It is not always possible for the victim of a violent crime or abuse to obtain compensation from the perpetrator.

In such cases, M&K solicitors can help you make a clam against the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority), which is a government body set up to compensate victims of violent crime and abuse.

We represent victims who have suffered injury as a result of violent crime and abuse including but not limited to:

• The use of a vehicle as a weapon
• Sexual abuse
• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Domestic abuse
• Actual bodily harm
• Grievous bodily harm
• Attempted murder
• Acts of terrorism
• Human trafficking
• Threats of violence resulting in serious psychiatric harm
• Murder

The injuries of those we represent include but are not limited to:

• Brain injury
• Spinal injury
• Cuts and scars
• Burns and scars
• Broken bones
• Other bodily injuries
• Psychological injury
• Death, where we act on behalf of the families of those that, unfortunately, have died as a result of violent assault or abuse

Compensation for CICA claims is set at fixed levels, under a tariff system.

The level of compensation paid will depend on the type and severity of injury sustained as a result of the violent crime or abuse. 

Further, you can claim for three injuries arising from the same crime, although you will only receive 100% of the award for the most significant injury: thereafter for the second most serious injury you receive 30% and for the third you receive 15%.

You can also claim from the CICAsome of the loss of earnings arising as a result of acrime, where the period off work has been extensive. There are however strict restrictions on the amounts that will be paid and the period of loss of earnings which will be awarded.

Time Limits:

Under the CICA scheme the normal time limit for making a claim is two years from the date of the crime.

However, there are some exceptions to the two year rule, as follows:

• Children who are the victim of a violent crime (which was reported to the police while they were still a child) have until their 20^th birthday to submit a CICA claim
• Victims of historical child abuse have a period of two years from the date the abuse was reported to the police as an adult in which to submit a CICA claim;
• If a person who is a victim of a crime lacks mental capacity or has other good reason for the delay in making a claim, then an application can be made and may be allowed by the CICA under “Exceptional circumstances”

If, subsequent to an award being made by the CICA your injury has significantly got worse or changed, then you can request that the CICA medically reopen the claim. In such cases the times limit to do so is two years from the date of the original decision by the CICA.

Why should you chose M&K Solicitors to act on your behalf in your claim with the CICA?

• We have the experience and knowledge to ensure the best possible outcome to your claim
• Our highly skilled CICA solicitors ensure that their clients receive the highest possible levels of compensation for the injuries and loss of earnings suffered
• We develop very close relations with our clients and are there to help, advise and provide support. We understand how traumatic being the victim of a crime can be
• We are compassionate, and yet professional, at all times
• We provide a highly efficient and prompt service
• Mobile and office telephone numbers are provided for the fee earner representing you to ensure that you are able to make contact whenever you need to
• We are able to offer “damages based” agreements whereby you will pay nothing for our service if no compensation is awarded. If the claim is successful then you pay a percentage of the compensation/damages awarded by way of payment for the work which we have carried out on your behalf, and the costs of obtaining any medical reports which the CICA do not fund;

If you have been the victim of a violent crime or sexual assault, contact M&K Solicitors for a consultation today.