Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims for child abuse
Child abuse is a deeply distressing and life-altering experience that no one should ever have to face. If you or a loved one have been a victim of child abuse, we understand the impact it can have on your life. At Switalskis, we’re committed to helping survivors of child abuse seek the justice and support they deserve.
We firmly believe that survivors should not only have their voices heard, but also receive the compensation they are owed. This can help them to access the support they need to rebuild their lives. The Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (CICA) is a vital avenue for obtaining that compensation, and we’re here to make sure that you understand the process and your rights.
Our solicitors understand that the journey towards justice and healing can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. We’re here to support you, providing not only legal advice but also a caring and empathetic approach.
If you’ve experienced child abuse and are considering a CICA claim, we encourage you to reach out to us. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
We understand that making a CICA claim for child abuse is an incredibly sensitive process. Our role is to guide you through this difficult journey, providing the legal expertise and emotional support you need. We're not just solicitors; we're people who care deeply about your wellbeing.
We know that you've been through a lot. With Switalskis on your side, you won’t have to go through the next steps alone. Our dedicated team has a wealth of experience in dealing with the CICA. That means we can guide you through the claims process and make it as simple and comfortable as possible for you.
Our first priority is to listen to you. We'll get to know your situation, so we can provide the most effective support. We'll help you gather evidence, submit your application, and even represent you in a tribunal if necessary. Our ultimate goal is to get you the financial help you deserve, but we're also here to help you find closure and peace.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is a government organisation in the UK that exists to help people who have been victims of crimes, including child abuse. It provides compensation to victims to help them cope with the physical and emotional aftermath of a crime. This compensation is designed to assist with medical bills, counselling and any financial losses you may have experienced.
The CICA is a way for the government to provide financial help to assist with your recovery. It's an avenue for seeking compensation that's separate from any criminal proceedings, offering a more straightforward path towards support and restitution.
Child abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse. These are recognised as violent crimes under the law. If you’ve experienced child abuse, it’s important to know that you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation through the CICA.
The CICA scheme is intended for situations in which all other options have failed to give you a fair level of compensation. For example, your abuser may have died or have insufficient assets to compensate you. If an organisation was liable, it may no longer exist. However, whether you claim against an abuser, an organisation or the CICA scheme is a decision that will be made much further down the line. For any child abuse claim, the first steps remain the same - reaching out to discuss your circumstances and getting the advice that you need. We can advise you on whom to claim against at the appropriate time.
To make a CICA claim for child abuse, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Understanding these is important when considering whether to make a claim through CICA rather than another avenue. Here, we break down the criteria:
If you're unsure about whether you can make a claim, we’re here to provide guidance and advice on your specific circumstances. Get in touch with Switalskis and we’ll have a sensitive discussion of your situation, and be able to tell you about whether or not you’ll be able to claim.
Making a CICA claim for child abuse involves several steps:
The CICA claims process can be complicated, but our solicitors are here to guide you through every step, making sure you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Questions to ask when looking for a Child Abuse Solicitor
Types of Child Abuse Compensation claims we can help with
Catholic Church cases
Failed care cases
Eastwood Park Detention Scheme compensation scheme
Suing individuals for sexual abuse
What is involved in making a claim for Child Abuse compensation?
What lawyers have to offer to survivors of child abuse
Church of England cases
Cases against the Church of England
Criminal injuries compensation schemes
Child sexual exploitation overview
FAQs Child Abuse Compensation Cases
If you’ve experienced child abuse and are considering a CICA claim, we encourage you to reach out to us. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
You won't have to see or confront your abuser in a courtroom when making a CICA claim. The CICA process is entirely separate from any criminal prosecution that may or may not take place. This claim focuses solely on providing you with compensation for the physical or emotional injuries you've suffered.
If your abuser is being tried in a separate criminal case, that's a different matter. In that scenario, whether or not you'd have to face them would depend on the specifics of the criminal case. You might be able to give evidence in other ways, like through a video link or behind a screen.
The CICA claim process is designed to be as non-confrontational as possible. We'll help you navigate each step so you know what to expect and can prepare yourself emotionally and mentally. The focus is on you, your wellbeing, and getting you the compensation you deserve for what you've been through.
Considering the financial aspects of making a CICA claim can seem a bit daunting, but submitting a claim to the CICA doesn't come with a fee. It's a free process. However, you may decide to spend money on a solicitor as having an expert by your side can make a real difference in the outcome of your claim.
That's where we come in. At Switalskis, we offer expert guidance and support to help you through the complex claims process. Our fees depend on various factors like the complexity of your case and how much time we'll need to invest. We're transparent about our pricing structure, and we'll discuss costs upfront so there are no surprises. It might be that you could be eligible for no win, no fee representation, or there could be other funding options tailored to your financial circumstances.
Understanding the potential costs involved can be a lot to take in. If you're concerned about affordability, give us a call. We'll break it down for you in simple terms, making sure you're fully informed before you make any decisions.
It's generally best to make a claim as soon as possible, but we understand that's not always possible. For child abuse cases, you usually have until you turn 20 to make a CICA claim. But there are exceptions that allow for claims to be made later in life. So, if you're wondering whether you can still make a claim, it's worth getting in touch with us to discuss your specific circumstances.
We can't give you a set amount, but compensation is usually based on a 'tariff of injuries’. This is a list that CICA uses to figure out how much compensation you might be eligible for, depending on how severely you've been affected by the abuse. Compensation could cover anything from physical injuries to emotional distress. Rest assured, we'll help you understand this list and what it could mean for you.
The time frame can vary quite a bit depending on the specifics of your case. However, it's not uncommon for a CICA claim to take between 12 and 18 months to reach a conclusion. Some claims can be resolved faster, while others may take longer if they are particularly complex. We'll keep you updated every step of the way so you're never left in the dark.
Navigating the CICA child abuse claims process can be confusing and emotionally taxing. That's why choosing the right legal team to support you is so important. Here's why you should trust Switalskis to guide you through this sensitive and important journey.
Legal jargon and procedures can be baffling. That's where Switalskis comes in. We take complex legal matters and explain them in a way that's easy to understand. We believe in clarity above all else, and with that approach we can help you make sense of the entire CICA claims process. We cut through the fog, offering you clear, straightforward advice, so you always know where you stand and what comes next.
We're not just about ticking boxes and filling in forms; we're about people. For people like you who've gone through unimaginable hardships, we offer not just legal support but emotional support too. At every stage of the process, we're by your side, understanding your needs. We're in this together, and your emotional wellbeing is just as important to us as the outcome of your claim.
Our skilled team has the depth of experience you need to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that will arise during the claims process. You're not just getting someone who knows the law; you're getting a supporter who understands the nuances of CICA claims and how to maximise your chances of a successful outcome.
We're staunch advocates for your rights. We fight for the compensation you deserve and we're committed to standing up for you to make your voice heard in a system that can sometimes feel impersonal and overwhelming.
At Switalskis, we take immense pride in the work we do, helping survivors of child abuse to find justice and move forward. Over the years, our commitment has been recognised through various awards and accreditations. Here's a quick look at some of our achievements, so you know you're working with a team you can trust.
We're committed to providing expert, caring legal advice for people considering CICA child abuse claims. If you're ready to take the next step, we're here for a no-obligation chat.
Feel free to get in touch with us by calling 0800 138 0458 or by contacting us through the website.