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Suffering grievous bodily harm (GBH) can leave you facing a long and uncertain recovery, especially when the injuries affect your independence or place your working life on hold. If the assault was reported to the police and occurred in Great Britain, you could be eligible to claim GBH compensation through the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). You can still apply if the person responsible has not been identified or convicted, and Legal Helpline’s panel of criminal injury claims solicitors can help you understand whether you qualify and give your application clear direction from the beginning.
That support means you will not be left trying to translate a deeply personal experience into forms and evidence without guidance. Your solicitor will build the application around what happened and the seriousness of the harm caused, using the available records to show how the assault has affected your life. As the claim progresses, they can deal directly with the CICA and keep you informed in clear terms, allowing you to focus more fully on your recovery.
If another route to compensation would better suit your circumstances, your solicitor can explain that option before an application is made. Claims accepted by our panel are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, and our advisors offer a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your options in confidence. To find out whether you can pursue criminal injuries compensation or to ask questions about the claims process, get in touch today and take your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Much GBH Compensation Could I Get Through The CICA?
- Can The CICA Pay Out For Other Expenses After GBH?
- Can I Make A GBH Claim Through The CICA?
- What Injuries Might Be Sustained After GBH?
- The Process When Claiming For CICA GBH Compensation
- What Will I Need To Bring A GBH Claim Through The CICA?
- How Legal Helpline Can Support You Through A GBH Compensation Claim
- Can I Still Claim For GBH On A No Win No Fee Basis Through The CICA?
- More Information
How Much GBH Compensation Could I Get Through The CICA?
How much GBH compensation you could get through the CICA will depend on the harm caused by the assault and whether you suffered multiple injuries in the same incident. Under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, the CICA assigns fixed amounts to different injuries, so your award will be based on the injuries you sustained and the value attached to each one.
If the assault caused more than one injury, the CICA applies the multiple injuries formula. Under the multiple-injury formula, the CICA does not simply add each tariff amount together. It awards the full tariff for the highest-valued injury, followed by 30% for the second highest. A further 15% can be included for the third, with no more than 3 tariff injuries forming part of this calculation.
The table below contains a selection of the CICA’s fixed tariff awards, with the top row showing the maximum amount the authority may award. All entries in the table as a whole are intended as a guide.
| Injury | Notes | Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple injuries and special expenses | The CICA can compensate up to three severe injuries from the main tariff, special expenses (such as replacing equipment and home adaptations) and loss of earnings. | Up to £500,000 |
| Very serious brain damage | Permanent brain damage causing profound physical and cognitive disability with a need for full-time nursing care. | £250,000 |
| Complete paralysis (tetraplegia/quadriplegia) | Permanent paralysis affecting both the upper and lower limbs. | £250,000 |
| Fractured jaw | Multiple fractures of the jaw causing permanent serious disability despite treatment. | £27,000 |
| Fractured skull | Skull fracture resulting in permanent significant disability without qualifying as a brain injury. | £22,000 |
| Loss of several front teeth | Permanent loss of multiple front teeth following a violent assault. | £19,000 |
| Fractured cheekbone | Multiple or complex cheekbone fractures requiring surgery with permanent functional or cosmetic effects | £16,500 |
| Fractured nose | Serious fracture resulting in permanent breathing difficulties or significant deformity. | £13,500 |
| Fractured eye socket | Fracture causing permanent symptoms, such as double vision or restricted eye movement. | £11,000 |
| Fractured lower leg | Serious fracture of the tibia or fibula with lasting symptoms but good functional recovery. | £11,000 |
Every GBH injury affects people differently, and calculating a CICA award can be more involved than matching your injury to a tariff. If you would like tailored guidance today, our advisors can explain how the Scheme might apply to your circumstances. Get in touch to discuss how much criminal injuries compensation you could receive through the CICA.
Can The CICA Pay Out For Other Expenses After GBH?
Yes, the CICA can pay out for certain other expenses after GBH where your injuries have led to out-of-pocket costs or a loss of earnings. These costs are known as special expenses and can be claimed, provided they are necessary and reasonable, with no equivalent support available free of charge from another source.
Depending on how your GBH injuries have affected your finances and daily life, special expenses may cover:
- The cost of specialist equipment needed because of your injuries, such as a wheelchair or mobility aids.
- Adaptations to your home that allow you to move around safely and maintain as much independence as possible.
- Care costs where the severity of your injuries means you need help with everyday activities.
- Damage to physical aids that you relied on before the assault, such as prescription glasses or hearing aids.
- Paying for preparing meals or managing bodily functions if your injuries mean you can no longer do so safely on your own.
