If someone attacks you and causes serious harm, you deserve support to recover and move forward. Assault victims across the UK often face medical bills, lost wages, and lasting emotional effects. The UK criminal injury compensation scheme offers a way to claim financial help through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
At MRH Solicitors, we guide assault victims through every step so they secure the compensation they need. Our guide explains your options clearly, from eligibility to the claims process and what you can expect. We help you understand your rights and take action with confidence.
You qualify for compensation if you suffer a physical or mental injury from a violent crime, such as an assault, in England, Scotland, or Wales. The scheme covers crimes of violence that include physical attacks, threats that cause immediate fear, and certain sexual assaults.
To succeed with your claim, you must report the incident to the police as soon as reasonably possible. You also need to cooperate with the police investigation. The CICA assesses your case on the balance of probabilities, so you do not need a criminal conviction against the attacker.
Residency rules apply. You generally need to be a British citizen, ordinarily resident in the UK, or meet specific nationality criteria at the time of the incident. Exceptions exist for victims of trafficking or those with refugee status.
Previous criminal convictions or your own conduct at the time of the incident can affect eligibility or reduce the award. Our team at MRH Solicitors reviews your situation thoroughly and advises on any potential issues so you understand your position from the start.
Assault victims often worry about minor injuries. The scheme sets a minimum award threshold, and very minor injuries like simple bruises may not qualify on their own. Serious injuries or those with a lasting impact do qualify when they match the tariff.
The CICA uses a fixed tariff of injuries that lists specific amounts for different levels of harm. This system brings consistency to awards. Compensation starts at £1,000 for qualifying injuries and rises to significant sums for life-changing harm.
Common assault-related injuries include:
You can combine awards for multiple injuries. The highest tariff injury receives 100% of its value, the next highest 30%, and the third 15%. This approach ensures fair recognition of the full impact on your life.
Sexual assaults carry specific tariff bands that reflect both physical and emotional harm. Mental injuries from assaults also receive dedicated awards when supported by evidence.
At MRH Solicitors, we help clients gather the right medical reports to match their injuries accurately to the tariff and maximise their entitlement. We know the tariff details inside out and fight for every pound you deserve.
Start by gathering evidence. You need a crime reference number from the police report. Collect medical records, witness statements, and details of how the assault affects your daily life and work.
Apply online through the official CICA portal or with professional help. You can apply even while the criminal case continues, though the CICA may wait for key updates.
Provide full details of the incident, your injuries, and their effects. Be honest and thorough—clear evidence strengthens your application.
The CICA reviews your claim and may request more information or a medical examination. Decisions usually come within months, though complex cases take longer.
Many assault victims feel overwhelmed by paperwork and medical requirements. Criminal injury solicitors at MRH Solicitors handle these tasks for you. We liaise with the CICA, chase updates, and build the strongest possible case so you focus on recovery.
Adults generally need to apply within two years of the incident. The CICA expects you to act as soon as reasonably practicable.
Different rules apply for children. If the assault happened when you were under 18, you may have until your 20th birthday or two years from the first police report, depending on when you reported it.
Exceptional circumstances can allow late claims. Trauma, ongoing health issues, or delayed realisation of the injury’s full impact sometimes justify extensions. The CICA considers these on a case-by-case basis.
Do not assume you have missed your chance. Contact MRH Solicitors today for a free review of your situation. We often help clients with claims that fall outside standard limits by presenting compelling reasons for delay.
The basic tariff award covers pain and suffering. You can also claim for loss of earnings if the injuries prevent you from working or reduce your capacity. This applies particularly to serious assaults that cause long-term disability.
Special expenses cover costs the assault forces you to incur, such as:
You must provide receipts and clear evidence that these costs link directly to the criminal injury.
Criminal injury solicitors add real value here. We calculate future losses accurately and compile supporting evidence so you receive the full package of compensation, not just the tariff amount.
The CICA process involves several stages: initial decision, possible review if you disagree, and appeal to a tribunal. Many claims succeed at the first stage with strong evidence.
Common challenges include requests for more medical evidence, disputes over injury severity, or reductions due to conduct. Assault victims sometimes face delays while the CICA awaits police updates.
We prepare clients for these possibilities at MRH Solicitors. Our experience with hundreds of criminal injury claims means we anticipate issues and address them proactively. We represent you robustly at review and appeal stages when needed.
Support services exist alongside compensation. Victim Support and local organisations can help with counselling and practical assistance while your claim progresses.
Going it alone with the CICA is possible, but professional representation makes a significant difference. We know the tariff system, understand how to value multiple injuries, and secure higher awards through detailed evidence.
Our team builds relationships with medical experts who provide reports that clearly show the long-term impact of assaults. We handle all communication with the CICA so you avoid stress and confusion.
Clients choose MRH Solicitors because we work on a no-win, no-fee basis in most cases. You get expert legal support without upfront costs, and we only succeed when you do. Our track record in criminal injury claims speaks for itself—we fight hard to get assault victims the maximum compensation available.
We also advise on related claims. If the assault happened at work or involved other parties with liability, additional routes to compensation may exist.
You do not have to handle the aftermath of an assault on your own. Compensation through the UK criminal injury scheme can provide the financial security you need to rebuild your life, access better treatment, and regain independence.
If you or a loved one suffered an assault, reach out to MRH Solicitors now. Call us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.
Our friendly team listens to your story, assesses your eligibility, and outlines the best path forward. We act quickly so you meet deadlines and build the strongest case possible.
Do not let an attacker take more from you than they already have. Claim the compensation you deserve with the support of experienced criminal injury solicitors who care about your recovery. Contact MRH Solicitors today and take the first step towards justice and financial relief.
