Many victims of violent crime who submit their own claims with the Government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) often feel disappointed when their claims are rejected or when the compensation offered seems less than expected.
But there’s a clear process in place for appealing criminal injuries compensation decisions, and at Valoris Legal Services, our team has experience in successfully supporting clients through these appeals.
If your CICA claim was turned down or if you’re hoping for a bigger payout, feel free to contact our approachable legal team today. We’re here to offer advice on whether appealing is a good option for you.
Experts in CICA appeals
At Valoris, we’re proud to have a passionate team of criminal injury compensation lawyers who bring years of valuable experience. They’re here to support you through every step, whether it’s handling claims with the CICA, thoughtfully reviewing offers, or appealing decisions to secure the compensation you deserve for higher damages.
Our team is here to make the appeals process easier for you. We’ll carefully review your initial submission and suggest any additional evidence that could help achieve a better outcome.
We will make sure the CICA is completely informed about how the crime has affected you, not just physically and mentally, but also in terms of your earnings. All of these important factors will be taken into account when we work on your case.
With extensive experience working alongside CICA, we strive to help you secure the maximum compensation. If you’re dissatisfied with your current offer, reach out to our team today.
When should i appeal?
If you believe you have valid reasons for an appeal, our team will do everything possible to present your case to the CICA and will make sure to do so within the 90-day deadline set by the Authority.
Grounds will need to be provided as to why an appeal. With our extensive experience in handling appeals, our team will happily guide you on the necessary details to include.
Make sure to share any supporting documents for your case, like medical records or proof of lost earnings.
We might also be able to ask for an extension beyond the 90-day limit for appeals, especially if we’re in the process of gathering medical reports or police reports to help support your case.
What happens after I appeal CICA's damages?
Once you’ve submitted your appeal, the tribunal will forward a copy of your appeal form to the CICA. Usually, the CICA will get back to you and the tribunal within about six weeks.
If the CICA disagrees with your appeal, don’t worry – you’ll have another month to gather and send additional documentation, and to address the points the CICA raised. After that, you’ll receive at least 14 days’ notice before any hearing, giving you plenty of time to prepare.
What evidence must I provide at a CICA appeal hearing?
The appeal hearing will once again look into the crime committed against you and the effect it has had on your life. Our caring legal team is here to support you and can speak up for you during the appeal. You might only need to answer a few questions from the panel about the crime and the injuries you’ve endured.
Many clients ask our solicitors to advocate, especially when discussing offences against them and their impact is difficult.
This is an opportunity for our experienced legal team to highlight why the initial award was inadequate, supported by evidence such as medical reports or later earnings loss. The panel usually decides on the same day as the hearing.