The financial effects may extend beyond these additional costs, particularly if your injuries have interrupted your ability to work. Loss of earnings payments can provide further support in these circumstances, although they are considered separately and have their own qualifying requirements.
Whether you could receive payments for special expenses or loss of earnings will depend on your individual circumstances and the evidence available to support your application. Speaking to one of our advisors gives you the chance to talk through what has happened and understand which additional payments you may be able to claim through the CICA.
Can I Make A GBH Claim Through The CICA?
Yes, you can make a GBH claim through the CICA if a violent assault in Great Britain caused you physical or psychological harm. When assessing whether you can claim CICA GBH compensation, our panel will examine whether:
- You were injured in a crime of violence.
- The assault happened in Great Britain or another eligible location.
- The crime was reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
- You cooperated with the police and continue to cooperate with any enquiries made by the CICA.
- Your application is made within the relevant time limit, unless an exception applies.
The CICA may also consider whether your conduct contributed to the incident and whether you have any unspent criminal convictions. These issues do not affect every applicant in the same way, so a solicitor from our panel can examine the circumstances carefully rather than treating one factor as decisive without considering the wider application.
Can I Still Claim If I Do Not Know Who My Attacker Was?
Yes, you can still claim through the CICA if you do not know who your attacker was, as the authority does not require the offender to be identified or convicted before considering an application. This allows victims assaulted by strangers to seek compensation even when the police investigation does not establish who was responsible. Instead, the CICA considers the available evidence, including the police investigation and the circumstances of the assault, when reviewing your application.
To find out whether you could pursue GBH compensation, have a chat with one of our advisors and see if you can be connected to one of the expert solicitors making up our panel.
What Injuries Might Be Sustained After GBH?
Broken bones and facial trauma are among the injuries that might be sustained after GBH, but many other forms of physical or psychological harm can result from an assault. To support your claim, our panel can help obtain medical evidence showing the nature of your injuries and the effect they have had on your life, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries: These can range from a concussion to permanent brain damage.
- Broken bones: GBH frequently results in fractures, such as a broken jaw, which may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Facial injuries: Violent assaults can cause permanent facial scarring and dental injuries.
- Spinal cord trauma: Serious injuries to the spine can lead to long-term mobility problems or permanent paralysis.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs may require emergency treatment and ongoing medical care, particularly if internal bleeding occurs.
- Soft tissue damage: Severe damage to muscles, tendons or ligaments can cause weakness and restricted movement.
- Psychological harm: Some victims develop recognised mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression following a violent attack.
These are some of the injuries that may qualify for compensation through the CICA after an assault involving GBH, and one of our advisors can provide a free consultation to see whether you might be eligible to apply through the CICA.
The Process When Claiming For CICA GBH Compensation
The process of claiming CICA GBH compensation involves submitting an application, allowing the CICA to assess the evidence and responding to its decision. Although every application is different, understanding each stage can help you prepare for what to expect and avoid unnecessary delays.
1. Report The Assault To The Police
The assault should be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable. When you apply, the CICA will use your police crime reference number to request information about the incident and the account you gave to the police.
2. Gather The Information Needed For Your Application
Before submitting your application, you should collect information about the assault and the injuries for which you are seeking compensation. This gives the CICA a clear starting point, and our panel can identify what needs to be included immediately and make sure important details are not overlooked.
3. Submit Your CICA Application
Once the required information has been gathered, your solicitor can help you complete and submit the application. They will check that the answers are consistent and that the available evidence is presented clearly, giving the CICA a coherent account from the outset.
4. The CICA Assesses Your Application
After receiving the application, a CICA claims officer will assess your case and obtain records from sources such as the police. Medical evidence may also be requested where this is needed to understand the extent of your injuries. As the assessment develops, your solicitor can deal with any correspondence that arrives and explain what each update means for the claim.
5. Provide Any Additional Evidence Requested
The CICA may ask for further information before reaching a decision, such as medical records or documents supporting a claim for loss of earnings or special expenses. These requests often arise because the authority needs to resolve a specific point, so any response should address that issue directly and include the relevant supporting documents.
6. Keep Your Application Up To Date
If your circumstances change while your application is being considered, the CICA should be informed. This could include a longer recovery than first expected or a change in the financial impact of your injuries, and any significant update should be supported by evidence that explains what has changed.
7. Receive The CICA’s Decision
Once the CICA has finished assessing the application, it will issue a written decision explaining whether compensation has been awarded and, if so, how the amount has been calculated. At this stage, a solicitor from our panel can review the reasoning and explain what the decision means in practical terms before you decide whether to accept the award.
