Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation For Fractured Pelvis
A fractured pelvis is one of the most painful and complex injuries a person can suffer, particularly when caused by a violent act such as an assault, hit-and-run, or a physical attack during a robbery. The pelvis supports the spine, connects the torso to the legs, and plays a vital role in mobility and internal organ protection. Damage to this region can result in excruciating pain, long-term immobility, and serious complications like nerve damage, blood loss, and organ impairment.
Victims of violent crime who suffer a pelvic fracture often face extensive hospital stays, multiple surgeries, and prolonged physiotherapy. In some cases, the injury can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, or psychological trauma. These consequences not only impact the victim’s physical health but also their mental wellbeing, employment, and quality of life.
If you’ve sustained a fractured pelvis as the result of a criminal act, you may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This government-backed scheme exists to help victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales recover from their injuries—both financially and emotionally.
Understanding Fractured Pelvis Injuries and Common Causes of Fractured Pelvis Injuries
The pelvis is a ring-like structure of bones located at the base of the spine. It consists of the ilium, ischium, pubis, and sacrum. A fracture can occur in any of these bones or at the joints between them. Pelvic fractures are considered high-impact injuries and are typically caused by significant force. In the context of violent crime, these injuries are unfortunately not uncommon. Criminal incidents that can result in pelvic fractures include:
- Hit-and-run or intentional vehicle impact: Pedestrians struck by a vehicle may sustain multiple fractures, including to the pelvis.
- Physical assaults with blunt force trauma: Kicks, punches, or blows to the lower torso using weapons such as bats or metal bars.
- Sexual violence or physical restraint: Victims may be thrown or forced into hard surfaces, causing direct trauma to the pelvis.
- Falls resulting from a violent push or attack: A forceful fall onto a hard surface can cause complex pelvic fractures.
Types of pelvic fractures that may occur include:
- Stable fractures: Where the bones remain aligned. These often require rest, but still cause significant pain and limited mobility.
- Unstable fractures: Involving displacement of the pelvic ring, often requiring surgical fixation and longer recovery.
- Open fractures: Where the bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and leading to extended hospitalisation.
- Acetabular fractures: A break in the socket portion of the hip joint, which may require surgical reconstruction.
Pelvic fractures can also affect the bladder, intestines, and reproductive organs. Recovery may include months of physical therapy, the use of mobility aids, and psychological support.
Eligibility Criteria to Make a CICA Claim for Fractured Pelvis
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In order to receive compensation for a fractured pelvis under the CICA scheme, you must meet several core eligibility requirements. These conditions ensure that the injury resulted from a violent crime and that the application is supported by credible documentation. To qualify for a CICA award, you must:
- Have been the victim of a violent crime that occurred in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Report the incident to the police promptly. Delays may be accepted if you can justify them (e.g. due to trauma or fear).
- Cooperate with police investigations, even if no one is prosecuted or convicted.
- Submit your claim within two years of the incident (with allowances for minors or those with mental health challenges).
- Sustain an injury that meets the minimum CICA tariff criteria. A fractured pelvis generally qualifies due to its severity.
- Have no serious unspent criminal convictions at the time of applying, which could reduce or void your award.
- Avoid any contribution to the crime, such as provocation or involvement in unlawful activity.
CICA requires evidence of injury and police involvement. The strength of your claim will depend heavily on your ability to provide medical records, police documentation, and a clear timeline of the incident.
How Much Compensation You Can Receive for Fractured Pelvis?
Our cica claim calculator in the main menu will help you with estimating the potential compensation that may be paid in respect to your claim. However, be aware that figures do vary considerably depending upon the nature (severity) of the injury and the impact on your daily life, period of suffering and whether any mental harm has been caused.
CICA uses a fixed tariff system to assess the level of compensation awarded for each type of injury. Pelvic fractures are among the more serious orthopaedic injuries, and compensation varies based on the type of fracture and level of recovery. Typical awards include:
- £3,500 – For a single fractured pelvis with substantial recovery and no long-term disability.
- £6,200 – For a pelvic fracture that results in significant ongoing pain, instability, or restricted mobility.
