Violent crime can leave emotional and physical scaring on victims. People injured from such crimes can apply for victims compensation, as well as immediate family of homicide victims, witnesses, parent or guardian of a minor victim, or if you were trying to prevent a crime, or rescuing someone from a crime. Compensation can be for injuries, or for financial loss.
It can be quite a simple process. The approved form is filled out, along with evidence that would typically be such documents as hospital records and police statements.
Claims cannot be made for property damage or if the injury is caused by a motor vehicle.
There is a threshold that needs to be met. Your injury must be “valued” at $7,500 to be compensable. A few examples of amounts of compensation are, loss of an ear $24,000, loss of an eye $50,000, fractured cheekbone $4,800, loss of tooth $2,400, serious scaring of the face $18,000.
There is a two year time limit on making an application although it can be possible to ask for “leave” (permission), to apply much later.
There are times when there is a victim of a crime that was not reported, and no one has been charged. It is still possible to claim victims compensation, however the assessor may not have the proof required to be satisfied that the act did happen.
Psychological disorder claims can only be made in relation to armed robbery, abduction and kidnapping.
If you have been a victim of a crime, make an appointment with a solicitor as you may be eligible for compensation.
If you have any questions you would like answered either confidentially or via this medium, please email us at office@mjolegal.com.au
This is intended for general information and does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal legal advice should be sought.