Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation For Burns
Burn injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally, often leading to permanent scarring, chronic pain, and psychological trauma. Burns that cause more than minor disfigurement can have life-altering consequences, especially when they occur on visible areas such as the face, head, or neck. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. Beyond the physical toll, burns can severely impact a victim’s self-esteem, social interactions, and mental well-being.
Victims of violent crimes, including acid attacks, arson, or deliberate scalding, often suffer from severe burns. If you have sustained burn injuries due to a violent crime in the UK, you may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This government-backed scheme provides financial support to victims who have suffered significant harm as a result of criminal acts.
Understanding Burns Injuries and Causes of Burns Injuries
Burn injuries occur when exposure to extreme heat, corrosive chemicals, electricity, or radiation damages the skin and underlying tissues. The severity of burns depends on multiple factors, including the depth of the injury, the percentage of the body affected, and whether vital areas such as the face, neck, or hands are involved. Burns not only cause excruciating pain but can also lead to severe disfigurement, nerve damage, and life-threatening infections. In many cases, victims require prolonged medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological counseling to cope with both physical and emotional trauma.
Burns that affect visible areas, such as the face, head, or neck, often have profound consequences beyond the initial injury. Scarring can result in permanent disfigurement, significantly impacting self-esteem and social confidence. Additionally, burns can lead to contractures—tightening of the skin that restricts movement—requiring multiple corrective procedures. In severe cases, victims may suffer nerve damage, loss of sensation, or even functional impairments that hinder daily activities. Common causes of burns due to violent crime:
- Acid or Chemical Attacks: Attackers deliberately throw or pour corrosive substances like sulfuric or hydrochloric acid onto victims, leading to rapid tissue destruction, deep burns, and permanent scarring. These attacks often target the face, causing not only physical pain but also devastating emotional and psychological distress.
- Arson or Deliberate Fires: Intentional fires set to harm individuals can result in catastrophic injuries. Victims trapped in burning buildings or exposed to flames suffer severe burns, which can extend deep into the muscle and bone. Smoke inhalation often accompanies these injuries, leading to additional complications such as respiratory distress and organ damage.
- Scalding with Boiling Water or Hot Oil: In some violent incidents, perpetrators throw or pour scalding liquids onto victims, causing second- or third-degree burns. These burns are particularly dangerous due to their ability to penetrate deep into tissue, increasing the risk of infections and long-term damage.
- Electrical Burns from Deliberate Injury: High-voltage electric shocks, either inflicted intentionally or through forced contact with live wires, can cause internal burns, nerve damage, and even cardiac arrest. Unlike thermal burns, electrical burns may not appear severe on the surface but can lead to extensive deep tissue destruction.
- Radiation or Explosive-Related Burns: In certain criminal acts involving explosives, radiation exposure, or chemical warfare agents, victims may sustain burns that lead to extensive tissue damage. These injuries often require specialised medical care and long-term monitoring for radiation-induced illnesses.
Eligibility for a CICA Burns Compensation Claim
To qualify for compensation through CICA, victims must meet specific criteria that ensure financial support is directed toward individuals who have suffered significant harm due to violent crime. The essential requirements include:
- The Crime Must Be Reported to the Police – The incident must be officially reported as soon as possible. A police report serves as crucial evidence in supporting a compensation claim.
- The Incident Must Have Occurred in the UK – Compensation is available only for crimes that took place within England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Full Cooperation with the Police is Required – Victims must provide statements and assist law enforcement with their investigation. Failure to cooperate may affect the claim outcome.
- A Criminal Record May Affect the Claim – If the applicant has previous convictions, especially for violent offenses, their eligibility for compensation may be reduced or denied.
- The Claim Must Be Submitted Within Two Years – Applications should be filed within two years of the crime. Exceptions may apply in cases where psychological trauma or exceptional circumstances prevented earlier submission.
- Medical Evidence of Injury is Required – Compensation is assessed based on the extent of the burn, level of disfigurement, and any lasting psychological trauma resulting from the attack.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive for Burns?
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 follows a structured tariff system for compensation awards based on the severity and impact of the injury. The compensation amounts for burn injuries include:
- Burns to the Head
- Moderate burns: £2,400
- Severe burns: £16,500
- Burns to the Face
- Moderate burns: £3,500
- Severe burns: £27,000
- Burns to the Neck
- Moderate burns: £2,400
- Severe burns: £16,500
Compensation amounts depend on factors such as the severity of the burn, the level of disfigurement, and the necessity for ongoing medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery. Victims who experience permanent disability, significant scarring, or psychological trauma may also be eligible for additional compensation.
