A criminal injury is an injury cased by a crime or violence, for example an assault or a sexual offence. In some instances, a threat can be considered for an award but usually in very severe circumstances.
Please see our Compensation amounts
Physical and/or mental injuries are graded according to their severity. Relatively minor injuries such as scratches, cuts or bruises will not qualify for an award. However, if you have a combination of minor injuries which have caused you to have visited the doctor on more than two occasions, received treatment and you injury has lasted for more than 6 weeks – you may be entitled to claim for compensation.
If you have received more than one injury as a result of a crime or violence, you will be compensated for the three that are the most severe or a reduced percentage basis.
Your application will only be considered if it is received within 2 years of the incident. The reason why your application should be left no later is so that there is a reasonable period of time to make an application. Anything after 2 years becomes more difficult to locate any documentary evidence that is needed to support your claim. There are some exemptions to the rule if the circumstances of your injury meant that we could not reasonably have expected you to apply within the two-year time limit; and it is still possible to investigate your claim.
- You were unable to act for yourself at the time of the incident
- You were under 18 at the time of the incident (you must apply for compensation as soon as possible after reaching the age of18)
- In cases of sexual or physical abuse in your childhood, this rule can be relaxed in some circumstances.
If the incident has not been reported to the police, it is more likely that your application for compensation will be rejected.
If you do not inform the police straight away, it will make it difficult for the police to find the attacker. The more evidence that is documented, the more likely your application is to be accepted.
Yes. Even if the Police decided not to prosecute, the will have no bearing on your case, providing the facts are clear and you have cooperated fully with the investigation and it is not found that you contributed to the attack taking place in any way.
You can not claim if you have not seeked any medical treatment or attention from your GP, the local hospital or the ambulance service.
You may be eligible for compensation for loss of earnings if you are signed off work for 82 weeks or more.
No. All investigations are solely from your medical records.
That is entirely your choice. Our door is always open. Our solicitors are always happy to help and support you throughout the claims process. You can make an appointment to see us; alternatively, we could visit you at home or work, which ever is convenient to you. If you prefer, we can handle your personal injury claim by phone, mail or via email so that you don’t need to make an unnecessary trip out if you don’t wish too.
Of course. We have found over the years, that the majority of clients prefer to speak to a female solicitor. The choice is yours, we have grown our criminal injury department to ensure that all of our clients have the choice in who they speak too. Our commitment is putting our clients first and we understand it can be quite traumatic discussing the incident, therefore you can choose who you would prefer to speak to in the strictest of confidence.
No. The CICA do not pay legal fees. If your claim is successful, we will deduct our fees from your compensation. If you claim is not successful, we will not charge you any legal fees.