Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation For Facial Injuries
Facial injuries can be severe and life-altering, affecting a person’s appearance, ability to eat, speak, and breathe, and their overall quality of life. These injuries can range from bruising, cuts, and soft tissue damage to complex fractures and nerve damage. The face is composed of multiple bones, including the nasal bones, cheekbones, jaw, and eye sockets, all of which are susceptible to fractures when subjected to forceful impact.
Facial injuries are often the result of violent assaults, accidents, and other traumatic events, leading to pain, disfigurement, and in some cases, permanent damage to the facial structure or function. If a facial fracture results from a violent crime, victims may be entitled to compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Understanding About Facial Injuries and Common Causes of Facial Injuries
Facial injuries can result from high-impact forces that cause significant trauma to the skin, soft tissue, bones, and nerves of the face. These injuries can occur in various situations where blunt force, sudden impact, or direct aggression is involved. The severity of the fracture depends on factors such as the angle of impact, the force applied, and whether the victim was able to brace for the blow. Many facial fractures result in long-term consequences, including chronic pain, breathing difficulties, nerve damage, and facial disfigurement.
Some victims may require multiple surgeries, dental reconstructions, or long-term physical therapy to restore function and appearance. Additionally, psychological trauma is common in victims of facial injuries, as the altered physical appearance can impact self-confidence and social interactions. Seeking compensation can help cover the financial burden of extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and lost income due to the inability to work. Some of the most common causes of facial injuries include:
- Physical Assault: Violent crimes, including punches, kicks, or blows from an object, can lead to severe facial fractures. These injuries frequently occur in street fights, domestic violence situations, and unprovoked attacks. Victims of serious assaults may sustain multiple fractures, such as broken jaws, cheekbones, or orbital bones, leading to extensive reconstructive surgery.
- Robberies and Muggings: Many victims sustain facial fractures during violent robberies where attackers strike the face to incapacitate them. Criminals often use excessive force, causing injuries that range from minor nasal fractures to severe maxillary and mandibular breaks that can permanently affect the victim’s ability to eat and speak.
- Car Accidents: High-speed collisions can cause significant facial injuries, particularly when the victim’s face impacts the dashboard, steering wheel, or airbag. The force of the impact may lead to multiple fractures across the nose, cheekbones, and jaw. Severe cases may require reconstructive surgery to restore both function and appearance.
- Workplace Incidents: Employees working in high-risk environments, such as construction sites, may suffer facial fractures from falls, heavy machinery accidents, or violent assaults. Falling debris or direct blows from tools can lead to fractures that may result in permanent disfigurement or nerve damage.
- Public Place Violence: Bar fights, riots, and altercations in crowded public areas can result in severe facial trauma. Individuals caught in violent situations may sustain multiple fractures, including Le Fort fractures, which involve significant structural damage to the midface and often require extensive reconstructive procedures.
When a facial fracture occurs due to criminal violence, victims may be eligible to claim compensation from CICA to cover their suffering, medical treatment, and financial losses.
Eligibility Requirements for CICA Compensation for Facial Injuries
To qualify for compensation under the CICA scheme, claimants must satisfy specific conditions:
- Injury Must Be Crime-Related: The facial fracture must have directly resulted from a violent crime, such as an assault, mugging, or other unlawful act of violence.
- Mandatory Police Report: The crime must be reported to the police promptly. CICA requires an official police record to validate the claim.
- Full Cooperation with Authorities: Victims must actively assist the police investigation and any related legal processes.
- Strict Application Timeframe: Claims must typically be lodged within two years of the crime occurring. However, exceptions exist for minors or victims unable to file due to medical or psychological reasons.
- UK Residency Criteria: Applicants must be residents of the UK or meet specific nationality and immigration conditions as outlined by CICA guidelines.
- Medical Documentation: A thorough medical report confirming the severity and impact of the facial fracture is required. This may include X-ray results, hospital records, surgical notes, or other medical assessments that support the claim.
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How Much Compensation Can You Receive for Facial Injuries?
