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Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims Solicitors

If you have been injured as a victim of violent crime and want to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, our solicitors, with over 15 years of experience in CICA claims in England and Wales, can help.

Criminal injuries compensation is a government scheme that provides financial awards to victims of violent crime who have been physically or psychologically injured in England, Scotland or Wales. The scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, and operates under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Awards are made on a tariff basis: each type of injury carries a fixed band, and applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to an award from the relevant band rather than a compensation amount calculated on the facts of their individual case, as would apply in a civil claim.

CICA claims are separate from any criminal prosecution and do not depend on the offender being identified, charged or convicted. What matters is that the violent crime occurred and that the applicant meets the scheme’s eligibility requirements. Law Lane Solicitors advises victims of crime and their families from our offices in Stratford, High Holborn and Croydon. Founded in 2015, we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our reviews average 4.95 out of 5 based on over 1,200 reviews.

What does our CICA claims service cover?

Criminal injuries compensation claims arise from a wide range of violent crimes and can be complex in their own right, particularly when eligibility is disputed or an initial application has been refused. Our team advises and acts on the following matters:

  • Initial CICA applications, advising on eligibility, gathering the supporting evidence, and submitting a well-prepared application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
  • Claims for physical injury caused by assault, including injuries from unprovoked attacks, domestic violence, stabbings, and other violent crimes occurring in England, Scotland or Wales.
  • Claims for psychological injury, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression caused by a violent crime, where medical evidence from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist supports the claim.
  • Claims by secondary victims who witnessed a violent crime against a close family member and suffered a disabling psychological injury as a result.
  • Claims involving domestic abuse and sexual violence, advising carefully on the eligibility criteria and how the applicant’s history and relationship with the perpetrator are assessed under the scheme.
  • Reviews of refused or reduced awards, where the CICA has rejected an initial application or made an award that does not reflect the full extent of the injuries suffered.
  • Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation), where a review decision is contested, and the applicant wishes the decision to be examined by an independent tribunal.
  • Loss of earnings and special expenses claims, where the injury is so serious that the applicant is unable to work or requires care for more than 28 weeks.
  • Bereavement and dependency claims, where a victim has died as a result of a violent crime and qualifying relatives are entitled to seek compensation under the scheme.
  • Time limit advice: adult applicants must ordinarily submit their CICA application within two years of the incident, and the scheme allows extensions only in exceptional circumstances where the application could not have been made earlier.

Why choose Law Lane for CICA claims?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme has detailed eligibility rules that can make what seems like a straightforward claim considerably more complicated. The CICA assesses the applicant’s conduct before, during, and after the incident, takes into account any unspent criminal convictions, and considers whether the incident was properly reported to the police. A refused application or a reduced award is not the end of the process. There is a review stage and, beyond that, an independent appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Having a solicitor who understands those stages and how to present the evidence effectively makes a material difference to the outcome.

We advise clients who are going through the process for the first time, as well as those who have received a refusal or an award they consider inadequate. We explain the tariff structure clearly, advise on the realistic value of the claim before any application is submitted, and represent clients at tribunal hearings when required.

We have solicitors, solicitor-advocates and barristers under one roof. CICA tribunal hearings require clear, focused advocacy. Rather than referring clients to external counsel when a hearing is needed, our in-house team handles the matter from the initial application through to the final determination.

Get in touch

Our personal injury team is ready to advise you on your CICA claim today. The two-year time limit is strict, so please do not delay in seeking advice.

Phone: 020 7870 4870 or email: info@lawlanesolicitors.co.uk

Accredited Family Law

Law Lane Solicitors is proud to be accredited under The Law Society’s Immigration and Asylum Accreditation.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims

What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a government-funded scheme that pays compensation to people who have been physically or psychologically injured as a direct result of a violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority administers the scheme and awards are set by a published tariff, meaning each type of injury attracts a fixed band of compensation. The scheme operates separately from any civil claim or criminal prosecution.

Do I need to know who attacked me to make a claim?

No. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme does not require the perpetrator to have been identified, charged or convicted. What is required is that the incident be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and that the applicant cooperate with the CICA in establishing that a violent crime occurred.

How long do I have to apply to the CICA?

