Last Updated: 13 August 2026 I Reading Time: 6-7 minutes
Summary
A head injury can affect far more than a person’s physical health. Depending on its severity, a head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can affect memory, concentration, mood, behaviour, relationships, work, education and everyday independence.
Some head injuries are relatively mild and symptoms may improve with time. Others can result in long-term or permanent difficulties. The impact can also be difficult to recognise, particularly where the injury causes cognitive or psychological changes rather than obvious physical symptoms.
If you have suffered a head injury as a result of a violent crime, you may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA Scheme is a government-funded scheme for eligible victims of violent crime in Great Britain.
Quick answer
A head injury can affect a person’s physical health, memory, concentration, emotions, behaviour, relationships, work and ability to carry out everyday activities. The effects depend on the type and severity of the injury and may be temporary or permanent. If a head injury was caused by a violent crime, the person may also be eligible for compensation through CICA, subject to the Scheme’s requirements.
In this article
- What is a head injury?
- How can a head injury affect physical health?
- How can a head injury affect memory and thinking?
- What emotional and psychological effects can occur?
- How can a head injury affect relationships and work?
- Can a head injury cause long-term problems?
- Can you claim compensation for a head injury?
- How much compensation can you receive?
- What evidence may be needed?
- How GLP Solicitors can help
Key takeaways
- A head injury can affect physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning.
- Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
- Some people experience changes in mood, personality or behaviour after a brain injury.
- The effects can interfere with employment, education, relationships and everyday activities.
- Some head injuries are temporary, while others can result in long-term or permanent disability.
- A head injury caused by a violent crime may qualify for CICA compensation.
- CICA assesses compensation according to a tariff of injuries and considers factors including the severity and duration of the injury. If you believe you may have a CICA claim, it is important to consider the time limits and eligibility requirements as soon as possible.
What is a head injury?
A head injury is an injury affecting the head or brain. It can range from a relatively minor injury, such as concussion, to a serious traumatic brain injury.
Head injuries can happen in many different circumstances, including falls, road traffic accidents, sporting incidents and assaults.
The consequences can vary significantly from one person to another. Two people with apparently similar injuries may experience very different symptoms and recovery times.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes an injury to the brain.
This could happen following a blow or impact to the head, a fall, an assault or another event involving significant force.
A TBI can affect the way the brain functions. In more serious cases, it can result in permanent changes to a person’s physical abilities, cognitive functioning or behaviour.
What physical effects can a head injury cause?
The physical effects of a head injury can vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury.
Possible symptoms include:
- Headaches.
- Dizziness or balance problems.
- Nausea.
- Fatigue.
- Problems with vision.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Sleep difficulties.
- Weakness or problems with movement.
- Seizures in some cases.
A person may initially appear to have recovered but continue to experience symptoms afterwards.
This is one reason why it is important to seek appropriate medical attention following a significant head injury.
How can a head injury affect memory and concentration?
A head injury can affect cognitive functions, meaning the mental processes people use to think, learn and remember information.
Someone who previously had no difficulty concentrating may find it harder to:
- Remember conversations or appointments.
- Follow instructions.
- Find the right words.
- Concentrate for long periods.
- Process information quickly.
- Make decisions.
- Organise tasks.
- Learn new information.
These difficulties can have a significant effect on everyday life.
For example, someone may struggle to return to their previous job because they cannot concentrate for as long as they did before their injury.
Can a head injury change someone’s personality or behaviour?
Yes. Some people experience noticeable emotional or behavioural changes following a brain injury.
These can include:
- Irritability.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Mood swings.
- Impulsiveness.
- Difficulty controlling emotions.
- Reduced motivation.
- Social withdrawal.
- Changes in personality.
These changes can be particularly difficult because the person may not always realise how their behaviour has changed.
Family members, friends and colleagues may notice differences before the injured person does.
How can a head injury affect relationships?
The consequences of a head injury can extend beyond the person who was injured.
Changes in mood, memory, personality or behaviour can place pressure on relationships with partners, family members and friends.
For example, a person may become more easily frustrated or withdrawn. They may also need additional support with tasks that they previously managed independently.
This can be challenging for everyone involved and may require adjustments and ongoing support.
How can a head injury affect work or education?
A head injury can make returning to work or education difficult.
Someone may experience problems with:
- Concentration.
- Memory.
- Fatigue.
- Communication.
- Organisation.
- Decision-making.
- Managing stress.
- Completing tasks at their previous speed.
A person may therefore need a gradual return to work, changes to their responsibilities or additional support.
In more serious cases, the injury may prevent someone from returning to their previous employment or education altogether.
Can a head injury cause long-term problems?
Yes.
Some people recover fully or substantially following a head injury, while others experience symptoms for months, years or permanently.
The long-term impact depends on factors such as the nature and severity of the injury and the extent of recovery.
A serious brain injury can potentially result in significant disability. Under the current CICA tariff, very serious brain injury can attract an injury payment of up to £250,000, depending on the circumstances and the level of impairment. The overall CICA compensation limit for an eligible claim is currently £500,000.
The amount awarded is not based simply on the fact that someone has suffered a “head injury”. CICA considers the specific injury, its severity, recovery and the level of any resulting disability.
