Securing compensation for survivors of abuse and why chose Jordans Solicitors

Survivors of abuse often carry the impact of their experiences for many years.  While no amount of money can erase the harm caused, compensation can provide recognition of the suffering endured and financial support for any ongoing treatment, care and loss of earnings.  The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority a government funded scheme exist to help victims of crime including sexual and physical abuse access compensation.

You many be entitled to compensation if you have suffered;

• Sexual abuse
• Physical abuse
• Historical abuse

Eligibility 

 There are some eligibility conditions;

1. The abuse must have been reported to the police.   There doesn’t have to have been a conviction but there must be evidence that this was reported.  We have been successful in many claims where the police took No Further Action.
2. You must cooperate with the police in their investigations even if this was reported years later
3. There are strict time limits for making a claim to the CICA,

Where the applicant was a child under the age of 18 on the date of the incident:

• In the case of an incident reported to the Police before the applicant’s 18th birthday, within the period ending on their 20th birthday; or
• In the case of an incident reported to the Police on or after the applicant’s 18th birthday, within 2 years after the date of the first report to the Police in respect of the incident.

Where the applicant was an adult at the date of the incident 

• Within 2 years of the incident 

Exceptions

However, whilst the CICA 2-year deadline is strict there are exceptions to these rules if we can show genuine reasons why an application could not be made sooner, such as suffering with a disabling mental injury which is supported with medical evidence.

Why use a Solicitor

Whilst the CICA scheme exists to support victims, many find the process overwhelming, protracted and very slow which can leave applicants feeling frustrated. 

At Jordans Solicitors we have a dedicated Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) department who offers confidential advice and guidance through the CICA claims process from start to finish.  

Reviews and Appeals 

We can also assist if you have already submitted your application and feel expert guidance would now be beneficial whether that is due to receiving a rejection, advising on an award, lodging a Review or an Appeal.  We have recently acted for an applicant who submitted the claim herself and was awarded £3300.  They instructed us to Request a Review and we were successful in obtaining the applicant an increased offer of £50,000.

Here to help

Throughout the process we can anticipate what evidence the CICA will require and we will take the burden of trying to contact the different organisations yourself, such as the police, HMRC and medical practitioners and try and maximise the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

If your claim is rejected or undervalued, we can prepare a Request for Review and/or an Appeal to a tribunal and offer you friendly support throughout.

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, speaking to a Solicitor could be an important step in your journey.