Last Update: 5 August 2026 I Reading Time: 5 minutes
Summary
If you have received a decision from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), it is important to remember that it may not be the final outcome. In some cases, the amount awarded does not accurately reflect the injuries suffered or the losses experienced.
This case demonstrates how a successful CICA appeal significantly increased a client’s compensation after GLP Solicitors challenged the original decision. It highlights why obtaining specialist legal advice can make a substantial difference to the outcome of a claim.
Quick answer
Yes. If you believe the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has awarded too little compensation or has applied the Scheme incorrectly, you may be able to challenge the decision through a Review and, if necessary, an Appeal. This case shows how a successful appeal transformed an initial award into a six-figure settlement.
In this article
- What is a CICA appeal?
- A real client success story
- Why the original award was challenged
- How the Tribunal reached its decision
- Why specialist legal advice matters
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key takeaways
- A CICA decision can be challenged if it appears incorrect.
- The Review process is usually the first step before an Appeal.
- The CICA can occasionally reduce an award during a Review.
- An independent Tribunal can overturn CICA decisions where appropriate.
- Specialist legal representation can help ensure the Scheme is correctly applied.
- Compensation may include both injury awards and eligible financial losses such as loss of earnings.
- Every case depends on its individual circumstances.
Can you appeal a CICA decision?
Yes. If you believe the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has made the wrong decision or awarded less compensation than you are entitled to under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, you may be able to challenge it.
The process usually begins with a Review, where the CICA reconsiders its decision. If you still disagree with the outcome, you may then appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation), which independently considers the case.
A successful CICA appeal: Our client’s story
GLP Solicitors recently represented a woman who had suffered historic sexual and physical abuse by her father.
Following her application to the CICA, she was initially offered £45,650 in compensation.
After reviewing the decision, our specialist team advised that the award did not correctly reflect the injuries and losses recognised under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. We therefore recommended requesting a formal Review.
An unexpected outcome during the Review
Following the Review, the CICA made a second decision.
Rather than increasing the compensation, the CICA reduced the award to £28,650 by applying a lower tariff for the physical and sexual abuse than had been used in the original decision.
While this type of reduction is relatively uncommon, it demonstrates that the Review process does not always lead to a higher award.
Because we believed the Scheme had been applied incorrectly, our solicitor, Jo-Anna Walmsley, advised the client to pursue an Appeal before the independent Tribunal.
The Appeal Tribunal’s decision
The Appeal Tribunal carefully considered the evidence and the legal arguments presented.
The Tribunal agreed that:
- The correct tariff awards had not been properly applied.
- Loss of earnings should also be taken into account.
- The client’s compensation should be substantially increased.
As a result, the Tribunal awarded our client a six-figure sum, significantly higher than either of the previous CICA decisions.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring that compensation is assessed in accordance with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Why specialist legal advice matters
Not every CICA decision is incorrect, but mistakes can happen.
A solicitor experienced in Criminal Injury Compensation claims can:
- Review whether the correct tariff has been applied.
- Consider whether all injuries have been recognised.
- Assess whether financial losses should be included.
- Prepare detailed legal submissions.
- Represent you during an Appeal where appropriate.
Every case is unique, and obtaining advice early can help you understand whether challenging a decision is worthwhile.
Understanding the CICA appeals process
If you disagree with a CICA decision, the process generally follows these stages:
Stage 1 – Initial Decision
The CICA assesses your application and makes an award (or refuses the claim).
Stage 2 – Review
You can ask the CICA to reconsider its decision if you believe it is incorrect.
Stage 3 – Appeal
If you remain dissatisfied following the Review, you may appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal.
The Tribunal considers the evidence independently and has the power to change the CICA’s decision where appropriate.
How GLP Solicitors can help
Our Criminal Injury Compensation team has extensive experience helping victims of violent crime challenge CICA decisions.
We can review whether the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme has been correctly applied, advise whether a Review or Appeal is appropriate, prepare supporting evidence and represent clients throughout the appeals process. Our aim is to ensure every client receives the compensation they are entitled to under the Scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you believe the CICA has made the wrong decision or awarded too little compensation, you can usually request a Review. If you still disagree after the Review, you may be able to appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal.
Although uncommon, the CICA can reduce an award during the Review process if it believes the original decision was incorrect. If this happens, you may still have the right to appeal to the Tribunal.
There are strict deadlines for requesting a Review and lodging an Appeal. Missing these deadlines could affect your ability to challenge the decision, so it is important to seek legal advice promptly.
No. Many decisions are correct. However, where there is evidence that the Scheme has not been properly applied or relevant losses have not been considered, an appeal may be appropriate.
In some circumstances, yes. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme allows eligible applicants to claim certain financial losses, including loss of earnings, provided the relevant criteria are met.
You are not required to instruct a solicitor, but specialist legal advice can help identify errors, prepare evidence and present legal arguments effectively, particularly in more complex cases.
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