- £11,000 or more – For multiple pelvic fractures or complex injuries requiring surgery, leading to permanent mobility loss or functional impairment.
These figures may increase if the injury is accompanied by serious psychological trauma, internal organ damage, or if it prevents the victim from returning to work or maintaining independence.
Additional Compensation You May Be Eligible to Claim
In addition to compensation for the physical injury, victims may be eligible for further awards under the CICA scheme depending on the wider impact of the crime.
- Mental health damages: If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, or depression by a qualified mental health professional, you may be entitled to a separate award.
- Loss of earnings: If your injury prevented you from working for more than 28 consecutive weeks, and you can provide evidence of your usual income.
- Special expenses: Including:
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, braces, mobility aids)
- Home adaptations (grab rails, stairlifts, accessible showers)
- Private therapy if NHS services are delayed
- Care costs or domestic help during your recovery
- Travel to and from hospital or rehab appointments
Understanding Fracture Pelvis and Different Types of Fracture Pelvis
Pelvic fractures are among the most severe skeletal injuries due to the structure’s central role in supporting body weight, enabling movement, and housing critical organs. These injuries can occur in various forms, each with unique recovery demands and long-term implications. When a fractured pelvis is caused by a violent crime, victims not only suffer physical trauma but are often left with long-term disability and emotional damage. Types of pelvic fractures include:
- Stable fractures: Typically involve a single break where the pelvic ring remains intact. These may still require bed rest and pain management, often lasting several weeks.
- Unstable fractures: Result in multiple breaks and misalignment of the pelvis, often requiring surgical fixation with plates or screws.
- Open pelvic fractures: Characterised by a bone protruding through the skin, posing risks of severe infection and extensive hospitalisation.
- Acetabular fractures: Involve the socket of the hip joint. These are serious and can compromise mobility, often requiring reconstructive surgery and long-term physiotherapy.
These fractures can cause complications such as nerve damage, internal bleeding, damage to the bladder or bowel, sexual dysfunction, and persistent pain. The rehabilitation period is often prolonged and can include intensive physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and even psychological support.
Required Evidence for a Successful CICA Pelvic Fracture Claim
To build a strong CICA claim for a fractured pelvis, comprehensive documentation must link the injury to a violent act and highlight its medical, functional, and emotional consequences. Essential supporting documentation includes:
- Police report and crime reference number: Verifying the crime was reported and investigated.
- Full medical records: Hospital admission details, imaging scans (CT, MRI), surgical notes, physiotherapy updates, and GP summaries.
- Orthopaedic evaluations: Confirming fracture severity, any surgical intervention, and long-term mobility limitations.
- Mental health assessments: If applicable, records of anxiety, PTSD, or depression caused by the incident.
- Personal impact statement: Describing how the injury has affected your independence, employment, mobility, and emotional wellbeing.
- Third-party letters: From employers, caregivers, or relatives detailing observed lifestyle changes and care needs.
Consistency and detail across these documents are key. Conflicting or incomplete records can weaken your case or delay a decision.
Special Expenses and Financial Losses Covered by CICA
CICA allows victims to claim reimbursement for specific financial losses that directly result from the injury, provided they are reasonable and backed by evidence. Examples of recoverable costs include:
- Mobility aids: Crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs required during or after recovery.
- Home adjustments: Installation of ramps, stairlifts, handrails, or adapted bathroom facilities.
- Private healthcare or rehabilitation: When NHS services are unavailable or delayed.
- Professional carers or domestic help: If assistance was needed during the recovery phase.
- Loss of earnings: If you’re unable to return to work for 28 weeks or longer, supported by payroll documentation.
- Travel costs: To attend appointments, physiotherapy, or surgical consultations.
CICA will only approve these claims if they are well-documented and clearly tied to the injury’s direct consequences.
Psychological Effects of Pelvic Injuries from Violent Crime
Beyond the physical pain, pelvic fractures often carry significant psychological consequences. The trauma of the incident, paired with limited mobility, prolonged hospitalisation, and loss of independence, can severely impact mental health. Common emotional and psychological responses include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Triggered by the incident or invasive treatments.
