The CICA Claims Process can be a daunting thought for those not familiar with it but here at 33Legal we are Criminal Injuries Compensation Specialists, able to guide our clients through every stage of the process of getting victims of violent crime, the compensation they deserve.
People who have been the victim of violent crime such as robbery, assault, sexual assault and rape are entitled to apply for compensation from a government scheme called The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (C.I.C.A).
Being a victim of crime and its after effects can be life changing and the process of getting compensation may seem daunting, particularly the worry about revisiting the trauma and mental injuries that last long after any physical injuries may have healed.
33Legal solicitors are trained to be highly sensitive to our clients needs during these proceedings and to keep any trauma of these memories to an absolute minimum.
For those who may be unaware of the CICA Claims Process or have just learned of it but are uncertain of the details, we have put together a short list of the most common steps in processing your CICA Claim.
There are several stages to the CICA Claims Process. Most will follow this route:-
- Contact 33Legal on 0161 711 1299 or complete the online contact form;
- We will speak to you about the incident/abuse and give you our opinion as to the strength of your claim.
- If we believe that the claim has good prospects of success we will offer you a No Win, No Fee Agreement. You sign the contract with us and we submit your Application to the CICA.
- The CICA will then investigate the claim. They will contact any relevant parties but these will nearly always include:-
- The Police – who will confirm the incident as reported to them and the outcome of any criminal investigation.
- Your GP – to obtain your Medical Records to detail your injuries, diagnosis and prognosis
- The Hospital to advise the CICA of any treatment received
- The Criminal Records Office who will advise the CICA of any criminal convictions you may have or pending prosecutions
- Any other medical experts such as psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional who may be able to assist the CICA with a diagnosis of your condition and prognosis
- Depending of the response from all these agencies the CICA may request further information which we will then provide to them. We will liaise with you at every stage.
- We will contact the CICA on your behalf each month for an update if we have not heard from the CICA in that period of time.
- On average a case takes approximately one year to reach a decision but this is very much dependent upon the amount of work which is undertaken and how complex the case. The CICA will either reject the Application or make an offer of an award.
- We will advise you of the value of your case and whether the award should be accepted or rejected.
- If the Application is refused we will discuss with you the prospects of an Application for a Review and thereafter a further Appeal.
- If an award is accepted this firms No Win No Fee costs are then deducted in the sum of 25% plus VAT and the remaining 70% of the award is transferred into your Bank Account.
