We understand that no amount of money can make up for the harm and suffering that victims of criminal violence have experienced.
The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA) is a scheme funded by the government in place to compensate individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of violent crime, with the hope of putting victims back into the same position they may have been in had the violent crime not occurred.
The crime must have happened in England, Wales, or Scotland, and must have been reported to the police. However, the offender does not have to have been convicted for a CICA claim to be made.
To make an application, you must have been one of the following when the crime happened:
- A British Citizen or EU or EEA National who has the right to be in the UK
- A family member of a British Citizen or EU or EEA National who has the right to be in the UK
- A member of the armed forces
- A close relative of a member of the armed forces (living in their household)
- A potential victim of human trafficking on or before the date of your application
- An asylum seeker
- A national of a country that has signed up to the Council of Europe Convention on the Compensation of Victim of Violent Crimes
- An ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK
Applications should be made as soon as possible. It is usually required for claims to be made within 2 years of the date of the incident, however there are exceptions to this when a child has been the victim of the criminal violence.
The CICA will consider claims for a variety of circumstances. These include:
- Physical injury – Following a violent crime.
- Disabling Mental injuries – Following a violent crime.
- Sexual or physical abuse
- Loss of earnings – This is relevant when your capacity to work is limited or non-existent as a direct result of a criminal injury.
- Special expenses payments – These include costs you have incurred as a direct result of the criminal violence, however the CICA will only consider special expenses if your injuries limited or removed your capacity to work extent for more than 28 weeks.
- Fatality – If a violent crime led to a fatality, payments could include bereavement payments, payments for loss of parental services and financial dependency; and funeral payments.
Wollens are able to assist individuals who are entitled to bring claims under the CICA Scheme. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your circumstances further.
How can we help?
Our specialist solicitors can discuss your case with you and recommend the best next steps. Hannah Goodman is a Paralegal in the Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury team.
If you need help with this issue contact Hannah today [email protected]
call 01803 225159
https://wollens.co.uk/dental-negligence-claims/
