Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation For Loss of Finger
Losing a finger because of a violent crime is a serious and often underestimated injury. While fingers are small, they play a crucial role in virtually every aspect of daily life—from gripping, typing, and writing to preparing meals, driving, and working. Whether the injury affects your dominant or non-dominant hand, the loss can have far-reaching effects on your independence, career, and wellbeing.
For victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) offers financial support to help with the aftermath of serious injuries, including loss or permanent damage to fingers. Whether your injury resulted from a stabbing, an assault with a blunt object, or domestic violence, you may be entitled to compensation that reflects the physical and emotional toll of your experience.
Understanding Loss of Finger and Common Causes of Loss of Finger
Finger injuries caused by violence can vary significantly in severity and complexity. Some victims suffer clean amputations that result in immediate loss, while others may endure extensive crush injuries, deep lacerations, or nerve damage that render the digit permanently non-functional. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, long-term physical disability, and visible disfigurement, affecting both function and appearance. Common violent incidents leading to finger loss include:
- Knife attacks or stabbings: Fingers are frequently injured when victims instinctively use their hands to protect themselves. Defensive wounds often involve deep cuts or severed tendons and nerves.
- Blunt force trauma: Violent strikes with objects such as bats, bricks, metal bars, or bottles can shatter bones or crush fingers beyond repair, requiring surgical amputation or reconstructive procedures.
- Machete or axe assaults: These attacks are sometimes intended to cause long-term harm. Fingers may be deliberately targeted, especially in acts of intimidation or retaliation, leading to severe disfigurement or total amputation.
- Domestic abuse: Repetitive or escalating physical abuse in domestic environments often leads to hand injuries, particularly when a victim tries to shield themselves from blows or is grabbed forcefully.
- Gang violence or retaliation attacks: In gang-related confrontations, acts of punishment may include targeted mutilation or forced injury to the hands or fingers, causing lasting damage to mobility and appearance.
Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, victims may face a long recovery period involving emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, surgical intervention, physiotherapy, prosthetic fittings, and occupational therapy. Some individuals will also need long-term support to adapt their work, hobbies, and self-care routines to life after finger loss.
Eligibility Criteria to Make a CICA Claim for Loss of Finger
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To receive compensation for the loss of a finger through the CICA scheme, your case must meet certain eligibility requirements. These are designed to confirm that the injury was the result of a qualifying violent crime and that the victim acted appropriately in the aftermath. To qualify, the following must apply:
- You were injured as a result of a violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales. This can include attacks involving weapons, domestic assaults, or any incident where physical force was used deliberately to cause harm.
- The crime must be reported to the police without unnecessary delay. Ideally, this should happen within 48 hours of the incident. If you were unable to report it sooner due to trauma, fear, or other circumstances, a reasonable explanation will be needed.
- You must cooperate with the authorities throughout the investigation. Even if a suspect is not arrested or convicted, your claim can proceed as long as you have shown full cooperation.
- You must submit your application to CICA within two years of the date of the incident. In special circumstances—such as if you were a minor or suffered significant psychological trauma—extensions may be granted.
- The injury must match an entry on the official CICA injury tariff. Loss of fingers (partial or complete) and permanent loss of use are covered.
- You must not have contributed to the crime through aggressive behaviour, provocation, or involvement in criminal activity. CICA may reduce or reject a claim if your actions played a role in the incident.
- You must not have any unspent serious criminal convictions. Convictions for violent or sexual offences, for example, can disqualify you from receiving an award.
Importantly, you do not need to identify the attacker or wait for a criminal trial to finish. As long as police confirm that a violent crime occurred and there is sufficient evidence of your injury, your claim may be accepted.
How Much Compensation You Can Receive for Loss of Finger?
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 based on a fixed tariff system. The award depends on the number and type of fingers lost, the degree of impairment, and whether the injury affects your dominant hand. Here is a breakdown of the current CICA tariff for finger injuries:
Loss of fingers:
- Loss of one finger (other than index): £3,500
- Loss of index finger: £6,200
- Loss of thumb: £16,500
- Loss of both index fingers: £16,500
- Loss of both thumbs: £55,000
- Loss of two or more fingers: £11,000
- Loss of all fingers on one hand (treated under multiple injury rules): up to £33,000 depending on severity
Partial loss of fingers:
- Partial loss of finger (not index or thumb): £1,000
- Partial loss of two or more fingers (excluding thumb/index): £3,500
- Partial loss of thumb or index finger: £2,400
- Partial loss of thumb and index finger (one hand): £6,200
- Partial loss of thumb and index finger (both hands): £16,500
Additional factors that affect compensation:
- Dominant vs. non-dominant hand: Injuries to the dominant hand often result in higher compensation due to the increased disruption to daily life and work. For example, losing a thumb on your writing hand has greater impact than on the non-dominant hand.
- Number of fingers affected: Compensation may increase when more than one finger is lost or impaired, as the combined loss significantly reduces hand function and dexterity.
- Permanent loss of function: Even if the finger remains attached, if you experience long-term loss of sensation, strength, or mobility, it may be treated similarly to a full amputation when calculating your award.
