Did you know that you could receive compensation if a crime is committed against you?

Did you know that you could receive compensation if a crime is committed against you?  The Office of Attorney General wants to help you receive the compensation you deserve.  If a crime causes you physical or psychological injury, you deserve to be assisted in your time of suffering.  The Toll-Free Victim Services Information and Referral Line is 1-800-226-6667.  More information is available here.

What is the Crime Victim Compensation Program?

The Crime Victim Compensation Program is designed to provide support for those who have suffered because of a crime committed against them. It is unfair for the victim of crime to deal with an injury along with the added stress of medical bills, lost time at work, etc.

Assistance may be available for:

• Mental Health Expenses
• Medical/Dental Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Disability Allowance
• Property Loss
• Relocation Expenses
• Funeral/Burial Expenses
• Loss of Support

If you fit under any one of these categories you may be eligible for assistance:

• A victim or intervenor as defined in Chapter 960 of the Florida Statutes.
• An intervenor is a person who joins a case but is not the plaintiff or defendant.
• A surviving spouse, parent, child or sibling of a deceased victim.
• A guardian applying for a minor, incompetent person, or minor child or sibling of a deceased victim.
• A minor present at the scene of a crime who suffered psychological or psychiatric injury as a result of the crime or a minor victim of child abuse who suffered a mental injury.
• A relative applying on behalf of a deceased victim, when no other sources of payment for funeral expenses are available.
• Any other person who was dependent for principal support upon a deceased victim or intervenor.

Qualification Requirements:                   

• Crime must be reported to law enforcement within 72 hours (but there are exceptions, like if you were too emotionally traumatized or didn’t realize when the crime actually occurred).
• Application must be filed within one year after the crime date or within two years if good cause is shown for the delay in filing – click here for more information.
• Victim must fully cooperate with law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Office of the Attorney General.
• Victim must not have engaged in unlawful activity or have a criminal history.
• Victim’s conduct must not have contributed to his or her own injuries.
• You are not required to have an attorney in order to file a claim – and there is no application fee.
• Click here for a link to the application.  

What information is needed to apply? 

First, you want to complete and sign the victim compensation form.  Next you will need the offense report provided by law enforcement when you reported the crime. This is needed to prove that a crime has been committed that deserves compensation. Lastly, you need all documented proof that you were truly affected by the crime including documents that show lost time from work, doctor’s notes, settlements and/or other documents that show crime-related expenses.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to obtain a copy of the application, please call 1-800-226-6667 or visit the Crime Victim Compensation Program’s website at http://myfloridalegal.com/victims

Further Assistance

Aside from the State of Florida’s Bureau of Victim Compensation, The Fighter Law Firm may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries (whether physical or emotional).   Call us today to see how we may be able to help you – (407) 344-4837.

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