8. Request A Review Or Appeal If Necessary
If you believe the CICA has reached the wrong decision or awarded the incorrect amount, you can request a review. Before challenging the outcome, a solicitor from our panel can examine how the decision was reached and consider whether further evidence would strengthen your position, helping you decide whether to proceed. If the review does not resolve the issue, the next step is an appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal.
For more information about the CICA’s claims process, speak with one of our advisors now.
What Will I Need To Bring A GBH Claim Through The CICA?
To bring a GBH claim through the CICA, you will need to provide evidence that shows how the assault injured you and how those injuries have affected your life. While the CICA uses the crime reference number to obtain information directly from the police, you may still be asked for documents or details that support your application.
What Evidence Will I Need To Claim For CICA GBH Compensation?
The evidence you will need to claim for CICA GBH compensation can include medical records and documents showing any financial losses you are claiming. Each piece of evidence helps the CICA understand what the assault has changed for you, and a solicitor from our panel can ensure these records are submitted clearly and in an organised way, including:
- A medical report from your GP or another treating professional showing the nature of your injuries.
- Photographs showing any permanent scarring caused by the assault.
- Payslips or similar records if you are claiming loss of earnings.
- Receipts or other documents supporting any special expenses you are asking the CICA to consider.
How Long After Being A Victim Of GBH Can I Make A CICA Claim?
You will usually have 2 years from the date of being a victim of GBH to make a CICA claim. However, the CICA can extend this time limit in exceptional circumstances, provided the relevant conditions are met.
For example, an extension may be considered where exceptional circumstances prevented you from applying sooner or where the applicant was a child when the assault occurred. The CICA will assess whether there is enough evidence available for the application to be determined despite the delay.
Even with that flexibility, beginning the claim as soon as reasonably possible can make it easier to obtain evidence while events are still fresh. If there is any doubt about whether the time limit applies to your circumstances, please reach out today for a free consultation with our advisory team.
How Legal Helpline Can Support You Through A GBH Compensation Claim
Legal Helpline can support you through a GBH compensation claim by giving you access to an experienced solicitor who knows how to present the impact of serious assault injuries within a CICA application. From your first conversation, you will receive clear guidance on where you stand and the reassurance of knowing that your claim is being handled with care. Your solicitor will:
- Take the time to understand how the grievous bodily harm has changed your life, so the application reflects the full physical and emotional impact of your injuries rather than reducing them to a medical diagnosis.
- Look closely at the financial strain caused by the assault and identify whether loss of earnings or special expenses can form part of your GBH compensation claim.
- Communicate directly with the CICA and respond to any further requests for information on your behalf, giving you more space to concentrate on your recovery following the assault.
- Monitor your application from start to finish, ensuring important deadlines and correspondence from the CICA are responded to promptly.
- Provide straightforward advice you can rely on throughout your GBH claim, so you always understand your options and what happens next.
With this support in place, you do not have to carry the legal burden alone. Your solicitor can give the claim careful direction and make sure the consequences of the assault are presented in a way that reflects what you have genuinely been through. To find out whether you can begin a GBH compensation claim, contact our advisors for a free, confidential conversation about your circumstances.
Can I Still Claim For GBH On A No Win No Fee Basis Through The CICA?
Yes, you can still claim for GBH on a No Win No Fee basis, as every solicitor on our panel works under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This type of funding contract allows you to pursue GBH compensation with legal representation but without paying your solicitor’s service fees before your claim begins or while it is ongoing.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay your solicitor’s fees for the work covered by the CFA. If your application succeeds, your solicitor will deduct a success fee from your compensation. This fee is a legally capped percentage and will be explained clearly before you decide whether to proceed, allowing you to make an informed decision about pursuing your claim.
Contact Legal Helpline
When you are ready to understand whether you can make a GBH compensation claim through the CICA, Legal Helpline’s advisors are here to listen and give you clear guidance about the process. They can help you understand your position before connecting you with a solicitor from our specialist panel who will support you from the very outset of your claim. Get in touch with Legal Helpline today to discuss your situation and take your first steps towards exploring your options:
- Call 0333 000 0729
- Fill out our contact form
- Ask about CICA claims in our live chat.
More Information
Here are some more guides by Legal Helpline:
- Find out how our criminal injury solicitors can help you claim ABH compensation.
- View examples of CICA payouts and learn how the CICA calculates compensation.
- See how to make a personal injury claim for an assault at work.
The following external resources might be useful:
- Crown Prosecution Service information on violent crime.
- Sentencing Council guidance on grievous bodily harm.
- Police advice on reporting a crime.
Thank you for reading our guide on how to claim GBH compensation.