If you were an adult at the time of the incident, you must ordinarily apply within two years of the incident. The two-year period can only be extended in exceptional circumstances where the application could not have been made earlier, and the evidence means the claim can be decided without extensive further investigation. For applicants who were under 18 at the time, different rules apply depending on when the incident was first reported to the police. We advise on the time limit in your specific circumstances.

Will my criminal record affect my claim?

An unspent criminal conviction may reduce or prevent an award under the scheme. The scheme contains specific provisions disqualifying applicants with certain types of unspent convictions, including those resulting in custodial sentences. The CICA also has discretion to reduce an award based on conduct and character. We advise on the impact of any criminal history before an application is made.

What if my claim has been refused?

A refused CICA application can be challenged first at the review stage, where a claims officer not involved in the original decision reconsiders it. If the review is also unfavourable, there is a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation). Strict time limits apply at each stage. We advise on the prospects of challenge and represent clients at both the review and tribunal stage.

Can I claim for psychological injury alone?

Yes. The scheme covers psychological injuries as well as physical ones, provided the injury is clinically verified as a disabling condition. Psychological injuries caused by sexual offences or witnessing a violent crime against a close relative may be eligible without any physical injury being present. Medical evidence from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist is required to support such a claim.

Can family members claim if a loved one died from a violent crime?

Yes. The scheme provides for bereavement payments and dependency payments to qualifying relatives of someone who died as a result of a violent crime. Qualifying relatives include a spouse or civil partner who was living with the deceased, a partner for at least two years, and parents and children. The scheme also provides for a flat-rate funeral payment. We advise families on the full scope of entitlement following a bereavement.

How much does an initial consultation cost?

We offer a fixed-fee initial consultation for CICA matters. At that meeting, we assess your eligibility, advise on the tariff bands likely to apply to your injuries, and explain the process and timescales involved. Please get in touch to arrange a time.

Personal injury team

Tahir Shahab Khan

Tahir Shahab Khan

Supervising Director, Solicitor Advocate

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Jai Singh

Jai Singh

Solicitor

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Monica Coleman

Monica Coleman

Solicitor

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Nicola Miley

Nicola Miley

Senior Litigation Executive

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Sajad Zamir

Sajad Zamir

Paralegal

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Supervising Director, Solicitor Advocate

Tahir Shahab Khan

  • Designation: Supervising Director, Solicitor Advocate
  • Languages: English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Pashto

I am a Director and Solicitor at Law Lane Solicitors where I supervise a team of solicitors and caseworkers. I was called to the Bar as a Barrister in March 2001 and in April 2006 cross-qualified to become a Solicitor of Senior Courts of England & Wales. I am a member of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

I specialise and have wide experience of litigation in Public Law and Human Rights, with an emphasis on Immigration, skilled worker visa, asylum, nationality, EU and regulatory Law. I also oversee Criminal and Civil Litigation particularly PI and Clinical Negligence matters. Book your Free 10 Minutes Consultation

Practice Areas
  • Immigration Law
  • Asylum Law
  • Business Immigration
  • Public Law
  • Residential & Commercial Conveyancing
  • Personal Injury
  • Wills & Probate
Career & Experience

I started working in the legal profession in 1999 – initially as an outdoor clerk and later became a legal assistant and legal executive at various organisations. In 2006, I joined as a Partner Solicitor at Shaad Solicitors. In 2007, I joined Khans Solicitors as a Partner and remained there until 2015. In 2015, I, along with three other Partners, established Law Lane Solicitors where I am currently appointed as the Managing Director.

In a short span of time, Law Lane has achieved innumerable qualifying accreditations marks for legal practices and meets the highest standards of technical expertise and client service in specific areas of law. For example: Lexcel, Legal 500, Immigration and Asylum quality mark, Conveyancing quality mark.

I have successfully defended in the High Court various institution Tier 4 sponsor licence revocation matters pertaining to the TOEIC English language fiasco. I have also defended individuals who were alleged by the SSHD to have applied deception in successfully completing their TOEIC English language test. To date, I have won over 90% of my cases and brought back a number of individuals to the UK from their country of residence due to their unlawful removal by the SSHD.

I also have a deep knowledge and expertise in Tier 1 (General) refusals under paragraph 322(5) where an applicant’s character and conduct call into question their desirability of remaining in the UK by the SSHD. I have defended and won over 90% of innocent applicant’s cases against the SSHD.

