Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation For Fractured Wrist
A fractured wrist is one of the most functionally debilitating injuries a person can suffer, especially when caused by a violent crime such as an assault, robbery, or domestic abuse. The wrist plays a critical role in almost every daily activity—from lifting and holding to writing and driving—and even a minor fracture can temporarily or permanently impair these functions. For victims of violent crime, the experience of injury is not only physical but often deeply emotional and financially disruptive.
Fortunately, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) offers a way for victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales to seek financial compensation. If you have sustained a fractured wrist as a result of a criminal act, you may be entitled to a monetary award to reflect your suffering, medical expenses, and any lasting disability.
Understanding Fractured Wrist Injuries and Common Causes of Fractured Wrist Injuries
The wrist is a highly sophisticated joint consisting of eight small carpal bones connected to the distal ends of the radius and ulna. These components allow for fine-tuned movements like rotation, flexion, and extension, which are essential for performing countless day-to-day activities. A fractured wrist—especially one resulting from a violent crime—can significantly disrupt a person’s life. Not only is the injury often painful, but it also frequently leads to impaired hand function, temporary disability, and the need for intensive medical care. The most commonly fractured bone in the wrist is the distal radius, but any of the wrist bones can be affected depending on the nature and force of the trauma. Wrist fractures linked to violent criminal acts typically arise in scenarios such as:
- Blunt force trauma from an assault: When a person is struck with a weapon like a bat, metal pipe, or even a glass bottle, the force can easily fracture the delicate bones in the wrist.
- Falls during criminal attacks: Victims often fall while fleeing or being pushed by an attacker. Landing on an outstretched hand is one of the most common mechanisms for a distal radius fracture.
- Defensive injuries sustained during physical violence: People instinctively raise their arms to protect their face and head during an assault, exposing the wrist to direct blows.
- Domestic abuse incidents: Repeated trauma from intimate partner violence may lead to cumulative stress fractures or severe breaks, especially when the hand or wrist is used to deflect hits.
- Street crime or gang-related violence: Victims may suffer repeated blows or crushing trauma to the limbs, often resulting in complex or multiple wrist fractures.
The classification and severity of the wrist fracture play a crucial role in determining treatment and recovery duration:
- Non-displaced fractures: These involve a simple crack where the bone remains aligned. While less severe, they still require immobilisation and follow-up care.
- Displaced fractures: In these cases, the bone pieces shift out of place, often needing surgical realignment and internal fixation using pins or plates.
- Comminuted fractures: Caused by high-energy trauma, these fractures result in the bone shattering into three or more pieces and carry a higher risk of complications.
- Compound (open) fractures: When the broken bone pierces through the skin, it significantly increases infection risk and necessitates emergency surgical intervention.
Recovery from wrist fractures caused by violent crime is often lengthy and challenging. Victims may experience persistent symptoms such as stiffness, reduced grip strength, tingling due to nerve damage, and chronic pain that interferes with personal and professional life. These factors are all considered by the CICA when assessing eligibility and compensation amounts for your claim.
Eligibility Criteria to Make a CICA Claim for Fractured Wrist
To be eligible for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for a fractured wrist, your injury must have been the result of a violent criminal act. You don’t need to have witnessed the attacker’s arrest or a successful conviction—CICA’s criteria are based on your experience as a victim and the supporting documentation you provide.
This makes the claims process more accessible, even in situations where the assailant remains unidentified. That said, certain conditions must still be met to ensure your application is considered valid under the CICA scheme. Key eligibility requirements for submitting a fractured wrist claim include:
- The crime must have occurred within England, Scotland, or Wales. CICA only covers incidents that happen in these UK regions.
- The incident must be reported to the police without undue delay. Typically, this means within 48 hours, although late reporting may be accepted if a valid explanation is provided (such as fear, trauma, or medical incapacitation).
- Full cooperation with law enforcement is required. This includes providing statements, attending interviews, and complying with the investigation, even if charges are not pursued.