- Anxiety and panic disorders: Especially around public places or fear of recurrence.
- Depression: Often linked to pain, isolation, or inability to return to a normal routine.
- Body image issues or relationship difficulties: Especially where the injury affects sexual function or daily self-care.
If you’ve been diagnosed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, you may be eligible for an additional mental health award. Supporting documentation such as psychological assessments and treatment plans will strengthen your claim.
Long-Term Medical and Lifestyle Impact of a Fractured Pelvis
For many victims, a fractured pelvis leads to permanent changes in how they move, work, and engage with life. In some cases, people must adjust to lifelong use of mobility aids or require further surgeries for complications like hip instability or arthritis.
CICA takes long-term impact into account, including:
- Ongoing physiotherapy needs or pain management clinics
- Medical reports documenting lasting disability or reduced function
- Proof of career changes or work incapacity
- Expert opinions on future care or surgical needs
- Dependency on assistive devices or home care
These factors contribute to the total award and can result in higher-tier compensation levels.
Additional Losses You Can Claim
Loss of Earnings – If your injury caused you to be unable to work for more than 28 weeks, you may be eligible for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for lost earnings. To qualify, you must be able to demonstrate that you had a consistent and regular income before the injury. This could include proof of full-time employment, self-employment, or any other verifiable source of income. CICA will consider your pre-injury income levels to calculate the compensation. This can be especially crucial if the injury significantly impacted your financial stability and your ability to support yourself or your family.
Psychological Trauma – If your injury led to psychological trauma such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, you may be entitled to additional compensation. These mental health conditions can have a long-term impact on your well-being, and CICA recognises the importance of supporting victims of crime with emotional and psychological support. To qualify for compensation for psychological trauma, you will need to provide medical evidence of the diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional. The severity of your condition and the impact on your daily life will be taken into account when determining the amount of compensation.
Special Expenses – If your injury results in additional needs, such as mobility aids or home adaptations, CICA may compensate you for these “special expenses.” However, there is an important criterion: you must have been unable to work for at least 28 weeks as a result of your injury. This compensation is meant to help cover the costs of any special equipment or alterations to your living space that are necessary for you to maintain a reasonable quality of life after the injury. This can include items like wheelchairs, prosthetics, home modifications (such as ramps or stairlifts), or any other equipment that helps you with mobility or daily activities. The claim must be substantiated by proof of these expenses and how they relate to your injury.
- Report the Crime Immediately – Delays in reporting the crime can weaken your claim, so notify the police as soon as possible. If there is a valid reason for a delay, such as being medically incapacitated or facing threats from the perpetrator, you must provide evidence to support your explanation.
- Provide Strong Medical Evidence – Ensure all medical reports, X-rays, and surgical records clearly detail your injury, the severity of the fracture, and its long-term effects. A medical professional’s prognosis regarding mobility limitations, future treatments, and rehabilitation needs can strengthen your claim.
- Keep Financial Records and Document Expenses – If you have lost earnings or incurred medical expenses due to your injury, retain all relevant documentation. You may be able to claim special expenses for:
- Loss of income due to inability to work;
- Mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs;
- Home modifications (e.g., stairlifts or handrails);
- Ongoing physiotherapy or rehabilitation costs;
- Travel costs for medical appointments;
- Costs of personal care if you need assistance with daily activities.
- Be Consistent with Your Statements – Ensure your statements to the police, medical professionals, and CICA are aligned. Discrepancies in accounts of how the injury occurred or differences in timelines may raise questions that could delay or reduce your compensation.
- Seek Legal Assistance If Necessary – If your case is complex, involves long-term disability, or was initially rejected, consulting a solicitor who specialises in CICA claims may help strengthen your application. Legal professionals can assist in gathering additional evidence, drafting appeals, and negotiating a fair settlement.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Basic Eligibility Requirements:
You need to meet some basic requirements before you can claim compensation from CICA
- Time Limit: There is a two-year time limit for making a CICA claim for compensation under the scheme, although exceptions may be made in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent or where the victim was a child at the time of the crime. Exceptions may be made for historic sexual abuse cases else you should have a good reason for delay in making a claim.
