Can You Claim Through the CICA for a Dog Bite?

When someone suffers a dog bite, most people think of claiming compensation through the dog owner’s insurance. But what happens if the dog was used deliberately as a weapon? In such cases, a claim may be possible through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) a government-funded scheme designed to compensate innocent victims of violent crime.

At Claim for Dog Bite, we help clients explore all potential routes to compensation — including applications to the CICA — where the circumstances of the attack make a civil claim impossible or inappropriate.

What is the CICA?

The CICA is a government body that awards compensation to individuals who have suffered a criminal injury in England, Wales, or Scotland. The scheme covers a wide range of injuries, including psychological trauma, and extends to cases involving intentional attacks with a dog or where a dog has been used as a weapon in a criminal assault.

CICA claims are particularly relevant where:

• The dog was set on you deliberately
• You were attacked in the context of a violent or criminal act
• The police were involved, and the incident is classified as a criminal offence

When Is a Dog Bite Considered a Criminal Injury?

Not all dog bite cases will qualify for a CICA award. To be eligible, the incident must amount to a crime of violence as defined by the CICA scheme. This includes:

• A deliberate dog attack where the animal was used to cause harm
• An owner commanding or encouraging their dog to bite
• Dog-related assaults linked to threats, robbery, or abuse

If the injury was purely accidental, or if there was no criminal intent involved, a CICA claim is unlikely to succeed. In such cases, a civil claim against the owner or their insurer may be more appropriate.

CICA Claim Requirements

To bring a successful CICA claim, you must:

• Report the incident to the police as soon as possible
• Cooperate fully with the police investigation
• Submit your claim within two years of the incident
• Provide medical evidence of your injuries

The CICA awards compensation for physical injuries, mental trauma, and in some cases, loss of earnings or special expenses due to the attack.

Why Legal Help Matters

Although you can apply to the CICA without a solicitor, these claims are often rejected due to missing evidence, misclassification, or procedural errors. At Ison Harrison, we understand how to present a compelling case and ensure that your application includes the necessary documentation to support your claim.

We can also advise you whether the CICA is the right route or whether a civil claim is likely to yield a better result.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been injured by a dog in what you believe was a criminal attack, speak to our team today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and handle most CICA claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. Contact us today.

Let us help you take the next step towards justice and recovery.