- Your application must be filed within two years of the date of the violent incident. Exceptions can apply in cases involving mental health conditions or if the victim was under 18 at the time of the crime.
- The injury must meet CICA’s minimum severity threshold. A fractured wrist usually qualifies if it results in prolonged recovery, treatment, or leaves lasting limitations.
- You must not have caused or contributed to the crime. Claims can be reduced or denied if you were engaged in illegal activity or provoked the attack.
- You must not have any unspent serious criminal convictions. These may disqualify you from receiving compensation altogether or reduce the amount awarded.
CICA bases its decisions primarily on the evidence provided—not the legal outcome of the case. To strengthen your application, include all relevant medical records, police reports, and personal impact statements that demonstrate the seriousness of your injury and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
How Much Compensation You Can Receive for Fractured Wrist?
Our cica claim calculator in the main menu will help you with estimating the potential compensation that may be paid in respect to your claim. However, be aware that figures do vary considerably depending upon the nature (severity) of the injury and the impact on your daily life, period of suffering and whether any mental harm has been caused.
CICA compensation is calculated using a structured tariff system that assigns fixed financial awards based on the type and severity of injury. When it comes to wrist fractures, the compensation amount largely depends on the extent of the injury, the level of functional impairment, the recovery timeline, and any long-term complications that affect your daily life or ability to work. Below are the typical CICA compensation levels for wrist fractures:
- £1,500 – This award applies when a fractured wrist results in a substantial recovery within a reasonable timeframe and no ongoing medical issues. It’s commonly given for non-displaced or hairline fractures that heal well with conservative treatment.
- £3,500 – For wrist fractures that lead to significant but non-permanent disability. This may include persistent pain, restricted movement, or difficulty performing daily tasks, even after recovery. Surgery or prolonged physiotherapy may be required in such cases.
- £6,200 – This amount is awarded for substantial recovery following fractures to both wrists. While long-term complications may be minimal, the injury must have significantly disrupted the victim’s function and required intensive treatment.
- £11,000 – This higher-tier compensation is granted when both wrists are fractured and the injury results in continuing significant disability. These cases typically involve complex or bilateral fractures, permanent stiffness, or loss of grip strength that affects long-term quality of life and work capability.
In some instances, these base amounts may be increased if additional factors are involved. For example, victims who also suffer from diagnosed psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or clinical depression may be eligible for supplementary compensation under CICA’s mental injury tariff. When multiple injuries or combined physical and emotional impacts are present, CICA uses a sliding scale to determine an appropriate total award, taking into account the most serious injury first and applying a percentage to secondary ones.
To maximise your compensation, ensure that your injury is thoroughly documented, and all complications—physical and emotional—are clearly outlined in your supporting evidence.
Additional Compensation You May Be Entitled To
CICA may also offer additional compensation beyond the basic injury award if your fractured wrist has had a wider impact on your life—physically, financially, or emotionally. These supplementary categories are designed to reflect the full scope of your suffering and the extra burdens that often follow a violent incident. Additional types of compensation available through CICA include:
- Mental health awards: If the trauma of the incident resulted in a diagnosed psychological condition—such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), clinical depression, or generalised anxiety disorder—you may be eligible for extra compensation. A formal diagnosis by a licensed psychiatrist or clinical psychologist is required.
- Loss of earnings: If your injury prevented you from working for 28 weeks or more, and you have the necessary documentation to prove your income loss (such as payslips, tax returns, or a statement from your employer), CICA may award a financial amount to reflect this hardship.
- Special expenses: These cover reasonable costs you’ve incurred as a direct result of your injury and recovery. Examples include:
- Medical aids and mobility equipment such as wrist braces, splints, or ergonomic tools
- Home modifications like grab bars, one-handed tools, or adaptive furniture to support daily independence
- Transport expenses related to hospital visits, rehabilitation appointments, or specialist care
- Professional caregiving or domestic support if you required help bathing, cooking, or managing your home during recovery
To support these types of claims, you’ll need to submit clear and detailed evidence—such as receipts, invoices, letters from healthcare professionals, or proof of medical necessity. CICA carefully reviews all documentation to determine whether the costs are justified and linked directly to the injury.
