TABLE OF CONTENT
It’s quite painful for parents when their child becomes a victim of any crime. The physical injury or emotional harm can be quite draining for them. Given this, a key question is how to seek justice for their child. CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) gives payouts for children who have suffered physical or mental harm due to some crime. In this blog, we will give you an insight into claiming compensation for a child and how CICA works for child injury claims.
What is The CICA Compensation For Children?
The CICA is the state scheme in the UK that compensates physically and emotionally injured people. CICA also caters to those who are claiming compensation for a child. Minors need to be assured of fair reward for crimes that have impacted their welfare. Parents or guardians can also make claims on behalf of their children. The family of the child bears the costs of medical care, therapies, and other treatments for the physical or mental injury.
According to research from the NSPCC, around half a million children in the UK suffer abuse every year. But child abuse is quite underreported.
Continue your learning journey on our blog: Role of a Child Psychologist in Family Law Cases.
What Types of Injuries You Could Claim For Children?
There are different types of injuries that could become a reason while claiming compensation for a child. Here are a few examples:
- Head Injury
- Bruises and Scars
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Fracture in any bone
- Dislocations
- Poisoning or ingestion of hazardous stuff.
- Sexual abuse
Injury Compensation Calculator
What Evidence is Needed For a Child Injury Claim?
You should still gather evidence even if the defendant acknowledged responsibility for your child’s accident at the time it occurred. Despite what their client stated at the time of the accident, the insurance company will require proof of what happened while claiming compensation for a child. Consequently, the following types of evidence may be utilized in your child injury claim if they are hurt in a no-fault accident:
Photos:
Take pictures. It is a great way to document what happened at the accident scene. You should snap a picture with your phone before moving anything.
Witnesses:
Having witnesses who observed what happened could be helpful if the person who caused the accident denies liability.
Accident Reports:
Schools, businesses, and many other organizations are required to keep an accident report book and document all incidents, so you should report the accident and request a copy of the report.
Medical Notes:
If your child is hurt, you should take them to a minor injuries clinic so that their injuries will be treated properly. Later that medical records may be requested by you to show the extent of their injuries.
CCTV Footage:
If an accident is caught on camera, you should request a copy of the CCTV footage as soon as possible because CCTV, body-cam, and dash-cam files are often erased quickly.
Impact Diary:
When claiming compensation for a child, one right step is about keeping the record of how the injury has affected your child over the time. It may include the missed school days, changes in behaviour and shift in personality.
Financial Receipts:
Keep track of all the costs associated with your child’s injuries, including commuting to doctor’s appointments and treatment bills.
Eligibility to Make Child Victim Claims
The initial step towards claiming compensation for a child is to meet the criteria for a claim The claims can be made by a parent or a guardian on the behalf of a child. They can also make a claim on their own once they reach the age of 18 years. For the child to be qualified for claim,
- They must be a victim of a violent crime, assault or abuse and been harmed by it.
- Their parents have immediately reported it to the police even if the claim is made later.
- All their medical records and reports are well documented.
- They have suffered harm within the duration of the last two years.
‘‘The general rule is that the application must be made within two years of the date of the incident. The time limit may be waived where this is considered to be reasonable and in the interests of justice.
-N Sugarman
However, this may not apply strictly in cases of sexual abuses because such traumas may have only been identified later in life.There are no chance for funds if:
- The crime is not reported to the police
OR
- Any member of the family himself has a crime record
How to Claim Compensation For Children?
Parents should know the procedure of filing a child injury claim. It may be a tough task, but the process can get smooth with the proper guidance.
- The application form will need to be filled out by a parent or guardian on behalf of your child.
- The basis of the form is to ask comprehensive questions regarding the crime.
- Such as: the injury sustained, and any financial losses accrued as a result.
Once the application for claiming compensation for a child has been submitted, the CICA minors compensation team will consider the claim. They will analyse different factors of the incident. They will request:
- Medical reports
- Police records.
- Other supporting documents that are necessary in claim.
This is where you need to be as detailed as possible. Also, provide as much evidence as you can in support of your child’s case.
Dive deeper into knowing, Child Personal Injury Claims.
