The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has undergone a number of changes recently, predominantly to cut funding provided by the government. The CICA does still exist and still offers a means for victims of violent crime to be able to seek compensation even if they do not know their attacker, or if their attacker is unable to meet the compensation claims. One area where claiming from the CICA does differ to other personal injury claims is that there is a two year deadline for making these claims.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, or CICA for short, is a government run scheme designed to ensure that victims of violent crime are able to claim compensation for their injuries, for loss of earnings, and to assist in meeting other financial payments. It is possible, though usually not advised, for victims to complete the claims process themselves and there are no court fees associated with the scheme.

The scheme was established primarily to deal with violent crimes and the victims of these crimes. As well as assault and physical violence, it is possible for victims of abuse and those attacked while at work (in some cases) to be able to level their claim at the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. The victim must be blameless and as well as direct assaults, it is possible for victims of arson to also make a claim in this way.

Personal injury cases can vary greatly and changes to the personal injury claims process mean that some confusion has arisen over certain timeframes and deadlines. While most personal injury claimants are afforded a period of three years from the date of their injury or the date that they discover they have suffered an injury, victims claiming through the CICA only have a period of two years.

For victims of violent and serious crime, the CICA can prove invaluable in providing the financial support that they require. The compensation awarded is not only determined by the type and extent of injuries sustained but also by any loss of earnings and any medical or other expenses accrued. It is important that the victim claims within the two year period to ensure that they do not miss out on the money that they may be owed.

MAKING A CLAIM

Making a claim for your personal injuries with Stocks Legal is really easy. You can speak to an experienced personal injury solicitor today by calling 0800 988 9055 or you can use our online claim enquiry form by clicking here. There is no obligation and you have nothing to lose by speaking to us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Topper is the litigation manager at Stocks Legal Personal Injury Solicitors. Mike is highly experienced in all types of personal injury cases. He is highly focussed on client care and getting the maximum compensation that is available for his clients and their families. He rightly sees personal injury claims as a real must for the English legal System as without a proper compensation structure, many injury people can be left with no support or ongoing medical treatment.

If you have any questions arising from this article to can contact Mike by calling 0800 988 9055 or by sending him an email by clicking here.

CICA Criminal Injury Claims General PI News StockslegalAug 12th, 20130 comments