Understanding Fracture Wrist and Different Types of Fracture Wrist
The wrist is a highly intricate and vital joint, made up of eight small carpal bones and the lower ends of the radius and ulna. This complex structure allows for a wide range of motion, enabling tasks such as lifting, gripping, writing, and using tools. When the wrist is fractured—especially as a result of a violent crime such as an assault or mugging—the consequences can be far-reaching. In addition to the immediate pain and immobilisation, a wrist fracture can cause long-term instability, restricted movement, and loss of function that disrupts daily life and work.
In violent crime cases, victims often sustain wrist fractures while trying to protect themselves or escape. The angle and force of impact can cause different types of fractures, each with its own recovery challenges and potential complications. The severity and location of the break play a major role in determining treatment options and expected outcomes. CICA takes these variables into account when calculating a fair compensation award. The most commonly reported types of wrist fractures include:
- Distal radius fracture: This is the most prevalent wrist injury and usually occurs from falling on an outstretched hand during a physical attack. It often requires immobilisation, and in some cases, surgical fixation.
- Scaphoid fracture: A break in one of the smaller carpal bones, usually caused by blunt trauma. These fractures are tricky to diagnose and may not heal properly without intervention, leading to long-term stiffness or arthritis.
- Comminuted fracture: The wrist bone is shattered into multiple pieces, often due to high-energy trauma such as a blow from a weapon. This type of injury generally involves surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Compound (open) fracture: The broken bone pierces through the skin, posing a serious risk of infection and requiring emergency surgery. These injuries are more severe and typically result in higher compensation awards.
- Displaced fracture: In this case, the broken bone fragments are no longer aligned and must be repositioned through surgery or manipulation. These fractures may lead to longer healing times and residual pain.
Victims recovering from wrist fractures often face ongoing complications, such as reduced grip strength, nerve sensitivity, impaired range of motion, or early-onset osteoarthritis. These long-term effects are carefully reviewed by CICA when determining the appropriate compensation, particularly if the injury has had a sustained impact on your ability to work, care for yourself, or maintain your independence.
Required Evidence for a Successful Wrist Fracture Wrist Claim
For CICA to approve and properly assess your claim, you must present strong, clear, and credible documentation that links your wrist injury to a violent criminal act. This is a crucial aspect of the claims process, as compensation decisions are largely evidence-based. The more comprehensive and consistent your documentation, the higher your chances of a successful outcome. Essential supporting evidence should include the following:
- Police report and crime reference number: A copy of the official police record that confirms the event was reported, classified as a violent crime, and outlines your cooperation during the investigation.
- Full medical documentation: This includes records from A&E admissions, X-rays or scans, surgery notes, physiotherapy schedules, hospital discharge letters, and GP follow-ups. These records should demonstrate the diagnosis, treatment plan, and recovery progress.
- Orthopaedic or specialist assessments: Written evaluations from orthopaedic surgeons or trauma consultants can provide insight into the seriousness of the fracture and whether any long-term complications, such as reduced mobility or chronic pain, are expected.
- Personal impact statement: A detailed explanation in your own words about how the injury has affected your daily life. Be specific—mention how tasks like personal care, meal preparation, or returning to your profession have been impacted by the wrist fracture.
- Third-party statements: Letters from employers, family members, or caregivers can provide further context. These statements may describe how your independence, physical ability, or mental health have changed since the incident.
All submitted evidence should be recent, clearly legible, and dated. Ensure consistency across medical, police, and personal documentation—contradictions can delay the claims process or reduce your award. Organising your evidence in chronological order and highlighting key findings can make it easier for CICA to understand the full scope of your injury and how it has affected your life..
