If you’ve suffered a serious assault and now face multiple injuries and psychological trauma, you deserve clear guidance and robust support. National Claims helps victims across England, Scotland, and Wales start compensation claims quickly and confidently.
Serious assault victims can claim compensation for physical injuries and psychological trauma (including PTSD). With National Claims, you get practical help, realistic payout guidance from the Judicial College Guidelines, and a fast route to experienced solicitors who fight for maximum damages.
Who this page is for
- Victims of violent crime with fractures, head injuries, scars, or nerve damage
- People with PTSD or anxiety after an assault, including flashbacks and sleep disturbance
- Those injured in public places or workplaces due to poor security or unsafe premises
- Families supporting vulnerable victims, including children and older people
Can I claim compensation after a serious assault?
Yes—if you were assaulted and suffered injuries or psychological harm, you may have a civil compensation claim. Many cases involve one or more of the following:
- Direct claims against the assailant, where assets or insurance may be available to satisfy the judgment.
- Negligence claims against third parties who failed to protect your safety, such as venues, bars, security contractors, transport operators, or housing providers with defective door security or lighting.
- Employer liability, if the assault happened at work and reasonable safety measures were missing (e.g., lone working without alarms, inadequate risk assessments).
We’ll assess all viable routes to compensation and prioritise the one with the best chance of a full recovery.
What you can claim for
Serious assault compensation usually covers:
- General damages for physical pain, scarring, and psychological injury (including PTSD).
- Special damages for financial losses: earnings, medical treatment, therapy, travel, care, and damaged property.
- Future losses if your ability to work is reduced or you need ongoing treatment.
Typical injuries after a violent assault
- Head and brain injuries: concussion, post-concussive syndrome, or traumatic brain injury.
- Facial injuries: fractures, dental trauma, and visible scarring.
- Orthopaedic injuries: fractures to the arm, wrist, ribs, spine, or lower limb.
- Nerve and soft-tissue injuries: tendon damage, lacerations, and joint instability.
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, or avoidance behaviours.
NHS guidance recognises that PTSD symptoms can follow a traumatic incident and often need structured therapy. See NHS PTSD overview for more on symptoms and treatment options.
External reference: NHS – Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How we prove your case
Evidence wins cases. We take a methodical approach:
- Incident evidence: CCTV, door logs, witness statements, police crime reference number, and security/risk documents.
- Medical proof: GP/hospital records, photographs of injuries, and independent medical experts (orthopaedic, maxillofacial, plastic surgery, neurology, psychiatry/psychology).
- Losses schedule: payslips, employer letters, receipts, therapy quotes, and a future-care assessment if needed.
- Liability analysis: we test whether third parties breached their duty (e.g., defective entry systems in housing disrepair, absent door staff, or inadequate lighting).
For background rates of violence and risk, you can consult official crime statistics (e.g., ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales) to support context in complex claims.
Compensation estimates (Judicial College Guidelines)
The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) provide benchmark brackets for injury values. Your figure depends on severity, prognosis, age, impact on work/leisure, scarring visibility, and psychological outcome. Below is illustrative guidance only; combined injuries are valued together, not simply added up.
| Injury / Condition | Guide Bracket (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD – Severe | £59,000 – £100,000+ | Persistent symptoms with poor recovery and major work/life impact. |
| PTSD – Moderately Severe | £23,000 – £60,000 | Significant disability but with professional help a better prognosis is possible. |
| PTSD – Moderate | £10,000 – £23,000 | Largely recovered; remaining effects not grossly disabling. |
| Facial Scarring – Noticeable (male) | £9,000 – £30,000 | Age and prominence matter; higher for younger claimants. |
| Facial Scarring – Significant (female) | £20,000 – £60,000+ | Visibility and psychological impact elevate awards. |
| Fractured Wrist – Significant permanent disability | £27,000 – £44,000 | Ongoing pain/stiffness or loss of function. |
| Arm Fractures – Less severe with functional disability | £20,000 – £40,000 | Persistent symptoms but not major disability. |
| Back – Severe | £91,000 – £160,000+ | Severe pain with nerve root damage or disability. |
| Brain Injury – Less severe | £18,000 – £52,000+ | Good recovery but ongoing concentration/mood issues. |
Figures derived from recent JCG editions; your outcome may be higher or lower based on medical evidence and combined effects of multiple injuries.