Can you claim compensation for a head injury?
Potentially, but the answer depends on how the injury happened.
If your head injury was caused by an accident, you may have a potential personal injury claim against another party, depending on the circumstances.
If your head injury was caused by a violent crime, you may be eligible to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The CICA Scheme is government-funded and provides compensation to eligible victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales.
Examples could include a head injury sustained following an assault or another violent offence.
What if the offender has not been convicted?
A conviction is not necessarily required before you can make a CICA application.
The crime must generally have been reported to the police, but you do not have to wait for a criminal trial or conviction before applying.
CICA makes its own assessment under the rules of the Scheme.
How much compensation can you receive for a head injury?
CICA uses a tariff of injuries when determining compensation.
The amount depends on factors including:
- The type of injury.
- Its severity.
- How much you have recovered.
- How long symptoms are expected to last.
- The level of disability caused by the injury.
Eligible injury payments currently range from £1,000 to £250,000, although the amount available for a particular head or brain injury depends on the relevant tariff category.
Additional payments may also be available in some circumstances, including for loss of earnings or certain special expenses.
It is therefore important not to assume that the value of a claim can be determined simply by looking at the initial diagnosis.
What evidence is needed for a head injury claim?
Medical evidence can be particularly important when claiming compensation for a head injury.
Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence may include:
- GP records.
- Hospital records.
- Neurology or other specialist medical reports.
- Evidence of rehabilitation or treatment.
- Records relating to psychological symptoms.
- Evidence of time off work.
- Evidence of changes to employment or education.
- Statements from family members or other witnesses.
- Police reports and crime reference information.
Evidence of the long-term impact of the injury can also be important.
For example, if someone has developed memory problems or changes in behaviour following an assault, information from family members or colleagues may help demonstrate how their life has changed.
How long do you have to make a CICA claim?
In most cases, a CICA application must be made as soon as reasonably practicable and within two years of the crime. There are exceptions in certain circumstances, so a person should not automatically assume that they cannot claim simply because more than two years have passed.
The crime must also generally have been reported to the police before an application is made.
If you think you may have a claim, it is sensible to seek advice as early as possible.
What happens after making a CICA claim?
A CICA application can be made online and there is no application fee. You do not have to use a solicitor to make a claim.
After applying, CICA may request further information or evidence before making a decision.
CICA’s current process involves reviewing the application, considering relevant evidence and then issuing a decision. If you disagree with the outcome, there are procedures for challenging the decision.
If your claim has been rejected or you believe the injury has been undervalued, it is important to consider the decision carefully and seek advice promptly.
How GLP Solicitors Can Help
If you have suffered a head injury as a result of a violent crime, our specialist Criminal Injury Compensation team can help you understand whether you may be eligible to claim through CICA.
We can assist with issues such as:
- Understanding the CICA eligibility requirements.
- Identifying injuries that may be relevant to your claim.
- Gathering appropriate supporting evidence.
- Explaining how the CICA tariff works.
- Considering the wider impact of your injury.
- Assisting with the application process.
- Reviewing CICA decisions where a claim has been rejected or undervalued.
Every head injury is different. We can help you understand the specific circumstances of your case and the options available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some people recover fully after a head injury, while others experience symptoms for months, years or permanently. Longer-term effects can include headaches, fatigue, memory difficulties, concentration problems, emotional changes and difficulties with everyday activities. The extent of the long-term impact depends on the nature and severity of the injury and the person’s recovery. If symptoms continue or develop after an injury, appropriate medical advice should be sought.
Long-term effects can include physical symptoms, cognitive difficulties, emotional changes and behavioural problems. A person may experience ongoing headaches, fatigue, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety or changes in personality. More serious brain injuries can result in significant or permanent disability. The effects can also impact employment, education, relationships and a person’s ability to live independently.
Potentially, yes. If your head injury was caused by an assault or another violent crime, you may be eligible for compensation through CICA, provided you meet the Scheme’s requirements. The crime will generally need to have been reported to the police, and the application normally needs to be made within two years. CICA assesses compensation according to its tariff of injuries and considers the severity and impact of the injury.
The amount depends on the type and severity of the brain injury and its impact on the person. CICA’s tariff includes different levels of compensation for different injuries, with the most serious brain injuries potentially attracting up to £250,000. The overall maximum CICA award is currently £500,000. Other payments, such as loss of earnings, may also be available where the relevant requirements are met.
Yes, a conviction is not necessarily required. The crime must generally have been reported to the police, but you do not need to wait until a criminal trial has finished before applying. CICA considers the claim under the rules of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and makes its own decision about eligibility and compensation.
For most CICA claims, you should apply as soon as reasonably practicable and within two years of the crime. There are exceptions to the normal time limit in certain circumstances. Because time limits can affect eligibility, it is best to consider your options as soon as possible rather than waiting.
If CICA rejects your claim or awards less compensation than you believe is appropriate, you may be able to challenge the decision. CICA has a review process and, depending on the outcome, an appeal may be possible. There are deadlines for challenging decisions, so it is important to obtain advice and act promptly after receiving a decision letter.