Claiming Financial Losses and Special Expenses For Fractured Wrist
Many victims of violent crime face not only the immediate physical and emotional hardship of a serious injury like a fractured wrist, but also the hidden burden of financial stress. These costs can quickly accumulate, especially if you require prolonged treatment or are unable to return to work for an extended period. Fortunately, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) offers a framework for claiming back these verifiable losses, provided they are supported by the right documentation. Some of the most commonly claimed financial losses under CICA include:
- Specialist wrist supports or medical devices: If you’ve been advised to use supports, braces, or splints that aren’t supplied by the NHS, you can claim the full cost, provided you have a referral or receipt.
- Private physiotherapy: Delays in accessing public rehabilitation services may require you to seek private therapy to restore wrist function more quickly. These costs can be reimbursed if deemed reasonable and necessary.
- Adaptive or ergonomic equipment: Items like speech-to-text software, left-handed tools, specially designed keyboards, or grip aids for home or office use may be covered if they help you cope with the functional impact of your injury.
- Professional assistance: If you’ve needed to hire domestic help, carers, or childcare during your recovery, CICA can reimburse these expenses when linked directly to your injury and supported by receipts or medical recommendations.
- Transport and travel costs: Journeys to medical appointments, therapy sessions, or specialist assessments may be claimable, including fuel or public transport expenses.
- Loss of income: If you’ve been unable to work for more than 28 consecutive weeks as a result of your fractured wrist, you may be eligible for loss of earnings. This must be backed by proof of employment, such as payslips or tax records, and confirmation from your GP or employer.
CICA requires that all claims for financial losses and special expenses be evidenced with clear, dated documentation—such as receipts, referrals, invoices, and professional letters. The authority will only reimburse costs that are deemed reasonable, injury-related, and not already covered by public services or insurance.
Psychological Effects of a Fractured Wrist from Violent Crime
The emotional impact of suffering a fractured wrist during a violent crime can be just as debilitating as the physical injury itself. For many victims, the inability to perform routine tasks, combined with the memory of a traumatic incident, can result in prolonged psychological distress. Losing independence, struggling with chronic pain, and facing financial insecurity often trigger or worsen mental health conditions that require professional care.
CICA acknowledges that emotional and psychological harm are legitimate consequences of criminal injury and provides compensation for mental health issues directly linked to the event. Psychological conditions that may be associated with wrist fractures include:
- Anxiety or panic attacks: These may arise from trauma related to the incident, fear of going outside, or apprehension about returning to the scene of the crime.
- Depression: The loss of function and independence, combined with pain and social isolation, can lead to persistent low mood and hopelessness.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims may suffer from flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance, especially if the attack was sudden or violent.
- Sleep disruption: Ongoing pain and psychological stress can interfere with rest, causing insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns.
If diagnosed with any of these conditions by a registered psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, you may be eligible for a separate mental injury award under the CICA tariff. Compensation can range significantly depending on the severity, diagnosis, and duration of symptoms. To strengthen your claim, include supporting documents such as mental health assessments, therapy progress notes, or letters from treating professionals detailing how your emotional health has been affected.
Long-Term Medical Care and Rehabilitation Needs
Wrist fractures, particularly those caused by high-impact trauma or those that are not treated effectively, can result in serious long-term complications. Even after the initial healing process is complete, victims may continue to experience chronic discomfort, restricted range of motion, or difficulty performing tasks that require fine motor skills. In some cases, damage to surrounding nerves or tendons may result in permanent weakness, tingling, or sensitivity in the hand and fingers. These conditions can significantly impair your ability to work, perform household duties, or engage in recreational activities.
For these reasons, CICA evaluates not only the immediate injury but also any lasting medical or functional consequences when determining compensation.
CICA may consider the following long-term medical and lifestyle needs when reviewing your fractured wrist claim:
- Ongoing physiotherapy or surgical follow-up care: To restore as much strength and mobility as possible and manage complications such as stiffness or scar tissue.