Time limits
In most civil assault claims, you generally have three years from the date of the assault (or from your 18th birthday if you were a child). There are exceptions and strategic reasons to act sooner: evidence degrades and witnesses move. We’ll confirm your specific deadline during your free assessment.
External reference: GOV.UK – Limitation periods and court guidance (general legal information).
The National Claims process (step-by-step)
1) Free assessment
We listen to what happened, map your injuries and trauma, and identify all possible defendants. You’ll get an initial valuation range and a practical plan for evidence.
2) Rehabilitation and early support
Where appropriate, we coordinate early psychological therapy, pain management, and private assessments to speed recovery. Research demonstrates that timely treatment can improve long-term outcomes.
3) Letter(s) of claim and liability investigation
We notify the defendant(s), request disclosure (security logs, maintenance records, risk assessments), and push for admissions.
4) Interim payments
If liability is admitted, we seek interim payments to cover urgent losses such as therapy, rent, or lost earnings.
5) Negotiation or litigation
Experts recommend using strong medical evidence and a full Schedule of Loss to negotiate firmly. If needed, your instructed solicitor will issue proceedings and prepare for trial.
What affects the value of your assault claim?
- Multiple injuries interplay: Brain symptoms plus PTSD and scarring can escalate general damages.
- Work impact: time off, role changes, or career ceiling due to flashbacks or reduced concentration.
- Treatment pathway: CBT/EMDR, surgery, or scar revision influence prognosis.
- Vulnerability factors: age, visible scarring, and pre-existing conditions.
- Conduct of defendants: failures in security or safeguarding can strengthen your position.
Practical tips to strengthen your claim
- Report and record: obtain a crime reference number and keep all correspondence.
- Photograph injuries over time; date-stamp images.
- Seek medical help early and follow the treatment plan.
- Track expenses: therapy, prescriptions, travel, care, and ruined clothing/phone.
- Journal your symptoms: sleep, flashbacks, panic, avoidance, and triggers.
For guidance on trauma symptoms and treatment pathways, see NHS – PTSD (external). For crime trends and context, review ONS releases (external). For general justice processes, see GOV.UK courts and limitation guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do assault claims take?
Simple claims can resolve in a few months. Complex multi-injury or PTSD cases often take longer because we wait for a stable prognosis. We pursue interim payments where possible.
2. What if I don’t want to face my attacker?
You can still bring a civil claim. Most cases settle without a trial. Your legal team can request special measures if court is needed.
3. Will I need a psychiatric report?
Usually yes. For trauma cases, a consultant psychiatrist or clinical psychologist assesses diagnosis, severity, and treatment recommendations (e.g., CBT or EMDR).
4. Can I claim if alcohol was involved?
Yes, provided the legal test for negligence or assault is met. Your actions and the venue’s security policies will be assessed.
5. What if I was assaulted in my rented home?
If faulty locks, communal doors, or lighting contributed, you may have a housing disrepair-related negligence claim against your landlord or managing agent.
Ready to start? Here’s what happens today
- Call or message National Claims for a free assessment.
- We gather key facts and advise on evidence to secure immediately.
- You get a clear action plan and a tailored compensation strategy.
No win, no fee available. Remember: Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
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About National Claims
This article was written by the National Claims content team. Our specialists have years of experience helping people across the UK with personal injury, road traffic accident, and housing disrepair claims. We work alongside regulated solicitors to ensure our information is accurate, up-to-date, and genuinely useful for anyone seeking to understand their rights after an accident.
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