Your claim, explained
Do I need a solicitor to apply to CICA?
You can apply directly to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority without paying an application fee. Paid representation is optional. If you want advice, explain the incident, police reporting, injury and any decision already received before agreeing charges.
Check the scheme route and decision stage first
Details that help an individual assessment
Criminal injury compensation is a statutory scheme rather than an ordinary negligence claim against an insurer. Begin with the crime reference, reporting date and application history. Do not assume a successful prosecution is required or that an offender’s conviction determines the award.
If you already have a decision, preserve the full letter and date received. A review or appeal is a different stage from an initial application and may have its own deadline. Explain any parallel civil proceedings or other payments so advice can address the interaction between routes.
Before you contact us
Check the compensation route and the information already reported
An injury following a violent incident can raise questions different from an ordinary negligence claim. Tell us where and when it happened, whether it was reported to the police and whether an application or decision already exists. We can assess whether the enquiry falls within work the firm can accept.
Useful information to have to hand
- Keep the police reference and any correspondence from the compensation authority.
- Record medical treatment and the consequences of the injury.
- Provide the date of any decision letter or review request without waiting to gather every document.
A point worth checking early
Scheme applications can have their own deadlines and eligibility rules. Do not rely on general personal injury time limits when considering a criminal injury enquiry.
Request an individual assessment →Where someone is injured as the victim of a violent crime, the offender is often unable to pay compensation. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme exists for that reason, providing a statutory route to an award funded by the state rather than by the assailant.
The scheme has strict eligibility rules covering reporting to the police, cooperation with the investigation, previous convictions and time limits. We advise on eligibility, prepare applications and challenge decisions through review and appeal where appropriate.
When can you pursue compensation?
- You were the direct victim of a crime of violence in England, Wales or Scotland.
- The incident was reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
- You have cooperated with the police investigation and with the scheme.
- The application is generally made within two years of the incident, with limited discretion to extend.
Circumstances to discuss with a solicitor
- Physical assault, wounding and grievous bodily harm
- Sexual offences and historic abuse, where different reporting rules apply
- Injuries suffered while intervening to prevent a crime
- Domestic abuse resulting in physical or psychological injury
- Bereavement following a fatal criminal act
- Psychological injury caused by a violent crime
What Compensation Could I Claim?
- A tariff award for the injury, set out in the scheme's published tables
- Loss of earnings after the first 28 weeks, subject to the scheme's rules and caps
- Special expenses in qualifying cases, such as care, equipment or treatment
- Bereavement and dependency payments where a death has occurred
- Awards for psychological injury supported by clinical evidence
Recoverable compensation depends on the injury evidence, supported losses and applicable claim route.
Evidence That Helps
- The police crime reference number and investigation details
- Medical records evidencing the injuries sustained
- Evidence of loss of earnings for the relevant period
- Any court outcome, though a conviction is not essential
- Psychological or psychiatric evidence where relevant
How Long Could the Claim Take?
Scheme applications typically take many months, and longer where the police investigation or criminal proceedings are ongoing, because the authority may await the outcome. Reviews and appeals extend the process further.
Costs and funding for criminal injury claims
What to clarify before you instruct
Applying directly to CICA is free. If choosing legal help, obtain a separate written fee agreement and ask what deduction or charge would apply; do not assume civil claim funding rules apply.
Compare funding options and potential cost risksCriminal Injury Claims FAQs
Does the attacker need to be convicted?
No. A conviction helps, but the scheme can make an award where the evidence shows a crime of violence occurred and the eligibility rules are met.
Can previous convictions affect my award?
Yes. Unspent convictions can reduce or prevent an award under the scheme's rules, depending on the offence and sentence.
How does funding work for these applications?
The scheme's approach to costs differs from a civil claim, so funding is explained separately and in writing before any work begins.
Can I apply for a historic assault?
Time limits are strict, but discretion exists in some cases, particularly for offences reported later for understandable reasons.
Where can I start a direct CICA application?
Use the official GOV.UK criminal injury compensation service. Check the eligibility information and avoid assuming an advertised intermediary is the government application service.
Should I keep the police reference?
Yes. Record reporting and incident dates separately. Explain any delay accurately rather than assuming the authority will infer it from the reference.
What if I already received a refusal?
Provide the complete decision and receipt date immediately. Advice must address the actual reasons and applicable challenge deadline.
Can I ask for help with a review?
Yes. Identify the decision challenged, new evidence and deadline. A review enquiry should not be treated as an entirely new application without checking the scheme process.
Do CICA applications use ordinary injury valuations?
The scheme has its own rules and tariff. An ordinary civil damages estimate should not be assumed to predict a scheme award.
Should I disclose another compensation payment?
Yes. Other payments or proceedings may affect the assessment. Provide documents privately so the relevant interaction can be checked.
Can I apply without knowing the attacker's name?
Explain what is known and provide police information. The scheme requirements need checking; identifying an offender and proving eligibility are distinct questions.
What if psychological harm is the main injury?
State the diagnosis and treatment evidence available. Do not assume distress alone meets the scheme's qualifying injury requirements.
Are employment records relevant?
They may be needed where earnings are claimed. The scheme has specific rules, so an ordinary salary-loss calculation may not apply.
What should I do with requests from CICA?
Keep deadlines and copies of responses. If represented, notify your adviser promptly rather than assuming they received the same request.
Can someone assist with completing the form?
Practical help can be discussed, but confirm authority and accuracy. Read declarations before submission and retain a copy of the information provided.
What if the incident happened outside Great Britain?
Identify the country first. A different compensation scheme or route may apply; domestic eligibility should not be assumed.
Does using a solicitor guarantee a larger award?
No. Representation does not change the scheme's eligibility rules or guarantee an outcome. Consider the proposed work and charges before instructing.
Should I send unspent-conviction information?
Disclose relevant information privately to your adviser. The scheme rules can affect eligibility, and omitting material facts is not a safe approach.
Can a civil claim exist alongside a scheme enquiry?
Potentially, but the routes and payments must be considered together. Explain any existing representative or proceedings before starting another instruction.
What should I ask about representation costs?
Ask for the fee basis, any compensation deduction, scope of review or appeal work and charges if the application is unsuccessful.
Speak to our team
Explain the injury and any approaching deadline. We will confirm whether we can assess your enquiry.
Other personal injury claims
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