For advice on who to talk to, call
+44 (0)20 3826 7517We act for individuals who have suffered physical or psychological injuries as a result of a violent crime, submitting claims on behalf of victims to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
CICA is a government-funded scheme established to compensate victims of crime. The application process is less formal than that relating to court proceedings and has different rules and procedures.
Our experience and approach
We have a national reputation for excellence in this area of work. We frequently receive referrals from other law firms or professionals. Our team has many years of experience of dealing with these types of claims.
Our team
Our CICA specialists are an integral part of our personal injury and clinical negligence team which has extensive experience in dealing with wide-ranging and complex claims. It is described by the independent legal directory The Legal 500 (2022) as "a group of incredibly experienced and first-class litigators."
If you would like to speak with one of our CICA specialists please call 020 3826 7517 or complete our enquiry form.
In the press
10/07/2018 Clinical negligence: do clerical staff bear responsibility? - Russell-Cooke in OnMedicaIn the press
06/12/2017 Landmark ruling gives greater rights to cohabitees - Russell-Cooke in Your MoneyIn the press
06/12/2017 Landmark ruling recognises rights of cohabiting couples - Russell-Cooke in the Financial TimesAction against Medical Accidents
Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) is the independent charity which promotes better patient safety and justice for people who have been affected by a medical accident. A 'medical accident' is where avoidable harm has been caused as a result of treatment or failure to treat appropriately.
www.avma.org.ukThe Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) exists to help its members fight for the rights of injured people. Founded in April 1990 by a group of barristers and solicitors who wished to improve the services provided for victims of personal injury, today APIL has grown to become the trusted organisation in the promotion, encouragement and development of expertise in personal injury law. APIL has created networks, forged links and uses its 4,700 strong voice to promote the rights of injured people and fight to ensure access to justice.
www.apil.org.ukLaw Society Personal Injury Panel
The Personal Injury Accreditation Scheme covers all work undertaken by solicitors and Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives (FILEX) on behalf of victims and their dependants, or compensators, as to their rights and obligations arising out of any alleged act of negligence or breach of statutory duty as a result of which the victim has sustained personal injuries or fatal injuries.
www.lawsociety.org.ukHeadway
Headway is a charity set up to give help and support to people affected by brain injury.
www.headway.org.ukINQUEST
INQUEST is a charity that provides a free advice service to bereaved people on contentious deaths and their investigation with a particular focus on deaths in custody.
www.inquest.org.ukSpinal Injuries Association
The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is the leading national charity for spinal cord injured people. The charity offers support and assistance from the time of injury and for the rest of a paralysed person's life, provides services to increase an individual's quality of life and campaign for the best medical and social care for spinal cord injured people.
www.spinal.co.ukThe main funding options relevant to compensation claims are set out below. We would be pleased to offer potential clients a free no obligation half hour interview or an initial assessment over the telephone to discuss the likelihood of pursuing a claim and discuss the various funding options available to you.
Public Funding / Legal Services Commission
This was abolished for most injury claims in April 2000. However, it is still available for clinical claims and as we have a contract with the Legal Services Commission we can apply for you.
"No Win, No Fee"/Conditional Fee Agreements
These are agreements between you and a firm of solicitors. If you win, the other side pays your solicitor's costs and if you lose your solicitor does not get paid.
However losing could mean that you have to pay the other side's costs, but you can protect yourself by taking out an insurance policy which will pay the other side's costs if you lose.
Legal Expenses Insurance
We recommend that you check all insurance policies (including any belonging to other family members) as you might be covered for solicitors fees for accident claims and you will still be able to instruct us to act for you.
Your own money
You can pay your own costs and we will ask you to pay for the work as the case progresses. Costs can be expensive and if you lose you could end up paying the other side's fees as well.
Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA)
An independent charity which promotes better patient safety and justice for people who have been affected by a medical accident.
www.avma.org.ukAPIL
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) exists to help its members fight for the rights of injured people.
www.apil.org.ukCitizens advice bureau
The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice, and by influencing policy makers.
citizensadvice.org.ukCommunity legal services and public funding (legal aid)
The Legal Aid Agency providex civil and criminal legal aid and advice in England and Wales
legalservices.gov.ukCourts and Tribunals Service
Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS) is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Our remit is to deliver justice effectively and efficiently to the public. We are responsible for managing the magistrates’ courts, the Crown Court, county courts, the High Court and Court of Appeal in England and Wales.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-serviceGeneral Medical Council
The GMC registers doctors to practise medicine in the UK. Our purpose is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards in the practice of medicine.
www.gmc-uk.orgInquest
A charity that provides a free advice service to bereaved people on contentious deaths and their investigation with a particular focus on deaths in custody.
www.inquest.orgThe Law Society
The Law Society is the representative body for solicitors in England and Wales.
www.lawsociety.org.ukNursing & Midwifery Council
The Nursing & Midwifery Council exists to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the public.
www.nmc-uk.orgOffice of the Public Guardian
The Office of the Public Guardian supports and promotes decision making for those who lack capacity or would like to plan for their future, within the framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
www.gov.ukThe Royal College of Nursing
The RCN represents nurses and nursing, promotes excellence in practice and shapes health policies.
www.rcn.org.ukSpinal Injuries Association
The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is the leading national charity for spinal cord injured people. We are unique in that we are a user led organisation with all our Trustees being spinal cord injured themselves.
www.spinal.co.uk