Who can you call to get help with your CICA claim?
The CICA do have a helpline which is 0300 003 3601. However it’s not very helpful, as there is usually a 15 to 20 minute wait to talk to anyone. If you do get to speak to someone, they are good at confirming whether an injury is eligible for compensation. They are not great at letting you know what is happening with your case. Very often the CICA helpline will say they are waiting for a piece of information, or waiting for your case to be allocated. They will not say how long they anticipate your case will take, or what compensation you are likely to receive. CICA complaints can be made but are often difficult due to their strict guidelines.
Can a solicitor help with a CICA claim?
Solicitors, who specialise in Criminal Injuries Compensation Advice, will be able to help you, and usually much quicker than the CICA will. You should be able to speak to a CICA solicitor without having to wait 15 to 20 minutes on the phone, and their advice is built up over years of experience dealing with the CICA. They should be able to tell you straight away if a claim is worth pursuing and will often give an indication of the amount of compensation you could receive. An experienced CICA solicitor will also provide a decent estimate of how long the case will take, and reasons why your particular claim will be a quicker claim, or a longer one.
Will there be a charge for initial help?
Solicitors do not usually make any charge for initially assessing a claim. At Winston Solicitors, there is no charge for an initial enquiry, and if we take a case on at the start of the CICA process, we will do so on a ‘no win no fee’ basis. That means there will be no legal costs unless you are successful, when legal costs will usually be 25% + VAT of the compensation awarded.
Will a Solicitor help with an existing CICA Claim?
Some solicitors will, some won’t and it often depends on the circumstances of the claim. What most should do is provide an initial indication of whether it’s a case they believe is suitable for their involvement. At Winston Solicitors, we have been helping CICA clients since 1995, so have a wealth of knowledge that enables us to quickly assess a claim at any stage of the process.
Do Winston Solicitors make a charge for assessing existing CICA claims?
There is never a charge for initial advice by telephone. Where we can provide helpful advice in that conversation there is no charge. If we need to read over a file which may consist of 100 or more pages, especially where medical notes are involved, there may be a charge. This is discussed on an individual basis. Once we have seen the papers and provided an initial assessment, we will confirm if the case is suitable for a ‘no win no fee agreement’.
A CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) solicitor specializes in helping victims of violent crimes claim compensation through the CICA scheme in the UK. If a victim feels that their initial compensation claim has been under-assessed or unjustly handled, a CICA solicitor can be instrumental.
They assist by reviewing the existing claim details, gathering additional evidence, and providing expert legal advice on the viability of the claim and the potential for a reassessment or an appeal. The CICA solicitor can then help in formally challenging the decision, which involves preparing and submitting the necessary legal documents, representing the claimant in tribunal hearings if needed, and negotiating with the CICA.
Their role is crucial in ensuring that the claim is assessed fairly and that the victim receives the appropriate level of compensation for their injuries and suffering.
Please call Winston Solicitors CICA Helpline on 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk to find out more about our CICA service.