- Chronic pain management: Including specialist pain clinics, prescribed medication, or therapy for nerve-related pain.
- Ergonomic and assistive equipment: Devices like wrist supports, adapted tools, or assistive technology for use at home or work.
- Vocational rehabilitation or career retraining: If the injury prevents a return to your previous occupation, CICA may account for the cost and impact of transitioning to a different role.
To support these considerations, ensure your application includes updated medical evaluations, occupational therapy assessments, and any relevant evidence of long-term difficulties. A detailed, well-documented claim can help you secure a higher award that truly reflects the ongoing impact of your injury.
Additional Losses You Can Claim
Loss of Earnings – If your injury caused you to be unable to work for more than 28 weeks, you may be eligible for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for lost earnings. To qualify, you must be able to demonstrate that you had a consistent and regular income before the injury. This could include proof of full-time employment, self-employment, or any other verifiable source of income. CICA will consider your pre-injury income levels to calculate the compensation. This can be especially crucial if the injury significantly impacted your financial stability and your ability to support yourself or your family.
Psychological Trauma – If your injury led to psychological trauma such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, you may be entitled to additional compensation. These mental health conditions can have a long-term impact on your well-being, and CICA recognises the importance of supporting victims of crime with emotional and psychological support. To qualify for compensation for psychological trauma, you will need to provide medical evidence of the diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional. The severity of your condition and the impact on your daily life will be taken into account when determining the amount of compensation.
Special Expenses – If your injury results in additional needs, such as mobility aids or home adaptations, CICA may compensate you for these “special expenses.” However, there is an important criterion: you must have been unable to work for at least 28 weeks as a result of your injury. This compensation is meant to help cover the costs of any special equipment or alterations to your living space that are necessary for you to maintain a reasonable quality of life after the injury. This can include items like wheelchairs, prosthetics, home modifications (such as ramps or stairlifts), or any other equipment that helps you with mobility or daily activities. The claim must be substantiated by proof of these expenses and how they relate to your injury.
- Report the Crime Immediately – Delays in reporting the crime can weaken your claim, so notify the police as soon as possible. If there is a valid reason for a delay, such as being medically incapacitated or facing threats from the perpetrator, you must provide evidence to support your explanation.
- Provide Strong Medical Evidence – Ensure all medical reports, X-rays, and surgical records clearly detail your injury, the severity of the fracture, and its long-term effects. A medical professional’s prognosis regarding mobility limitations, future treatments, and rehabilitation needs can strengthen your claim.
- Keep Financial Records and Document Expenses – If you have lost earnings or incurred medical expenses due to your injury, retain all relevant documentation. You may be able to claim special expenses for:
- Loss of income due to inability to work;
- Mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs;
- Home modifications (e.g., stairlifts or handrails);
- Ongoing physiotherapy or rehabilitation costs;
- Travel costs for medical appointments;
- Costs of personal care if you need assistance with daily activities.
- Be Consistent with Your Statements – Ensure your statements to the police, medical professionals, and CICA are aligned. Discrepancies in accounts of how the injury occurred or differences in timelines may raise questions that could delay or reduce your compensation.
- Seek Legal Assistance If Necessary – If your case is complex, involves long-term disability, or was initially rejected, consulting a solicitor who specialises in CICA claims may help strengthen your application. Legal professionals can assist in gathering additional evidence, drafting appeals, and negotiating a fair settlement.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Basic Eligibility Requirements:
You need to meet some basic requirements before you can claim compensation from CICA
- Time Limit: There is a two-year time limit for making a CICA claim for compensation under the scheme, although exceptions may be made in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent or where the victim was a child at the time of the crime. Exceptions may be made for historic sexual abuse cases else you should have a good reason for delay in making a claim.
- Connection Between Injury & Crime: The injuries you are claiming for must have been sustained as a direct result of a crime of violence and you are a blameless victim.
