Criminal Assault Claims

Criminal Assault Compensation Claims

Anyone who has been the victim of a violent crime will know the devastating and traumatic effect it can have on your life. Your personality can alter, your health can suffer and your lifestyle can become completely different through no fault of your own. Sadly, in some cases, the impact of a criminal assault can sometimes result in life-long behavioural changes.

Should you, a family member or a friend suffer physical or psychological injuries due to a violent crime, it may be possible to recover assault compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) set up by the Government.

Even if the offender has not been caught or charged, or if the police are unable to identify the person responsible, our criminal assault lawyers will fight to secure the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.

Please download a copy of our Criminal Injuries Guide.

Specialists in Criminal Assault Claims

At Hudgell Solicitors, we understand the physical pain and emotional trauma victims suffer. Although you can pursue a criminal assault compensation claim with the CICA without legal assistance, our help and expertise may prove the difference between success and failure. To obtain free expert advice or start an assault claim, please get in touch today – we promise to handle your case with discretion and care.

Any settlement you receive will be paid for by a central fund which is administered by the Government, funded by the general taxes we all pay, so there’s no need to feel guilty about making a claim for assault compensation.
Your claim can also be taken up on a ‘No win, no fee’ basis, so there is no financial risk to you.
Our specialist team of criminal assault lawyers boast a wealth of experience and have assisted with submissions to the CICA on behalf of victims from across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Law Society Accreditation is only awarded to solicitors who meet the highest level of management and customer service standards. The schemes promote high standards in legal service provision and ensure that clients are easily able to identify legal practitioners with proven competency in given areas of law giving you added peace of mind when choosing a lawyer.

Making a Criminal Assault Claim

In the majority of cases, people who commit violent and criminal assaults do not have sufficient funds to meet any claim for compensation or the associated legal costs. The CICA was established to help innocent victims receive the support they need to get their life back on track.

Pursuing a claim for criminal assault compensation can sometimes be a daunting process. Legal procedures must be followed and the level of compensation awarded depends on the injuries inflicted and the circumstances in which the assault took place.

To obtain free expert advice or start an assault claim, please get in touch today – we promise to handle your case with discretion and care.

Our Criminal Assault Experts

Michelle Nurse Trainee Solicitor, Travel Litigation Read more

Tracy Thames Litigation Executive, Criminal Injuries Read more

Paul Cain Senior Solicitor, Clinical Negligence and Head of CICA Read more

"CICA ruling to deny compensation to man deliberately infected with HIV is wrong and should be overturned"

Paul Cain, Senior Solicitor, Clinical Negligence and Head of CICA Read Full Story

"Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) must make process quicker, simpler and less traumatic"

Paul Cain, Senior Solicitor, Clinical Negligence and Head of CICA Read Full Story

"‘Same roof’ ruling will finally allow victims of abuse to claim compensation for their suffering"

Nicola Bailey-Gibbs, Solicitor, Personal Injury Read Full Story

How much will my claim cost?

At Hudgell Solicitors, all of our criminal assault and injury claims are funded on a ‘No win, no fee’ basis – so you can seek justice without any financial risks.

Providing that you give us honest and accurate instructions, and fully cooperate to help us try to win your case, you won’t have to pay a penny up front. Whatever the outcome of your case, you’ll only pay an agreed percentage of any damages received.

FAQs

What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?

Set up in in 1996, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authorities (CICA) is a Government organisation, funded by the Ministry of Justice, which provides compensation for innocent victims of crime. The CICA can award payments ranging from £1,000 to £500,000 to people who are mentally or physically injured as a result of a crime. For a CICA criminal assault compensation claim to stand a chance of being successful, you must report the incident to the police and fully co-operate with them. You may be eligible for compensation under the CICA scheme if you were: The victim of a violent crime or assault. Not to blame in any way for the incident. Injured whilst taking reasonable steps to prevent a crime. Psychologically damaged by witnessing a loved one become a victim of a violent crime or the aftermath. CICA claims can only be made in England, Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland having its own scheme.

What type of assault claims do CICA handle?

Criminal assault claims can be made to the CICA for any type of incident which has caused physical or psychological injury. To successfully secure compensation for being attacked or assaulted, you need to have been a victim of a crime, including the following:

Common Assault
Assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH)
Assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH)
Assault in a public place
Assault in a prison
Assault at work
Domestic assault
Assault by a security guard or ‘bouncer’
Criminal assault
Assault leading to fatality
Assault with a weapon
Sexual assault – any sexual contact without consent

In cases of sexual assault, a victim could have a valid case for compensation for any instance where sexual contact has taken place without consent, if the details have been reported to the police. This includes stalking, touching over clothing, groping, drug-facilitated sexual assault, child sexual abuse and rape. If a person has been subjected to an assault of more than one kind, the CICA will award a compensation settlement based on the crime which is most serious in nature.

Will my claim be on a no win no fee basis?

Victims of crime are often reluctant to pursue their case for compensation because they don’t have the finances that they believe are necessary to do so. At Hudgell Solicitors, all of our criminal assault and injury claims are funded on a ‘No win, no fee’ basis – so you can seek justice without any financial risks. Providing that you give us honest and accurate instructions, and fully cooperate to help us try to win your case, you won’t have to pay a penny up front. Whatever the outcome of your case, you’ll only pay an agreed percentage of any damages received. If we do take on your claim, we always explain the options available and advise you on the best way to fund your case. If you don’t want to pursue a claim after your initial consultation there is no obligation to do so and you will not be charged, allowing to gather all the information you require before making an informed decision.