Special Considerations for Minors
There are special considerations by CICA while claiming compensation for a child. The minors will not necessarily receive the award if they are below 18. In most of the cases, the funds are held in trust until the child reaches the age of 18 years. In case of urgent needs, the guardian can request the release of this amount for things like:
- Treatment
- Therapies
But even these applications are subject to discretion by the CICA.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For My Child Abuse Claims?
A tariff set by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 is used while claiming compensation for a child through the CICA. The awards are calculated using the multiple injuries formula in the following way:
- 100% of the highest value injury’s tariff amount.
- 30% for the injury with the second-highest value.
- 15% for the injury with the third-highest value.
The table below will give you an idea of the compensation amount calculated through the child injury compensation calculator.
| Injury Types | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries + Special Damages | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Very Severe Brain Damage | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderately Severe Brain Damage | £267,340 to £344,150 |
| Severe Back Injuries | £47,320 to £85,100 |
| Moderate Back Injuries | £33,880 to £47,320 |
| Less Severe Arm Injury | £23,430 to £47,810 |
| Simple Fractures of the Forearm | £8,060 to £23,430 |
| Less Serious Leg Injuries – Fractures From Which an Incomplete Recovery is Made or Serious Soft Tissue Injuries | £21,920 to £33,880 |
| Less Serious Leg Injuries – Simple Fracture of a Femur With No Damage to Articular Surfaces | £11,120 to £17,180 |
Case study
In a case published by the Independent news, A child, referred to as HND, was sexually abused from the age of 13 by a group of older men. Despite multiple convictions of his abusers, his initial CICA application was refused and he was told he had “consented” to the abuse Just days before his tribunal hearing, CICA reversed its decision and apologised. The agency accepted his eligibility and acknowledged that his age and vulnerability had been exploited.
Your Go-To Source for Filing a Child Injury Claim
When children fall victim to crime, their families usually suffer from emotional trauma and financial burden. The CICA Compensation is designed to help the child by making up for the harm they have been caused.
At Concise Medico, we will support you in filing a child injury claim by helping you understand all the prerequisites and procedure of the claim. Claiming compensation for a child is not just about getting financial support but also making sure justice is delivered.
Contact Concise Medico for more information about your claim.
FAQs
It’s quite painful for parents when their child becomes a victim of any crime. The physical injury or emotional harm can be quite draining for them. Given this, a key question is how to seek justice for their child. CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) gives payouts for children who have suffered physical or mental harm due to some crime. In this blog, we will give you an insight into claiming compensation for a child and how CICA works for child injury claims.
What is The CICA Compensation For Children?
The CICA is the state scheme in the UK that compensates physically and emotionally injured people. CICA also caters to those who are claiming compensation for a child. Minors need to be assured of fair reward for crimes that have impacted their welfare. Parents or guardians can also make claims on behalf of their children. The family of the child bears the costs of medical care, therapies, and other treatments for the physical or mental injury.
According to research from the NSPCC, around half a million children in the UK suffer abuse every year. But child abuse is quite underreported.
Continue your learning journey on our blog: Role of a Child Psychologist in Family Law Cases.
What Types of Injuries You Could Claim For Children?
There are different types of injuries that could become a reason while claiming compensation for a child. Here are a few examples:
- Head Injury
- Bruises and Scars
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Fracture in any bone
- Dislocations
- Poisoning or ingestion of hazardous stuff.
- Sexual abuse
Injury Compensation Calculator
What Evidence is Needed For a Child Injury Claim?
You should still gather evidence even if the defendant acknowledged responsibility for your child’s accident at the time it occurred. Despite what their client stated at the time of the accident, the insurance company will require proof of what happened while claiming compensation for a child. Consequently, the following types of evidence may be utilized in your child injury claim if they are hurt in a no-fault accident:
Photos:
Take pictures. It is a great way to document what happened at the accident scene. You should snap a picture with your phone before moving anything.
Witnesses:
Having witnesses who observed what happened could be helpful if the person who caused the accident denies liability.
Accident Reports:
Schools, businesses, and many other organizations are required to keep an accident report book and document all incidents, so you should report the accident and request a copy of the report.
Medical Notes:
If your child is hurt, you should take them to a minor injuries clinic so that their injuries will be treated properly. Later that medical records may be requested by you to show the extent of their injuries.
