Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation For Tendon, Ligament or Cartilage Damage
Damage to tendons, ligaments, or cartilage in one or both arms can significantly disrupt your quality of life. These types of injuries often lead to lasting disability, reduced mobility, and chronic pain—particularly when they occur as the result of a violent crime. Tasks that were once second nature, such as lifting, writing, or typing, may suddenly become difficult or impossible.
If you’ve suffered such an injury due to an assault or another act of violence, you may be entitled to compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This scheme supports victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales, providing financial relief for physical and psychological injuries.
Understanding Tendon, Ligament or Cartilage Damage and Common Causes of Tendon, Ligament or Cartilage Damage in Violent Incidents
Injuries involving connective tissue—such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage—are often overlooked in terms of their long-term consequences, but they play a critical role in the structural integrity and mobility of the upper limbs. Tendons connect muscles to bones, ligaments provide joint stability by linking bones together, and cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, especially in joints like the elbow and shoulder. When these components are damaged due to trauma, the resulting pain, swelling, and mechanical dysfunction can be both immediate and prolonged.
Such damage can hinder everyday functions ranging from lifting groceries to performing occupational tasks like typing or manual labour. In severe cases, even basic movements such as extending the arm or rotating the wrist can trigger intense discomfort or instability. Left untreated—or even with treatment—connective tissue injuries may lead to chronic inflammation, joint deformities, or degenerative conditions like arthritis. The severity of impairment often correlates with the degree of tissue damage and whether multiple structures are involved, which is why CICA assesses these injuries using a detailed compensation tariff. Common causes of these injuries in violent crimes include:
- Being struck with a blunt object: Assaults involving weapons like bats, metal bars, or heavy tools can cause direct trauma to the arms, resulting in ligament tears, tendon ruptures, or cartilage degradation near major joints.
- Falls during an attack: A sudden fall caused by being pushed or attempting to flee can result in awkward landings that stretch or tear connective tissue, particularly in the shoulder or elbow.
- Forceful grabbing or twisting: During physical assaults, perpetrators often grab or restrain victims forcefully, leading to hyperextension or torsion injuries. These can result in rotator cuff damage, bicep tendon ruptures, or strained elbow ligaments.
- Chronic domestic violence: Repeated instances of low-impact trauma over time may cumulatively weaken tendons and ligaments, especially around load-bearing joints in the arms.
- Self-defense movements: Trying to block or parry an incoming blow often leads to injury in the arms or hands, especially if forcefully struck. This can overstretch tendons or misalign cartilage around the elbow or wrist.
Although some connective tissue injuries may heal with rest and conservative treatment, many cases require structured physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections, or even surgical repair. These interventions aim to restore movement and reduce pain, but in many instances, victims experience long-term limitations. Chronic discomfort, reduced strength, and loss of mobility are common, especially in cases classified as moderate to severe damage under CICA guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria to Make a CICA Claim for Tendon, Ligament or Cartilage Damage
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To be considered for compensation through the CICA scheme, you must meet a number of eligibility criteria. CICA is designed specifically for victims of violent crime, so your injury must be clearly linked to an act of intentional harm. Key eligibility requirements include:
- Location of the incident: The crime must have occurred in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Nature of the incident: It must be a deliberate, violent crime such as an assault, robbery, domestic abuse, or attempted murder.
- Police involvement: The incident must have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably possible.
- Claim time limits: You must submit your application within two years of the incident date. Exceptions apply in limited cases (e.g., abuse victims or mental health delays).
- Cooperation with authorities: You need to have fully cooperated with police investigations and any legal proceedings.
- Medical evidence: Your injury must be diagnosed by a medical professional, and there must be documentation outlining its severity and long-term impact.
- Criminal record: You must not have any unspent serious criminal convictions that would affect your eligibility.
Even if no one is charged or convicted, you can still claim as long as you meet the above criteria and provide strong supporting evidence.
How Much Compensation You Can Receive For Tendon, Ligament or Cartilage Damage?