- Need for ongoing treatment or prosthetics: If the injury leads to repeated surgeries, the use of custom splints or prosthetics, or limits your ability to perform job-related tasks, these factors will be considered by CICA.
- Visible disfigurement or psychological effect: In some cases, the cosmetic impact or trauma related to the appearance of the hand may contribute to higher compensation when supported by medical or psychological evidence.
These factors are assessed alongside the standard tariff to ensure your award reflects the full extent of the injury’s impact on your function, lifestyle, and wellbeing.
These base compensation amounts only cover the physical injury itself. However, CICA allows victims to claim additional compensation in several key areas that reflect the broader impact of their injuries.
You may also be entitled to:
- Psychological injury compensation: If you have developed conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety as a direct result of the incident, you can claim a separate award. A formal diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional is required.
- Loss of earnings: If your injury prevented you from working for more than 28 weeks, and you can show evidence of lost income (such as payslips or tax returns), you may be eligible for financial compensation.
- Special expenses: These include costs related to your injury that are not covered by the NHS or other services—such as assistive equipment, prosthetics, paid carers, mobility aids, or travel to medical appointments.
Understanding Finger Loss and Different Types of Finger Loss
Finger injuries resulting from violent crime can differ significantly in severity, recovery time, and long-term impact. Some may involve partial damage with eventual healing, while others lead to permanent amputation or lifelong dysfunction requiring surgical intervention, therapy, or prosthetics. These types of injuries not only affect physical ability but also disrupt work, personal care, and emotional wellbeing.
Understanding the specific nature of your injury is vital for securing the correct CICA compensation, as each type is matched to a corresponding tariff in the scheme. Recognised types of finger loss injuries under the CICA tariff include:
- Complete amputation: This is the total loss of a finger due to trauma or necessary surgical removal. It is considered a serious injury, particularly if multiple fingers or a thumb are affected. Complete amputation often results in long-term disability and reduced hand functionality.
- Partial amputation: When a section of the finger is lost—including parts of the bone, tendon, or skin—it can lead to permanent functional limitations. Even with medical intervention, grip strength, fine motor control, and sensation are often compromised.
- Permanent loss of function: Sometimes, the finger remains intact but becomes permanently non-functional due to nerve damage, severe disfigurement, or chronic pain. CICA treats these cases similarly to amputations when they result in lasting impairment.
- Multiple finger injuries: Damage or dysfunction involving two or more fingers significantly impacts hand dexterity and reduces independence in daily life. Compensation amounts increase based on the number and function of the fingers involved, especially if the injury affects the dominant hand.
Finger loss injuries can disrupt everyday tasks such as writing, driving, cooking, personal grooming, and using electronic devices. When evaluating a claim, CICA looks closely at how the injury affects your ability to perform essential activities, your occupation, and your overall lifestyle.
Strengthening Your CICA Claim: Medical and Legal Evidence
Building a strong CICA claim hinges on gathering and presenting detailed evidence that clearly demonstrates the severity of your injury and its connection to the violent crime. The more thorough and organised your documentation, the stronger your case for receiving the appropriate level of compensation.
Key types of evidence to include in your CICA claim:
- Police report: You’ll need an official crime reference number along with a detailed record of the incident, showing when and where it occurred and confirming that it was reported promptly. This validates that a qualifying crime of violence took place.
- Hospital and GP medical records: Documentation from emergency departments, surgeries, and GP visits should outline the diagnosis, treatment plan, and long-term prognosis. These records verify the seriousness of the injury and any medical complications.
- Photographs and imaging scans: Provide visual evidence of the injury before and after treatment. This can include photographs of the hand or affected fingers and medical imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans to illustrate nerve or bone damage.
- Hand therapy and rehabilitation reports: Physiotherapy and occupational therapy notes help demonstrate reduced function, loss of dexterity, and any limitations in grip or fine motor skills. These reports are vital for showing long-term impact.
- Personal impact statement: This written account should detail how the injury has disrupted your daily life. Describe changes to your ability to work, drive, care for yourself, or enjoy hobbies, and include emotional effects such as frustration or loss of confidence.
- Witness statements: Support from family, colleagues, or carers can reinforce the impact of your injury. These statements should describe the changes they’ve seen in your physical abilities, mental health, and quality of life.
Ensure all documentation is clear, chronological, and directly tied to the criminal incident. Avoid inconsistencies or gaps, as these can slow down your claim process or result in reduced compensation. Presenting a clear and credible narrative supported by professional records is essential for maximising your award under the CICA scheme.
Special Expenses and Financial Losses from Finger Loss
Finger loss may not appear life-altering on the surface, but for many victims, the injury brings ongoing financial burdens. Everyday tasks can become more difficult, careers may be disrupted, and assistive aids or home adjustments might be necessary. Thankfully, CICA recognises this and allows victims to claim additional compensation under special expenses, on top of the standard injury tariff.
These extra costs are designed to help you recover physically, maintain independence, and adjust to life after injury. Some examples include:
- Specialist equipment and adaptive tools: These might include ergonomic kitchen utensils, one-handed keyboards, modified work tools, or electronic grips designed to help you perform everyday functions more efficiently with reduced finger use.