CCTV Footage:
If an accident is caught on camera, you should request a copy of the CCTV footage as soon as possible because CCTV, body-cam, and dash-cam files are often erased quickly.
Impact Diary:
When claiming compensation for a child, one right step is about keeping the record of how the injury has affected your child over the time. It may include the missed school days, changes in behaviour and shift in personality.
Financial Receipts:
Keep track of all the costs associated with your child’s injuries, including commuting to doctor’s appointments and treatment bills.
Eligibility to Make Child Victim Claims
The initial step towards claiming compensation for a child is to meet the criteria for a claim The claims can be made by a parent or a guardian on the behalf of a child. They can also make a claim on their own once they reach the age of 18 years. For the child to be qualified for claim,
- They must be a victim of a violent crime, assault or abuse and been harmed by it.
- Their parents have immediately reported it to the police even if the claim is made later.
- All their medical records and reports are well documented.
- They have suffered harm within the duration of the last two years.
‘‘The general rule is that the application must be made within two years of the date of the incident. The time limit may be waived where this is considered to be reasonable and in the interests of justice.
-N Sugarman
However, this may not apply strictly in cases of sexual abuses because such traumas may have only been identified later in life.There are no chance for funds if:
- The crime is not reported to the police
OR
- Any member of the family himself has a crime record
How to Claim Compensation For Children?
Parents should know the procedure of filing a child injury claim. It may be a tough task, but the process can get smooth with the proper guidance.
- The application form will need to be filled out by a parent or guardian on behalf of your child.
- The basis of the form is to ask comprehensive questions regarding the crime.
- Such as: the injury sustained, and any financial losses accrued as a result.
Once the application for claiming compensation for a child has been submitted, the CICA minors compensation team will consider the claim. They will analyse different factors of the incident. They will request:
- Medical reports
- Police records.
- Other supporting documents that are necessary in claim.
This is where you need to be as detailed as possible. Also, provide as much evidence as you can in support of your child’s case.
Dive deeper into knowing, Child Personal Injury Claims.
Special Considerations for Minors
There are special considerations by CICA while claiming compensation for a child. The minors will not necessarily receive the award if they are below 18. In most of the cases, the funds are held in trust until the child reaches the age of 18 years. In case of urgent needs, the guardian can request the release of this amount for things like:
- Treatment
- Therapies
But even these applications are subject to discretion by the CICA.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For My Child Abuse Claims?
A tariff set by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 is used while claiming compensation for a child through the CICA. The awards are calculated using the multiple injuries formula in the following way:
- 100% of the highest value injury’s tariff amount.
- 30% for the injury with the second-highest value.
- 15% for the injury with the third-highest value.
The table below will give you an idea of the compensation amount calculated through the child injury compensation calculator.
| Injury Types | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries + Special Damages | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Very Severe Brain Damage | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderately Severe Brain Damage | £267,340 to £344,150 |
| Severe Back Injuries | £47,320 to £85,100 |
| Moderate Back Injuries | £33,880 to £47,320 |
| Less Severe Arm Injury | £23,430 to £47,810 |
| Simple Fractures of the Forearm | £8,060 to £23,430 |
| Less Serious Leg Injuries – Fractures From Which an Incomplete Recovery is Made or Serious Soft Tissue Injuries | £21,920 to £33,880 |
| Less Serious Leg Injuries – Simple Fracture of a Femur With No Damage to Articular Surfaces | £11,120 to £17,180 |
Case study
In a case published by the Independent news, A child, referred to as HND, was sexually abused from the age of 13 by a group of older men. Despite multiple convictions of his abusers, his initial CICA application was refused and he was told he had “consented” to the abuse Just days before his tribunal hearing, CICA reversed its decision and apologised. The agency accepted his eligibility and acknowledged that his age and vulnerability had been exploited.
Your Go-To Source for Filing a Child Injury Claim
When children fall victim to crime, their families usually suffer from emotional trauma and financial burden. The CICA Compensation is designed to help the child by making up for the harm they have been caused.
At Concise Medico, we will support you in filing a child injury claim by helping you understand all the prerequisites and procedure of the claim. Claiming compensation for a child is not just about getting financial support but also making sure justice is delivered.
Contact Concise Medico for more information about your claim.
