Being the victim of a violent crime is a traumatic experience, and it can be even more shocking when the perpetrator is someone you know. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) can offer support in these situations, but the process can seem daunting. At Enable Law we have a specialist team supporting the survivors of violent crime who have suffered complex injuries make claims under the CICA scheme.
Even though you can make a CICA claim even if your attacker is not identified in this article we are focusing on the steps of making a CICA claim after being attacked by an acquaintance or friend.
Understanding eligibility
The first step is to understand if you qualify for a CICA claim. To be eligible, you must:
- Be the blameless victim of a violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Have suffered a physical, psychological, or sexual injury as a result of the crime.
- Have reported the crime to the police and cooperated with their investigation (though a conviction is not necessary).
Reporting the crime and gathering evidence
If you haven’t already, report the attack to the police as soon as possible. This is crucial for your CICA claim. Keep copies of the police report and any other documents related to the incident, such as medical records documenting your injuries.
The emotional impact of a familiar attacker
The emotional impact of being attacked by someone you know can be complex. CICA recognises this and considers psychological trauma alongside physical injuries. There is a specific category within the tariff of injuries related to domestic violence. Seek medical attention for any emotional distress you’re experiencing and keep any relevant documentation.
Making your claim
Claims can be made online or by downloading a form from the CICA website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/criminal-injuries-compensation-authority. Even though this is something you can do directly yourself, in these cases where you or a loved one have suffered complex injuries or you have been unable to work as a result of your injuries it is advised to seek the help of a solicitor that can help you understand the extent of your injuries and the true cost of getting back on your feet following them. In serious cases, the difference between having legal representation or not can result in being awarded a significantly higher compensation as the right solicitor will be able to look at the holistic effect of your injuries.
Confidentiality
CICA understands the sensitivity of these situations and maintains strict confidentiality throughout the claims process. The person that injured you is not contacted during this process and they will not have to provide you with the compensation themselves.
Moving forward
Being attacked by someone you know is horrible. While CICA can’t erase the experience, it can offer financial compensation to help you recover. Remember, you are not alone. There are support services available to help you deal with the emotional trauma, and CICA is there to assist with the financial impact.
If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries and want to understand if you need help making your CICA claim our team led by Rachel Thain can advise you. All discussions are free of charge and completely confidential. If we can help you we will discuss the ways we can finance your claim but options include using your legal expenses insurance if you have it or representing you under a “No Win No Fee Agreement”. To contact the team call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form here: Contact Us | Enable Law
