CICA : Makes applications even more difficult
Following recent announcements concerning changes to the CICA scheme reducing the amount of damages from September 2012 the CICA have now announced that as from the 9th July 2012 they will no longer accept postal applications and will only accept applications made on line or over the telephone to one of their “help line staff”.
No formal announcement has been made of this change but the changes are confirmed on their website which also refers to obtaining assistance from Victim Support but makes no reference to obtaining independent legal advice. Siân Mullane comments that: “this is a further erosion of people’s rights to access compensation where they have been the victim of a violent crime. There are still many instances where CICA applicants will need detailed independent legal advice as many of these claims are not straightforward and often involve children or vulnerable people. This appears to be a cynical attempt to further restrict the number of successful applicants to the CICA”.
If you or a member of your family has been affected by violent crime and think you may have a claim for compensation then contact Siân Mullane on 01473 211121 or by way of email at sian.mullane@gotelee.co.uk.