Being the victim of a violent crime can have a lasting impact on your physical health, emotional wellbeing and everyday life. In some circumstances, victims may be able to seek compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The CICA scheme is designed to provide compensation to eligible victims who have suffered physical or psychological injury as a result of a violent crime.
What types of injuries can be covered?
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may relate to injuries resulting from:
- Physical assault
- Knife or weapon attacks
- ABH or GBH
- Sexual assault or rape
- Sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
The circumstances of every case are different, and eligibility depends on the requirements of the CICA scheme.
Do I need to know who committed the crime?
A person may potentially be eligible for CICA compensation even where the offender has not been identified or convicted. However, the incident will generally need to have been reported to the police and the claimant must meet the relevant requirements of the scheme.
How can a solicitor help?
The CICA application process can be unfamiliar, particularly when you are already dealing with the consequences of an incident. A solicitor can help you understand the process, consider the evidence available and advise you about your options.
At Goldman Knightley Solicitors, we understand the sensitive nature of criminal injury matters and provide professional advice tailored to your circumstances.
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a criminal act, contact our team to discuss your circumstances.