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Quick answer
If you were injured as the victim of a violent crime in Scotland, you may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The time limit is two years from the date of the crime. Awards range from £1,000 to over £500,000 depending on the severity of your injuries.
What Is Criminal Injuries Compensation?
Criminal injuries compensation is a government-funded scheme that pays compensation to victims of violent crime in Great Britain. It is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and operates under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. The scheme exists because in many cases the offender cannot be identified, traced, or does not have the means to pay compensation — so the state steps in.
You do not need to sue the person who injured you. The CICA pays compensation directly to you, funded by the government.
Who Can Claim CICA Compensation?
To be eligible for a CICA award, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- You were the victim of a crime of violence in Great Britain (including Scotland)
- You suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result
- You reported the crime to the police as soon as reasonably practicable
- You cooperated with the police investigation
- You apply within two years of the crime (or two years from the date of knowledge for child victims)
- You did not contribute to your injuries through your own conduct
What Crimes Qualify?
The scheme covers a wide range of violent crimes, including:
- Assault and battery
- Sexual assault and rape
- Domestic abuse
- Robbery and mugging resulting in injury
- Knife and weapons attacks
- Arson resulting in injury
- Terrorism-related injuries
- Road traffic incidents used as a weapon
The offender does not need to have been charged, prosecuted, or convicted for a CICA claim to succeed. It is sufficient that a crime of violence occurred.
The Two-Year Time Limit — Scotland
Applications to CICA must generally be made within two years of the date of the crime. This is shorter than the three-year time limit for standard personal injury claims in Scotland. It is important to act promptly. CICA does have discretion to accept late applications in exceptional circumstances — for example, where the applicant was a child at the time of the crime, or where there is a good reason why the application could not be made earlier.
For child victims, the two-year period generally runs from the date the child turns 18 — giving them until age 20 to apply in their own name. However, a parent or guardian can apply on their behalf before this.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
CICA compensation is paid according to a fixed tariff based on the type and severity of your injury. The tariff ranges from £1,000 for minor injuries to £500,000 for the most serious, life-changing injuries. Awards can also include:
- Loss of earnings — if you are unable to work for more than 28 weeks
- Special expenses — including medical costs, care needs and adaptations
- Fatal injury awards — for bereaved family members
Unlike civil personal injury claims, CICA awards are based on the tariff and are not individually calculated. You cannot negotiate the tariff amount, though you can appeal a CICA decision if you believe it is wrong.
What Injuries Are Covered?
Qualifying injuries include both physical injuries (fractures, scarring, organ damage, brain injury, loss of limb) and psychological injuries (PTSD, clinical depression, anxiety disorders). For psychological injuries to qualify, they must be diagnosed by a medical professional as a recognised psychiatric condition. Emotional distress alone is not sufficient without a clinical diagnosis.
What If the Offender Was Not Caught?
You can still make a CICA claim even if the offender has not been identified, arrested, charged, or convicted. The scheme is designed precisely for situations where no civil claim against an individual is possible. You must show that a crime of violence was committed and that you were a victim of it — generally by reference to your police report.
The CICA Claims Process
Applications are made online through the CICA website. The process involves:
- Completing the online application form with details of the crime and your injuries
- Providing your crime reference number from the police
- Consenting to CICA obtaining your medical records
- Waiting for CICA to make a decision — this can take several months to over a year for complex claims
- If unhappy with the decision, requesting a review and then appealing to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation)
Do I Need a Solicitor for a CICA Claim?
You are not required to use a solicitor for a CICA application. However, for more serious injuries or complex cases — particularly those involving psychological trauma, serious assault, sexual abuse, or claims likely to exceed £25,000 — specialist legal advice is strongly recommended. A solicitor experienced in CICA claims can maximise your award, challenge incorrect decisions, and manage the appeal process if needed.
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