You will know the terror involved if you have ever been physically injured through criminal activities. It changes your life in many cases, and you can become too stressed to work or even go outside the house alone. If this has happened to you, talk to a good criminal lawyer such as PCLB Criminal Lawyers to seek compensation. It can be some comfort to receive compensation for your suffering, including a changed lifestyle.
Most people are familiar with getting compensation from insurance, so it can be pretty amazing to know that the government has set aside a fund that pays dividends to victims of crime who have been injured. In Western Australia, this amount was increased to $75,000 in 2004, with the amount paid depending on the injuries sustained.
According to Criminal Lawyers Perth, it is paid out for –
- Having suffered pain and mental or emotional anxiety
- If you have lost your enjoyment of life
- Medical expenses
- Income loss
- Travel expenses for medical treatment
- Loss of clothing
- Pregnancy expenses in the case of rape
It is not only the victim who can apply, but the close relative of a victim who has died due to criminal activities can also claim loss of financial support and funeral expenses.
Claims must be made within three years of the incident and when the victim has recovered as much as possible. However, payment can be sought earlier to help with treatment or funeral costs. While a claim can be made after three years, you must apply for an extension before that time, showing the delay’s reason.
When you apply for this compensation, you must provide medical reports and other documents to support your claim. An assessor will deal with the information and decide on the amount you will be paid. However, in some cases, they will need you to attend a hearing. This is done privately and informally, so you need not be afraid of the process. The crime’s perpetrator will not participate, though they may be given notice about the claim and copies of your documents.
While the application for compensation is kept confidential, copies of the decision made by the assessor are available to the media. However, the assessor can order that the names of those involved not be made public, especially in cases involving minors.
If any action is taken to recover the monies awarded from the criminal, the victim is not involved in the crime. This will give you peace of mind that you won’t have to confront a violent criminal that has caused you harm.