Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that there were 1.1 million incidents of violence (such as assaults) with or without injury in the year ending September 2025. Being victim to a criminal incident in which you are injured can result not just in physical harm, but also in psychological consequences. If you have been assaulted, you may be wondering if you could make a claim and how much compensation for assault you could be awarded.
How much compensation for an assault you are eligible to claim will be based on a fixed tariff found in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (the Scheme). This is a program funded by the government and administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Its purpose is to compensate victims of violent crimes in England, Wales and Scotland.
At Accident Claims our criminal injury solicitors are experts at navigating the CICA claims process. They can help to build a strong claim and ensure you get the criminal injury compensation that you deserve. Additionally, they provide their criminal injury claims services on a No Win No Fee basis, allowing you to get access to expert legal support without paying high upfront solicitors’ fees.
Our supportive and compassionate team are on hand to listen to you. When you first contact Accident Claims, a friendly and knowledgeable advisor will assess whether you could move forward with a CICA claim. They will also estimate how much compensation you could be awarded and connect you to one of our specialist solicitors.
- Call 0800 073 8801.
- Click on our live chat below.
- Click here to start a claim online.
4.8
Jump To A Section
- How Much Compensation For Assault Can I Claim Through The CICA?
- Can The CICA Award Special Expenses After Assault?
- Claiming For An Assault Through The CICA?
- What Types Of Assault Could The CICA Compensate For?
- What Will I Need To Bring An Assault Claim With The CICA?
- Claiming For Assault With Our Expert Solicitors
- Learn More
How Much Compensation For Assault Can I Claim Through The CICA?
How much compensation for assault you can claim through the CICA is set by a fixed tariff found in the Scheme. This tariff includes different injuries as well as degrees of severity. We have taken examples from this to create the following table.
Please be aware that the first figure is the maximum amount of compensation which may be awarded by the CICA and includes both special expenses and loss of income.
| Injury | Notes | Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple injuries, special expenses, and loss of earnings. | Multiple injuries and special expenses for necessary modifications to your home, physical aids, and necessary equipment. | Up to £500,000. |
| Moderately severe brain damage. | Seriously disabling mental or physical faculties, substantially dependent on others. | £110,000 |
| Burns. | Covering over 25% of your skin across multiple parts of your body, with significant scarring. | £33,000.00 |
| Sexual assault. | Which results in a confirmed, disabling, severe, mental illness. | £27,000.00 |
| Non-consensual penile penetration of the anus, vagina, or mouth. | Resulting in a diagnosed, disabling, severe, mental illness. | £27,000.00 |
| Physical abuse of children. | A pattern of severe and repetitive violence, resulting in multiple severe injuries. | £13,500.00 |
| Mental injury. | A diagnosed, disabling mental injury lasting 5 or more years, but not permanent. | £13,500.00 |
| Face injury - Multiple Fractures. | Such as types 2 & 3 Le Fort fractures. | £11,000.00 |
| Upper limbs, burns | Severe burns. | £11,000.00 |
| Fatal criminal injuries. | Made by a single qualifying relative. | £11,000.00 |
If you are claiming for more than one injury sustained through the assault from the main tariff, they will be subject to the ‘multiple injury formula’. You can claim for up to 3 injuries from the main tariff. This means that for the injury with the highest value, you will be awarded 100% of the tariff. For the second and third highest valued injuries, you will be awarded 30% and 15% of the tariffs. However, if you were made pregnant, lost a pregnancy or contracted a sexually transmitted infection as a result of the assault, you can be compensated for these in addition to the 3 injuries from the main tariff.
An advisor could further help you understand how much compensation for assault you could claim through the CICA. Get in touch today.
4.8Can The CICA Award Special Expenses After Assault?
The CICA can award compensation for special expenses as part of your settlement. This could include costs which are reasonable, necessary, and which arise directly as a result of your injury. Examples could include,
- Necessary modifications to your vehicle or home, such as adding ramps and handles.
- The cost of the equipment necessary to help you cope with your injuries.
- The cost of equipment (such as physical aids you rely on) damaged in the incident.
The CICA may compensate for loss of earnings. However, you will need to meet specific eligibility criteria.
Our team has helped numerous clients claim for assaults, abuse, and other types of criminal injuries. We could help you access rehabilitation and support services, as well as ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Speak to an advisor to find out more about special expenses. 
Claiming For An Assault Through The CICA?
You could claim for physical and/or psychological injuries caused by an assault through the CICA if you meet the eligibility criteria. To do so, you must show that,
- You were the victim of a crime of violence as defined in Annex B of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. This does include physical attacks, such as an assault as well as sexual assaults.
- The assault must have taken place either in Great Britain or in another relevant location. This could include a ship registered in Great Britain.
- You must have reported the assault to the police. This may have occurred immediately or at a later date in cases of historical abuse and assault. You must also fully cooperate with the police.
- Your claim must be brought to the CICA within the time limit. In most instances, this is 2 years from the date of the assault. However, extensions may be made in exceptional circumstances.
What If The Attacker Is Unknown?
