At NJS Law, we understand that being a victim of a crime of violence can be a life-altering experience. Our dedicated team of solicitors has extensive experience handling CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claims, ensuring that you have the best possible chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
NJS Law operates on a no win, no fee basis, allowing you to pursue your claim with complete financial peace of mind.
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Innocent adults and children can have their lives drastically altered when they become victims of crimes of violence or abuse. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme provides financial compensation for those affected when no other route to compensation is available.
Originally established in 1964, the scheme has evolved over the years and now allows victims to claim substantial sums for both physical and psychological injuries. It also covers compensation for sexual assault, rape, and abuse.
In certain circumstances, additional sums can be awarded for loss of earnings, special equipment, or long-term care needs.
To qualify for CICA compensation, you must generally satisfy the following conditions:
✅ The crime occurred in England, Scotland, or Wales
✅ The crime was promptly reported to the police.
✅ You fully cooperated with authorities.
✅ The application is submitted within the required time limits:
✅ You have residency status as a UK or EU/EEA national (or another eligible status).
✅ You bear no responsibility for the crime.
✅ You have no serious unspent convictions that might affect your claim.
✅ Your injuries are serious enough to qualify for compensation.
CICA provides compensation for a range of injuries arising from crimes of violence, including:
Physical Injuries
Psychological Injuries
Sexual Abuse and Rape
Each claim is unique, and the CICA assesses compensation based on its guidelines and the evidence available.
Claims must be submitted within two years of the crime, although exceptions can be made in certain circumstances (such as delayed disclosure due to mental or physical illness). The claim process can take several months or longer, depending on its complexity.
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If you or a loved one has suffered psychological harm due to a violent crime, NJS Law is here to help. Our dedicated team specialises in Criminal Injuries Compensation claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Get in touch today for a free consultation.
If you have been injured as a result of a crime of violence in England, Scotland, or Wales, you may be eligible for compensation. Our team can assess your claim and guide you through the process.
While it isn’t a legal requirement to use a solicitor to submit a claim to the CICA, our experience shows that having professional representation from the outset can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome. The CICA does not provide a solicitor to help applicants, and you are entitled to apply on your own. However, without in-depth knowledge of the scheme, many people find themselves facing delays, challenges, or even avoidable refusals.
When you choose NJS Law, you gain the support of our dedicated team of Criminal Injury Lawyers, who specialise in handling CICA claims. We take care of every stage of the process on your behalf, including preparing your claim, corresponding with the CICA, and representing you during any Review or Appeal if required.
Our focus is to make sure you recover the maximum compensation available for your injuries, including any loss of earnings and special expenses you may be entitled to claim.
In order to be eligible for compensation for your injuries, you must cooperate fully with the police, including confirming whether you are prepared to press charges against the person responsible. Under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, all applicants are expected to provide reasonable assistance in any efforts to prosecute the offender.
If you decline to support the police investigation or prosecution without a valid reason, the CICA may decide to refuse your claim. This is because your cooperation is considered an important part of holding the offender accountable.
The timeframe for resolving a CICA claim can vary considerably, but on average, straightforward cases are usually concluded within 12 to 18 months. In some situations, claims may be settled more quickly, particularly if the police investigation is completed promptly and all necessary medical evidence is available early on.
For a clearer understanding of how long your claim might take, we recommend speaking with our experienced CICA claim solicitors. They can offer tailored advice and outline what to expect based on the details of your individual case.
In most cases, you have a period of two years from the date of the incident to submit a CICA claim. That said, there are certain circumstances where this time limit may be extended.
If you were under 18 when the incident was reported to the police, you have until your 20th birthday to start your claim. Conversely, if the crime happened while you were under 18 but was not reported until after you reached adulthood, you have two years from the date it was reported to the police.
To avoid missing any important deadlines and to ensure your claim is properly prepared, it’s recommended that you seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in CICA claims.
Yes, you can still pursue a claim with the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) even if no conviction was secured against your assailant. The CICA operates separately from the criminal courts, which means your eligibility for compensation does not depend on the outcome of any prosecution.
What is essential is that you reported the incident to the police without undue delay and cooperated fully with their investigation. When reviewing your claim, the CICA will consider whether there is sufficient evidence that you were the victim of a violent crime and will assess the impact and seriousness of your injuries.
For clear advice on your options and help ensuring your application is as strong as possible, it’s recommended you consult a solicitor experienced in handling CICA claims.
Yes, you may still be able to apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) even if the person who harmed you has passed away. The CICA functions separately from the criminal courts, so the assailant’s death does not automatically prevent you from making a claim.
To be eligible, you must still meet the CICA’s criteria, including reporting the incident to the police without unnecessary delay and fully cooperating with their investigation. Your claim will be assessed on whether you were the victim of a violent crime and the seriousness of the injuries you sustained.
Although the death of the offender could affect other legal options for compensation, it does not necessarily impact your entitlement to apply under the CICA scheme. To understand your rights clearly and ensure your claim is properly prepared, it is advisable to speak with a solicitor who specialises in CICA claims.
At GLP, our team can guide you through each step of the process, help you gather the necessary evidence, and make sure all deadlines and requirements are met.
Yes, you may be eligible to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for historic abuse. The CICA acknowledges that abuse suffered in the past can lead to enduring physical and psychological trauma.
