Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation For Sprained Ankle
If you have suffered a sprained or fractured ankle due to a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). CICA is a government-backed scheme in the UK that provides financial support to victims of violent crimes. A sprained ankle can cause significant pain, mobility issues, and financial strain due to medical costs and loss of earnings. Understanding your rights and the claims process can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
We provide free initial consultations to guide you through the process of handling criminal injuries compensation claims with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Understanding Sprained Ankle and Common Causes of a Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. This injury can range from mild to severe, affecting mobility and daily activities. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. In the context of CICA claims, a sprained ankle must have resulted from a violent crime. Common causes include:
Physical Assault – This refers to a direct and intentional act of violence where an individual is physically attacked by another person. Common examples include being punched, kicked, pushed, shoved, or tripped. These actions can easily result in injuries such as sprains, bruises, or fractures. Such assaults often occur during street altercations, pub brawls, confrontations in public places, or even disputes in private settings. The force and unpredictability of these encounters can cause the victim to land awkwardly or twist a joint during the struggle, leading to significant physical harm.
Robbery or Mugging – During a robbery, a victim may be physically assaulted or forcibly restrained. The act of resisting, struggling, or trying to escape can cause a person to fall or twist their body in unnatural ways. For instance, someone being pulled by the arm or shoved to the ground may suffer a sprained ankle, wrist, or knee. These types of injuries are common when attackers use sudden force to grab bags, phones, or wallets. Even without direct contact, the fear and chaos of the moment can result in panic-driven movements that cause injury.
Domestic Violence – In cases of abuse within the home or intimate relationships, victims may sustain sprains and other injuries due to repeated physical attacks. These can include being forcefully thrown onto furniture, dragged across a room, or pushed down stairs. Resisting or attempting to protect oneself can also lead to twisted limbs and joint damage. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) acknowledges domestic abuse as a serious crime, and victims are entitled to seek compensation for the physical and psychological harm they suffer.
Other Violent Crimes – Sprains and related injuries can also occur in the context of other criminal acts. These may include attempted kidnappings, physical restraint during unlawful detention, assaults during riots or public disturbances, or any situation where force is used against a person without consent. Any act of violence that results in physical harm — including twisting, pulling, or throwing — may be eligible for compensation through CICA, provided it meets the criteria for a qualifying crime of violence.
- Nature of the Crime – The injury must have resulted from a crime of violence, such as assault, robbery, or a deliberate attack.
- Timely Police Report – The crime must have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably possible. Delays in reporting may affect eligibility unless there is a valid reason.
- Medical Documentation – Medical evidence must confirm the injury and its impact. This may include hospital records, GP reports, or physiotherapy notes.
- Application Timeframe – The claim must be submitted within two years of the incident. Exceptions apply in cases where mental or physical incapacity delayed the application.
- Cooperation with Authorities – The applicant must assist the police in their investigation and cooperate fully with CICA during the claims process.
- UK Residency or Citizenship – Claimants must either be UK residents or qualify under special circumstances, such as being victims of a UK-based crime while on a temporary visa.
- Criminal Record Considerations – CICA may reduce or refuse compensation if the claimant has a criminal record, particularly for violent offenses.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Sprained Ankle?
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 amounts are determined based on the severity of the injury. The tariff for a sprained ankle depends on medical evidence, recovery time, and long-term impact. The official tariff rates as per Annex E are:
CICA Compensation for Sprained Ankle Injuries
- One Ankle Sprained – Disabling for more than 13 weeks: £1,000 (A1 category)
- Both Ankles Sprained – Disabling for 13 weeks or more: £1,800 (A3 category)
To qualify for this compensation, you must provide medical documentation proving that your injury caused significant mobility issues and prevented normal activities for at least 13 weeks.
If the injury led to additional financial losses, such as medical expenses or loss of earnings, you may be able to claim special expenses. However, these are only awarded in severe cases where the injury has caused significant long-term impairment.
Understanding a Sprained Ankle and Types of Ankle Sprains
What is a Sprained Ankle?
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn due to excessive force or unnatural movement. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilize joints, and when they are damaged, it can lead to pain, swelling, and instability in the ankle.
Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries and can happen due to sudden twisting, rolling, or impact. While most cases heal with rest, severe sprains can cause long-term joint problems and may require medical treatment.
Types of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains vary in severity, from mild ligament stretching to complete ligament tears. Below, we categorize them based on their impact and seriousness:
1. Severe Ankle Sprains (Long Recovery, May Require Medical Intervention)
These injuries cause significant pain, instability, and require longer recovery times.
- Grade III Sprain (Complete Ligament Tear) – This is the most severe type of sprain where the ligament is completely torn. Symptoms include intense pain, extreme swelling, bruising, and significant ankle instability, making it difficult or impossible to bear weight. Some Grade III sprains may require a cast, brace, or even surgery if the joint remains unstable.
- High Ankle Sprain – A sprain affecting the ligaments above the ankle joint, known as the syndesmotic ligaments. These injuries are common in high-impact trauma, such as falls or sports injuries, and take longer to heal than typical ankle sprains.
2. Moderate Ankle Sprains (Painful but Can Heal With Rest and Treatment)
These injuries cause discomfort and swelling but do not completely tear the ligaments.
- Grade II Sprain (Partial Ligament Tear) – This occurs when the ligament is partially torn, leading to moderate swelling, pain, and difficulty walking. The ankle may feel unstable, but with rest, physical therapy, and bracing, most people recover without surgery.
- Eversion Sprain – This type of sprain occurs when the foot turns outward, stretching the deltoid ligament on the inner ankle. Though less common than inversion sprains, eversion sprains can be painful and may take longer to heal.
3. Mild Ankle Sprains (Short-Term Discomfort, Quick Recovery)
These injuries involve minimal ligament damage and usually heal within a few weeks.
- Grade I Sprain (Mild Ligament Stretching) – This is the least severe type of sprain, where the ligament is overstretched but not torn. Symptoms include mild pain, slight swelling, and minor stiffness, but walking is still possible with some discomfort.
- Inversion Sprain – The most common type of ankle sprain, where the foot rolls inward, stretching or slightly tearing the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. These sprains are often mild but can become more severe if not properly treated.
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.
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)