The CICA can consider compensation claims, no matter whether the attacker was known or unknown. The incident must have been reported to the police and there must be sufficient evidence supporting your account of what happened.
Can I Claim If The Perpetrator Isn’t Convicted?
Yes, you can claim compensation if the perpetrator hasn’t been convicted. Whilst the crime must have been reported to the police and you must fully cooperate with any investigation, the perpetrator does not need to have been caught, charged, or convicted. This ensures that you can still be compensated in cases where the assailant can not be identified, located, or where there is insufficient evidence to criminally convict them.
Criminal prosecutions and convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the assailant’s guilt. However, claims made to the CICA only need to show that it is more likely than not that you were harmed in a crime of violence.
A solicitor from Accident Claims could further explain the criteria your case may need to meet and how much compensation for assault you could be awarded. Speak to one of our friendly advisors today to learn more about claiming compensation through the CICA.
What Types Of Assault Could The CICA Compensate For?
CICA payouts could be made for a broad range of different types of assault and crimes of violence. Incidents could include physical assaults (such as ABH and GBH), intimidation and threats causing immediate fear of violence, and sexual abuse. Below we look at different types of assault the CICA could compensate for.
Physical Assault
Physical assaults occur where a person intentionally causes another to suffer immediate and unlawful violence. This may be through acts such as punching, hitting, or kicking.
For example, an assailant strikes you several times, causing multiple injuries, whilst you are being robbed on the street. You sustain a fractured jaw and minor concussion.
Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
Set out in the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, ABH is a form of assault which causes harm which is more than trifling or transient, though not necessarily permanent. This could include fractures, cuts, and bruising.
For example, an assailant punches you in the face outside a pub. You are left with a black eye and fractured cheekbone, both of which you can make a full recovery from.
Assault Causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
GBH involves serious harm, such as breaking the skin, fractures, and internal injuries. It may be caused with or without intent.
For example, an abusive partner attacks you with a kitchen knife, causing lacerations to your arms. This leaves you with both physical and psychological injuries.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is defined under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It may include non-consensual touching of another person in a sexual manner. This includes unwanted touching of intimate body parts and kissing.
For example, a colleague gropes an intimate part of your body at an office party without consent. This causes psychological harm and physical injury (bruising, etc).
Rape
Rape is set out in Section 1 of the above act and includes the non-consensual penile penetration of the mouth, vagina, or anus. It can result in both serious and long-term physical and psychological harm to the victim.
For example, you repeatedly refuse sex with a person you met online. This person forces penile penetration, causing internal injuries, psychological harm, and pregnancy.
Historical Sexual Abuse
Historical or non-recent abuse refers to incidents of sexual assault and abuse which typically occurred when the victim was a child. This may have been multiple years prior to a case being brought, with the abuse only being reported when the person reached adulthood.
For example, a family member repeatedly touched you in a sexual manner over an extended period of time during your childhood.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can include physical violence (or threats thereof) as well as coercive and controlling behaviour. It can present in numerous ways and could include both single instances, or repeated patterns of behaviour.
For example, your partner engages in a pattern of behaviour such as monitoring your phone and email, restricts your access to money, and isolates you from family members and friends.
Assault With A Weapon
Assault with a weapon (such as a knife or firearm) is a serious criminal act and can result in multiple physical injuries. Such incidents may be classed as ABH or GBH, depending on the harm sustained.
For example, an intruder in your home is disturbed when you come downstairs. They stab you in the chest, causing lung damage and puncture wounds.
Acid Attacks Or Corrosive Substance Assaults
Attacks and assaults with acids or other corrosive substances can have serious, life-changing physical and psychological effects on you. Such incidents may involve an assailant throwing such a substance over you causing burns and disfigurement.
For example, a former partner throws acid on your face at your workplace, causing chemical burns and extensive scarring.
Strangulation Or Suffocation Attacks
Strangulation and suffocation attacks involve the use of implements which restrict your breathing, or manual strangulation.
For example, an intimate partner grabs your throat with both hands, squeezing till you lose consciousness. You are left with internal damage to your windpipe and severe external bruising.
Threats Of Violence Causing Psychological Injury
This includes instances of the threat of violence which causes you a diagnosed mental illness.
For example, a stalker shouts death threats at you outside your home and/or place of work. This causes you serious psychological harm.
Stalking Involving Violence Or Fear Of Violence
This includes incidents of stalking accompanied either by the fear or use of violence and immediate harm. Victims may experience both physical and psychological harm.
For example, a former partner follows you to and from your home and place of work daily, threatening you with physical violence.
Attempted Murder
This includes violent attacks in which the assailant (unsuccessfully) intends to kill the victim. They survive, though injured.
For example, an attacker stabs you multiple times whilst shouting that they will kill you. You survive, but with severe internal injuries.
Manslaughter
Qualifying relatives of the deceased are able to claim compensation for fatal assaults and criminal acts classified as manslaughter.
For example, a raging driver mounts the pavement while driving their car at a group of pedestrians to frighten them. The brakes fail and they strike a pedestrian, causing fatal internal injuries. The person dies shortly after.
