You are likely reading this because you have found yourself asking, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed?’. Simply put, yes, you may be eligible to start a criminal injury claim if you were injured during a robbery. You could be eligible to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This is the government body that pays compensation to those who have been impacted by a violent crime.
Key Takeaways
- The police recorded 78,804 robbery offences in year ending March 2025
- Robbery is the act of taking something from a person through threatening actions or behaviour
- You could claim compensation for both physical and psychological injuries suffered in a robbery
- Unless exceptional circumstances apply, you should start your claim within 2 years of the robbery
- You will need to have reported the robbery to the police in order to claim through the CICA
If you have any questions about the process of making a criminal injury claim, why not contact our friendly advisors? Whether you are simply seeking more information or would like to confirm your eligibility to proceed, they can help. They could connect you to one of our No Win No Fee solicitors for expert legal services.
- Call us on 0800 073 8801
- Make an enquiry through our online submission form
- Chat live with a specialist advisor using the pop-up window in the corner
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Jump To A Section
- Can You Get Compensation For Being Robbed?
- What Are The Different Types Of Robbery?
- What Could Be The Effects Of Robbery On Victims?
- What Compensation Can I Get After Being Robbed?
- How Does The Victim Compensation Scheme Work?
- What Should You Do If You Were The Victim Of A Robbery?
- No Win No Fee Robbery Victim Compensation Claims
- More Information
Can You Get Compensation For Being Robbed?
Yes, you can claim compensation for being robbed if you fit the criteria laid out by the CICA, which is the body that pays compensation to those affected by violent crime in the UK. In order to be eligible, you must have:
- Been injured in a crime of violence as defined within Annexe B of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (CICA Scheme). This includes physical attacks (such as assault) and a threat against a person, causing fear of immediate violence in circumstances which would cause a person of reasonable firmness to be put in such fear (such as a robbery)
- Reported the incident to the police
- Experienced the incident in Wales, Scotland, England, or a relevant place (such as a boat that is registered to one of the countries listed)
Whether or not the robber has been prosecuted will not be relevant to your criminal injury claim. This is because the CICA conduct their own investigations that are separate from criminal proceedings.
Why not contact our advisors to directly ask, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed?’. They are happy to assess the specific circumstances of your experience and explain whether you qualify for the representation of one of our No Win No Fee solicitors.
What Are The Different Types Of Robbery?
The different types of robbery can be split into armed robbery, aggravated robbery, robbery and mugging. The following definitions apply:
- Robbery– the act of taking something from another person by force through the use of intimidation
- Mugging– an act of robbery that takes place in public
- Aggravated robbery– taking another person’s possessions by threatening them with bodily harm
- Armed robbery– stealing from a person while carrying a weapon (such as a knife or firearm)
No matter what type of robbery you have experienced, it can be an extremely traumatic event. Contact an advisor to discuss the specifics of your case and ask, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed?’.
What Could Be The Effects Of Robbery On Victims?
Robbery can have serious psychological and physical effects on victims. Those affected can be left feeling angry, afraid and worried about their future. It can become difficult to go to work, take part in leisure activities or even leave the house. Common examples of harm include:
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Concussion
- Anxiety/panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Agoraphobia
- Depression
The prospect of making a claim can seem overwhelming, especially if you are struggling mentally. Our advisors have handled many similar enquiries, so you are welcome to simply ask them, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed?’. There is no expectation to proceed if you are simply seeking further advice.
What Compensation Can I Get After Being Robbed?
You can claim compensation for your physical, psychological and financial impact through the CICA after being robbed. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 provides compensation tariffs for a variety of injuries resulting from violent crime. These are fixed amounts, which we have included in the following table, so you can get a reasonable idea of CICA payout examples. Please note, however, that the top figure is the maximum amount the CICA will pay out for any type of claim made through them.
| Type of Harm | Notes | Compensation Value |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple injuries with special expenses and loss of earnings | Multiple forms of harm with financial losses such as payments to replace damaged physical aids, home adaptations, and professional care | Up to £500,000 |
| Moderate brain damage | Significant- Some dependence on others, diminished ability to work, personality change | £82,000 |
| Hand | Loss of, or equivalent lost function of one dominant hand | £55,000 |
| Arm | Paralysis or equivalent loss of function in one dominant arm | £44,000 |
| Mental Injury | Permanent mental injury confirmed by a diagnosis that is seriously disabling | £27,000 |
| A disabling mental injury that last 5+ years but isn't permanent | £13,500 | |
| Eye | Serious- permanent double or blurred vision | £13,500 |
| Face | Multiple fractures to the face, such as types 2 and 3 Le Fort fractures) | £11,000 |
| Femur (thigh bone) | fracture of both legs with continuing significant disability | £11,000 |
It is also important to note that if you have suffered more than one injury, the following formula will be used when compensating you:
- 100% of the compensation tariff will be awarded for the injury with the highest value
- 30% of the compensation tariff will be awarded for the injury with the 2nd highest value
- 15% of the compensation tariff will be awarded for the injury with the 3rd highest value
You can only claim compensation for up to 3 injuries through the CICA under the multiple injuries formula. Additional compensation could be awarded if the incident meant you became pregnant, lost a foetus or contracted an STI.
