as a result of violent crime. The CICA pay a compensatory award which is subject to the deduction of legal costs. Our solicitors are able to give you detailed advice on the value of your claim and on the amount of any offers made to settle your claim. If you would like to talk to a solicitor without obligation just complete the online contact form and we will phone with free advice on how best to pursue your claim and how to protect your legal rights to compensation.

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If we represent you we guarantee:

We work on a No win No fee basis

You deal with regulated solicitors from the moment you call

** Our fee for this service will be an amount equal to 25% of compensation awarded**

Make an enquiry with us TODAY!

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