Many of my most notable cases have been presented in High Courts, Crown courts and Supreme Courts.

I represent clients from various ethnic backgrounds such as: Albanian, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Turkish, Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian and other.

I have appeared on various television shows since 2006 for discussions on numerous legal topics.

Notable Cases

Amin, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] EWCA Civ 439 (31 March 2022):

This case regarded overturning a British citizenship refusal based on character concerns. The Home Office believed that Mr Amin’s association with Mullah Krekar and other members of Ansar al Islam meant that he was not of good character and refused his application to naturalise as a British citizen. This appeal was brought forward to argue that the decision to refuse his application for British citizenship was unlawful as the Home Office had failed to consider new factors.

Raza, R (on the application of)  The Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWCA Civ 36 (28 January 2016):

The issue in this case is whether the appellant was entitled to the benefit of the leeway provided by the case of Patel (revocation of sponsor licence – fairness) India  [2011] UKUT 00211 (IAC)  in relation to students whose Tier 4 (General) sponsor ceases to run the course on which they are enrolled and whether that case was rightly decided.

London St Andrew’s College, R (On the Application Of)  The Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] EWCA Civ 2496 (08 November 2018):

This was an appeal against an order of McGowan J in London St Andrews College  Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWHC 4328 (Admin) dismissed the Appellant’s claim for judicial review of a decision to revoke its Tier 4 sponsor licence. Permission to appeal was granted by Arden LJ on a single ground, namely whether McGowan J had misconstrued the meaning of the phrase “any of your duties” in paragraph 162(d) of Document 3 of the Tier 4 guidance.

London College of Business Management and Information, R (on the application of) Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWHC 3215 (Admin) (07 July 2015):

Tier 4 sponsor licence revocation decision of the SSHD on the basis of ETS (TOIEC English language test) used by the students to obtain admission in college was quashed by the court in that found to be unlawful by the court.

Bilal Ahmed v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWCA Civ 303: 

Proper construction, ambit and effect of Articles 15, 31 and 35 of the Directive 2004/38/EC, Regulations 28 and 29 of the Immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006 and section 92(4)(b) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

Achievements
  • Qualified Barrister (non-practising)
  • Solicitor for Elderly Clients
  • International Commercial Law accreditation
  • Personal Injury accreditation by The Law Society

Email:tsk@lawlanesolicitors.com

Tel:07771 588 878

Solicitor

Jai Singh

  • Designation: Solicitor
  • Languages: English, Punjabi
Memberships
  • APIL
Education & Qualifications
  • BSc Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
  • GDL
  • LPC
  • Qualified Solicitor, under the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Email:js@lawlanesolicitors.com

Tel:07570353106

Solicitor

Monica Coleman

  • Practice Area: Personal Injury
  • Languages: English, Romanian

Monica is a Personal Injury Solicitor at Law Lane Solicitors with extensive post-qualification experience representing individuals who have been injured through no fault of their own. She is committed to securing the compensation her clients deserve while ensuring they have access to the rehabilitation and support needed to aid their recovery.

Her practice encompasses a broad range of personal injury matters, including road traffic accidents, employer’s liability, occupiers’ liability and serious injury claims. Monica has particular expertise supporting vulnerable clients, including children, individuals with complex injuries and those living with significant physical and psychological consequences following an accident.

Known for her pragmatic and client-focused approach, Monica handles even the most challenging and complex claims with confidence, sensitivity and meticulous attention to detail. She is dedicated to achieving outcomes that fully reflect the impact an injury has had on every aspect of her clients’ lives and is recognised for her ability to negotiate robust settlements in difficult cases.

Colleagues and referring solicitors value her sound judgement, strategic approach and consistent results, while clients frequently praise her empathy, clear communication and unwavering commitment throughout the claims process. Her combination of technical expertise and genuine compassion enables her to provide exceptional support during what is often one of the most difficult periods in her clients’ lives.

What Monica’s Practice Covers

Road Traffic Accidents

Monica acts for drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. She is experienced in claims involving uninsured or untraced drivers though the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, as well as cases involving disputed liability or multiple Defendants. Her work spans both fast-track and multi-track litigation and she manages claims from initial instruction through to settlement or trial, providing clear, practical advice and effective representation at every stage of the process.

