Criminal Injury Compensation Claims (CICA)
Although the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are thankfully relatively small nonetheless thousands of people each year are physically or mentally injured as a result of criminal assault.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board was set up to administer compensation to the victims of criminal violence. Even if the assailant is not identified, caught or convicted a claim can still be successful if made and it is therefore worth seeking the advice of a solicitor who has experience in the handling of such claims.
As with any crime your priority should be to report the matter to the police and to seek medical attention for yourself. It is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible as the time limit for the making of a claim is two years however, this time limit can, in exceptional circumstances, be ignored. Another advantage of taking legal advice soon after an assault is that accurate witness accounts are easier to obtain whilst memories of events are still fresh.
For a free consultation call Macks Solicitors on Freephone 0800 731 7250 without obligation.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority scheme was developed by the Home Secretary and approved by Parliament to compensate victims of violent crime.
This scheme allows financial awards to be made for both physical and psychological injuries, in certain circumstances. It can also compensate for past and future loss of earnings as well as the death of a close relative as a result of a violent crime.
If you fit into the following criteria you may be eligible for compensation:
You have been injured (physically or psychologically) as a direct result of a violent crime
The incident occurred in England, Scotland or Wales
You reported the incident to the police as soon as you were able to do so.
Or
You are a dependent or close relative of a victim of a violent crime who has died as a result.
If you are the innocent victim of violent crime please contact our specialist Criminal Injuries Department.
