Guide 101: Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is crucial in compensating and supporting victims of criminal injuries in the UK. CICA was established to assist those who have suffered physical or psychological harm due to a criminal act. Additionally, CICA serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking justice and financial aid in the aftermath of traumatic experiences. 

Therefore, this blog will provide a comprehensive understanding of the CICA and its functions in the UK.

The roots of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority trace back to the mid-20th century. It was first established to address the needs of victims of violent crimes. Over the years, CICA has undergone significant changes and improved processes and policies to serve the victims better. Moreover, it has evolved into a vital institution, providing financial assistance and support to those affected by criminal acts.

“Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government-funded organisation established to support victims of criminal offences. It operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Justice and follows the principles set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.”

The primary objective of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is to provide financial compensation to individuals who have sustained injuries due to violent crimes. Its primary objective is to assist individuals in the following situations:

• Individuals who have been victims of criminal acts
• Allows them to seek compensation for criminal injuries
• Help them access the necessary support services to aid recovery

CICA’s compensation scheme is distinct from the criminal justice system. It is because it focuses on providing financial support directly to the victims. To be eligible for compensation from CICA, certain criteria must be met. The authority considers various factors when assessing eligibility, including but not limited to the following: 

• The nature of the crime
• The severity of the injuries
• The impact on the victim’s life
• The injury occurred within 2 years 

Thus, criminal injury compensation covers a wide range of physical and psychological harm resulting from criminal acts. Additionally, victims of violent crimes such as assault, sexual offences, and domestic abuse may be eligible for compensation. However, adhering to the time limits for making a claim is essential. The typical reporting timeframe for the incident to the police is two years if you claim through CICA.

Claiming criminal injury compensation involves several stages. Initially, victims must apply to CICA, providing details of the crime and the resulting injuries. Moreover, it is crucial to gather supporting evidence to strengthen the claim. CICA evaluates the evidence and may request additional information if necessary. 

Following the assessment, CICA decides on the claim based on the evidence provided. However, in cases where the claim is denied or if compensation is inadequate, victims have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process allows for a thorough claim review, considering new evidence or circumstances. Let’s review the compensation claim process through CICA.

The application process for CICA compensation is accessible and straightforward. Victims can submit their applications online or through postal services. Nevertheless, applicants must provide accurate and comprehensive details to ensure a smooth evaluation process. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) requires detailed information about the incident, including the following: 

• Supporting evidence
• A valid police report 
• Any medical reports to assess the claim’s validity

Once an application is submitted, the CICA carefully assesses the claim based on the information provided. They consider various factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and any contributory factors. It is important to know that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) aims to provide fair and appropriate compensation. The compensation awarded generally acknowledges the physical and emotional harm suffered by victims.

In cases where an application is denied, or the compensation offered is deemed insufficient, victims have the right to appeal the decision. The CICA has an appeals process, allowing individuals to present additional evidence. Moreover, they can also challenge the initial assessment based on further evidence. Furthermore, victims can request a review of the decision if new information becomes available/ circumstances change.

CICA offers various types of compensation to victims of criminal injuries. The awards are designed to help individuals rebuild their lives and alleviate the financial burdens they may face due to their ordeal. Compensation may cover physical injuries, loss of earnings, and medical expenses. 

In cases of severe and long-term impact, CICA considers additional factors such as loss of amenities and future care needs. The typical CICA compensation award list is given below. Nevertheless, it is important to provide appropriate medical and police evidence while applying for CICA compensation. 

• Sexual Abuse/ molesting: £2,000-£2,200
  • Multiple penile penetrative sexual assaults: £22,000
  • Non-penile penetrative sexual assaults: £3,300-£11,000
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): £6,500-£22,000
• Broken or Fractured Jaw(s): £1,500-£6,200
• Facial Scarring (Severe): £2,400-£11,000
• Fractured/ Broken Skull: £1,000-£4,600
• Fractured/ Broken Teeth: £1,000-£3,500
• Scarring to Torso, Lower/Upper Limb(s): £1,000-£3,500
• Fractured/ Broken Forearm(s): £1,500-£11,000
• Fractured/ Broken Lower Leg (Fibula): £1,000-£3,500
• Broken/ Fractured Lower Leg (Tibia): £1,800-£11,000

In cases where the victim suffered more than one injury, CICA aims to compensate for the three most severe injuries. The compensation awarded by CICA in such cases is calculated following the below-mentioned formats:

• 100% of the award amount for a severe injury will be paid
• Plus, 30% of the tariff amount for a mildly severe injury
• Plus, only 15% of the tariff amount to less severe injuries 

It is important to understand that compensation amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific circumstances of each claim. The authority strives to strike a balance between meeting the needs of victims and maintaining a sustainable compensation scheme.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) supports victims of criminal offences by providing them with much-needed compensation. The CICA helps victims recover and rebuild their lives by offering financial assistance. Additionally, it sends a strong message that society stands with those who have suffered harm due to criminal acts, promoting a sense of justice and healing.

In addition to financial compensation, CICA offers a range of support services to aid victims in their recovery process. Recognising the emotional toll of criminal acts, the authority provides access to medical and psychological support. Furthermore, victims may be eligible for financial assistance to cover immediate expenses related to their injuries. Thus, it also ensures that victims receive the necessary treatment and care. 

Moreover, Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) collaborates with other organisations and agencies to provide holistic support. This may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Referral to victim support groups
• Assistance with housing or employment
• Access to legal advice and representation 

CICA’s primary aim is to create a support network that addresses the various needs of victims. Therefore, they help the victims rebuild their lives and regain a sense of security and well-being.

While the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is essential in supporting victims, it faces certain challenges and limitations. Critics argue that the compensation scheme can be complex and bureaucratic, leading to delays and frustrations for claimants. There have been calls for simplifying and streamlining processes to ensure a more efficient experience.

Nevertheless, the compensation awarded by CICA may not always fully reflect the physical, emotional, and financial suffering. The authority has certain guidelines and limitations that may restrict the maximum compensation available. Thus, this may dissatisfy the victims who feel their suffering is not adequately acknowledged or compensated.

Seeking legal representation can greatly assist individuals navigating the criminal injury compensation process. Legal professionals and medico-legal experts specialising in personal injury law and compensation claims. Additionally, they can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the claim in the following ways: 

• Have in-depth knowledge of the legal intricacies 
• Protect the rights of crime victims 
• Present their claimant and claim effectively

Therefore, engaging legal representation can help claimants understand the complexities of the system. Moreover, they help gather the necessary evidence and present a strong compensation case. Legal professionals can also assist in negotiating with Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) to ensure fair outcomes. They play a significant role in such proceedings by providing expert advice, medico-legal assessments, reports and representation.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is pivotal in compensating and supporting victims of criminal injuries in the UK. Victims can access the necessary resources by understanding the role and purpose of CICA. Therefore, the victims can easily aid their recovery and seek justice for the harm they have endured.

This blog aims to help the victims explore options and utilise the support services available through Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). If you or someone you know has been a crime victim, seeking proper legal and medical support is essential. Concise Medico offers expert witness reports in the UK’s personal injury psychiatry field.

Our professional services can provide valuable insights and evidence to support your compensation claim. We further offer personal injury psychiatry expert witness reports services in the UK to assist victims in their journey towards adequate compensation, healing and justice. Fill out the form below to learn more about their services and how they can assist you.