Fatal Assaults
Claims for fatal assaults may be brought by qualifying family members or the estate of the deceased.
For example, an armed assailant fatally stabs a family member during a dispute. Their estate, or you as a relative, may be able to claim compensation. You can read more about how to do so in our guide to murder victim claims.
If you have been impacted by these, or any other forms of criminal assault, please contact our team. We are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support victims of assault, helping to report incidents to the police, and connecting you to one of our criminal injury solicitors to help secure the compensation you deserve.
What Will I Need To Bring An Assault Claim With The CICA?
You will need to report the incident to the police, provide evidence showing you were the victim of a violent crime, seek medical care (obtaining copies of medical records and reports), and act within the CICA claims time limit.
We understand that the criminal injury claims process can feel daunting, especially if it involves recounting details of what happened to you. If you choose our team, one of our solicitors could stand with you through the entire claims process. Below, we look at what this process may involve.
Prioritise Your Health, Wellbeing, And Therapeutic Records
You should begin by prioritising both your physical and mental health. It is important to seek immediate medical care for your physical injuries and also to obtain any ongoing treatment or therapy for physical or psychological injuries. Doing so also creates medical records of how your health and well-being have been affected. These records can show the CICA the impact the assault has had on you.
Recording The Incident
You must have reported the assault to the CICA in order to make any compensation claim. This is because the CICA requires a Crime Reference Number in order to liaise with the police. This helps them to see the incident has been reported and investigated, as well as allowing access to evidence.
We understand that reporting what happened to you can be distressing for many people. A member of our team can be here throughout the entire process of doing so. We can also liaise with the police on your behalf, where appropriate.
Collecting A Strong Body Of Evidence
It is important to have the strongest possible body of evidence to support your claim to the CICA. In addition to copies of police reports and your therapy/ medical records, you can also present documentation showing the wider impact the incident has had on you. This can include personal accounts and diaries showing the impact on you, details of those who can provide witness statements, and records from third parties, such as social services in cases of familial or spousal abuse.
Record The Long-Term Impact On You
Assaults can have a long-term impact on aspects of your daily life, such as your work, relationships, and wider mental health. If possible, try to keep a record of these effects. You can use these records to put a full statement together.
Filing Your Claim Within The Time Limit
Any claim made to the CICA is subject to a strict time limit. The standard time limit is 2 years from the date of the incident, though there are exceptions to this in cases involving minors or instances of historic abuse.
Accident Claims can be with you at every step of the CICA claims process, supporting you and ensuring that you submit the strongest case you can. Speak with one of our advisors to find out more.
Claiming For Assault With Our Expert Solicitors
Claiming for assault with our expert solicitors enables you to access specialist legal help, advice, and guidance. We can help you collect the evidence required by the CICA and help you to build a strong criminal injury claim. We can also help to value your injuries and financial losses, ensuring you are accurately compensated.
Why Choose Accident Claims For CICA Assault Compensation?
By choosing a criminal injury solicitor from Accident Claims for your CICA assault compensation claim, you gain access to specialist legal and support services. We understand the sensitivity and distress which assaults can cause. We also understand the importance and urgency of getting you the support you need and resolving your case as soon as possible.
Our services are individually tailored to your needs and case. The benefits of making a criminal injury claim with us could include,
- Access to support, counselling, and rehabilitation services to support both your physical and psychological recovery.
- Guidance on how the CICA claims process works and clear, effective management of your case.
- Communication with the CICA (and any other third parties) on your behalf.
- Experience in handling complex criminal injury claims and CICA appeals.
- A No Win No Fee service (discussed in further detail below).
No Win No Fee Assault Claims With The CICA
One of the biggest benefits of choosing Accident Claims for claims with the CICA is our No Win No Fee service. Facilitated through a Conditional Fee Agreement, claiming in this way enables you to work with a solicitor without having to pay towards their work before or during the claims process.
Instead, you only pay for the work carried out by the solicitor if the CICA awards you compensation. At this point, your solicitor would deduct a success fee from this compensation. The law places a limit on the percentage which may be deducted, ensuring claimants get the bulk of their compensation.
We are experts at helping people to successfully make criminal injuries compensation claims and are ready to help you.
Contact Accident Claims To Begin
Contact Accident Claims for further support and to begin your assault compensation claim. One of our advisors will assess whether you meet the CICA’s eligibility criteria, estimate how much compensation for assault you could be awarded and connect you to one of our solicitors.
- Phone an advisor on 0800 073 8801.
- Talk to a member of our team live below.
- Or, click here to start a claim online.
Learn More
Learn more about criminal injury claims in these resources.
- View examples of patient abuse in hospitals.
Get help with child abuse claims in this guide.
See how a No Win No Fee solicitor could help you.
References.
- Learn more about the eligibility criteria to make a CICA claim.
- NHS information on getting help and support for domestic violence.
- Government information on getting support as a victim of a crime.
Thank you for reading our guide on how much compensation for assault you could be awarded. Please contact our team if you (or a loved one) have been affected by any of the issues raised in this guide.