The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
This is a Government organisation set up to compensate the innocent victims of crime who suffer injury as a result.
You can claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (or the CICA as it is often referred to) if, for example, you have been the victim of an assault or injured whilst trying to help the police after a crime was committed. You can also make a claim if you are a close relative of someone who has died in either of these circumstances.
You must ensure that you have reported the incident to the police as soon as possible and you must bring your claim to the CICA promptly. The time limit for bringing a claim for criminal injuries compensation through the CICA is within 2 years of the date of the incident although it is possible for this time limit to be extended in exceptional cases (for example if you are bringing a claim because you were abused when you were a child).
In order to make an application for criminal injuries compensation to the CICA you will need to complete their application form. Whitestone Solicitors will be able to assist in completing this form and then in dealing with the application as it is processed by the CICA.
Please Note: “No-win No-fee” is not applicable to criminal injuries compensation claims. Please speak to us if you wish to pursue this type of claim. We will be only too happy to advise you as to the costs arrangements we suggest putting in place for this type of claim.