- Connection Between Injury & Crime: The injuries you are claiming for must have been sustained as a direct result of a crime of violence and you are a blameless victim.
- Reporting the Crime: The crime must have been reported to the police as soon as is reasonably practicable and you do not drop the charges. The victim must have cooperated with the police investigation and prosecution. CICA does not consider whether an assailant is prosecuted or not.
- Residency: To be eligible for compensation under the CICA scheme, the incident must have happened in England, Scotland or Wales and victim must have been resident in the UK at the time of the crime.
- Behaviour of The Victim: The victim’s behaviour must not have contributed to the injury. In certain circumstances, compensation may still be payable even if the victim’s behaviour contributed to the injury, but this will be assessed by CICA on a case-by-case basis.
- Criminal Convictions: In some cases, compensation may be reduced or refused if the victim has an unspent criminal record.
- Injuries Before 1979 (the “same roof” rule): Until 2019, victims injured before 1 October 1979 by an attacker they lived with could not claim. That restriction was abolished in June 2019, so if you were previously refused compensation for this reason you may now be able to apply.
If you are considering making a compensation claim for your injuries, it’s always best to consult with a solicitor or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) to check your eligibility to make a claim. You can call us or request a free callback for a free initial consultation. We take all CICA cases on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you don’t need to pay us anything if we can’t secure any compensation.
What is Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in the UK is a government-run program that provides financial compensation to individuals who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of violent crime. The compensation is paid to those who have suffered injury and can demonstrate that the injury was sustained as a direct result of a crime of violence.
To be eligible for compensation, the crime must have been reported to the police and the victim must have cooperated with the police investigation and prosecution. The amount of compensation awarded is based on a tariff system and can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the severity of the injury and other factors.
The purpose of this scheme is to provide financial support to victims of violent crime who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of the crime. The compensation is intended to help cover the cost of medical expenses (which are not covered by NHS or recoverable from any other source), lost income, and other expenses related to the injury.
What Payments Are Available From The Scheme?
CICA will consider claims for the following injuries, medical conditions and special expenses:
- mental or physical injury following a crime of violence;
- sexual or physical abuse;
- loss of earnings – where you have no or limited capacity to work as the direct result of a criminal injury;
- special expenses payments – these cover certain costs you may have incurred as a direct result of an incident. You can only ask us to consider special expenses if your injuries mean you have been unable to work or have been incapacitated to a similar extent for more than 28 weeks;
- a fatality caused by a crime of violence including bereavement payments, payments for loss of parental services and financial dependency; and funeral payments.
To qualify for an award, an injury must be described in the tariff of injuries at Annex E of the CICA Scheme. Not all claims for compensation will be successful; you must be eligible under the rules of the Scheme.
What Information Do I Need To Make A Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim?
To make a claim for compensation claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), you will need to provide certain information and documentation to support your criminal injury claim. Some of the information and documentation as minimum you will need include:
Details of The Crime & Injuries: You will need to provide a detailed account of the crime that resulted in your injury, including the date, time, location of the incident and injury details.
Crime Reference Number: You will need to provide the crime reference number issued by the police.
Police Station, Police Officer Name & Collar Number: You will need to provide the name of the police station, police officer name and collar number who dealt with the crime.
GP & Hospital Details and Medical records: You will need to provide GP & hospital details, consent to ask your medical records to see the nature and extent of your injuries, including any diagnoses and treatment received and submit it to CICA.
Other Supporting Evidence: You may also need to provide additional supporting evidence, such as witness statements or photographs, specialist medical reports, etc. to support your claim.
How is The Compensation Amount Determined?
The compensation amount is determined based on a tariff system that takes into account the specific nature and impact of the injury. We can assist with negotiating the compensation amount and ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available under the scheme. We can also check your eligibility to make a CICA claim and also advise you the approximate award amount you might receive from CICA.
Can I File a CICA Claim & Receive Compensation if The Offender is Not Convicted?
