CICA claims · Government compensation · No win, no fee

Injured as a victim of crime? You can be compensated.

If you were injured in an assault, attack or other violent crime in England, Wales or Scotland, the government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) can compensate you — even if the offender was never caught.

Strict 2-year time limit applies. The clock starts from the incident date — if you’re unsure whether you’re still in time, check now rather than later.

No win, no fee
Even if no one was convicted
Free eligibility check

Check your eligibility — free

Step 1 of 2 · no personal details needed yet

Free check · no obligation · you can also apply to CICA directly for free

Time limit2 years

You generally have two years from the date of the incident to claim. CICA can extend this in exceptional circumstances — particularly for historic childhood abuse, or where the victim only recently reported — but extensions are discretionary. The safest course is to check now. Complaints already lodged are also processed sooner if submitted earlier.

What is a criminal injury claim?

Physical assault
Stabbing or shooting
Psychological injury
Sexual assault or abuse
Historic childhood abuse
Fatal cases — bereavement awards

Do you have a claim?

The crime was reported to police — reporting and cooperating with the investigation is a condition of the scheme.
You were blameless — your conduct and, in some cases, unspent convictions can affect an award.
You’re within time — generally two years from the incident, with exceptions for childhood abuse.
It happened in England, Wales or Scotland — separate schemes apply for Northern Ireland and overseas terrorism.

How it works

Free eligibility check

We check your eligibility against the scheme rules and give you an honest view of the likely tariff band.

We build the application

Police reports, medical evidence and loss details, presented the way CICA’s assessors need to see them.

Award — and review if needed

Many first offers are too low. We advise whether to accept, and run the review and appeal process where needed.

What clients are saying

★★★★★

"Legal Advisor handled my housing disrepair case from start to finish. I received £4,200 in compensation and didn't pay a penny upfront."

Sarah M.

Housing Disrepair Client

★★★★★

"Professional, compassionate, and incredibly effective. My claim was settled for significantly more than I expected."

Priya K.

Personal Injury Client

FAQ

What is a criminal injury claim?

A criminal injury claim is an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), a government body that provides compensation to eligible victims of violent crime. It is separate from any criminal prosecution, meaning that an application may still be possible even if the offender has not been identified, arrested, charged, or convicted, provided the requirements of the scheme are met. CICA awards are assessed using a tariff-based system, with the amount depending on factors such as the type of injury, its severity, and the circumstances of the claim.

The attacker was never caught. Can I still claim?

Possibly. CICA does not require an offender to have been identified or convicted. However, the incident will usually need to have been reported to the police, and you must meet the scheme's eligibility requirements, including cooperating with any investigation where required.

How long do I have to claim?

In most cases, applications must be made within two years of the incident. CICA may consider applications outside this timeframe in certain circumstances, including some cases involving historic abuse or where exceptional reasons prevented an earlier application. Time limits can be strict, so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.

Do I need a solicitor, and what does it cost?

You can apply to CICA directly without using a solicitor, and there is no fee to submit an application. Some applicants choose to obtain legal support to help them understand the process, prepare evidence, and consider their options if they disagree with a decision.
If you instruct us, our fees and any costs will be explained clearly before you proceed and will be set out in the agreed terms.

Will my criminal record affect the claim?

A criminal record may affect a CICA application in some circumstances. CICA has rules regarding previous convictions, and these may impact eligibility or the amount of any award. It is important to provide accurate information about your circumstances so that the potential impact can be considered

What Happens After You Contact Us

Free initial consultation
We listen to your situation and explain your options clearly, with no obligation.
Case review & evidence gathering
We assess correspondence with your landlord, photos, and any medical or repair records.
We instruct on your behalf
A dedicated solicitor formally takes on your case and contacts your landlord/housing provider.
Negotiation or legal action
We pursue repairs and compensation, escalating to court only if necessary.
You receive your compensation
Once resolved, compensation is processed and paid directly to you.
Ongoing support
We keep you updated at every stage, so you’re never left wondering where your claim stands.

Common questions

What does it cost to use Legal Advisor?

Nothing upfront. We act on a no win, no fee basis across all our services: if the claim succeeds, our fee is an agreed percentage of your compensation, confirmed in writing before we start. If it fails, you pay us nothing. The only exception is criminal defence, where we explain all funding options — including legal aid — at your first consultation.

Will I have to go to court?

Very unlikely. The overwhelming majority of our cases settle through negotiation or formal pre-action procedures without a court hearing. We prepare every case as if it will go to court — and that preparation is usually exactly what produces a settlement. If court proceedings are ever genuinely necessary, we handle them and prepare you fully at every stage.

How long will my case take?

It varies by service and the specific facts of your case. Housing disrepair and tenancy deposit claims often resolve in weeks to a few months. Industrial deafness and criminal injury claims typically take longer due to the medical evidence required. We give you a realistic timeline at the free assessment — not a vague estimate designed to get you started.

Who will be handling my case?

Your case is handled by Malone & White Solicitors Ltd, trading as Legal Advisor — a firm authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 659436). You'll have a named point of contact throughout, and you can verify our SRA registration at any time on the SRA's public register.

What protections do I have as a client?

As a client of an SRA-regulated firm you have formal legal protections: the right to a written fee agreement before work starts, the right to complain to us first through our complaints procedure, and the right to escalate to the Legal Ombudsman if you remain unsatisfied — all at no cost to you. Our fee arrangements are always confirmed in writing before any work begins.

How do I start?

Use the form at the top of this page for a free, no-obligation assessment, or call us directly on 01204 939470. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case, what it's likely to be worth, and what the process involves — before you commit to anything.

Start my free assessment

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