The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) will pay you compensation for criminal injuries under a tariff scheme, the details of which can be found in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. Under the scheme, the lowest level of award is £1,000 (examples of injuries CICA considers at the more minor end of the spectrum include slight loss of vision, damage to the front teeth which requires crowns, or anything that leaves a significant scar), and the maximum award for injury is £250,000 (severe injuries requiring this kind of compensation include substantial paralysis and a severe brain injury that results in no physical movement and the need for full-time care).

You will need to provide medical evidence to prove that your injury fits into a particular tariff. So, for example, if you have a strained neck or wrist and can show that it was disabling for at least 13 weeks, CICA will pay you £1,000 in compensation.

However, you will need to pay the cost of the medical report yourself.

What other expenses can be claimed under CICA

You can also claim compensation for other losses you have incurred as a result of your injury: 

• Loss of earnings – If you were in regular paid work before the incident and the injury means you can no longer carry out the same job, then you're likely to be eligible for a loss of earnings payment; although this is only paid after you have lost 28 weeks of earnings, and it will be paid at the rate of statutory sick pay payable at the date of deciding your claim.  
• Special expenses – These will help you deal with the long-term effects of your injuries. They must be deemed to be necessary and incurred as a direct result of a criminal injury.  To claim these successfully, you will also need to show that the expense is not available free of charge from any other source.

You can find a full list of permitted special expenses on the CICA website. It includes items such as physical aids, the cost of care,adaptions to your home and the cost of appointing someone to look after your affairs if you are no longer able to do so.

Overall, combining the compensation for the injury, any special expenses, and loss of earnings, the maximum award a person can receive from CICA is £500,000.

Specialist advice from Thompsons Solicitors

Making a valid claim under CICA can be a complex process, and, because of the many conditions stipulated by the scheme, it can be confusing as to whether you have a valid claim to make and how much you'll receive for your suffering. This makes receiving legal advice a must.

Thompsons can give you all the advice and guidance you need when claiming compensation for a criminal injury. We understand that being the victim of a violent crime is likely to be very distressing for you and your family, so we will always give honest, straightforward advice, helping you settle your case as efficiently as possible.

So, if you are unsure whether you have a valid claim and require extra information in regards to CICA, contact a Thompsons' lawyer today on 0800 089 1331 for an initial discussion.