Summary
If you’ve received a decision from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and the award feels too low, incomplete, or simply unfair, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realise they can challenge the decision, and doing so often leads to a higher payout. Here are the top reasons why appealing your CICA award could make a real difference to your recovery and financial support.
Important Points to Consider
- CICA sometimes misses important injuries or evidence in the first decision
- Your injuries may have worsened or been misunderstood
- Financial losses are often undervalued or not included
- Appealing gives you a chance to provide new evidence
- Many successful appeals lead to increased compensation
1. CICA may not have considered all your injuries
It’s common for the first decision to overlook certain physical or mental injuries, especially if they developed over time or weren’t documented clearly at the start. An appeal lets you highlight every relevant part of what you’ve been through.
2. Your injuries might be more serious than the decision reflects
Some injuries get worse after the initial claim, especially psychological conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression. If the award no longer reflects your day-to-day reality, you can challenge it with updated medical evidence.
3. You may be entitled to more compensation for lost earnings
CICA has strict rules about lost income, and many applicants find that the initial award underestimates, or completely ignores, the impact on their ability to work. An appeal allows you to show proof of financial losses and ask for a fairer calculation.
4. You can submit new evidence to support your case
If new medical reports, police updates, or therapist notes have come in since your original application, the appeal process gives you an opportunity to include them. Stronger evidence often leads to a better outcome.
5. Many appeals succeed and increase the award
A lot of people assume the first decision is final, but it isn’t. Many successful appeals result in higher compensation, especially when injuries are more complex or long-term. You have nothing to lose by asking for a review of your award.
At GLP Solicitors, we help clients challenge unfair or incorrect CICA decisions to secure the compensation they deserve. If your award doesn’t reflect what you’ve suffered, an appeal may be the next step.
FAQ
You normally have 56 days from the date of the decision letter to request a review. In some cases, you can ask for more time if you have a good reason.
Yes, many appeals lead to higher awards, especially when new evidence is provided or injuries have been misunderstood.
An appeal may take longer, but if the original award is too low, the extra time is often worth it to get the compensation you’re owed.
Absolutely. We guide clients through the appeal process, gather the right evidence, and challenge unfair decisions to improve the final result.