At Criminal Injury, we assess enquiries from individuals who have suffered crime-related injuries due to violent crime. Where appropriate, we refer eligible claims to independent SRA-regulated solicitors for legal advice.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of assault, robbery, sexual abuse, or has sustained injuries while preventing a crime, you may be able to check whether your circumstances can be assessed for criminal injuries compensation.

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, and support for psychological trauma. Claims are often made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or, in some cases, through civil claims against the offender.

Who Can Make A Criminal Injury Compensation Claim?

A criminal injury claim may be assessed for anyone affected by violent crime, including:

• Physical assault
• Domestic violence
• Sexual abuse
• Injuries sustained while preventing a crime or assisting law enforcement

If the victim has passed away due to the crime, family members or legal representatives may be able to submit details for an eligibility assessment.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Criminal Injury?

Criminal injury compensation varies depending on individual circumstances and is assessed by CICA or independent solicitors if a civil claim is pursued.

Factors that may influence the assessment include:

• Severity of injury – physical or psychological, including long-term or permanent harm
• Loss of earnings – if the injury affects the ability to work
• Medical and care costs – including rehabilitation and ongoing support

Submitting your details allows an initial eligibility assessment, after which an independent solicitor can advise on next steps.

Contact Criminal Injury to find out if your claim can be assessed.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Criminal Injury Claims?

Common claims may relate to:

• Physical assaults causing injuries such as fractures, head injuries, or permanent disability
• Domestic violence or sexual abuse
• Hit-and-run incidents involving criminal intent
• Psychological injuries, including PTSD, after witnessing violent crimes

Where offenders are unknown or unable to pay, compensation is generally awarded through government-backed schemes such as CICA.

How Do I Start A Criminal Injury Claim?

The criminal injury claim process begins:

1. Reporting the crime to the police promptly, obtaining a crime reference number (required for CICA or civil claims)
2. Collecting evidence, including medical reports, witness statements, and proof of financial losses

Eligible cases may be referred to an independent SRA-regulated solicitor, who can provide legal advice. Civil claims against the offender may also be considered if financially feasible.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Criminal Injury Claim?

Criminal injury claims usually must be filed within two years from the date of the crime under the CICA time limit.

Exceptions may include:

• Victims who were children at the time of the crime (up to their 20th birthday)
• Historical abuse cases, where reporting was delayed due to trauma or exceptional circumstances

An eligibility check can confirm whether a claim may still be considered.

What Evidence Is Needed For A Criminal Injury Claim?

To build a strong criminal injury compensation claim, victims must provide:

• Police crime reference number
• Medical records documenting injuries and treatments
• Witness statements
• Psychological assessments (if applicable)
• Financial records showing lost earnings, therapy costs, and ongoing care needs
• CCTV footage or photographs

Providing complete information helps support the claim assessment process.

How Long Does A Criminal Injury Claim Take To Settle?

Straightforward claims may progress within 6–12 months, while more complex claims involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take longer.

Civil claims against an offender may take additional time, particularly if court proceedings are involved. In urgent situations, interim payments may be available to cover immediate medical or therapy costs.

Who Is Responsible For Paying Criminal Injury Compensation?

Compensation is generally awarded through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) or other government-backed schemes when an offender cannot be identified, prosecuted, or is financially unable to pay.

Where an offender is known and financially capable, a civil claim may also be considered. Additionally, if the crime occurred in a public space or at an event, there may be options to claim from businesses, landlords, or security providers responsible for safety.

Check Your Eligibility for Criminal Injury Compensation

If you or a loved one has been affected by a crime-related injury and want to find out whether your circumstances can be assessed, you can submit your details for an eligibility check.

Contact Criminal Injury if you or a loved one need injury claim help, claim eligibility advice, or claim support today.

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great criminal injury services.

For more information on criminal injury service, fill in the contact form below to receive a free quote today.