When you suffer a criminal injury, there are options available to you to claim compensation. In the UK, the CriminalInjuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is responsible for administering theCriminal Injury Compensation Scheme. This scheme provides compensation to victims of crime who have been physically or psychologically injured as a result of a violent crime. In this article, we’ll look at the basics of making a criminal injury compensation claim and what you need to do to get started.
Introduction to Criminal Injury Compensation
Criminal injury compensation is a statutory scheme that provides financial compensation to victims of crime. The scheme provides compensation for physical and psychological injuries suffered as a result of violent crime. It can also provide payments for loss of earnings and other financial losses. The scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and is funded by the government.
The CICA was established in 1996 as a non-departmental public body to administer the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme. The scheme is intended to provide some financial assistance to victims of crime who have suffered physical and psychological injuries as a result of the crime. It is important to note that the criminal injury compensation is not intended to replace the criminal justice system or punish the offender.
What is a ‘Criminal Injury’?
A criminal injury is defined as an injury suffered as a result of a violent criminal act. It can include physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, and broken bones, as well as psychological injuries such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The injury must have been caused by the criminal act of another person, and not by an act of self-defense.
The injury must have been reported to the police and a crime reference number must be obtained. The injury must have been sustained within the last two years and medical evidence must be provided to support the claim.
Eligibility Criteria for Criminal Injury Compensation
In order to be eligible for criminal injury compensation, the victim must have suffered physical or psychological injury as a result of a violent crime. Victims must have reported the crime to the police and obtained a crime reference number. They must also be able to provide medical evidence to support their claim.
In addition, the victim must be legally resident in the UK, Ireland, or an EU member state, or be a British citizen living abroad. They must also have reported the crime to the police within three months of the offense taking place.
How to Make a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim
The first step in making a criminal injury compensation claim is to collect the necessary evidence. This includes providing a crime reference number, medical evidence, and any other supporting documentation. The claim must be made within two years of the criminal act taking place.
Once the evidence has been gathered, the victim should contact the CICA to make a claim. The CICA will then assess the claim and decide whether or not the victim is eligible for compensation.
The CICA will then contact the victim and inform them whether their claim has been successful or not. If the claim is successful, the CICA will provide an award of compensation.
What Can You Claim for?
Victims of crime can claim for physical and psychological injuries suffered as a result of a criminal act. Victims can also claim for any financial losses they have suffered as a result of the crime, such as loss of earnings.
It is important to note that the amount of compensation awarded will depend on the severity of the injury and the amount of financial losses suffered. The CICA will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and determine the amount of compensation to be awarded.
Time Limits for Making a Criminal Injury Compensation Claim
The time limit for making a claim for criminal injury compensation is two years from the date of the criminal act. If the claim is made after the two-year time limit, the CICA may decide not to consider the claim for compensation.
It is important to note that any financial losses must have been sustained within the two-year time limit in order to be eligible for compensation. If the financial losses were sustained before or after the two-year time limit, they will not be taken into account when calculating the amount of compensation to be awarded.
How is the Amount of Compensation Calculated?
The amount of criminal injury compensation awarded will depend upon the severity of the injury and the amount of financial losses suffered. The CICA will take into account the effect of the injury on the victim’s daily life and the victim’s financial losses.
The CICA will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and determine the amount of compensation to be awarded. The amount of compensation awarded will depend upon the severity of the injury and the amount of financial losses suffered.
How Long Does it Take to Receive Compensation?
Once the claim has been approved, the CICA will issue a cheque or bank transfer to the claimant. The CICA aims to process all claims within 12 weeks of receipt of the application.
It is important to note that the CICA may take longer to process claims if additional information or evidence is required. If the claim is complex, the CICA may also take longer than 12 weeks to process the application.
Appeals and Review Process
If the victim is unhappy with the decision made by the CICA, they can appeal the decision. The appeal must be made within three months of the decision being made. The victim can also request a review of the decision if they believe the CICA has made a mistake.
The appeal or review process can take up to six months to complete. If the appeal or review is successful, the CICA may decide to award additional compensation.
Victims of crime in the UK are entitled to claim criminal injury compensation from the CICA. The scheme provides financial compensation for physical and psychological injuries suffered as a result of a violent crime. In order to be eligible for compensation, the victim must have reported the crime to the police and obtained a crime reference number.
The CICA will assess each claim on a case-by-case basis and determine the amount of compensation to be awarded. The time limit for making a claim is two years from the date of the criminal act. If the victim is unhappy with the decision made by the CICA, they can appeal or request a review of the decision.
If you have suffered a criminal injury and are considering making a claim for criminal injury compensation, it is important to seek legal advice. A lawyer will be able to provide advice on the best course of action and assist you throughout the process.
The criminal injury compensation scheme provides some financial assistance to victims of crime who have suffered physical and psychological injuries as a result of the crime. If you have been a victim of crime, it is important to understand your rights and to seek legal advice if you are considering making a claim for criminal injury compensation
