CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION

IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED AN INJURY THAT IS THE RESULT OF A CRIMINAL ACT,  YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION

We can assist you in obtaining initial OBLIGATION- FREE legal advice from a specialist solicitor.

Just complete the Contact Form and we will refer you to a solicitor.

This is an independent referral service. The solicitors that we refer to have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with criminal injuries claims. They can in some cases offer their services on a "No Win No Fee" basis.

***Currently, our criminal injuries compensation referral service is only available for claimants in Victoria and South Australia.

ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION

Please note that criminal injury compensation laws vary from State to State. Generally speaking, you may be eligible to claim financial assistance/compensation if:

• you are the victim of an act of violence and are injured as a result

• you are a close family member of the victim (family can include spouse, domestic partner, parent, guardian, step-parent, step-child, a dependant, brother, sister, step-brother or step-sister) and you are injured as a result of learning of the act of violence

• you are injured as a result of witnessing an act of violence

• you are injured while trying to prevent someone from committing an act of violence or trying to arrest them

• your are injured while trying to help or rescue someone against whom an act of violence is being committed

Examples of acts of violence: Aggravated burglary, Arson, Domestic Violence, Aggravated Assault,  Sexual Assault, Armed Robbery, Rape, Abduction, Kidnapping, Homicide, Murder, Manslaughter, Assault with a weapon, Attempted Murder, attempted rape, blackmail, burglary, causing an explosion, conduct endangering life, cause injury intentionally or recklessly, cause serious injury, culpable driving, incest, indecent assault, false imprisonment, malicious wounding, negligently causing serious injury, stalking, threats, threats to kill, threats to inflict serious injury, theft.

Examples of injuries you may be compensated for: brain damage, burns, diseases, scarring, loss/damage to body parts, muscle strains and sprains, ligament and tendon injuries, paralysis, loss of fertility, dislocations and fractures, pregnancy, mental illness, nervous shock, psychiatric and psychological damage, and many others.

COMPENSATION AWARDS

The amount of compensation that you may receive will depend on the nature of your claim, the extent and severity of your injuries and disabilities (as assessed by medical evidence, doctors reports and medical examinations).

If you would like further specific information about criminal injuries compensation in your State, click below:

• Victoria

• Queensland

• ACT

REPORT THE CRIME

If you are the victim of a violent crime it is important that:

1. You seek medical attention (if necessary), immediately; AND

2. Report the crime to the Police.

In some States, the failure to report the crime to the Police within a reasonable time, can mean that you lose your right to compensation/financial assistance.

TIME LIMITS APPLY IN LODGING COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

Do NOT DELAY in seeking legal advice.

WHY SEEK LEGAL ADVICE?

A lawyer can:

• Advise on whether or not to pursue a claim for compensation and the type of claim to pursue.
• Advise on matters such as time limits and any risk factors applicable (e.g. legal costs).
• Where appropriate, obtain the necessary evidence (such as medical and other records) and lodge documents on your behalf.
• Represent you in any proceedings.

LINKS FOR FINDING HELP