There are, however, specific criteria and time limits that apply to these claims. In most cases, you must have reported the abuse to the police as soon as it was reasonably possible for you to do so and fully cooperated with any investigation. There are also rules around how long after the incident you can submit a claim, though in some situations, these time limits can be extended if there are exceptional circumstances.
Given the complexity of historic abuse claims, it’s strongly recommended that you get advice from a solicitor with experience in CICA applications. At GLP, we can provide clear guidance on your options, help you gather the evidence you need, and support you through each stage of the process to make sure all requirements and deadlines are met.
No, you are not required to wait for the conclusion of a police investigation or criminal trial before submitting a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
That said, it’s not unusual for the police or the prosecuting authority to ask you to hold off until criminal proceedings are complete. If you are asked to delay, it’s a good idea to request this in writing or by email, along with an explanation of why they are making the request. In most cases, we recommend submitting your CICA application without delay and then asking the CICA to place your claim on hold, referring to the correspondence you have received.
You can and often should begin your claim process with the CICA independently of any ongoing criminal proceedings. However, you must report the incident to the police promptly and fully cooperate with their investigation. Doing so strengthens your application and helps ensure that the necessary evidence is available.
While the result of any court case may be relevant and can be taken into account, it is not a prerequisite for starting your claim. The CICA will consider whether you were the victim of a violent crime and evaluate the seriousness of your injuries based on its own criteria, regardless of whether a conviction is secured.
Yes, you can still apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) even if your assailant was not convicted. The CICA operates independently from the criminal justice system, so whether the offender is prosecuted or found guilty does not determine your eligibility for compensation.
To qualify, you must meet the CICA’s requirements, including reporting the incident to the police promptly and cooperating fully with their investigation. The CICA will evaluate your claim based on whether you were a victim of a violent crime and the extent of your injuries.
Although a conviction can strengthen your claim, it is not mandatory to receive compensation. It’s important to provide as much supporting evidence as possible—such as medical reports, witness testimonies, and police documentation. Seeking advice from a solicitor experienced in CICA claims can help you understand your rights and ensure your claim is properly prepared.
The timeframe for reporting a crime or initiating charges depends on the specific details of the incident. As a general rule, it’s best to report a crime to the police as soon as possible after it happens. Early reporting helps law enforcement collect evidence, identify suspects, and take timely action to investigate the matter.
That said, there are legal limits—known as statutes of limitations—that set deadlines for when charges can be brought, and these vary depending on the type of offense. For some serious crimes, there may be no time limit at all. Consulting a legal professional can help clarify the exact time restrictions relevant to your case.
If you intend to apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), you will usually need to have reported the crime to the police promptly and cooperated fully with their investigation.
In summary, while not all crimes have a fixed deadline for reporting or pressing charges, acting quickly improves the chances of a thorough investigation and successful prosecution, and it often ensures you meet the requirements for compensation or other legal remedies.
Yes, you can claim compensation for mental health injuries through the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme if these injuries were caused by a violent crime. Psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related mental health issues are recognised by the CICA as compensable injuries.
The authority acknowledges the serious impact mental health injuries can have on victims and includes them alongside physical injuries, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. It is important to submit appropriate medical evidence and documentation to support your claim.
Working with a solicitor who specialises in CICA claims can help you properly present your case and maximise your chances of receiving fair compensation for your psychological injuries.
You may be entitled to claim compensation for a wide range of injuries caused by violent crimes, covering both physical and psychological harm. Below are examples of the types of injuries that can be considered under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme:
Physical Injuries:
Psychological Injuries:
Sexual Assault Injuries:
It’s important to understand that every claim is different, and the injuries you can claim for will depend on the details of your experience. The CICA will assess eligibility and compensation based on their published criteria and the evidence you provide.
Compensation awarded through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is paid by the UK government, specifically funded by the Ministry of Justice. The payment does not come from the assailant or their personal assets.
Usually, the assailant is not notified about your compensation claim, as the process is handled separately from any criminal proceedings. However, in certain situations, details about the claim might become known if legal or investigative processes require disclosure.
Importantly, your eligibility for compensation is not affected by whether the assailant is identified, prosecuted, or financially able to pay damages. The scheme is designed to provide support directly to victims of violent crime, regardless of the offender’s circumstances.
Rest assured, we will never disclose your claim or its outcome to the assailant.
We operate on a “no win, no fee” basis for CICA claims, meaning you only pay if we successfully secure compensation for you.
Our team has decades of combined experience in dealing with CICA Claims.Â
Our NJS Law CICA Specialists are sympathetic, understanding, and can help you get the outcome you deserve.
If you would like to discuss an issue, please get in touch to arrange a free no obligation consultation. We’re available by email or phone.
Call or email us today to discuss your claim.
For fast, friendly affordable legal advice. Contact a member of our team today.
David joined the RTA team bringing with him over 25 years’ experience in Personal Injury Litigation. David has successfully pursued many disputed Road Traffic Accident claims through to trial, ranging from Liability Disputes, Occupancy Issues, Allegations of fraud, Low Velocity Impact, and Serious Injury claims.
In his spare time David enjoys travelling, cycling and football and has recently started to explore the world of Cooking.
