Imagine that someone is physically assaulted in a public place, files a police report, obtains a medical report confirming the injuries, and later receives a criminal judgment convicting the offender.
At this stage, some may assume that the criminal judgment alone is enough. In practice, however, compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, loss of work, and humiliation will often require filing a Compensation Claim for Assault in Bahrain before the competent court.
Have you obtained a criminal conviction against the offender and are now seeking fair compensation for your injuries, emotional suffering, and loss of work? Do not leave your legal right to compensation unresolved.
Claim Compensation for Assault NowOr continue reading first to learn about the requirements and documents needed to file the claim.
Table of Content
What Is a Compensation Claim for Assault in Bahrain?
A statement of claim is the document submitted to the court explaining the assault, the resulting harm, and the amount of compensation being requested.
It usually includes the claimant’s and defendant’s details, the police report or criminal case number, the medical report, the criminal judgment if available, and the final relief sought from the court.
This article focuses specifically on compensation arising from assault: how can the injury be proven? How is emotional harm assessed? And how can a criminal judgment support your civil compensation claim?
For the broader rules governing compensation, you can also read our article on how to file a damages claim in Bahrain.
Legal Basis Under Bahraini Law
A Compensation Claim for Assault in Bahrain is based on the offender’s wrongful act and the direct damage resulting from it. Under the Bahraini Civil Code issued by Legislative Decree No. 19 of 2001, the rules of civil liability generally require a person who causes harm to another through a wrongful act to compensate that person. Compensation may cover both material and moral damage where the elements of the claim are established.
From the criminal law perspective, the Bahraini Penal Code, issued by Legislative Decree No. 15 of 1976, addresses unlawful attacks against the physical integrity of another person.
This includes Article 339, which deals with assault causing bodily harm, with the applicable penalty varying according to the seriousness of the injury and the period of incapacity resulting from it.
The Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission’s page on amendments to the Penal Code also shows that later amendments have been introduced, including amendments in 2025 and 2026.
The official version in force should therefore be reviewed at the time the claim is filed to confirm the current wording of the applicable provisions.
Effect of a Criminal Judgment on the Compensation Claim
A criminal conviction can significantly strengthen the injured party’s position because it establishes that the assault occurred and attributes the act to the offender.
Once a final criminal judgment convicts the defendant of assault, the civil dispute will often focus more heavily on the extent of the damage and the amount of compensation rather than requiring the claimant to prove the underlying incident again from the beginning.
This does not mean, however, that the civil court will automatically award the amount requested.
The claimant must still submit evidence showing the extent of the damage, such as medical reports, treatment invoices, certificates confirming absence from work, psychological reports where relevant, and other evidence supporting the claimed moral harm.
The Bahraini Criminal Procedure Law also allows civil rights arising from a criminal offence to be claimed in accordance with the applicable legal rules, linking the criminal act with the civil compensation resulting from it.
How Is Compensation for Psychological and Moral Harm Assessed in Assault Cases?
Moral damage resulting from assault is not limited to physical pain. It may also include harm to a person’s dignity, fear, humiliation, and emotional distress caused by the incident.
The court generally considers the circumstances surrounding the assault. Did it happen in front of other people? Did it cause visible injuries? Did the victim require medical treatment? Was the victim’s work or education affected? Was the assault accompanied by threats, insults, or degrading conduct?
A compensation claim becomes stronger when the damage is properly documented. Relevant evidence may include:
- A medical report confirming the injury.
- Medical and medication invoices.
- A certificate showing absence from work.
- Dated photographs of the injuries.
- Witness statements.
- A criminal judgment convicting the offender.
- A psychological report where a clear psychological effect exists.
If you have suffered psychological or moral harm and need to file a compensation claim, contact our office and speak with an experienced lawyer in Bahrain.
Important Documents Before Filing the Claim
Before submitting the statement of claim, prepare the following documents:
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Criminal judgment | Confirms the conviction and attributes the act to the defendant |
| Medical report | Establishes the type of injury and treatment period |
| Police report | Records the date of the complaint and details of the incident |
| Treatment invoices | Support the claim for financial compensation |
| Certificate of absence from work | Helps establish loss of income or interruption of work |
| Witness statements or photographs | Strengthen the evidence of the harm and circumstances of the assault |
The evidence required to prove an injury caused by assault may differ from that used in other types of claims, such as a compensation claim for injuries caused by a car accident in Bahrain.
Sample Compensation Claim for Assault in Bahrain
Before the Competent Court in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Claimant:
Name: […]
Personal Number: […]
Address: […]
Defendant:
Name: […]
Personal Number: […]
Address: […]
Subject:Compensation Claim for Assault in Bahrain
First: Facts
On […/…/…], while the claimant was present at […], the defendant physically assaulted the claimant, causing bodily injuries as well as psychological and moral harm. These injuries are established by the medical report issued by […] on […/…/…].
