Suffering an assault at work can be extremely traumatic, leaving you with potentially life-changing physical injuries, lasting psychological distress, and concerns over what steps to take next. If you pursue assault at work compensation for your injuries, how much compensation you can claim will be determined by the severity of the harm you suffered and your associated financial losses. It will also be determined by whether you make a civil or criminal injury claim for your workplace assault.
Key Takeaways
- If your employer failed to take reasonable steps to safeguard your health and safety, then you may be able to pursue a civil claim for your assault injuries
- There may also be an option to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if you meet this government-funded agency’s eligibility criteria
- The CICA is the body responsible for paying compensation to those harmed by violent crime in Great Britain
- According to the Crime Survey of England and Wales, there were 689,000 violent incidents at work between 2024 and 2025
- How your compensation is calculated will depend on whether you make a civil claim or go through the CICA
Our advisors are ready to help you with any questions you think of. Making a claim for a violent incident at work can seem daunting, so why not speak with someone who can further explain the details of the process? If you have a case for your workplace assault, they may put you in touch with a solicitor from our panel. With decades of combined experience and the advantages of pursuing compensation on No Win No Fee terms, why miss out?
Jump To A Section
- How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Workplace Assault?
- What Determines The Final Amount Of Assault At Work Compensation?
- Can Assault At Work Compensation Cover Other Losses?
- Who Can Claim Compensation After Being Assaulted At Work?
- Will Evidence Be Needed To Support A Workplace Assault Claim?
- How Long After An Assault At Work Can A Compensation Claim Be Made?
- Can I Claim Assault At Work Compensation Through The CICA?
- How Can Public Interest Lawyers Help My Workplace Assault Claim?
- No Win No Fee Assault At Work Compensation
- Learn More
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For Workplace Assault?
How much compensation you receive for workplace assault will depend on the type of claim you make and how your injuries have impacted different aspects of your life. There are different ways of calculating compensation for civil and CICA claims.
If you are making a civil claim against your employer, then compensation may be assessed using general compensation guideline brackets for different types and severities of harm. These are outlined in a document called the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG).
It is important to note that the JCG figures are not fixed and are purely suggestive. Legal professionals will take the time to tailor the compensation to your specific circumstances. The general guideline figures may not reflect the unique nature of your injuries and how they affected your life. For instance, if the assault left you with multiple very severe injuries, your lifestyle may be more drastically affected than had you suffered a single fracture.
In addition to the table being for guidance only, please note that the first figure does not come from the JCG.
| Type of Injury | Severity | Compensation Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple injuries causing financial losses | Severe, with financial losses including earnings and the cost of both therapy and physiotherapy | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Head/brain | Very severe with little meaningful response to the environment and a need for full-time nursing care | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Hips & pelvis | Severe (i) extensive fractures with substantial residual disability | £95,680 to £159,770 |
| Knee | Severe (i), with disruption of the joint and gross ligamentous damage | £85,100 to £117,410 |
| Arm | Injuries resulting in substantial, permanent disablement from serious fractures to forearm (1 or both) | £47,810 to £73,050 |
| Leg | Severe (iv) moderate, encompassing severe crushing injuries or multiple/complex fractures | £33,880 to £47,840 |
| Wrist | Some degree of useful movement but disability is permanent and significant | £29,900 to £47,810 |
| Multiple fractures of facial bones | There is some form of permanent facial deformity | £18,180 to £29,220 |
| Shoulder | Serious, dislocation of the shoulder and damage to lower brachial plexus | £15,580 to £23,430 |
Therefore, you may wish to contact an advisor for a free case assessment. Whether you wish to seek compensation through a civil or criminal injury claim, they can explain what a payout might cover. There is no obligation to follow up after making your enquiry, so what would you have to lose?
What Determines The Final Amount Of Assault At Work Compensation?
The final amount of assault at work compensation awarded is determined by your specific injuries, the financial impact you have suffered, and whether you experienced multiple injuries. Those assessing compensation consider various aspects of your case and how your injuries have impacted you.
If you make a successful assault at work claim against your employer, your compensation will include general damages. This head compensates you for the suffering and pain of your injuries. The JCG figures included in the previous section are relevant to this part of the compensation. Your award can also factor in how your relationships and your ability to participate in regular activities have been negatively affected by your assault injuries.
It can be difficult to figure out what information is relevant in your specific case. If you are seeking straightforward advice, enquire with our team today. They can explain how your compensation would be evaluated.
Can Assault At Work Compensation Cover Other Losses?
Yes, compensation can also cover the financial losses that resulted from your injuries. The different losses that you might be compensated for depend on whether you are making a civil or CICA claim, so see below for more information.
