In the aftermath of a violent crime, the victims can be broken physically and emotionally.
While the physical injuries might heal, the emotional toll can linger long after. Fortunately, the survivors of a violent crime have an opportunity to pursue a settlement that can help them with their healing journey.
Pursuing a settlement is not without challenges. The survivor must provide testimony about how the crime has impacted their life. There are also challenges about who you can file a complaint against and whether they have the means to provide a fair settlement.
You can address these exact types of issues with the attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan. As experienced crime victim lawyers, we have provided compassionate support to the survivors of violent crimes and have helped many get the settlement they deserve.
When pursuing a violent crime settlement, you have options.
Philadelphia Victims’ Compensation Fund
One of the most viable and direct remedies is to apply for support through the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP). This program is “designed to support individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to a crime.”
- The following are the conditions that you must meet to be eligible for the funds:
- The crime must have taken place in Pennsylvania.
- The crime was reported to the proper authorities.
- The victim needs to be available to cooperate with the police, courts, and the Victims Compensation Assistance Program.
- The victim must file the claim within five years of the day that the crime occurred.
If approved, you can receive compensation for the following:
Counseling
A victim of a violent crime can experience trauma on many levels. Therapy can help them process what happened and develop coping mechanisms to help them rebuild fractured relationships and reclaim their life.
The VCAP funds for counseling also extend to the survivor’s family members, such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
Loss of Earnings
If you’ve been unable to work because of what happened, you might be eligible to collect lost pay.
If the situation means a family member has to be a caretaker, they could also be reimbursed for their lost wages.
Medical Expenses
You may have been seriously injured and incurred medical expenses like emergency room visits, doctor follow-ups, exams, medications, and physical therapy.
You can also apply for compensation to hire a caretaker for cooking, cleaning, and other household maintenance tasks.
Relocation
A scenario might arise where the crime survivor needs to relocate. The fund would also cover those expenses.
Court-Ordered Restitution
When a defendant is found guilty of a violent crime, the judge can order them to pay restitution directly to the victim. The amount of restitution might be based on what the defendant can afford to pay, or it might be less than what the survivor should be compensated for. In that case, the survivor can file a civil lawsuit.
That lawsuit can name the criminal defendant as the primary at-fault party. However, there could be other named parties. For example, if the crime were committed in a club, bar, or other venue with negligent security, the owners of those establishments could be liable for a portion of the compensation.
Get Your Questions Answered
If you’re recovering from a violent crime, you are entitled to seek compensation for your losses.
The crime victim attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can help you and your family pursue that compensation. We’re familiar with all the options and can provide the information and guidance to help you decide what is right for you.
You don’t have to go through your recovery alone. Our experienced legal professionals are standing by to help get your questions answered.