Criminal Injuries Compensation — 8 Frequently Asked Questions
Victims of violent crime in Scotland can claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) — the same GB-wide scheme that covers England and Wales — which operates separately from any civil claim against the perpetrator and doesn't require a conviction.
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Can I claim compensation if I was injured in a violent crime in Scotland?
Yes, through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) — the same GB-wide scheme that covers England and Wales also covers Scotland, separate from any civil claim against the perpetrator.
Do I need the attacker to be convicted to claim from CICA?
No — you don't need a conviction, but you generally must have reported the crime to the police and cooperated with the investigation as far as reasonably possible.
What is the time limit for a CICA claim?
Generally two years from the date of the incident, though this can be extended in limited circumstances, and different rules apply for claims involving incidents that occurred in childhood.
Can I claim from CICA and bring a civil claim against the attacker?
Yes, in principle, though any CICA award may be reduced by an equivalent amount you separately recover from the perpetrator or elsewhere, to prevent double compensation for the same injury.
What injuries does CICA cover?
Physical and mental injuries directly resulting from a violent crime, including sexual offences and, in certain cases, domestic abuse, where the injury meets the scheme's minimum severity threshold.
Is there a minimum injury threshold for CICA claims?
Yes — CICA has a tariff-based scheme with a minimum severity requirement, meaning very minor injuries may not qualify even where a crime clearly took place.
Can family members claim if a relative was killed in a violent crime?
Yes, CICA has a separate scheme for bereaved relatives of homicide victims, covering a fixed payment plus dependency and funeral costs.
Do I need a solicitor for a CICA claim?
It's possible to apply yourself, but CICA claims involve strict evidential and procedural requirements, and a solicitor experienced in this specific scheme can significantly improve the chances of a fair award.
Official sources
Primary sources and official guidance on this topic, for anyone who wants to read the underlying rules directly.
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