Employer’s Liability

Monica advises employees who have been injured at work, acting in claims arising from manual handling accidents, machinery failures, falls from height and a wide range of other workplace incidents. She prepares the necessary evidence and drafts legal documents including letters of claim, witness statements, pleadings particulars and schedules of loss, instructs counsel and works closely with medical experts as the case requires.

Occupiers’ Liability

Monica represents individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of slips, trips and falls on commercial or public premises. She has experience acting in claims involving retail premises, local authority land and other public spaces, carefully investigating liability and causation issues to build the strongest possible case for her clients.

Serious and Complex Injury

High-value claims involving brain injuries, spinal trauma and other life-changing conditions form a core part of Monica’s caseload. Monica recognises the importance of recovery as well as compensation and places particular emphasis on securing early rehabilitation and interim payments wherever possible to support her clients throughout the claims process. She has substantial experience in cases involving disputed liability, multiple Defendants and complex medico-legal expert evidence.

Psychiatric Injury

Monica has developed a depth of experience in psychiatric injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, depressive and anxiety disorders as well as cases arising from occupational stress, workplace bullying and sustained pressure leading to psychological breakdown. These cases require careful management of medical and factual evidence. Foreseeability and causation are often in dispute and Monica prepares these matters to withstand close scrutiny. She acts for clients where psychiatric damage is the primary injury and where psychological harm sits alongside physical injuries.

CICA Claims

Monica advises clients pursuing compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) following violent crime. She has experience acting in cases involving physical injury, permanent scarring and disfigurement as well as significant psychological harm, guiding clients through the application process, with clear and practical advice.

Representative Cases

Monica has secured numerous settlements including several six-figure compensation claims across a broad range of personal injury matters, involving disputed liability and complex expert evidence. Selected examples of her work include:

Motorcyclist: spinal injury and psychological harm

Acted for a young motorcyclist who sustained a serious spinal injury alongside significant psychological harm after being struck by a car, securing appropriate compensation to support long-term rehabilitation and recovery.

Hit-and-run: polytrauma and brain injury

Acted for a victim of a hit-and-run collision who suffered polytrauma and a brain haemorrhage. Secured substantial compensation to assist with ongoing care and rehabilitation.

Child Claimant: multiple fractures

Acted for a child who sustained multiple fractures to various areas of the body in an accident, securing an award reflecting the nature and extent of the injuries and the impact on the child’s development.

Family: motorway collision with heavy goods vehicle

Represented a mother and her two children who suffered physical injuries and psychological trauma in a motorway collision with a heavy goods vehicle. Secured damages for the whole family.

CICA: taxi driver assaulted by passengers

Managed a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority claim for a taxi driver attacked by passengers who sustained significant physical injuries, disfigurement and psychiatric damage following the assault.

Pedestrian: psychiatric injury

Acted for a pedestrian who developed a severe depressive episode following an accident and physical injuries sustained, requiring extensive psychiatric treatment and expert evidence throughout the claim.

Passenger: complex PTSD and depression

Represented a passenger diagnosed with whiplash type injuries alongside complex PTSD and severe depression, achieving a settlement reflecting the full extent of the psychiatric impact.

Who Monica Acts For

Monica represents adults, children and families who have been injured through no fault of their own. Her clients include employees injured at work, road traffic victims, people hurt in public places and individuals living with serious or life-changing injuries. She regularly advises clients from a wide range of backgrounds and speaks Romanian fluently, enabling her to support Romanian-speaking clients.

How Monica Works

Monica is known for her approachable and responsive manner. She takes time to know her clients and understand each one’s individual circumstances before she explains the claim process in clear, straightforward language. She keeps clients informed at key stages thereby managing their expectations. She advocates for early rehabilitation and works proactively to secure early admissions of liability. She fights hard to secure interim payments wherever possible, helping clients access treatment and support without unnecessary delay.

With experience supervising junior colleagues and managing complex caseloads, Monica brings a highly organised and meticulous approach to every matter. She provides regular updates, explains developments clearly and ensures clients understand their options so they feel 100% supported, giving them the confidence and reassurance to concentrate on their recovery while she focuses on achieving the best possible outcome in each case.