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 provides fixed, tiered compensation awards based on multiple factors: the location and number of limbs affected, the severity of damage to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage, and whether the injury led to substantial recovery or resulted in long-term disability. This tariff-based structure ensures consistency across claims, but understanding which level applies to your case is essential for estimating the award.
Current CICA compensation tariffs for tendon, ligament, or cartilage injuries (arms):
- Minor damage:
- One arm, continuing significant disability – £1,000 (A1)
- Both arms, continuing significant disability – £2,400 (A4)
- Moderate damage:
- One arm, continuing significant disability – £2,400 (A4)
- Both arms, substantial recovery – £2,400 (A4)
- Both arms, continuing significant disability – £6,200 (A7)
- Severe damage:
- One arm, substantial recovery – £1,500 (A2)
- One arm, continuing significant disability – £3,500 (A5)
- Both arms, substantial recovery – £4,600 (A6)
- Both arms, continuing significant disability – £11,000 (A8)
These tariffs are based strictly on medical evidence showing the extent of your injury and its ongoing impact. It’s important to ensure that your medical records align with the appropriate tariff description, whether your condition involves persistent pain, reduced function, or irreversible joint instability.
In addition to the base award, you may be eligible to claim for the following special expenses and additional losses:
- Loss of earnings: If your injury prevented you from working for 28 weeks or more, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the income lost during that time. This includes wages, freelance earnings, or self-employment income and must be supported by payslips, P60s, or tax records.
- Private treatment costs: This includes any out-of-pocket expenses for treatments not readily available on the NHS such as physiotherapy, steroid injections, specialist consultations, or diagnostic scans that were medically recommended to aid your recovery.
- Mobility aids and equipment: You can claim for braces, slings, compression sleeves, ergonomic supports, or any rehabilitation tools or devices that assist in restoring function and independence during recovery.
- Home assistance: If your upper limb injury restricts your ability to perform tasks like dressing, washing, preparing meals, or general housework, the cost of a temporary carer or domestic help can be included.
- Travel costs: Reimbursement may be claimed for mileage, bus, train, or taxi fares related to attending medical appointments, physiotherapy sessions, or mental health support.
- Workplace adaptations or assistive technology: For those who need changes to their job environment or tools—such as voice recognition software, one-handed keyboards, or adapted machinery—these costs may be claimable when recommended by a medical or occupational specialist.
- Replacement of damaged clothing or personal effects: If your clothing or work equipment was damaged during the attack, the cost to repair or replace these items may also be considered under special expenses.
- Childcare and dependency support: If your injury has affected your ability to care for children or dependents and you required paid childcare or additional support, these costs may be recoverable.
All these additional costs must be supported with clear documentation such as receipts, invoices, or medical notes. Accurate and thorough evidence increases the likelihood of your special expenses being approved by CICA.
These additional expenses must be directly linked to the injury and supported by receipts or medical recommendations. Documenting these thoroughly can significantly increase the total value of your CICA claim.
Understanding Tendon, Ligament, or Cartilage Damage and Types of Injuries
Tendons, ligaments, and cartilage are essential components of the musculoskeletal system, particularly in the arms where flexibility, strength, and precision are vital for daily activities. Tendons connect muscles to bones, ligaments connect bones to other bones, and cartilage provides cushioning at joints. When damaged, any of these structures can lead to significant pain, limited mobility, and long-term complications.
Types of tendon, ligament, or cartilage injuries include:
- Tendon tears or ruptures: These occur when the connective tissue attaching muscle to bone is stretched beyond its capacity. In violent assaults, a forceful yank, punch, or fall can lead to torn biceps, triceps, or wrist extensors. This injury often results in significant pain, loss of range of motion, and may require surgery followed by months of rehabilitation.
- Ligament sprains or complete tears: Ligaments are highly susceptible to trauma from sudden twisting or blunt force. During an altercation, wrists and elbows may be forcibly bent or twisted, causing sprains or even full ligament ruptures. These injuries can lead to joint instability, swelling, and a prolonged loss of function.
