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Can you re-open a criminal injury claim

The CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) is a government body that deals in awarding compensation to victims of crime who have been physically and/or psychologically injured in some way.

Once a criminal compensation award has been made and accepted it is usually the end of the claims process for many people under the CICA scheme.

There are however instances where an injury or symptoms can later deteriorate or may after a certain period of time fall into a different level of injury under the CICA’s Tariff of Injuries. If your case relates to sexual abuse or related offences you may wish to calculate your potential award using our specialist online abuse calculator. Such claims are renowned for being under-valued.

If this is the case there are circumstances in which the CICA may consider re-opening a claim once settled, provided there is sufficient medical evidence to support any deterioration or worsening of injuries.

What is needed to re-open a claim?

A claim can be considered again if:

  1. There has been a material change in a medical condition such that it would be unjust if the original decision remained unchanged;
  2. An applicant has since passed away as a result of the injuries

If an application to re-open a claim is received more than two years after the original decision, the CICA may still consider this provided:

  • There is enough further evidence provided in support of the application and;
  • There would be no need for the CICA to make further extensive enquiries

How to re-open a claim

You must apply in writing to the CICA to re-open your claim. Your letter needs to clearly state the reasons why the matter should be re-opened and you should supply medical evidence to establish the change or deterioration in your medical condition. This is very important as the onus is on you as the applicant to prove that the matter should be subject to a reassessment.

How much additional compensation is awarded?

This will likely depend on the nature of the injuries sustained and the amount of compensation that was originally awarded. In the majority of cases the CICA will usually calculate the new claim by off-setting the original award against any further award that may be made.

Be aware - avoid common mistakes that CICA applicants often make   and how to avoid them. If you wish to complain about your CICA case we explain the process on this page.


For example:

If an award of £1000.00 has been accepted by an applicant, and an award is re-assessed as £2,000.00, the CICA will usually deduct the £1,000.00 already paid. This would therefore leave a remaining amount of £1,000.00 additional compensation.

News: Operation Tendersea - victim compensation now available to those involved.

FGM Cases

Reports to the police of female genital mutilation or FGM cases are on the increase in the UK. This is mainly due to tougher laws protecting victims although much more work has to be done regarding prosecution success rates. It is now a requirement for medical professionals to report signs of female circumcision involving minors under 18 to the authorities. It is possible to pursue compensation for FGM victims in certain circumstances via the CICA.

Have you suffered through modern slavery or trafficking?

We can advise you on your rights to claim compensation for modern slavery or sex trafficking

For an informal and confidential chat about making a claim, please contact one of our experienced advisors on or alternatively please complete our online contact form.

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