At Watson Woodhouse, our specialist solicitors help victims of criminal injury gain compensation through CICA. Understanding the trauma you have experienced including the physical and psychological effects, we’ll ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve alongside the very best in treatment.

Free Initial Discussion

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist claims solicitors on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

CICA Victim Support

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a Government-run scheme, compensating victims of violent crimes. Unless advised by Victim Support or the police, many are unaware they could be entitled to compensation ranging from £1,000 to £500,000.

Criminal injuries include physical and psychological damage that’s the direct result of a crime. This includes sexual assault from the most serious (rape), to inappropriate touching.

Claims involve obtaining GP Records, Police Reports, Court Records and CRB checks. This process can take over twelve months, becoming complex and frustrating, especially when an application is rejected. We work hard on your behalf to review rejections so you don’t have to. If necessary, we’ll represent you in court. CICA may request you make an advance payment of £50 to obtain medical evidence. In some cases, this is deferred to the end of the case and in this instance, the fee is deducted from compensation.

CICA Criteria

1. The incident was reported to police within 48 hours or ASAP
2. Injuries are serious enough to meet the minimum award of £1000
3. The incident happened within the last two years (differs in certain circumstances)
4. The incident occurred in England, Wales or Scotland
5. You have no unspent criminal convictions other than driving offences

The CICA victim support scheme enables successful claims even if an offender is not identified, caught or convicted. The crime must have occurred within the last 2 years of applying for compensation, although in certain circumstances this can be extended. You cannot have caused or contributed to the crime itself.

CICA & Sexual Abuse

Instances of sexual and physical abuse differ greatly and can sadly, happen to anyone. We fully understand the difficulties attached to talking through your experience and will guide you compassionately and with reassurance. We’re working hard to get the justice you deserve. Cases we deal with include:

• Local Authority, foster care & Social Service failure
• Position of responsibility; e.g, priest or teacher
• Organisations & sports clubs
• Family related
• Health professionals
• Abuse suffered as an adult
• Single incidents of physical/sexual assault

Claims can be made if:

• You were the victim
• A family member died as a result
• You witnessed the crime happen to a loved one
• You paid funeral costs

Items you can claim for:

• Injury
• Loss of earnings
• Funeral costs
• Child payments
• Bereavement

We recommend that when making a CICA claim to instruct a professional. This gives you the best chance possible of gaining the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. If you’ve already received compensation and are not satisfied, we can assist in making an appeal to the tribunal.

We are here to help

Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor today on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.