A criminal injury claim is an application for compensation following an injury caused by a violent crime. Eligible claims are generally considered under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme administered by CICA.

A person who has suffered an eligible physical or mental injury as a result of a violent crime may be able to apply for compensation, subject to the requirements of the Scheme. Certain claims may also be available following the death of a close relative.

Yes. The crime generally needs to have been reported to the police before an application is made.

No. You generally do not need to wait for a police investigation or criminal proceedings to conclude before applying. CICA can consider an application based on the evidence available.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for eligible physical injuries, disabling mental injuries, and certain injuries resulting from sexual or physical abuse. The injury must meet the requirements of the Scheme.

Potentially. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme provides for certain injuries resulting from sexual assault and sexual abuse, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.

Potentially. A conviction of the offender is not generally required for a CICA award. The application is assessed based on the available evidence and the rules of the Scheme.

Potentially. You do not generally need to wait for a conviction before applying, and a conviction is not a requirement for an award. CICA considers applications using the evidence available.

In certain circumstances, compensation may be available for loss of earnings where the injury has resulted in no or limited capacity to work and the relevant requirements of the Scheme are met.

Certain special expenses may be recoverable depending on the circumstances and the requirements of the Scheme. These can include eligible costs arising directly from the criminal injury.

The amount depends on the nature and severity of the injury and the applicable tariff. Under the current Scheme, injury payments can range from £1,000 to £250,000, with a maximum total award of £500,000 where multiple forms of compensation apply.

In most cases, an application should be made as soon as reasonably practicable and normally within two years of the incident. There are exceptions in certain circumstances, including some claims involving childhood abuse or circumstances where an application could not reasonably have been made earlier.

It may still be possible in certain circumstances, but the time-limit rules are strict. The reasons for any delay and the evidence available will be important, so legal advice should be obtained as soon as possible.

Yes. Certain unspent convictions can result in compensation being refused or reduced under the Scheme. The effect depends on the conviction and sentence, so this should be considered carefully before making an application.

Evidence may include police information, medical records, hospital or GP records, photographs, witness information, evidence of financial losses, and other documents relevant to the incident and your injuries.

CICA may request additional evidence or information before making a decision. It is important to respond within any applicable timeframe and provide relevant supporting evidence.

There are procedures for asking CICA to review a decision and, where appropriate, pursuing a further appeal. The applicable procedure and time limits should be considered carefully.

The timeframe can vary depending on the circumstances, the complexity of the injuries, the evidence required, and whether further information or a review of the decision is necessary.

MYM Solicitors can assess your circumstances, explain the relevant CICA requirements, assist with your application, gather supporting evidence, deal with correspondence, consider issues affecting eligibility, and assist with reviews or appeals where appropriate.