If you have suffered an injury because of a violent crime, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is, “Who is going to pay me compensation?” This is a natural concern. You may already be struggling with pain, stress, medical costs, or even lost earnings from time off work. The thought of chasing the criminal for money can feel overwhelming, especially if the offender has disappeared, has no money, or has never even been caught.
The good news is that you can still get compensation even if the offender is not able to pay. In the UK, this is usually through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – a government-funded scheme set up to support victims of violent crime. In some situations, if the offender is convicted, the court can also order them to pay you directly.
This article will explain, in plain English:
- Who pays criminal injuries compensation.
- How the CICA scheme works.
- When courts make offenders pay compensation.
- What you can be compensated for.
- How long the process takes.
- What you should do next if you think you may have a claim.
Understanding Criminal Injuries Compensation
Criminal injuries compensation is money awarded to victims of crime to help them cope with the physical, emotional, and financial impact of what has happened. It is not meant to make you rich – rather, it is there to provide a level of support that helps you move forward.
You may qualify if you have been:
- Assaulted or attacked.
- Injured while trying to stop a crime.
- A victim of sexual assault or abuse.
- Left with a physical or psychological injury because of a violent crime.
The important thing to understand is that compensation does not normally come from the criminal’s pocket – because in many cases, they either cannot be found or cannot afford to pay. Instead, the government provides support through the CICA scheme.
Who Actually Pays Compensation?
There are two main ways you might receive compensation in the UK:
- Through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
- This is the most common route.
- The CICA is funded by the government, not the offender.
- You can apply even if the criminal has never been caught.
- Through Court-Awarded Compensation.
- This only applies if the offender is convicted in court.
- The judge may order the offender to pay you compensation directly.
- Payments can cover personal injury, medical bills, loss of earnings, or property damage.
Let’s look at both in more detail.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
The CICA was created to help innocent victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, and every year thousands of victims apply for compensation through this scheme.
Who can apply?
You may be able to apply if:
- You were injured in a violent crime.
- The incident happened in England, Scotland, Wales, or on a British-registered ship.
- You reported the crime to the police.
- You apply within two years of reporting the crime (exceptions can sometimes be made).
What can you get compensation for?
CICA claims can cover:
- Injuries – valued according to a tariff system set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
- Special expenses – such as medical aids, home adaptations, or damaged physical aids like hearing devices.
- Care costs – if you need help with cooking, washing, or personal needs.
- Loss of earnings – if your injuries mean you cannot work, provided you meet certain criteria.
Examples of payouts
- Severe injuries with significant financial losses: up to £500,000.
- Moderate brain damage: £55,000.
- Loss of non-dominant arm: £33,000.
- Burns covering 25% of skin with scarring: £33,000.
- Hip fracture with lasting disability: £16,500.
- Permanent blurred vision: £13,500.
- Serious back injury (ruptured disc): £11,000.
These are only examples. Your compensation will depend on the specific injury and its effect on your life.
Factors that may reduce your award
CICA may reduce or reject your claim if:
- You have unspent criminal convictions.
- You did not fully cooperate with the police.
- You tried to claim through another route first.
- You have already received compensation for the same injury from another source.
Court-Awarded Compensation
If the offender is caught and convicted, the court may order them to pay you compensation directly. This is separate from the CICA scheme.
What can be included?
The court can order the offender to pay for:
- Personal injury.
- Pain and suffering.
- Stolen or damaged property.
- Losses caused by fraud.
- Time off work.
- Medical bills.
- Travel costs.
How does it work?
- The police officer in charge of your case will help you apply.
- Your information will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
- The CPS will make the request in court.
- If the judge agrees, the offender will be ordered to pay.
The problem with this route
The main issue is that many offenders simply do not have the money to pay compensation. Even if ordered, it may take years for you to receive anything – or you may receive very little in instalments. This is why most victims rely on the CICA scheme instead.
How Long Do Claims Take?
There is no fixed timescale for CICA claims. Some are straightforward and settle in months, while others take longer.
Delays can happen if:
- You are still receiving treatment and the full impact of your injury is not yet known.
- The CICA requests extra information from you.
- There is a need to confirm your losses, such as earnings or expenses.
On average, you may wait anywhere from 12 to 18 months for a decision. More complex cases can take longer.
Court-awarded compensation can also take time, especially if the offender is in prison or has limited income.
Why Not Just Sue the Offender?
You might wonder, “Why can’t I just sue the person who hurt me?” The reality is:
- Many offenders cannot be found.
- Even if they are found, they may not have the money to pay.
- A lawsuit could cost you more time, stress, and money than it is worth.
This is exactly why the CICA exists – to make sure victims do not suffer financially just because the offender cannot or will not pay.
What You Should Do If You Need Compensation
If you think you may have a claim, here are the steps you should take:
- Report the crime to the police.
- Without a police report, you cannot claim through the CICA.
- Get medical help.
- Make sure your injuries are documented by a doctor.
- Keep evidence.
- Save receipts, medical records, and any proof of expenses.
- Apply within two years.
- Do not delay – unless there are special circumstances, late claims are refused.
- Consider legal advice.
- A solicitor can guide you through the process and improve your chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Being the victim of a violent crime is one of the most traumatic experiences you can go through. The last thing you should have to worry about is money. Thankfully, in the UK, you do not have to rely on the criminal to pay you compensation.
Most victims receive their compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – a government-funded scheme designed to help people like you. In some cases, if the offender is convicted, the court can order them to pay you directly.
Compensation cannot undo what has happened, but it can provide vital support. It can help with your recovery, cover your expenses, and give you the financial stability you need to rebuild your life.
So if you are asking yourself, “Who pays criminal injuries compensation?” the answer is clear:
- The CICA pays in most cases.
- The offender pays only if the court orders it.
The most important step is for you to take action, get advice, and make your claim. You deserve support, and the system is there to provide it.
