CICA Appeals – Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel

Our specialist personal injury solicitors deal with applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel (CICAP) using the no win no fee scheme. Our no win no fee scheme means that if your CICA appeal to CICAP is declined or unsuccessful for any reason, there will be no charge to you. That makes our CICA appeals procedure completely risk free. We provide committed representation to ensure that you get fair and equitable compensation for your injuries. Just call our helpline or complete the contact form if you would like free advice with no further obligation. If you decide not to take things further then you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our advice.

Most decisions made by the CICA can be reconsidered by way of internal review by a senior case officer. If the senior case officer confirms the initial decision then the issue can go to forward to CICAP for a full CICA appeal. In the case of a final decision, the CICA is required to give notice to the applicant, of eligibility to make a CICA appeal to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel.

The CICA also has the power to re-open a claim even if a final decision has been made in cases where there have been substantial changes regarding the applicants medical condition.

An applicant may request a senior case officer to review a case if the a decision is made to :-

• decline to forego the two year limitation period
• decline to re-open a claim
• hold back an award
• give a diminished award
• request repayment of an award

Reviews - the CICA requires that applications for a review must be received within 90 days of the original decision. Applications must be written and clearly state the reasons for the request. In exceptional circumstances, the time limit may be adjusted. The decision regarding the review will be announced to the applicant in writing. If the applicant finds the decision unsatisfactory, he may approach the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel (CICAP) which is not affiliated with the CICA.

Appeals – CICAP requires CICA appeals to be submitted within 90 days of the CICA’s review decision though this may be adjusted in exceptional circumstances. Both the appellant and the CICA will be notified in writing regarding the result of the appeal, with the CICA required to respect the Panel’s decision.

For complaints about the CICA, the first option would be to get in touch with the claims officer assigned to the case. You can also opt to contact the Section Manager or for complaints of a graver nature, you can get in touch with Customer Care Team at :-

The Manager
CICA Customer Care Team
Tay House
300 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4LN

As the CICA is overseen by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, or the Ombudsman, you can send in your complaints through this channel. For residents of England and Wales, you should get in touch with your MP. For Scottish residents, you can write to :-

The Scottish Public Service Ombudsman
23 Walker Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7XH