Last Updated: 6 August 2026 I Reading Time: 6 minutes
Summary
Making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are already dealing with the physical or emotional impact of a violent crime.
Although you are not legally required to use a solicitor, having specialist legal advice can make the claims process clearer, reduce unnecessary stress and ensure your application is supported by the right evidence. If your claim is rejected or the compensation offered does not reflect your injuries, a solicitor can also guide you through the review and appeal process.
Quick answer
You do not need a solicitor to make a CICA claim, but specialist legal advice can significantly improve the quality of your application. A solicitor can help gather evidence, explain the eligibility rules, avoid common mistakes, represent you during reviews or appeals, and ensure every aspect of your claim is properly considered.
In this article
- What is a CICA claim?
- Do you need a solicitor?
- Benefits of using a solicitor?
- Common mistakes people make
- How solicitors help with reviews and appeals
- How GLP Solicitors can help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key takeaways
- Using a solicitor is optional but often beneficial.
- CICA claims have strict eligibility rules and time limits.
- Legal advice can help avoid delays and rejected applications.
- A solicitor can gather the evidence needed to support your claim.
- Professional representation can be particularly valuable during reviews and appeals.
- You can focus on your recovery while your solicitor manages the legal process.
- Experienced solicitors understand how the CICA assesses claims and compensation awards.
What is a CICA claim?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government organisation that provides compensation to eligible victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales.
Unlike a personal injury claim against an individual or organisation, a CICA claim is made through a government compensation scheme. The Scheme has specific rules about:
- who can claim
- what evidence is required
- the injuries that qualify
- time limits
- how compensation is assessed
Understanding these rules is often one of the biggest challenges for applicants.
Do you need a solicitor for a CICA claim?
No.
You can submit a CICA application yourself.
However, many people choose to instruct a solicitor because the process can become complex, particularly if:
- your injuries are serious
- you have ongoing psychological trauma
- the police investigation is lengthy
- evidence is incomplete
- your application is refused
- the compensation offered seems too low
Having professional guidance can reduce uncertainty and ensure your case is presented as clearly as possible.
The benefits of using a solicitor
Specialist knowledge of the CICA Scheme
The CICA Scheme has detailed eligibility requirements that differ from standard personal injury claims.
A solicitor experienced in criminal injury compensation understands:
- the Scheme’s rules
- the evidence required
- medical evidence requirements
- exceptional circumstances
- review and appeal procedures
This knowledge helps ensure applications are completed accurately from the outset.
Helping you build strong evidence
One of the most common reasons claims are delayed is insufficient evidence.
Your solicitor can help obtain:
- medical records
- psychological reports
- supporting documents
- financial evidence where appropriate
- additional information requested by the CICA
Providing comprehensive evidence early can help the CICA assess your claim more efficiently.
Avoiding costly mistakes
Small errors can sometimes cause unnecessary delays.
Examples include:
- incomplete application forms
- incorrect injury descriptions
- missing deadlines
- failing to provide requested documents
- misunderstanding eligibility requirements
A solicitor can review every stage of your application before it is submitted.
Assistance with Reviews and Appeals
Not every CICA decision is final.
If your application is rejected or you believe the award does not accurately reflect your injuries, you may be entitled to request:
- an internal review
- an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
Solicitors can explain your options, prepare additional evidence and represent your interests throughout the process.
Reducing stress during recovery
Victims of violent crime are often coping with much more than paperwork.
Many are managing:
- physical injuries
- emotional trauma
- counselling
- time away from work
- financial uncertainty
Having a solicitor deal with correspondence, evidence gathering and procedural requirements allows you to focus on your recovery.
Can a solicitor increase your compensation?
A solicitor cannot guarantee a higher award.
The CICA calculates compensation using the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which contains fixed tariff awards for many injuries.
However, a solicitor can help ensure:
- every eligible injury is included
- medical evidence accurately reflects your condition
- any additional eligible payments are considered
- important evidence is not overlooked
This helps ensure your claim is assessed fairly under the Scheme.
When is legal advice most valuable?
Professional legal advice can be particularly useful if:
- your injuries are severe
- you have psychological injuries
- the incident involved multiple injuries
- your claim has been rejected
- you have received a lower award than expected
- you are making a review or appeal
Early legal advice can often prevent issues from arising later in the process.
How GLP Solicitors can help
GLP Solicitors has extensive experience helping victims of violent crime navigate the CICA claims process.
Our Criminal Injury Compensation team can:
- assess whether you may be eligible to claim
- explain the CICA application process in plain English
- help obtain supporting evidence
- prepare and submit your application
- advise on reviews and appeals where necessary
- keep you informed throughout your claim
Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible while ensuring your application is presented clearly and accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can submit your own application. However, many people choose to instruct a solicitor because the Scheme has detailed rules and strict evidence requirements. Legal advice can reduce mistakes and provide support throughout the process.
No. No solicitor can guarantee the outcome of a CICA claim. Compensation depends on whether you meet the eligibility requirements and the evidence available. A solicitor’s role is to present your case as effectively as possible.
While no solicitor can control CICA timescales, submitting a complete application with the correct supporting evidence may reduce unnecessary delays caused by missing information or requests for additional documents.
Yes. Many people seek legal advice after receiving a refusal. A solicitor can review the decision, explain whether a review or appeal may be appropriate and help prepare further evidence if required.
The evidence varies depending on your circumstances but may include medical records, police information, psychological assessments and supporting documents relating to your injuries. A solicitor can advise what is most relevant for your claim.
No. A criminal conviction is not always required. The CICA can assess claims using available evidence, even where no one has been convicted, although each case is considered on its own facts.
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