Making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if assaulted at work

Updated: 3 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

If you have been assaulted at work, you may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA is a government body that provides financial compensation to blameless victims of violent crime in England, Wales and Scotland.

At a glance

  • You can apply to the CICA if you were injured as a result of a violent crime at work.
  • Claims must usually be made within 2 years of the incident.
  • Compensation is awarded based on a fixed tariff system.
  • You may also receive payment for lost earnings and special expenses in some cases.

When can you claim through the CICA?

You may be eligible to claim if you were assaulted by a customer, client, member of the public, or even a colleague. To qualify, you must show that you:

  • Suffered a physical or psychological injury due to a violent crime.
  • Were not responsible for the assault.
  • Reported the incident to the police as soon as possible.

Eligibility does not depend on whether the offender was convicted, but the crime must have been reported and recorded by the police.

If you were assaulted at work, report your injury to the police and get medical help. Keep the crime reference, photos and witness details. Records like these can help a CICA claim.

John Kushnick

Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law

Types of compensation available

CICA compensation covers several areas:

  • Tariff awards: Fixed payments depending on the type and severity of your injury, as set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
  • Loss of earnings: If you were unable to work for more than 28 weeks due to your injuries.
  • Special expenses: For certain costs such as medical equipment, care needs, or adaptations not covered elsewhere.
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Time limits

You normally have 2 years from the date of the assault to submit your CICA claim. In exceptional cases, such as if you were unable to claim earlier due to trauma or incapacity, the CICA may allow late applications.

How to apply

You can apply directly through the GOV.UK website. You will need:

  • Details of the crime, including the date, location and police crime reference number.
  • Medical evidence of your injuries.
  • Evidence of financial losses if you are claiming for lost earnings or expenses.

Real-world example

A shop worker was assaulted by a customer and suffered a broken wrist. The customer was never convicted, but the worker reported the incident to the police and sought medical treatment. She applied to the CICA within 6 months and received a tariff award for her injury, plus compensation for 3 months of lost earnings.

Can you also claim against your employer?

If your employer failed in their duty of care to protect you from foreseeable risks, you may also be able to make a separate personal injury claim against your employer. This could be possible if, for example, your employer failed to provide adequate security measures or ignored previous warnings about violent behaviour.

Next steps

If you have been assaulted at work, speak to a solicitor about your options. They can advise whether you should apply to the CICA, pursue a claim against your employer, or both.

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If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

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About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

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Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon