Being assaulted is not only frightening but can also leave you with long-term injuries, trauma, and financial loss. If you have been the victim of a violent crime, one of the first questions you may ask is: “How much compensation will I get for assault?”
The truth is that there is no single answer because every case is different. However, in the UK, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has a structured system that helps victims of assault get the compensation they deserve. In this guide, I will explain how compensation works, what you may be entitled to, and how to make your claim.
Understanding Compensation for Assault
Compensation is money awarded to help you recover from the effects of being assaulted. It covers the physical and psychological harm you have suffered and, in some cases, the financial impact on your life.
The main body responsible for handling such claims in the UK is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). It runs under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. This scheme uses a tariff system to decide how much money is awarded for different types of injuries.
The lowest payment starts at £1,000, and the highest can go up to £500,000 if your case is very serious.
Who Can Claim?
Not everyone can make a claim, so it is important to check if you qualify. To claim compensation through the CICA, you must:
- Have been injured in a violent crime (assault is included).
- Have reported the assault to the police.
- The crime must have happened in England, Scotland, or Wales (or another place covered by the scheme).
- Meet the residency requirements set by the scheme.
If these conditions are met, you may be eligible to claim. Importantly, you can still claim even if the person who assaulted you has not been caught or convicted, as long as you reported it to the police.
What Types of Assault Are Covered?
Assault can take many forms, and the law recognises different levels of seriousness. Here are the main categories:
- Common Assault: For example, being slapped or hit where no serious physical injury is visible.
- Actual Bodily Harm (ABH): Injuries such as bruises, scratches, or minor cuts caused during the assault.
- Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH): Serious harm such as stabbing, broken bones, or major wounds.
- Sexual Assault: Includes rape, groping, sexual harassment, child abuse, and other unwanted sexual acts.
If you suffered either physical injury or psychological harm because of an assault, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Much Compensation Will You Get?
This is the question most victims ask. The CICA tariff system sets out fixed amounts for specific injuries. Here are some examples:
- Multiple severe injuries + loss of earnings → Up to £500,000
- Very serious brain injury requiring full-time care → £250,000
- Loss of both thumbs → £55,000
- Fracture/dislocation of both hips → £16,500
- Fracture/dislocation of both ankles → £16,500
- Serious chest injury requiring surgery or removal of an organ → £16,500
- Fractures of tarsal bones in both feet (serious disability) → £13,500
This is only a sample of what’s available under the scheme. Every injury is assessed carefully, and the final amount depends on how badly you were affected.
Claiming for Multiple Injuries
It’s common for assault victims to suffer more than one injury – for example, a broken bone and psychological trauma. The CICA has a special formula to calculate compensation in such cases:
- You get 100% of the compensation for your most serious injury.
- You get 30% of the amount for your second injury.
- You get 15% of the amount for your third injury.
So, if you had three injuries, your payment would be based mainly on the most serious one, with smaller amounts added for the others.
Some exceptions exist, especially for injuries such as pregnancy resulting from an assault, loss of a foetus, or contracting an STI, where the rules may be different.
What About Special Expenses?
Compensation is not just for the injury itself. You may also be able to claim for special expenses, which are costs that came directly from your assault. These may include:
- Loss of earnings: If you were unable to work for more than 28 weeks because of your injuries.
- Damaged property: Clothes, glasses, dentures, or other items damaged during the assault.
- Medical aids or specialist equipment: For example, if you need a wheelchair or walking aid because of your injuries.
These special expenses can make a big difference, especially if the assault left you unable to work or live normally for some time.
What If No One Is Caught?
One common worry victims have is: “Can I still claim if no one was arrested or convicted?” The answer is yes.
The important thing is that you reported the crime to the police and co-operated with them. The scheme is designed to support victims of violent crime, not to wait until the criminal is punished.
Even if the person is never identified, you can still receive compensation if the evidence shows you were the victim of an assault.
Can You Claim Against Someone Else Instead of the CICA?
Yes, in some cases. Sometimes you can claim against a vicariously liable party – for example, your employer.
If you were assaulted at work and it happened because your employer failed to protect you, they could be held responsible. An example would be if you told your employer that another employee was threatening or harassing you, but they ignored it and you were later assaulted.
In such cases, your employer may be liable, and you could claim directly against them instead of going through the CICA.
What Evidence Do You Need?
To make your case stronger, you’ll need to provide evidence. This usually includes:
- Crime reference number (from the police).
- Medical records showing your injuries and treatment.
- Proof of residency (to meet the scheme’s requirements).
- Documents for financial losses, such as wage slips or receipts for damaged items.
If you use a solicitor, they can help you collect and organise this evidence so your claim goes more smoothly.
How Long Will It Take?
The CICA aims to decide on most claims within 12 months. However, some cases take longer, especially if:
- You are still receiving treatment for your injuries.
- The attacker’s responsibility is being disputed.
- More time is needed to calculate your losses.
Although it may feel frustrating to wait, it’s often better to let your case be properly assessed so you get the right amount of compensation.
Psychological Injuries and Assault
It’s important to remember that assault does not only cause physical harm. Many victims suffer from psychological injuries such as:
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fear of going out or being in public spaces
These can be just as damaging as physical injuries. The CICA does recognise psychological injuries, and if you have medical evidence (for example, from a GP or counsellor), you can claim for these too.
Why Starting Early Matters
The sooner you start your claim, the sooner your case can be looked at. Also, memories fade, and evidence becomes harder to collect as time passes. By acting quickly, you make it easier to prove your case and receive your compensation sooner.
Most claims have a time limit of two years from the date of the assault. However, exceptions can sometimes be made, especially if you were a child at the time of the assault or if you were unable to claim earlier due to trauma.
Final Thoughts
If you have been assaulted, you have every right to seek justice and support through compensation. While money cannot undo what happened, it can help you move forward, cover your losses, and access the care you need.
The CICA scheme provides a clear path for victims of assault to receive fair compensation, whether for physical injuries, psychological trauma, or financial hardship. By understanding the process, collecting the right evidence, and seeking advice if needed, you can make a strong claim and focus on your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum CICA payout: £1,000.
- Maximum payout: £500,000.
- Multiple injuries are compensated using a formula (100% + 30% + 15%).
- Special expenses (loss of earnings, damaged property, medical equipment) can be claimed.
- You can claim even if no one is convicted.
- Evidence is crucial: crime reference, medical proof, residency, and financial records.
- Time limit: usually 2 years from the incident.
- A No Win No Fee solicitor can help you maximise your claim.
