Can I claim compensation if I have been beaten up?
If you have been hurt as a result of a beating, you ought to receive compensation. We will help you to obtain compensation from the Criminal Injuries scheme where you are entitled and explain clearly if you are not entitled. Please call 0113 320 5000 and ask to speak to our CICA specialists.
What are the reasons I would not receive compensation?
- The beating was not reported to the police, or it was not reported to the police as soon as possible. There may be exceptions to this for claims arising from beatings as a pattern of abuse in cases of domestic violence.
- You reported the violence to the police but later withdrew your statement or do not provide a full one in the first place.
- You have unspent criminal convictions. We can advise on whether they are unspent and if so what tactics can be used to still claim.
- The injuries suffered are too minor to be compensated under the Criminal Injuries Scheme. This seems unfair, as any beating is going to be physically painful and emotionally distressing. But the scheme will only pay for certain types of physical and emotional injuries. Our CICA calculator can help you see which injuries are payable. Although as a quick overview, bruises, scratches and cuts that heal without significant scarring are not compensable under the scheme.
- Whilst most broken bones do attract an award of compensation under the CICA scheme, there are some notable exceptions. For instance, broken noses, broken ribs or a broken little or ring finger would not attract an award under the scheme when sustained from a single incident.
There are however exceptions where these injuries have been sustained as a pattern of abuse.
How do I start a claim?
Our CICA claims specialists will check to see if you are eligible. If you are, will be able to offer you a ‘no win no fee’ agreement. That means you only have legal costs if you are successful. So there’s no risk.
For more information please call Winston Solicitors CICA Helpline on 0113 320 5000 or email cica@winstonsolicitors.co.uk to find out more about our CICA services.
The CICA offer awards between £1000 and £250,000 for injuries sustained as a result of a crime of violence. There is also an opportunity to claim up to an additional £250,000 in Loss of Earnings and Special Expenses, funeral expenses and Child Dependency payments. Use our Criminal Injuries Compensation Calculator to see how much your claim may be worth.
This will depend on the circumstances of your injury; however, as a general rule; you have 2 years from the date of the incident to submit an application*. If you are under the age of 18 (or were under the age of 18) when the matter was reported to the police, then you have 2 years from the date of your 18th Birthday. If the criminal injury occurred whilst you were under the age of 18, but the matter was reported to the police as an adult, you have two years from the date the matter was reported to the police.
*There are exceptional circumstances where these time limits can be waived.
When asked by the police if you wish to press charges against your assailant, you must agree to do so to be able to claim compensation for your injuries. The CICA expect all applicants to act as far as reasonably practicable in bringing their assailant to justice, and therefore any reluctance to assist the police in securing a prosecution, may see your claim rejected by the CICA.
The CICA offer awards for the most significant injuries including:
- Facial fractures
- Internal injuries
- Fractured or dislocated limbs
- Significant scarring
- Psychological injuries
- Sexual assaults
Minor injuries that are not eligible for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Scheme include:
- broken noses
- fractured ribs
- widespread bruising
Use our Criminal Injuries Compensation Calculator to see how much your claim may be worth.
Absolutely not. We do not share your information with anyone else without your prior consent. As your compensation is paid by government funds, there is no reason why the assailant would be aware of your claim for compensation.
The compensation for assault in the UK varies widely depending on the severity of the injuries. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) sets tariffs for different injuries, with awards ranging from a minimum of £1,000 to a maximum of £250,000. Factors such as the nature and extent of the injuries, and any lasting impact, are considered. For precise guidance and an assessment of your case, contact our experienced team at Winston Solicitors.