Yes, you can still file a CICA claim and compensation may still be payable even if the offender is not convicted. Remember you have two years to make a compensation claim under the CICA scheme, although exceptions may be made in cases where the injury was not immediately apparent or where the victim was a child at the time of the crime. Exceptions may be made for historic sexual abuse cases else you should have a good reason for delay in making a claim.
Can I Receive Compensation if I Was Injured Outside the UK?
To be eligible for compensation through the CICA, the crime must have occurred in England, Scotland, or Wales. If you were injured outside of the UK, you may still be eligible for compensation through other schemes or compensation programs but not from CICA.
Which Injuries Can Not Be Claimed From CICA?
CICA has specific eligibility criteria for claims, and certain types of injuries or circumstances may not be eligible for compensation. Here are some common examples of injuries or circumstances that may not be eligible for compensation through the CICA:
Self-inflicted Injuries: Compensation cannot be awarded for injuries that were self-inflicted or caused by the victim’s own actions.
Criminal Activity: Compensation cannot be awarded for injuries sustained as a result of criminal activity in which the victim was participating, such as a fight or brawl.
Minor Injuries: Minor physical injuries which can be healed itself such as scratches, bruises, black eye, soft tissue injuries, broken nose, broken ribs, bruising or a black eye are not claimable. You can claim for scarring from the CICA scheme.
Animal Attack / Dog Bite: You can’t claim for any animal attack or dog bites unless the animal was used as a weapon and ordered to attack purely to cause the harm or injuries.
Theft or Burglary: Damaged or lost/stolen properties such as house, car, phone, or any other device cannot be claimed from CICA scheme. You can claim for physical or mental injuries sustained as a result of theft, burglary and attack.
PTSD Not Diagnosed by Psychologist or Psychiatrist: PTSD, Anxiety and depression needs to be diagnosed by a clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist in order to make a claim. CICA won’t accept any diagnosis by GP or any other medical professional.
When CICA Can Reject Your Claim?
The most common reasons for a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claim to be rejected are:
Time Limit: Claims must be made within two years of the date of the incident or the date when it is reported to the police. Where claimant is a minor they have until their 20th birthday to make a CICA claim. Claims made outside this time limit may be rejected, unless you have exceptional circumstances for the delay in submitting your claim.
Failure to Cooperate With the Police: Compensation claim may be rejected if the victim failed to provide statement, cooperate with the police during the investigation or dropped charges.
Unspent Conviction: If the claimant has an unspent conviction at the time of applying or before an award offer, their claim may be reduced or rejected. If you are unsure that your drink and drive or any other conviction is spent or unspent then give us a call.
Minor Injuries: If the injuries you sustained during the incident are minor and not included within the ‘CICA Scheme Tariff” then your claim may be rejected by CICA.
Psychological Injury Without Diagnosis: CICA may reject any claim compensation for mental injuries that are not diagnosed by a clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist.
Lack of Supporting Evidence: If the requested medical evidence or other supporting evidence are not provided or not enough to demonstrate that you sustain an injury as a direct result of violent crime, then your claim may be rejected.
How We Can Help With CICA Claim?
- Providing Advice on Eligibility: We can help determine if you are eligible for compensation through the CICA scheme, based on the specific circumstances of your case and the other requirements of the scheme. We can help you recover compensation from £1,000 to £500,000.
- Gathering & Presenting Evidence: We can help gather and present evidence to support your claim, including medical records, injury form, GP report and other forms & relevant documentation. We will fight to recover the compensation that you deserve & deal with matters on your behalf.
- Completing the Application Form: We will complete the application form for CICA compensation on your behalf to ensure that it is completed correctly and submitted in a timely manner. We will handle everything on priority basis and keep it confidential.
- Negotiating the Compensation Amount: We will negotiate with the CICA on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available under the scheme. We will also advise you that the compensation award offered is appropriate or not.
- No Win, No Fee: We will proceed with you claim on a No Win, No Fee basis. You don’t need to pay us anything if we can’t secure any compensation for you from CICA.
It’s important to note that while a solicitor is not required to make a claim for compensation through the CICA, many victims find it helpful to have legal representation to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the maximum amount of compensation available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