- Workplace or home modifications: CICA may cover the cost of altering your work station, office tools, or home environment—like installing lever-style handles, voice-activated technology, or adjusting your car’s controls for easier operation.
- Medical expenses not covered by the NHS: This includes private physiotherapy, consultations, ongoing pain management, or occupational therapy that isn’t available or timely through public health services.
- Prosthetics, orthotic supports, and splints: Depending on the severity and location of your finger loss, you may be eligible for cosmetic or functional prosthetic options that improve grip or appearance.
- Care and domestic assistance: If your injury means you need help with cooking, cleaning, dressing, or transportation, you may be able to claim the cost of professional support services.
- Loss of earnings: If you’re unable to work for more than 28 weeks due to your injury—or you had to switch jobs or reduce your hours—CICA can provide compensation for lost income. Proof such as tax returns, payslips, or employer letters will be needed.
To qualify for these special expenses:
- Costs must be a direct result of the injury sustained in the violent crime
- They must be necessary and reasonable
- You’ll need to provide clear evidence—such as medical reports, prescriptions, invoices, or professional assessments
Including these expenses in your claim ensures that your compensation reflects the full, long-term impact of your injury—not just the physical loss, but the practical and financial consequences that follow.
Psychological Trauma Following Finger Loss
While finger loss is a physical injury, the emotional and psychological toll it takes on a person can be equally profound. Victims often experience a cascade of emotional reactions that affect their daily life, confidence, and social relationships. Even simple activities like shaking hands, writing, or wearing gloves can become sources of anxiety or frustration. Over time, these changes can significantly impact mental wellbeing.
Common psychological responses to finger loss include:
- Social withdrawal: Many victims feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the appearance of their hand, especially when the injury is visible or involves disfigurement. This can lead to isolation or avoidance of public and social situations.
- Loss of identity or confidence: For individuals whose careers, hobbies, or lifestyles rely heavily on manual skills, finger loss can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth or capability.
- Emotional instability: It’s common for victims to experience anger, irritability, mood swings, or emotional numbness following a traumatic injury—especially when it was caused by violence.
- Body image concerns: Victims may feel uncomfortable with how their hand looks, particularly in cases of multiple finger loss or visible scarring. This often results in body image issues or decreased self-esteem.
CICA recognises the mental health impact of these injuries and allows victims to claim additional compensation for psychological harm.
To be eligible for psychological injury compensation through CICA:
- You must be formally diagnosed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. GP notes or general counselling records alone will not be sufficient.
- Your mental health condition must be directly connected to the violent crime and its aftermath.
- The psychological impact must be moderate to severe and persist for a sustained period.
Qualifying mental health conditions include:
- Adjustment disorder – difficulty adapting emotionally to the physical and lifestyle changes caused by the injury
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – flashbacks, nightmares, and high anxiety linked to the incident
- Depression and generalised anxiety disorder – ongoing sadness, fear, or hopelessness related to injury, loss of independence, or social pressures
- Body image or self-esteem issues – persistent emotional distress caused by disfigurement or changes in appearance
Compensation for psychological injuries ranges from £1,000 to £27,000, depending on the severity, diagnosis, treatment history, and long-term impact.
When preparing your claim, include mental health assessments, therapy notes, and a personal impact statement to ensure the psychological aspects of your injury are fully accounted for. This not only strengthens your case but helps ensure that your recovery is viewed holistically—not just through a physical lens, but as a total life disruption.
Long-Term Medical and Rehabilitation Needs
Finger loss often requires long-term care that extends far beyond the initial treatment or surgery. The recovery process is not only physical but also functional, psychological, and occupational. These ongoing needs are critical to consider when submitting a CICA claim, particularly under the category of special expenses, as they can significantly influence the total compensation awarded.
- Ongoing hand therapy: Many victims require months or even years of physiotherapy and occupational therapy to regain strength, coordination, and dexterity. Therapy can also help manage stiffness and prevent muscle atrophy or secondary complications from underuse.
- Specialist assistive tools and technology: Adaptive aids such as voice-activated devices, stylus pens for touchscreen use, one-handed kitchen tools, or modified computer peripherals are often necessary to restore functionality in daily life. These tools support independence and should be factored into your claim.
- Pain management and neurological care: Chronic nerve pain, phantom limb sensations, or hypersensitivity in the affected area may persist long after the wound has healed. These symptoms often require long-term medical intervention, including medications, pain clinics, or specialist consultations.
- Mental health and psychological rehabilitation: As with physical therapy, long-term psychological care may be essential for coping with trauma, changes in body image, or depression linked to the injury. Ongoing counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or support groups can all be valid medical expenses under CICA.
- Occupational rehabilitation and training: If finger loss prevents you from returning to your previous job—particularly in roles requiring manual dexterity—vocational retraining or career transition support may be necessary. Courses, equipment, or job coaching costs can be claimed if they are essential to restoring employment.
Be sure to collect and include supporting documentation such as referral letters, treatment plans, medical notes, or therapist evaluations. This evidence helps CICA assess the full extent of your long-term needs and ensures that your compensation reflects the real impact of your injury on daily living and future quality of life.
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)
