When you have been injured because of a crime, it is not always possible to pursue a claim against the individual who caused your injury. In this scenario, a government-funded body known as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) will step in to provide compensation to victims of violent crimes.
We here at Calio fully understand the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Scheme and can provide the best possible support throughout the claim.
Some important points to note are as follows:
Timely application submission
One of the first vital points to note when dealing with CICA claims is the time limitation. The application must be submitted within 2 years of the date of the criminal act, which is normally the date the injury occurred.
Reporting of the crime
Additionally, it’s essential that the incident has been reported to the police. Without meeting these criteria, the CICA will reject the claim as it is a requirement of the Scheme that a police report be made.
Gathering required information
Before making a CICA application, we need to gather all necessary information from the client. We will arrange to take a statement from our client and obtain the relevant facts before starting the application.
Ensuring that all documentation is in place at the beginning will help us save time and avoid unnecessary delays.
Medical records and associated costs
Another important consideration in CICA claims is the potential cost of obtaining the client’s medical records. The CICA may request that we obtain a copy of these records, which could incur a cost of up to £50. The client is responsible for this fee, but if they are unable to cover it, we can contact the CICA to explain the client’s financial situation. In some cases, the CICA may be able to help or waive the fee.
Injury value and tariffs
The compensation awarded for injuries is based on a tariff system set out in The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
The tariffs are strict and limited in terms of which injuries qualify for compensation. In some instances, injuries may not qualify as severe in terms of the tariff system, which could affect the amount of compensation awarded.
Appeals and review applications
Once the CICA has decided and awarded compensation, we may find that the tariff level assigned to the client’s injury is not in line with our expectations. If we disagree with the CICA’s decision, we can submit an appeal on your behalf.
If we are not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal, we can escalate the matter further by appealing to the Criminal Injuries Compensation (First Tier) Tribunal. You have 90 days from the date of the review decision to file an appeal.
Navigating the CICA claims process requires careful attention to detail and timely action. By ensuring that the application is submitted on time, gathering all necessary information, understanding the associated costs, and knowing how to appeal decisions, we can effectively support our clients throughout the process.
If you are unsure whether you would qualify for a claim under the CICA Scheme, get in contact with Calio Claims, and we will be more than happy to advise.
If you have c claim you wish to discuss, please contact us on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.