Can I Claim For Special Expenses After A Robbery?
Yes, you can claim for special expenses after a robbery through a CICA claim for certain financial losses you expereinced. Special expenses could be awarded for:
- The cost of replacing physical aids that were broken during the robbery (such as glasses or hearing aids)
- Payments for home adaptations- for example, you may have a stairlift installed if you can no longer use the stairs easily
- The purchase of equipment required to help you live with the injuries- a car that is adapted to hold a wheelchair or specialised kitchen equipment
- Supervision costs in cases where this is needed to prevent the claimant from harming themselves or others
- Administrative expenses due to needing the help of another person to manage your affairs due to a lack of mental capacity
- Care expenses- relating to your bodily functions or food preparation
When claiming special expenses, all the costs have to be reasonable, necessary, directly resulting from the injury and not available for free elsewhere.
You could also be eligible to receive compensation for your lost earnings, but there are set criteria in place to be eligible for this.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about the different costs that can be added to your criminal injury claim. You can speak to one of our friendly advisors to further discuss the details of your case and what factors can be accounted for via compensation payout. They can use a criminal injury claim calculator to give you a tailored estimate.
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How Does The Victim Compensation Scheme Work?
The CICA victim compensation scheme works by assessing eligible claimants against set compensation tariffs and considering how each person has been affected financially. As discussed at the start of the guide, you must meet the CICA’s criteria in order to seek compensation through them.
An important aspect of said criteria is that you start the process within the appropriate time limit. Generally, this is 2 years running from the date the incident took place, unless exceptional circumstances meant that they could not claim during this period.
If the robbery affected a child, the following rules apply:
- If you were below the age of 18 when the robbery took place, and it was reported to the police, you can claim within 2 years of your 18th birthday (unless there are exceptional circumstances)
- If you were below the age of 18 when the robbery took place, and no police report was made prior to your 18th birthday, starting from the date of making your police report, you will have 2 years to claim. You must also be able to prove that you did not make a report sooner due to exceptional circumstances
Why not speak to an advisor to ask, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed, and how long do you have to start a claim?’. Our advice is offered without strings attached, so don’t worry if you feel hesitant about proceeding at this stage.
What Should You Do If You Were The Victim Of A Robbery?
If you were the victim of a robbery, you should call the emergency services if required, get any medical help that you need and contact a solicitor to find out whether you can get compensation.
Firstly, your health and well-being should be the priority. A robbery can be physically and psychologically harmful. If required, seek medical attention as soon as you are able to do so. If the event continues to impact you, you may benefit from the services of a therapist. You can also contact the police, as a police report is necessary should you later decide to make a CICA claim.
Once you have sought medical attention, you may find yourself asking, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed?’. At this point, it is important that you find the right solicitor for you. Our solicitors have years of experience working on criminal injury claims, and could help you with:
- Gathering the evidence that the CICA require
- Identify the correct time limit for your claim and apply to the CICA in time
- Appeal a CICA decision if you are not content with the outcome
- Understand the legal process by offering simple explanations of anything you are unsure of
- Help you access any rehabilitation or therapy you may need for your injuries
Our advisory team understand that you have been through a difficult situation. They will give you the straightforward answers you need and even estimate how much compensation could be owed to you. With free advice offered no strings attached, what do you have to lose by contacting them?
No Win No Fee Robbery Victim Compensation Claims
Our solicitors can represent robbery victim compensation claims on a No Win No Fee basis. By signing a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which is a contract that works on this basis, you agree that there is no requirement to pay for your solicitor’s work:
- Before the CICA claim begins
- While the case is being assessed
- If you are not awarded compensation following an unsuccessful claim
However, if you do receive compensation, you must pay a success fee. This is the percentage of the compensation that you give to your solicitor. This percentage is legally bound by a cap. This ensures that you take home the largest share of your compensation.
Our solicitors have already helped claimants to get a combined total of over £80 million in compensation so far. You may have already experienced a lot of stress due to the robbery, so having an expert to rely on could make the process much simpler for you.
Start Your Claim For Burglary Compensation
If you are looking for an answer to the question, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed?’, get in touch with our advisors. They have handled many enquiries of this nature and are happy to further explain anything discussed in this guide. Without requiring you to make any commitment to claiming, they can highlight what factors are likely to influence your compensation payout and check whether you meet the CICA eligibility requirements.
You could be connected to one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today, so why wait to get in touch?
- Call us on 0800 073 8801
- Make an enquiry through our online submission form
- Chat live with a specialist advisor using the pop-up window in the corner
More Information
Read our other criminal injury claim guides using the links below:
- Visit this guide on domestic violence claims
- Find out about claiming compensation for rape
- Learn whether you can make a CICA claim if you have a criminal record
Further resources:
- Visit the police guidance on burglary, theft, property damage, assault and other incidents
- Follow the government’s guidance on how to report a crime
- Read this information from the NHS about what mental health services are available
Thank you for reading this criminal injury claim guide. We hope you now have an answer to the question, ‘Can you get compensation for being robbed?’.
