If you’ve been hurt in a violent crime, you may be able to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). We can guide you through it with care and clarity. You are not alone.
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CICA is a government scheme that pays compensation to people who have been injured because of a violent crime. It supports those living with physical injuries, long-term psychological trauma, or both.
A CICA claim can help cover:
You don’t need the offender to be caught or convicted. What matters is that you were the victim of a violent crime and that you reported the incident to the police.
If you were harmed in a violent incident and reported it to the police, you may be able to claim. The crime must have happened in England, Scotland or Wales. Adults usually need to apply within two years of the date of the crime. CICA also expects you to have cooperated with the police. CICA also expects you to have cooperated with the police, though it understands that trauma affects people in different ways and at different times.
If any of this feels complicated, that’s completely normal. We take everything at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
You can apply to CICA yourself for free, and some people do. Others find the process complex or stressful, especially while they’re still recovering. That’s where we come in. Our role is to take that pressure off your shoulders and guide your claim from day one.
We listen to your experience, explain the CICA scheme in clear, simple language, and confirm whether you’re eligible. No pressure and no judgement.
We take care of every step, including:
Our aim is to present a strong, well-prepared claim right from the start.
CICA often ask for extra details. This can be stressful to deal with alone. We:
You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening.
When CICA make their decision, we talk you through it so you understand:
If you choose to accept, we help complete the paperwork and chase payment.
If your claim is rejected or the offer is too low, we don’t stop there.
Requesting a review: We gather extra evidence or correct any errors to strengthen your case.
Tribunal appeal: If needed, we take your case to the First-tier Tribunal and represent you throughout. Specialist support here can make a significant difference.
We can help with:
From start to finish, you’ll have a team that cares and keeps you informed.
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there’s nothing to pay upfront. CICA doesn’t pay legal costs, so if your claim succeeds, our fee comes out of your award. We’ll explain exactly how much before you sign anything.
A confidential chat with our specialist team. We explain your options and answer any questions.
We gather police information, medical evidence and supporting documents, then submit your claim.
CICA may ask for more details. We respond on your behalf to keep your claim moving.
When CICA provide their offer, we review it with you and help you accept or challenge it.
If the award is too low or your claim is rejected, we guide you through the review and tribunal stages.
Once compensation is paid, we help you plan next steps and protect your award if needed.
A CICA claim is often the safest route when the offender can’t be identified, has no assets, or cannot be held directly responsible in a civil claim.
Civil claims can sometimes lead to higher compensation because they are brought directly against the person or organisation responsible. Both routes have strengths and limitations, and we help you understand which is best for your situation.
The usual time limit is two years from the date you reported the crime to the police. However, CICA may allow late claims in exceptional circumstances, including if:
If you’re unsure about timing, please talk to us. Even if the incident happened years ago, you may still have options.
You’ve been through enough. Let us take the stress out of your claim. Contact CEL Solicitors today for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, support, and fight for the justice you deserve. No win, no fee. No stress. Just tell CEL.
Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.
You can claim compensation for a wide range of injuries caused by violent crime, including:
You may be able to reopen your claim if your condition worsens significantly. We’ll keep an eye on your case and advise on whether to ask CICA to look at it again.
If you were under 18 and the crime was reported to the police before your 18th birthday, you usually have until your 20th birthday to apply. If it was first reported after you turned 18, you usually have two years from that report. CICA can sometimes accept later claims in exceptional cases, so please talk to us.
Compensation is calculated using the official CICA tariff, which considers the type and severity of your injury, medical treatment, and any financial losses. Awards vary, but we can talk you through the tariff and give you an idea of what you might receive.
The time for CICA to process a claim varies. Many claims are decided within 6–12 months, but some can take longer, particularly if additional medical reports or evidence are needed. We stay involved at every stage to help speed things up and keep you informed.
No. You can apply to CICA yourself, and it’s free. Charities like Victim Support can also help. Some people prefer us to handle it, especially if the claim is complex or they’re still recovering. If you use us, our fee comes out of your award, as CICA doesn’t pay legal costs. We’ll explain exactly how much before you decide.
Yes. CICA supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. We handle sensitive claims with care, ensuring your privacy and wellbeing are always protected.
Yes. You do not need the offender to be identified, caught, or convicted to claim through CICA. The key is that you were the victim of a violent crime and reported it to the police.
Usually only if the animal was deliberately used as a weapon, for example if someone set their dog on you. CICA doesn’t normally cover other animal attacks. If that’s what happened to you, you may still be able to claim against the owner. Find out more about dog bite claims.
Yes. You can request a review of the decision, and if necessary, we can take your case to the First-tier Tribunal. We guide you through the process and handle all communications and representation.
Your claim will be handled by our personal injury team. The team is made up mainly of solicitors and trainee solicitors, supported by paralegals and legal secretaries.
We have extensive experience handling personal injury claims.
Nothing to pay upfront. If your claim succeeds, our fee comes out of your award.
Every claim is different, so we tailor our service to your needs.
We are committed to getting the best outcome for our clients.
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, don't wait. Contact CEL Solicitors to explore your personal injury options.
