• Ranked in Chambers & Legal 500 for Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence
  • Featured in the Times Top Law Firms 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 for Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence
  • In 2022 alone, we were successful in securing over £91 million in damages for our clients

Criminal Injury Claims (CICA)

Being targeted by a violent attack can be an incredibly traumatic experience. If you have been injured in a violent crime, the personal injury solicitors at Potter Rees Dolan are here to help you make a criminal injury claim, allowing you to secure the compensation you deserve and move on with your life.

Victims of criminal injury are able to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), even if the perpetrator hasn’t been caught. We can help you put together the strongest possible case for compensation, keeping you informed at every step of the process.

We understand how harrowing and distressing it can be having to have to relive a violent crime incident. Our criminal injury solicitors, based in Manchester, specialise in claims for serious criminal injuries and have considerable experience of handling matters of a very sensitive nature. As such, we are committed to helping you through each stage of making a criminal injury claim with the utmost compassion.

To speak to our solicitors in confidence about making a criminal injury claim, simply call us on 0800 027 2557, or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back at a convenient time.

Recent case wins include:

Man attacked with hammer by youths receives maximum CICA reward - £500,000.00

Severe head injury after man is attacked in his own home - £500,000.00

Man suffers stroke after being attacked when walking his dog - £500,000.00

How can we help?

At Potter Rees Dolan, we have extensive experience and knowledge of the CICA claims process, and will be there to advocate on your behalf every step of the way. We have helped countless victims of violent crime to gain the compensation they deserve, and our expertise can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful claim.

While your case is ongoing and eligibility has been determined in your favour, we can request interim awards from the CICA, which can be used to fund support and therapy to assist your recovery and help you get your life back on track. This might include counselling, specialist physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

What is the CICA?

The CICA is an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. Its aim is to provide compensation to blameless victims of violent crimes in England, Scotland and Wales that led to physical or mental injuries.

The organisation currently handles up to 40,000 applications for compensation each year, paying out up to £200 million to CICA compensation claimants. Since this pot of public money is limited, the CICA is sometimes cautious in making awards, which is why it is best to seek legal representation to ensure the strongest possible evidence is presented on your behalf.

How do I make a CICA claim?

If you have been the victim of a criminal attack, you could be eligible to make a CICA claim. In order to be eligible, your case must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be an innocent victim of a violent crime, and suffer injuries as a result
  • You must have reported the crime to the police within 48 hours of the assault. If the severity of your injuries delayed your report, you must provide adequate evidence of the delay to the CICA
  • A claim for compensation must be submitted to the CICA within two years of the crime taking place

The next steps

Once you have completed your CICA claim form and submitted the relevant evidence, the CICA will review your case to see if you are eligible for compensation. Factors taken into account include:

  • Your conduct prior and during the assault, including any previous criminal convictions you may have
  • Evidence to support your claim including police and hospital records

After your criminal injury claim has been reviewed, the CICA will let you know if your case was successful. If it declines your application, it is best to seek legal advice whether is merit to pursuing a subsequent review or appeal.

Victim Support

If you are the victim or witness of a crime and want to speak to somebody about your experiences, Victim Support, an independent charity, offers its help to 1.5 million people every year to offer its help.

You can contact them anonymously and confidentially on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit www.victimsupport.org.

Related Case Studies

View all Case Studies

Contact us today

In order to give you the best possible chance of making a successful criminal injury claim, you should seek the help and advice of our specialist personal injury solicitors who will help make a winning case. We’ve helped countless victims gain the compensation they deserve, now it’s your turn. Call us on 0800 027 2557 or fill out our online contact form.

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