- Reporting the Crime: The crime must have been reported to the police as soon as is reasonably practicable and you do not drop the charges. The victim must have cooperated with the police investigation and prosecution. CICA does not consider whether an assailant is prosecuted or not.
- Residency: To be eligible for compensation under the CICA scheme, the incident must have happened in England, Scotland or Wales and victim must have been resident in the UK at the time of the crime.
- Behaviour of The Victim: The victim’s behaviour must not have contributed to the injury. In certain circumstances, compensation may still be payable even if the victim’s behaviour contributed to the injury, but this will be assessed by CICA on a case-by-case basis.
- Criminal Convictions: In some cases, compensation may be reduced or refused if the victim has an unspent criminal record.
- Injuries Before 1979 (the “same roof” rule): Until 2019, victims injured before 1 October 1979 by an attacker they lived with could not claim. That restriction was abolished in June 2019, so if you were previously refused compensation for this reason you may now be able to apply.
If you are considering making a compensation claim for your injuries, it’s always best to consult with a solicitor or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) to check your eligibility to make a claim. You can call us or request a free callback for a free initial consultation. We take all CICA cases on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you don’t need to pay us anything if we can’t secure any compensation.
What is Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in the UK is a government-run program that provides financial compensation to individuals who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of violent crime. The compensation is paid to those who have suffered injury and can demonstrate that the injury was sustained as a direct result of a crime of violence.
To be eligible for compensation, the crime must have been reported to the police and the victim must have cooperated with the police investigation and prosecution. The amount of compensation awarded is based on a tariff system and can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the severity of the injury and other factors.
The purpose of this scheme is to provide financial support to victims of violent crime who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of the crime. The compensation is intended to help cover the cost of medical expenses (which are not covered by NHS or recoverable from any other source), lost income, and other expenses related to the injury.
What Payments Are Available From The Scheme?
CICA will consider claims for the following injuries, medical conditions and special expenses:
- mental or physical injury following a crime of violence;
- sexual or physical abuse;
- loss of earnings – where you have no or limited capacity to work as the direct result of a criminal injury;
- special expenses payments – these cover certain costs you may have incurred as a direct result of an incident. You can only ask us to consider special expenses if your injuries mean you have been unable to work or have been incapacitated to a similar extent for more than 28 weeks;
- a fatality caused by a crime of violence including bereavement payments, payments for loss of parental services and financial dependency; and funeral payments.
To qualify for an award, an injury must be described in the tariff of injuries at Annex E of the CICA Scheme. Not all claims for compensation will be successful; you must be eligible under the rules of the Scheme.
What Information Do I Need To Make A Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim?
To make a claim for compensation claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), you will need to provide certain information and documentation to support your criminal injury claim. Some of the information and documentation as minimum you will need include:
Details of The Crime & Injuries: You will need to provide a detailed account of the crime that resulted in your injury, including the date, time, location of the incident and injury details.
Crime Reference Number: You will need to provide the crime reference number issued by the police.
Police Station, Police Officer Name & Collar Number: You will need to provide the name of the police station, police officer name and collar number who dealt with the crime.
GP & Hospital Details and Medical records: You will need to provide GP & hospital details, consent to ask your medical records to see the nature and extent of your injuries, including any diagnoses and treatment received and submit it to CICA.
Other Supporting Evidence: You may also need to provide additional supporting evidence, such as witness statements or photographs, specialist medical reports, etc. to support your claim.
How is The Compensation Amount Determined?
The compensation amount is determined based on a tariff system that takes into account the specific nature and impact of the injury. We can assist with negotiating the compensation amount and ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available under the scheme. We can also check your eligibility to make a CICA claim and also advise you the approximate award amount you might receive from CICA.
Can I File a CICA Claim & Receive Compensation if The Offender is Not Convicted?
Yes, you can still file a CICA claim and compensation may still be payable even if the offender is not convicted. Remember you have two years to make a compensation claim under the CICA scheme, although exceptions may be made in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent or where the victim was a child at the time of the crime. Exceptions may be made for historic sexual abuse cases else you should have a good reason for delay in making a claim.