What Clients Say

“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Monica and the entire team for their support and professionalism in resolving my personal injury claim. From start to finish, they were attentive, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. Their dedication made a difficult situation much easier to navigate, and I truly appreciate the time and effort they invested in achieving a positive outcome. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to anyone in need of expert guidance.” – DP Google Review

“I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation for Ms. Monica’s exceptional support throughout the claim process. Her humble demeanor, professionalism, and patience were truly commendable. She ensured clear communication at every stage, addressed all concerns promptly, and handled the process with great efficiency. Her dedication and positive attitude made the entire experience smooth and reassuring. I am genuinely grateful for her valuable assistance.” – WY Trustpilot

Outside the Law

Monica is a qualified Mental Health First Aider, which complements her work supporting clients who have experienced psychological trauma and serious injuries. She is also actively involved in building connections with the Romanian community in London as well as across England and Wales. Outside work, Monica enjoys hiking, travelling and attending live music events.

Speak to Monica

Law Lane Solicitors has offices in Stratford E15, Holborn WC1V, and Croydon CR0. Claimant personal injury claims are taken on a no win, no fee basis.

To speak with Monica about a personal injury claim, contact Law Lane Solicitors by phone or through the online enquiry form.

Law Lane Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Education & Qualifications
  • Monica holds an LLB (Hons) from The College of Law and completed the Nottingham’s Law School Legal Practice Course. She qualified as a Solicitor in January 2013 and has practised in personal injury throughout her career. She joined Law Lane Solicitors in July 2023.
  • Professional memberships: Law Society of England and Wales.

Tel:0203 603 9344

Senior Litigation Executive

Nicola Miley

  • Designation: Senior Litigation Executive, Personal Injury Team Leader
  • Languages: English, Irish, French

I have over 16 years of Personal Injury Litigation experience, in Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales as well as European claims. I have worked on Cross Border/Joint Litigation between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in Road Traffic Accidents Personal Injury Litigation along with Road Traffic Accidents Personal Injury in Europe.

Practice Areas
  • Personal Injury
  • Clinical Negligence
Career & Expertise

I worked with In-House Solicitors for UK Insurers, Defendant Solicitor within Legal500 for Key Insurers within UK, Defendant Fraud Solicitors Legal 500 Law Firm for Key/Major Insurers within UK, Claimant Solicitor within Legal 500 Law Firm in UK.

I have previously worked on Liability disputes, ADR/Settlement discussions with Parties Directly and Legal Representatives, Road Traffic Incident Investigations, Fraud Investigations within Personal Injury, Credit hire, vehicle damage settlements, Motor Insurers Bureau, Motor Insurer Bureau Ireland, Insurance Bureaus within Europe, and MOJ, Fast Track and Multi Track.

Achievements
  • Implicating and Investigating Fraud Rings in Northern Ireland run by the Real I.R.A and other various fraud rings within the Republic of Ireland, UK and Scotland and Wales
  • Quinn Direct, Liberty Insurance, Tradewise Insurance, Slater & Gordon Solicitors, Horwich Farrelly, Plexus Law, Advantage Solicitors, Direct Line Insurance Group, Law Lane Solicitors
Notable Cases
  • Sabir V Orridge and Company Ltd – EL & OL Matter
  • Madni V 1) Compass Group & Ireland PLC, 2) Capital & Regional PLC, 3) CRBE Managed Services Ltd, 4) Ms Diane Stewart T/A Action Doors, 5) Mann Shop Front Ltd – EL & OL Matter
  • Puthiya Purayil V Kizhakkepeediyakkal – RTA Matter
  • Virk V 1) Mib & 2) Hdi Gerling – RTA Matter
  • Saini V 1) Danny Sullivans & Sons Ltd & 2) Colas Rail Ltd – EL & OL Matter
  • Ahmad V Cica – Criminal Injury Matter
  • Ahmad V Arriva London North Ltd – EL Matter
  • Ahmad V Mib (Untraced Agreement) – RTA Matter
  • Abbas, 2) Abbas, 3) Amjad, 4) Zaheer V Esure – RTA Matter
  • Ahmed V 1) Mitie Group PLC & 2) The Crown Estate – EL & OL Matter
Memberships
  • Paralegal Level of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

Email:nicola@lawlanesolicitors.com

Paralegal

Sajad Zamir

  • Designation: Paralegal
  • Languages: English
Practice Areas
  • Personal Injury

Email:sz@lawlanesolicitors.com

Accreditations & Memberships