- Cartilage damage or degeneration: Cartilage acts as a shock absorber in joints. It can be damaged during direct impacts, falls, or pressure from a weapon or blunt object. In some cases, the damage may not present immediate symptoms but can progress to joint locking, grinding, or stiffness, severely limiting joint function and requiring surgical intervention.
- Overuse injuries exacerbated by assault: If an individual had prior joint or tendon issues, a violent encounter can worsen the condition dramatically. Minor tears may become complete ruptures, and inflamed joints may become dysfunctional, leading to longer recovery times and more extensive treatment needs.
- Joint instability or dislocations: A forceful blow or awkward landing during an attack can dislocate a joint or overstretch ligaments. These injuries compromise joint alignment and may lead to recurring dislocations, limited range of motion, and long-term disability, especially without surgical repair or consistent therapy.
These injuries can occur individually or in combination and are commonly overlooked in the immediate aftermath of violent incidents. However, they may lead to long-term physical limitations, making it crucial to properly assess and document the injury as part of a CICA claim.
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Connective Tissue Damage
Damage to tendons, ligaments, or cartilage in the arms can result in long-term physical consequences that extend well beyond the initial injury. These soft tissue structures are essential for joint stability, mobility, and functional strength. When compromised, they can severely impair arm and hand performance, affecting everything from daily self-care routines to employment. Many victims of violent crime report lasting impairment, even after surgery or physical therapy, due to complications such as joint stiffness, scar tissue buildup, or recurrent inflammation.
Such damage often hinders people from returning to their previous line of work, particularly in physically demanding or manual jobs. Activities such as driving, lifting, carrying objects, typing, or using tools can become painful or impossible without assistance. As a result, some victims may be forced to change careers or seek extended time off work. Common long-term complications include:
- Chronic joint instability or weakness, which can make everyday movements unpredictable, painful, and increase the risk of falls or further injury. This can affect activities such as driving, dressing, or even holding household items.
- Persistent pain and inflammation during even low-impact activities, including routine chores like vacuuming, reaching overhead, or lifting light shopping bags. These symptoms can be aggravated by weather changes or repetitive motion.
- Reduced grip strength or manual dexterity, which can affect a person’s ability to write, type, use kitchen utensils, or engage in hobbies like sewing, painting, or DIY projects. This limitation often leads to a significant drop in quality of life.
- Frozen shoulder or locked elbow, where the joint becomes extremely stiff or immobile without ongoing treatment and stretching. This condition may require repeated physiotherapy sessions or even surgical intervention.
- Severely limited ability to lift, carry, or push objects—making it difficult to manage tasks like moving furniture, carrying groceries, or pushing a pram. This often necessitates help from others or adaptive tools to maintain independence.
Without proper long-term care, these complications can worsen, leading to secondary injuries or mental health challenges. Many victims require a combination of physiotherapy, pain management, ergonomic adaptations, and psychological support to adapt to their new limitations and reclaim a sense of normalcy.
Evidence You Need to Support Your CICA Claim
For a successful CICA claim, your injury and its connection to the crime must be well-documented. Incomplete or inconsistent records can weaken your application. Key evidence includes:
- Police report and crime reference number: Confirms that the incident was reported promptly and investigated.
- Medical diagnosis and hospital records: Including scan results, doctor’s notes, discharge summaries, and surgical reports.
- Specialist evaluations: Reports from physiotherapists, orthopaedic specialists, or occupational therapists detailing ongoing disability.
- Rehabilitation plans: Evidence of ongoing treatment such as physiotherapy, pain management, or occupational therapy.
- Personal statement: Describe how the injury happened, the impact on your life, and any challenges you continue to face.
- Psychological assessments: If you’re suffering from anxiety, PTSD, or depression due to the incident or injury.
The more comprehensive and organised your documentation, the greater your chance of securing fair compensation.
What Special Expenses Can You Claim?