Can I Receive Compensation if I Was Injured Outside the UK?
To be eligible for compensation through the CICA, the crime must have occurred in England, Scotland, or Wales. If you were injured outside of the UK, you may still be eligible for compensation through other schemes or compensation programs but not from CICA.
Which Injuries Can Not Be Claimed From CICA?
CICA has specific eligibility criteria for claims, and certain types of injuries or circumstances may not be eligible for compensation. Here are some common examples of injuries or circumstances that may not be eligible for compensation through the CICA:
Self-inflicted Injuries: Compensation cannot be awarded for injuries that were self-inflicted or caused by the victim’s own actions.
Criminal Activity: Compensation cannot be awarded for injuries sustained as a result of criminal activity in which the victim was participating, such as a fight or brawl.
Minor Injuries: Minor physical injuries which can be healed itself such as scratches, bruises, black eye, soft tissue injuries, broken nose, broken ribs, bruising or a black eye are not claimable. You can claim for scarring from the CICA scheme.
Animal Attack / Dog Bite: You can’t claim for any animal attack or dog bites unless the animal was used as a weapon and ordered to attack purely to cause the harm or injuries.
Theft or Burglary: Damaged or lost/stolen properties such as house, car, phone, or any other device cannot be claimed from CICA scheme. You can claim for physical or mental injuries sustained as a result of theft, burglary and attack.
PTSD Not Diagnosed by Psychologist or Psychiatrist: PTSD, Anxiety and depression needs to be diagnosed by a clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist in order to make a claim. CICA won’t accept any diagnosis by GP or any other medical professional.
When CICA Can Reject Your Claim?
The most common reasons for a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim to be rejected are:
Time Limit: Claims must be made within two years of the date of the incident or the date when it is reported to the police. Where claimant is a minor they have until their 20th birthday to make a CICA claim. Claims made outside this time limit may be rejected, unless you have exceptional circumstances for the delay in submitting your claim.
Failure to Cooperate With the Police: Compensation claim may be rejected if the victim failed to provide statement, cooperate with the police during the investigation or dropped charges.
Unspent Conviction: If the claimant has an unspent conviction at the time of applying or before an award offer, their claim may be reduced or rejected. If you are unsure that your drink and drive or any other conviction is spent or unspent then give us a call.
Minor Injuries: If the injuries you sustained during the incident are minor and not included within the ‘CICA Scheme Tariff” then your claim may be rejected by CICA.
Psychological Injury Without Diagnosis: CICA may reject any claim compensation for mental injuries that are not diagnosed by a clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist.
Lack of Supporting Evidence: If the requested medical evidence or other supporting evidence are not provided or not enough to demonstrate that you sustain an injury as a direct result of violent crime, then your claim may be rejected.
How We Can Help With CICA Claim?
- Providing Advice on Eligibility: We can help determine if you are eligible for compensation through the CICA scheme, based on the specific circumstances of your case and the other requirements of the scheme. We can help you recover compensation from £1,000 to £500,000.
- Gathering & Presenting Evidence: We can help gather and present evidence to support your claim, including medical records, injury form, GP report and other forms & relevant documentation. We will fight to recover the compensation that you deserve & deal with matters on your behalf.
- Completing the Application Form: We will complete the application form for CICA compensation on your behalf to ensure that it is completed correctly and submitted in a timely manner. We will handle everything on priority basis and keep it confidential.
- Negotiating the Compensation Amount: We will negotiate with the CICA on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available under the scheme. We will also advise you that the compensation award offered is appropriate or not.
- No Win, No Fee: We will proceed with you claim on a No Win, No Fee basis. You don’t need to pay us anything if we can’t secure any compensation for you from CICA.
It’s important to note that while a solicitor is not required to make a claim for compensation through the CICA, many victims find it helpful to have legal representation to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the maximum amount of compensation available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