CICA Special Expenses
You can also pursue certain financial losses in a criminal injury claim through special expenses. These include compensation for:
- Costs relating to the replacement of necessary equipment that was damaged during the assault (such as hearing aids or glasses)
- Payments for a carer to assist with food preparation or bodily functioning
- Purchasing equipment to make it possible to live with injuries- this could apply to an adapted vehicle or kitchen equipment designed for your injuries
- Home adaptation expenses (such as the installation of a stairlift)
- Payments made in relation to the administration of your affairs (this can apply to those lacking mental capacity)
- Supervision costs that are necessary if you pose a danger to yourself or others
Additionally, you may be able to recover lost earnings. However, there are specific requirements that you will need to meet in order to do so.
No matter what special expenses you claim, you will need to be able to show that they are reasonable, necessary, and not available for free from another source.
Special Damages In Civil Claims
When making a claim against your employer for assault at work compensation, financial losses can be included under special damages. This means that you can recover the following costs:
- Medical bills related to private surgeries and dental treatments
- Travel expenses required to attend medical appointments
- Payments for therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, if you are struggling with psychological harm after an assault
- Home adjustments, if the assault left you with some form of disability
- Care from a professional or family members, as well as additional support for childcare
- Lost income due to time taken off work, extending to any future effect on earnings
When looking to claim special damages, it is important that you have documentation to prove your losses. You can do this by providing receipts, invoices, and bank statements.
If you’re not sure what costs you can add to your workplace assault compensation claim, don’t worry. Our advisors understand that this may be your first time taking legal action, and the information online can be overwhelming. They will give straightforward advice, free of charge.
Who Can Claim Compensation After Being Assaulted At Work?
Any employee can claim compensation after being assaulted at work if they are able to show that their resulting injuries were directly caused by an employer’s failure to meet specific legal obligations to protect worker safety. Keep reading for more details on the criteria that are in place.
Your Employer Owed You A Duty Of Care
Employers owe a duty of care to their staff under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA). This means that they are legally required to take reasonable steps to ensure your health, wellbeing, and safety while at work. To meet this duty and safeguard workers from potential assaults, employers could install CCTV, act on reports of violent threats, or provide staff with conflict management training.
They Failed To Fulfil Their Duty To You
If an employer fails to provide suitable training in conflict de-escalation or ignores reports that a worker is making violent threats to a colleague, they may have breached the duty of care they owe to staff. For instance, your workplace assault may have occurred because your employer did not take preventive measures after another staff member shoved you during an office meeting.
You Suffered Harm Due To The Assault
Finally, the incident must have caused you some form of harm. Assault often results in broken bones, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries, but it is also common to suffer psychologically. This can encompass anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you have experienced a workplace assault at work and are not sure about your employer’s responsibility to you, our advisory team is here for you. They are available 24/7, so get in touch today to find out whether you could be eligible to make a claim for assault at work compensation.
Will Evidence Be Needed To Support A Workplace Assault Claim?
The evidence that will be needed to support a civil workplace assault claim can include incident reports, CCTV footage, and relevant correspondence, as this may show how your employer was liable for your injuries. Company communications, for instance, could document previous reports of violent behaviour and threats by your assailant, or outline the circumstances that led to the assault.
You can get more information about proving a personal injury claim by reading our dedicated guide looking at what evidence might be needed. Our enquiries team is also available to further explain any aspects of the claims process you are unsure of and to outline how our panel can assist clients in gathering evidence.
How Long After An Assault At Work Can A Compensation Claim Be Made?
Generally, you have 3 years after an assault at work to pursue a personal injury claim. There are various exceptions to this, which you can learn about by visiting our limitation period guide.
Remember, our advisors are always available to provide you with additional information tailored to your situation. They are also here to offer a confidential consultation, free of charge, to help you determine if you can pursue a claim for your workplace assault.
Can I Claim Assault At Work Compensation Through The CICA?
Yes, you can make a claim for assault at work compensation through the CICA if you were injured in a violent incident in a qualifying location and have made a police report. The CICA only handles assault claims when they are for violent crimes that have taken place in England, Wales, Scotland or another place that is relevant (such as a boat that is registered in one of the listed countries).
Although it is necessary to file a police report to pursue compensation through the CICA, the agency conducts its own investigations. This means that the person who committed the assault does not need to be prosecuted in order for you to get compensation.
You are welcome to contact our advisors to find out whether you can make a criminal injuries compensation claim. They have handled many enquiries of this nature and understand that the idea of making a claim can be overwhelming. Their advice is offered with no strings attached, so feel free to get in touch with any general queries you may have.
How Much CICA Compensation Can I Get For An Assault At Work?
