Criminal Injury (CICA)
Specialist psychological evaluation for Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority claims, assessing the psychological impact of violent crime through forensic reporting aligned with tribunal requirements. Urgent reports are available to meet strict tribunal deadlines.
Expert Type
- Consultant Forensic Psychologist
- Consultant Clinical Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Trauma Specialist
Applicable Law
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012
- First-tier Tribunal Procedure Rules 2008
- Human Rights Act 1998
When Needed
These assessments are typically instructed where a victim of a violent crime alleges a disabling mental injury for the purposes of a compensation claim.
What Is a Criminal Injury (CICA) Assessment?
A Criminal Injury assessment is a forensic evaluation designed to determine whether a claimant has sustained a qualifying mental injury as defined by the CICA scheme. This process involves a rigorous clinical interview and an extensive review of medical records to consider whether there is a clinically supportable causal link between the criminal event and the resulting psychological condition.
The evaluation must strictly adhere to the Scheme’s tariff of injuries, which distinguishes between temporary functional impairment and long-term disabling mental illness. Our experts provide an independent professional opinion on the severity and duration of symptoms to assist the Authority or the First-tier Tribunal in determining the appropriate tariff category.
- Clinical diagnosis — identification of a specific mental injury recognised by the CICA Scheme
- Causality — establishing that the injury resulted directly from a qualifying crime of violence
- Duration of symptoms — assessment of whether the condition has lasted or is expected to last more than 28 weeks
- Functional impact — the extent to which the psychological injury affects the claimant’s social and occupational life
- Pre-existing conditions — evaluating the impact of prior psychological history on the current compensation claim
- Prognosis — estimating the likely timeframe for recovery or the degree of permanent psychological disability
Our experts are highly experienced in providing forensic evidence within the framework of civil litigation and tribunal appeals. They understand the specific requirements for HCPC Registered clinicians when dealing with complex trauma and victims of violence.
Each report provides a structured psychological opinion grounded in clinical evidence. This assists the Tribunal in considering the claim in accordance with the Scheme criteria.
Key Assessment Components
Our assessment evaluates the following areas:
Clinical Interview
A comprehensive clinical consultation to explore the nature of the traumatic event and the development of subsequent psychological symptoms.
Documentation Review
Exhaustive analysis of GP records, police reports, and hospital notes to establish a clear timeline of the claimant’s mental health.
Psychometric Testing
Utilization of standardised assessment tools to objectively quantify symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depressive disorders.
Causality Analysis
A structured clinical analysis of whether the index offence is causally related to the claimant’s current psychological presentation.
Functional Assessment
Evaluating how the mental health condition impairs the individual’s ability to work, socialize, and maintain daily routines.
Treatment Recommendations
Outlining the evidence-based interventions, such as CBT or EMDR, required to facilitate the claimant’s recovery.
Conditions That May Affect This Assessment
A range of psychological conditions can affect this assessment. These include:
Psychological symptoms following a crime can be non-linear, requiring an expert to distinguish between permanent injuries and temporary distress.
Assessment Process
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Instruction Received
We receive instructions from solicitors or personal injury specialists detailing the CICA claim.
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Expert Matched
We match the case with an HCPC-registered psychologist experienced in trauma.
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Assessment Conducted
A thorough clinical interview is conducted, either in-person or via secure video link.
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Report Delivered
A report prepared for the CICA scheme is delivered, detailing the diagnosis and its relevance to the applicable tariff. Where a separate report is instructed for related civil proceedings, it can be prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35.
Turnaround Times
| Urgency Level | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Standard Report | 4-6 weeks from assessment |
| Priority Report | 1-2 weeks |
| Urgent Report | 1-4 days |
What’s Included in the Report
All reports are quality-assured and formatted for use in First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Criminal Injury (CICA) Report?
Contact our team today for a CICA expert quote. We provide CVs and transparent fee estimates within 60 minutes.
Related Criminal Assessment Services
Specialised evaluations for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in legal proceedings.
Psychological reports for civil litigation following accidents or negligence.
Assessments of psychological harm resulting from medical errors.
Expert reports for historical or recent physical and sexual abuse claims.
Evaluating psychological injury caused by workplace trauma or harassment.
Provision of expert oral evidence for CICA and social entitlement tribunals.