Florida Injury Attorney Blawg
Crime victims may be eligible for up to $25,000 ($50,000 for catastrophic injury) in compensation benefits from the State of Florida’s Victim Compensation Program. (Qualifying crimes include assault, DUI and hit-and-run accidents, rape, and murder.) Unfortunately, the beaurocratic maze that must be navigated to receive benefits, especially during times of heightened stress, often proves overly daunting for victims. Law firms versed in handling these matters can assist victims in obtaining compensation.
The benefits obtainable through the Victim Compensation Program resemble those available to individuals involved in personal injury cases. Therefore, an experienced personal injury lawyer will have a good understanding of how to meet the requirements of the Victim Compensation Program. In some instances, the lawyer can pursue a personal injury claim and a claim for Victim Compensation Program benefits simultaneously.
Benefits available through the Compensation Fund include lost wages, even for those who are self-employed, a dependent’s loss of support, and medical expenses. Adequate proof must be presented to obtain the benefits. Experienced law firms know how to effectively gather and present the paperwork.
Other requirements of the Program include:
- The crime incident must be reported to law enforcement within 72 hours unless good cause is shown for the delay.
- The application for benefits through the Program must be filed within one year of the crime or two years with good cause.
- The victim must cooperate with law enforcement.
- The victim must have been engaged in a lawful activity at the time of the crime.
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Jeffrey P. Gale, P.A. is a South Florida based law firm committed to the judicial system and to representing and obtaining justice for individuals – the poor, the injured, the forgotten, the voiceless, the defenseless and the damned, and to protecting the rights of such people from corporate and government oppression. We do not represent government, corporations or large business interests.
Contact us at 866-785-GALE or by email to learn your legal rights.