Beyond compensation for the injury itself, victims may qualify for additional financial assistance, depending on how the injury has affected their life. These claims include:
- Loss of Earnings Compensation: If the burn injuries prevent the victim from working, they may claim compensation for lost income, including long-term disability-related losses.
- Medical and Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation may cover expenses for skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, laser treatments, physiotherapy, and other medical interventions that are not covered by NHS.
- Care and Assistance Costs: Victims requiring assistance with daily activities due to their injuries may be eligible for financial support for caregivers or home adaptations.
- Psychological Injury Compensation: Many burn victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression due to their disfigurement and trauma. Additional financial aid may be available for mental health treatment.
Understanding Burns and Different Types of Burns
Burns are categorized based on their severity, the layers of skin affected, and the potential for long-term damage. The classification of burns helps determine treatment requirements and recovery expectations. The main types of burns include:
- First-Degree Burns: These are superficial burns that only impact the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. They typically cause redness, slight swelling, and mild pain. First-degree burns usually heal within a few days without leaving scars and can often be treated with over-the-counter remedies and home care.
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns extend beyond the epidermis into the dermis, the underlying skin layer. They cause blistering, significant pain, and a heightened risk of infection. Depending on the depth, second-degree burns may take several weeks to heal, and in severe cases, they can leave scars or require medical intervention.
- Third-Degree Burns: These burns destroy both the epidermis and dermis, affecting deeper tissues. Nerve endings in the affected area may be damaged, leading to numbness rather than pain. The skin may appear leathery, charred, or white. Third-degree burns usually require skin grafts and surgical treatment due to extensive tissue loss.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe type, these burns extend beyond the skin into muscles, tendons, and even bones. Fourth-degree burns can lead to permanent disfigurement, loss of function, and, in extreme cases, amputation. Immediate and intensive medical intervention is essential to manage complications and preserve as much function as possible.
Psychological and Social Impact of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can have devastating psychological effects, particularly when they result in visible scarring. The emotional trauma can be just as severe as the physical pain, with many victims struggling to cope with their altered appearance and the long-term implications of their injuries. These emotional challenges can lead to difficulties in social and professional environments, making support systems and mental health interventions crucial for recovery. Many victims experience:
- Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues: Facial or highly visible burns can deeply affect a victim’s self-confidence, causing them to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their appearance. This often results in social withdrawal, avoidance of public settings, and reluctance to engage in personal or professional relationships.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many victims relive the traumatic event repeatedly, leading to severe anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks. Some individuals develop an extreme fear of fire, hot objects, or situations that remind them of the incident, making everyday activities stressful and overwhelming.
- Depression and Anxiety: Chronic pain, mobility restrictions, and disfigurement can lead to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and low mood. Victims may struggle with self-worth and experience heightened anxiety about how others perceive them, which can further impact their social interactions and mental well-being.
- Fear of Judgment and Stigma: The noticeable nature of burn scars often invites unwanted attention or questions, which can be distressing for victims. They may feel uncomfortable in social situations and fear discrimination or negative reactions from others.
- Difficulty Returning to Work or School: Severe burns can impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, leading to concerns about returning to work or school. Psychological barriers, such as fear of being judged or struggling with public interactions, can make reintegration into normal life challenging.
The psychological impact of burn injuries highlights the importance of access to mental health services, including therapy, support groups, and counseling, to help victims rebuild their confidence and regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
Rehabilitation and Support for Burn Victims
Recovering from burn injuries often requires a combination of medical treatments and psychological support, as the impact of burns extends beyond physical damage to emotional and social well-being. The recovery process can be prolonged, requiring multiple interventions over months or even years to restore function, reduce pain, and manage psychological distress. Victims may benefit from:
- Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery: This plays a critical role in restoring both function and appearance. Treatment may include skin grafts, scar revision procedures, laser therapy, and tissue expansion to improve mobility and reduce visible scarring. In severe cases, multiple surgeries may be necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Physical Therapy and Mobility Assistance: Burns affecting joints or mobility often lead to stiffness and reduced movement. Physical therapy focuses on restoring flexibility and muscle strength through targeted exercises, stretching techniques, and mobility training. Occupational therapy may also help victims adapt to daily tasks affected by movement limitations.
- Pain Management Programs: Burn injuries often result in chronic pain, requiring a combination of medications, specialised wound care, and advanced pain relief techniques. This may include nerve-block injections, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and alternative treatments such as acupuncture or therapeutic massage to manage ongoing discomfort.
- Psychological Counseling and Support Groups: The emotional toll of burn injuries can be significant, particularly for victims dealing with disfigurement or post-traumatic stress. Psychological support, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), trauma counseling, and peer support groups, can help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, facilitating their reintegration into society and daily life.
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)