When assault at work compensation is awarded by the CICA, they will use set tariffs laid out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. This means that the amount you receive will be directly tied to the compensation tariff for the injury you have suffered.
For criminal injury claims, the type, severity and number of injuries you have suffered will influence how much compensation you get. There is a specific formula that the CICA uses when a claimant has experienced up to 3 injuries, which you can see below:
- 100% of the tariff is given for the type of harm with the highest value
- 30% of the tariff is given for the type of harm with the second-highest value
- 15% of the tariff is given for the type of harm, with the third-highest value
You can read the table below for examples of CICA payouts for some injuries that may be relevant. Our advisors are also happy to help you get a better idea of how much compensation may be appropriate in your case. Why not get in touch to discuss the matter further?
| Type of harm | Severity | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple instances of harm with special expenses (e.g., home adaptations, supervision costs, and equipment purchases) | Severe | Up to £500,000 |
| Hand | Total loss of function or loss of one hand where the remaining arm/hand has no useful function | £82,000 |
| Arm | Paralysis/equivalent lost function of both arms | £82,000 |
| Brain | Moderate brain damage requiring some dependence on others | £55,000 |
| Hip | Dislocation/fracture of both hips with continuing significant disability | £16,500 |
| Humerus | Fracture affecting both arms. resulting in continuing significant disability | £11,000 |
| Tibia | Fracture of both legs with continuing significant disability | £11,000 |
| Wrist | Dislocation/fracture of both wrists with continuing significant disability | £11,000 |
| Face | Multiple fractures of the face, such as type 2 and 3 Le Fort fractures | £11,000 |
What Will I Need To Bring An Assault At Work CICA Claim?
In order to claim assault at work compensation through the CICA, you will need to provide a police reference number, proof that you meet the residency requirements, and medical evidence of your injuries. If the CICA needs more information, they may contact the police for further details of the assault or request additional documentation from you. However, if you choose to work with our panel, your solicitor can handle this correspondence on your behalf.
How Long Are The CICA Workplace Assault Claim Time Limits?
Time limits for a CICA workplace assault claim are generally 2 years, starting from the date of the violent incident. However, exceptional circumstances are considered if there is evidence to explain why you are pursuing compensation outside of this defined window.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about the time limit for your specific case, as our advisor team is here to support you. They can confirm whether you have enough time based on the details you provide and can also assess whether you can pursue a claim with a solicitor from our panel.
How Can Public Interest Lawyers Help My Workplace Assault Claim?
A solicitor from our panel at Public Interest Lawyers could help your workplace assault claim by offering expert legal guidance throughout the process. They understand that you may be completely unfamiliar with legal phrasing, so they will explain anything that you are unsure of. Their legal services can also include:
- Helping you to gather the documentation needed to satisfy CICA eligibility requirements
- Assisting with obtaining evidence detailing your employer’s failure to safeguard you, if you pursue a civil claim
- Ensuring you get the rehabilitation support you need following your assault, whether that is mental health specialists or dedicated occupational therapists
- Professional communication with the CICA or other parties on your behalf
- Estimating how much compensation should be owed and arguing for the payout to reflect this
When seeking out a solicitor after an assault at work, you want someone whom you can trust. Our panel has decades of combined experience, and you can rely on them to genuinely represent your interests. You don’t need to make any legal commitments if you don’t feel ready, but you may benefit from speaking to one of our advisors.
No Win No Fee Assault At Work Compensation
Our panel provides their legal representation to claimants pursuing assault at work compensation under a No Win No Fee contract called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). Through this, your solicitor receives no service fees for their work at specific stages of the claim process:
- Prior to starting legal proceedings
- As the case is in progress
- If you are not awarded assault at work compensation
However, should you get compensation, you will need to give a success fee. This is the part of the compensation that is owed to your solicitor. There is a legal cap in place on the percentage that can be taken, so you can trust that most of the compensation will remain with you.
Get In Touch With Personal Injury Lawyers
After reading this guide, we hope that you understand more about how to claim assault at work compensation. However, this is a complex area of law, so you likely have more questions. Fortunately, you can get direct advice by enquiring with our friendly team. This also gives you the chance to see if you could hire our solicitors, who are experts in providing legal representation to employees who have suffered assault. Get started by:
- Making an online enquiry
- Calling us on 0800 073 8803
- Using the live chat feature in the corner
Learn More
Read our other guides below:
- Visit our case study on fractured skull compensation
- Find out how to report a workplace accident
- Learn some examples of workplace accident compensation payouts
External resources:
- Read the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) overview of violence and aggression at work
- Use the mental health resources outlined by the NHS
- Check whether you could qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on claiming assault at work compensation.