If you are seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a crime, it can be a confusing time. This is why we have produced these straight forward answers to the most common questions about claiming compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Why not Contact Us now and speak to one of our trained advisors about making a claim.
What is the CICA?
Why does it exist?
Who can claim?
I am not a British citizen can I still claim?
I have a criminal record, can I still claim?
Does the incident need to be reported to the police?
No one has been caught or convicted for the incident, can I still claim?
Why should I use legal representation for my claim?
Can I claim on a no win no fee basis?
How much compensation will I receive?
How long will my claim take?
My claim has been unsuccessful, can I appeal?
Why should I use Ashley Ainsworth for my claim?
What is the CICA?
The CICA – Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority - is a government body setup to compensate those who are innocently injured by a criminal act.
Why does it exist?
It is every citizen's legal right to seek compensation if they have been injured through no fault of their own. For victims of violent crime, this would mean suing their attacker. This process in most cases would be either impossible, distressing or not produce the amount of compensation justified. For this reason, the CICA was setup to provide compensation from the public purse instead.
Who can claim?
Anyone who is a blameless victim of a violent crime which occurred in the last two years in England, Scotland or Wales can claim.
I am not a British citizen can I still claim?
Yes non-British citizens can claim compensation through the CICA, if they were injured in a crime that took place in England, Scotland or Wales.
I have a criminal record, can I still claim?
Yes you can still claim if you have a criminal record, although the amount you are awarded may be reduced in some situations. If you have been convicted of a serious crime, your claim may be rejected.
Does the incident need to be reported to the police?
Yes. To make a claim to the CICA, the crime incident must be reported to the police within 48 hours of it happening. Full cooperation and assistance with their enquiries must also be given.
No one has been caught or convicted for the incident, can I still claim?
Yes, as long as you have done everything possible to help the police with their enquiries. The CICA decides cases on what seems "probable" to have happened after gathering all evidence, such as the police report.
Why should I use legal representation for my claim?
Using legal representation such as that provided by Ashley Ainsworth ensures that your criminal injury claim has the best chance of success. We take the hassle out of making a claim, and fight to get you the full amount you deserve.
Can I claim on a no win no fee basis?
Absolutely. We ask for no money upfront, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won't owe us a penny. As the CICA - unlike insurance companies - will not pay your legal fees, cases are usually taken on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless your case is successful, in which instance a percentage of your award is used to cover costs.
How much compensation will I receive?
The amount of compensation you will receive if successful varies considerably upon the severity of your injuries. The minimum award from the CICA is £1,000 while the maximum is £250,000.
How long will my claim take?
Each case is different and as such varies on how long it takes to complete. On average claims take between six months and a year to be settled.
My claim has been unsuccessful, can I appeal?
The decision by the CICA regarding your case can be appealed within 90 days of it being made.
Why should I use Ashley Ainsworth for my claim?
At Ashley Ainsworth we have years of experience in dealing with claims through the CICA. We can fight for you on a no win no fee basis to give your case the best chance of success.
Call 08000 93 33 93 or contact us now to talk to one of our team.
