assault claims

If you, a family member, or a friend experience physical or psychological injuries because of a violent crime, there might be a way to get assault compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

To start a claim, you must have been a crime victim, including but not limited to:

  • Common Assault
  • Assault causing ABH or GBH,
  • Public or workplace assault,
  • Domestic assault,
  • Assault by security,
  • Criminal assault,
  • Assault causing death, a
  • Assault with a weapon,
  • Sexual assault without consent.

Our criminal assault lawyers will pursue justice and compensation for you, even if the offender is not caught, charged, or identified by the police.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim?

Compensation varies based on injury severity, long-term effects, and other considerations.

Minor injuries: Up to £2,000

Serious injuries: Up to £27,000

Permanent disability & mental illness: Up to £44,000

Severe brain injury: Up to £175,000

Multiple injuries can raise the total award, with up to three of the most severe injuries taken into account.

CAN I CLAIM COMPENSATION AFTER AN ASSAULT?

To successfully claim compensation under CICA for criminal assault, you need to report the incident to the police and cooperate fully with their investigation.

  • You may qualify for compensation under the CICA scheme if you were:
  • – The victim of a violent crime or assault.
  • – Not at fault for the incident.
  • – Injured while taking reasonable steps to prevent a crime.
  • – Psychologically harmed from witnessing a loved one’s victimization or being involved in the immediate aftermath.

Any settlement you receive will be paid for by a central fund managed by the Government, funded through the taxes we all pay, so there’s no need to feel guilty about making a claim for assault compensation..

When should I claim compensation after an assault?

CICA claims should ideally be made within two years of reporting the incident or abuse to the police. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s always a good idea to get legal advice tailored to your situation. Remember, cases can begin even before criminal proceedings are finished, so there’s no need to wait for those to be completed. Our criminal injury lawyers are here to encourage you to seek justice as soon as possible.

Can I make a claim if I don’t know who attacked me?

Yes. CICA permits compensation claims even if the attacker is unknown or deceased. 

What if my attacker doesn't have any money?

You can still make a claim through the government-supported CICA, which helps ensure that victims get compensation based on how severe their injury is. The funds do not come from the attacker, they come from the government. 

How long does a claim take?

Claims generally take 12 months to process, depending on the complexity and the availability of medical evidence.