Summary
A client who suffered a serious shoulder injury following a violent assault has seen his Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) award increase from just £4,750 to £170,000 after a successful tribunal appeal. The original Review Decision failed to properly recognise the severity of his injury and the long-term impact it had on his ability to work. Following expert legal representation and advocacy at tribunal, the award was increased by approximately 6,082%.
Key Points
- Initial CICA Review Decision awarded only £4,750.
- Client suffered a serious shoulder injury after an assault.
- CICA failed to fully consider the severity of the injury.
- Loss of earnings and reduced ability to work were not properly assessed.
- GLP Solicitors appealed the decision to tribunal.
- Counsel represented the client at the hearing.
- Tribunal agreed the injuries were significantly more serious than originally recognised.
- Final compensation award increased to £170,000.Represents an uplift of approximately 6,082%.
CICA Compensation Increased by Over 6,000% Following Tribunal Appeal
Many people assume that if the CICA makes a decision on their compensation claim, there is little they can do if the award seems unfair. This case shows why it is important to seek legal advice and consider appealing a decision where appropriate.
Our client was the victim of a violent assault which left him with a serious shoulder injury. The injury had a significant impact on his daily life and greatly reduced his ability to work.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, the CICA initially awarded him just £4,750 at Review Decision. The award did not properly reflect the extent of his injuries or the long-term effect they had on his employment prospects.
GLP Solicitors believed the decision was incorrect and appealed the case to the First-tier Tribunal. With the support of experienced Counsel, we presented evidence showing the true extent of the client’s injuries and the severe limitations they placed on his ability to earn a living.
The Tribunal Judge agreed that the injury was substantially more serious than the CICA had recognised. The tribunal also accepted that the client had very limited capacity for future employment because of the lasting effects of the assault.
As a result, we secured the maximum compensation available for his injuries, together with a substantial loss of earnings award extending up to retirement age.
The final award was increased to £170,000, representing an uplift of approximately 6,082% from the original Review Decision.
This outcome demonstrates the importance of challenging CICA decisions when the evidence supports a higher award. In the right circumstances, a tribunal appeal can make a life-changing difference to the compensation a victim receives.
FAQs
Yes. If you believe the CICA has undervalued your injuries or made an incorrect decision, you may be able to request a review and, if necessary, appeal to an independent tribunal.
A tribunal is an independent hearing where a judge reviews the evidence and decides whether the CICA’s decision was correct. Additional medical and employment evidence can often play an important role.
In certain circumstances, yes. If your injuries have affected your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of earnings as part of your CICA claim.
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the case and tribunal availability. However, pursuing an appeal can be worthwhile where the original award does not accurately reflect the impact of the injuries.
An experienced solicitor can identify errors in the original decision, gather supporting evidence, and present your case effectively at tribunal. This can significantly improve the chances of securing the compensation you deserve.