Enter the tariff amounts for up to 3 distinct injuries based on the CICA Scheme 2012.
Understanding the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government organization in the United Kingdom that administers the compensation scheme for victims of violent crime. Unlike civil lawsuits where damages are calculated based on specific individual losses, the CICA operates on a fixed Tariff of Injuries.
If you have been physically or mentally injured because of a violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales, you may be eligible to claim compensation. However, calculating the exact amount can be complex, particularly if you have sustained multiple injuries in the same incident.
How is CICA Compensation Calculated?
The CICA uses a specific set of rules defined in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. Every injury is assigned a tariff level, which corresponds to a fixed financial award. These awards range from £1,000 for minor injuries to £250,000 for the most severe life-changing injuries.
The Multiple Injury Formula
When a victim suffers more than one injury during a single incident (for example, a broken arm and a facial scar), the CICA does not simply add the full value of both injuries together. Instead, they apply a sliding scale formula to prevent over-compensation. This is often referred to as the "Multiple Injury Formula."
The formula works as follows:
- The Most Serious Injury: Paid at 100% of the tariff value.
- The Second Most Serious Injury: Paid at 30% of the tariff value.
- The Third Most Serious Injury: Paid at 15% of the tariff value.
Generally, the scheme only compensates for the three most serious injuries. Additional minor injuries beyond the top three are usually not included in the financial calculation, although they will be noted on your record. Exceptions exist for specific patterns of injury (like abuse) or if the victim becomes pregnant or loses a foetus as a result of the crime.
Example Calculation
Consider a scenario where a victim sustains three injuries with the following tariff values:
- Fractured Ulna (Arm): £6,200
- Deviated Nasal Septum (Nose): £1,500
- Scarring (Face): £2,400
The CICA will first sort these by value from highest to lowest:
- First Injury (£6,200): 100% = £6,200
- Second Injury (£2,400): 30% = £720
- Third Injury (£1,500): 15% = £225
Total Award: £7,145 (compared to £10,100 if simply added together).
Loss of Earnings and Special Expenses
While this calculator focuses on the tariff for injuries, you may also be entitled to "Loss of Earnings" or "Special Expenses." These are calculated separately from the injury tariff.
To claim loss of earnings, you generally must have been unable to work for more than 28 weeks. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is deducted from any award. Special expenses can cover costs like care, equipment, or adaptations to a home, provided they are necessary, reasonable, and not available free of charge from the NHS or local authority.