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 compensation for facial injuries follows a structured tariff system based on the severity of the injury and its lasting effects. The applicable compensation amounts include:
- Permanent Clicking Jaw: £3,500
- Dislocated Jaw with Continuing Significant Disability: £3,500
- Fractured Ethmoid (Operation Required): £2,400
- Fractured Zygoma (Cheekbone):
- No operation, continuing significant disability: £2,400
- Operation required with substantial recovery: £1,000
- Operation required with continuing significant disability: £3,500
- Fractured Jaw Bone (Mandible or Maxilla):
- No operation, substantial recovery: £1,500
- No operation, continuing significant disability: £3,500
- Operation required, substantial recovery: £1,800
- Operation required, continuing significant disability: £6,200
- Multiple Fractures to Face (e.g., Le Fort Type 2 & 3 Fractures): £11,000
- Numbness or Loss of Feeling (Permanent):
- Moderate (e.g., cheek, forehead): £1,500
- Severe (e.g., lip interfering with function): £2,400
Understanding Facial Injuries and Types of Facial Injuries
Facial injuries can vary in severity and complexity. Some of the most common types covered by CICA include:
- Fractured Ethmoid Bone: A fracture in the ethmoid bone, which is located between the nose and the eyes, can affect breathing, vision, and sinus function. If surgery is required to correct the damage, victims may qualify for compensation under CICA’s tariff. A broken nose is one of the most common facial fractures, often caused by punches, falls, or direct blows. While minor fractures heal with minimal intervention, severe nasal fractures requiring surgery for realignment can lead to permanent nasal obstruction and breathing difficulties.
- Fractured Zygoma (Cheekbone) Fracture: A break in the cheekbone that may require surgery, depending on the severity. A zygoma fracture without surgery but with continuing significant disability qualifies for compensation, while fractures requiring surgery may lead to a higher claim amount depending on the recovery level. A break in the bones surrounding the eye, which can cause vision problems, swelling, and difficulty moving the eye. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to prevent permanent disfigurement and impaired vision.
- Fractured Jaw Bone (Mandible or Maxilla): A break in the upper or lower jaw can cause severe pain, difficulty chewing, and misalignment of the teeth. If the fracture does not require surgery, victims may still qualify for compensation if it leads to a significant disability. More severe cases require surgical fixation with plates and screws, increasing the likelihood of higher compensation amounts. A break in the cheekbone that can lead to facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing, and nerve damage. In cases where surgery is needed, metal plates and screws may be used to stabilize the fracture. Without proper treatment, patients may suffer from long-term pain and reduced facial movement.
- Dislocated Jaw: A dislocated jaw can lead to ongoing pain, misalignment, and problems with chewing and speaking. If a victim experiences a continuing significant disability due to a dislocated jaw, they may be entitled to compensation under the CICA scheme. A break in the upper jaw, which can affect eating, speaking, and breathing. Complex fractures of the maxilla may require weeks of immobilization, surgical correction, and potential dental reconstruction.
- Permanent Clicking Jaw: Some jaw injuries do not result in fractures but instead lead to permanent dysfunction, such as persistent clicking or chronic joint pain. This condition can make daily activities like eating and speaking difficult, and CICA offers compensation for victims with these lasting issues. A fracture of the lower jaw that can cause severe pain, difficulty chewing, and misalignment of the teeth. More severe cases require wiring the jaw shut or surgical fixation with plates and screws, which can lead to long recovery periods and speech impairments.
- Multiple Facial Fractures (Le Fort Type 2 & 3): Complex facial fractures that involve multiple bones, often requiring extensive reconstructive surgery and long-term rehabilitation. These injuries are among the most severe facial fractures covered by CICA and qualify for higher compensation levels. These are complex fractures involving multiple bones in the midface, often resulting in significant disfigurement and requiring extensive reconstructive surgery. Victims of violent assaults who sustain these fractures may require multiple surgeries, facial implants, and lifelong medical interventions to restore function and appearance.
- Numbness or Loss of Feeling Due to Facial Trauma: Some facial fractures may result in nerve damage, leading to partial or complete numbness in areas like the cheeks, forehead, or lips. If this numbness is permanent and interferes with function, victims may be eligible for compensation based on its severity. Broken or knocked-out teeth due to trauma can also be categorized as facial fractures, especially when the underlying bone is damaged. Some cases require dental implants, bridges, or jawbone grafting to restore functionality.
Each type of facial fracture varies in severity, and treatment options depend on the complexity of the break, the affected area, and any accompanying soft tissue damage. Some injuries heal with minimal intervention, while others require extensive reconstructive surgery, dental work, or long-term therapy. Victims suffering from chronic jaw pain, permanent numbness, or severe facial disfigurement may face lifelong challenges, requiring additional medical treatments or cosmetic procedures to improve their quality of 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.
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.