In addition to the base compensation tariff, CICA allows for the reimbursement of certain additional costs linked directly to your injury. These are known as special expenses, and they must be supported with clear evidence and receipts. Eligible special expenses include:
- Loss of earnings: If you were unable to work for 28 weeks or more because of your injury.
- Medical expenses: Private physiotherapy, rehabilitation equipment, braces, or supports not covered by the NHS.
- Transport costs: Travel to and from hospitals, clinics, or specialist treatment centres.
- Home assistance: If you required help with cooking, cleaning, dressing, or personal care.
- Adaptive equipment: Ergonomic tools, voice-activated software, or custom-fitted furniture for work or home use.
- Workplace adaptations or assistive technology: For those who need changes to their job environment or tools—such as voice recognition software, one-handed keyboards, or adapted machinery—these costs may be claimable when recommended by a medical or occupational specialist.
- Replacement of damaged clothing or personal effects: If your clothing or work equipment was damaged during the attack, the cost to repair or replace these items may also be considered under special expenses.
- Childcare and dependency support: If your injury has affected your ability to care for children or dependents and you required paid childcare or additional support, these costs may be recoverable.
All claims for special expenses must be supported by receipts, invoices, or medical referrals.
Emotional and Psychological Impact of Arm Injuries
Injuries to the arms don’t just affect physical movement—they can also significantly impact your mental and emotional wellbeing. The sudden loss of independence, especially after experiencing a violent crime, can result in overwhelming stress, anxiety, and frustration. Everyday tasks that were once effortless may now feel insurmountable, and this drastic change often contributes to mental health decline. The emotional burden is often heightened by financial strain, job uncertainty, and social withdrawal. Psychological effects may include:
- Anxiety about your future: Concerns about whether you will ever regain full function, return to work, or maintain your standard of living can be constant and debilitating.
- Depression and loss of motivation: Chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term recovery timelines may lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness, especially if your lifestyle has drastically changed.
- Loss of identity and confidence: Particularly for individuals whose careers or roles relied on physical ability—such as carers, construction workers, or athletes—the inability to perform as before can result in a profound loss of self.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, or heightened fear responses linked to the violent event that caused the injury can affect sleep, concentration, and overall mental health.
If you’ve pursued mental health support, including counselling, therapy, or psychiatric treatment, it’s important to include this in your CICA application. Professional documentation—such as diagnostic letters, treatment summaries, or therapy progress notes—not only highlights the depth of your experience but can qualify you for additional compensation under the psychological injury tariff.
Recovery and Long-Term Rehabilitation
Depending on the severity of your injury, recovery can range from a few months of supervised therapy to several years of medical intervention and lifestyle adaptation. In mild cases, individuals may regain functionality with conservative treatment, but more severe damage—particularly involving multiple structures like tendons and ligaments—can lead to lifelong limitations, chronic pain, and even the inability to return to prior employment. These cases often require ongoing support from both physical and mental health professionals. Rehabilitation may include:
- Regular physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to rebuild strength, flexibility, and joint mobility over time. Sessions may be intensive during the early stages and taper to maintenance therapy.
- Occupational therapy to help patients re-learn motor skills, adapt to permanent restrictions, and use adaptive tools or techniques for everyday tasks such as writing, cooking, or using a computer.
- Pain management programs or medication plans developed in coordination with specialists to address nerve pain, inflammation, or post-operative discomfort, often using a combination of medications and holistic therapies.
- Surgical interventions to repair torn tissues, stabilise joints, or remove damaged cartilage. Multiple surgeries may be required if the injury is complex or complications arise during healing.
- Mental health support for dealing with the trauma of the violent incident, frustration with physical limitations, and emotional recovery. Counselling and therapy can be crucial in building resilience and preventing long-term psychological effects.
The extent and duration of rehabilitation should be carefully documented and submitted with your CICA claim. Including medical notes, appointment records, and referrals from healthcare professionals will help ensure all aspects of your recovery process are fully considered in your compensation evaluation.
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)