Police Report No. […] was filed at […] Police Station, and the incident was registered as Criminal Case No. […]. A criminal judgment convicting the defendant was subsequently issued on […/…/…] in Case No. […].
Second: Legal Basis
The claimant relies on the civil liability provisions of the Bahraini Civil Code issued by Legislative Decree No. 19 of 2001, under which a person who causes damage to another through a wrongful act is required to compensate the injured party. Such compensation may include both material and moral damage once the necessary legal elements have been established.
The claimant also relies on Article 339 and the related provisions of the Bahraini Penal Code concerning unlawful attacks against the physical integrity of another person, taking into account the seriousness of the injury and the consequences resulting from the assault.
Third: Damages
The defendant’s actions caused the claimant the following damage:
- Bodily injuries established by the medical report.
- Expenses for medical treatment, medication, and transportation.
- Psychological and emotional suffering resulting from the assault.
- Absence from work or study for a period of […].
- Harm to the claimant’s dignity and sense of personal safety.
Fourth: Relief Sought
The claimant therefore respectfully requests that the Court:
- Order the defendant to pay the claimant the sum of […] Bahraini dinars as compensation for the material and moral damage suffered.
- Order the defendant to pay court costs and legal fees.
- Award any further compensation that the Court considers fair based on the evidence and circumstances of the case.
Submitted by: […]
Signature: […]
Date: […/…/…]
Common Mistakes That Can Weaken an Assault Compensation Claim
Common mistakes include:
- Filing the claim without a medical report.
- Failing to attach the criminal judgment or provide the case number.
- Claiming a substantial amount without evidence supporting the damage.
- Failing to retain treatment and medical invoices.
- Confusing civil compensation with the criminal penalty imposed on the offender.
- Delaying the documentation of injuries after the incident.
If the dispute involves an allegedly malicious or false report, you can also read our Defense Memorandum in a Compensation Claim for a False Report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Compensation Claim Be Filed After a Criminal Judgment for Assault?
Yes. The victim may file a compensation claim after a criminal judgment has been issued convicting the defendant of assault.
The criminal judgment can serve as important evidence in the civil claim because it establishes that the assault occurred and attributes it to the convicted person. This allows the civil court to focus on assessing the compensation due for the material and non-material damage resulting from the incident.
Does Compensation Cover Psychological and Non-Material Harm Caused by Assault?
Yes. Under Bahraini law, compensation may cover non-material harm in addition to financial and physical damage. This can include psychological distress, humiliation, anxiety, fear, and harm to dignity or reputation resulting from the assault.
The court determines the amount of compensation according to the circumstances of each case and the extent to which the harm is proven by the documents and facts presented.
What Are the Most Important Documents Required in an Assault Compensation Claim?
Important documents may include the criminal judgment or a document showing the outcome of the criminal case, the medical report confirming the injuries, the police report, medical and medication bills, and any documents proving financial losses or absence from work.
Witness statements and other evidence may also be used to support the occurrence of the harm and its consequences.
How Does the Court Determine the Amount of Compensation in an Assault Case?
The court determines compensation based on the actual harm suffered by the claimant.
It may consider the nature of the injury, the length of treatment, medical expenses, the effect of the assault on work or daily life, and any psychological or non-material harm.
There is no fixed amount of compensation. The amount varies from one case to another depending on the circumstances and the evidence presented.
Is a Police Report Alone Enough to Claim Compensation?
No. A police report is important evidence that the incident was reported, but in most cases it is not sufficient on its own.
The claim is generally stronger when supported by a medical report, a criminal judgment where available, and documents proving the losses and damage caused by the assault. The court usually considers the evidence as a whole when deciding whether compensation is due and how much should be awarded.
A Compensation Claim for Assault in Bahrain is more than a standard form that is completed with personal details.
It is a legal claim intended to compensate the injured person for the physical, psychological, and financial harm caused by the assault. Supporting the claim with a criminal judgment, medical evidence, and treatment invoices can help the court assess the actual extent of the damage and determine appropriate compensation.
If you have been assaulted and already have a police report, medical report, or criminal judgment, send the details of your case through the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the page to discuss the appropriate legal step with an experienced criminal lawyer at Azza Al Mulla Law Firm.
A Bahraini lawyer and the founder of a legal consultancy firm established in February 2019. He holds a Higher Degree in Sharia and Law from Al-Azhar University. He has extensive experience in court representation and providing legal advice in criminal, personal status, civil, and commercial matters. He is known for delivering clear, practical, and effective legal advice aimed at protecting his clients’ rights and interests, and has achieved tangible results in notable cases, including commercial litigation and inheritance matters
