Experiencing a violent crime can have serious emotional, physical, and financial consequences. Thankfully, there are methods for maximizing your financial compensation, which will not only cover your medical bills, but will also bring you peace of mind.
This article will explore some of your options for securing the money you deserve.
Cover all your basic requirements
First things first: Take prompt action to cover all basic requirements. For instance, file a police report, preserve any relevant evidence, take photos of the scene and injuries, and get checked out by a doctor right away.
Skipping any of these fundamental tasks may negatively impact your case outcome. If you don’t see a doctor, no matter how easily your injuries will heal on their own, it will be difficult to support your case.
Consult with an experienced attorney
It should go without saying that if you want the best chance of getting the highest payout possible, you’ll need to consult a legal expert. Nobody is more qualified than a lawyer. A lawyer will fight hard to get you justice and the highest payout possible.
When working with an attorney, listen to their advice and follow their instructions. They’ve handled cases like yours and know the best course of action. For example, they might file a motion for a summary judgment if there’s no dispute about certain facts in your case. This will speed up the legal process and get you through your trial much faster.
Request restitution
During your court case, inform your victim advocate and/or your attorney of your financial losses so they will consider restitution during sentencing. Restitution will cover your out-of-pocket expenses, like property damage, lost wages, and medical costs.
Although you can get a judgment for restitution, it can be difficult to collect if the offender chooses not to pay or they don’t have any money.
Still, you are legally entitled to collect, and there are remedies you or your lawyer can use to get paid.
Look into victim compensation programs
Most U.S. states have programs in place that offer financial support to victims of violent crimes. You will need to go through a qualification process, which is likely to include verifying that you reported the crime and cooperated with law enforcement. If you qualify, you’ll need to file your request for compensation within a certain amount of time.
A victim compensation program will typically cover medical and dental bills, counseling appointments, lost wages, and funeral expenses. Certain programs will also pay for travel costs to attend court, crime scene cleanup, and relocation if you’re forced to move for safety reasons. However, these programs may require you to file claims with your insurance first, and then they’ll cover the rest.
Consider civil litigation
In addition to criminal proceedings, you may want to pursue a civil lawsuit against the offender and any negligent third parties. Third parties can include property owners who should have, but failed to provide security, your employer if you were hurt at work, or people who participated in the crime.
In a civil suit, you can recover compensation for things like emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. The best way forward is to consult with a victim’s rights attorney to find out if you have a case.
Tap into your insurance policies
If you have any insurance policies, check to see what they cover. For instance, you might be able to get some of your medical expenses covered by health insurance, and homeowner’s insurance sometimes covers property damage or theft. If you were disabled by the incident and can’t work, disability insurance may cover you financially.
Take advantage of free resources
There are plenty of state organizations (see here) that offer counseling services and emergency financial assistance to victims of violent crime. It’s worth pursuing because they provide support even if you aren’t qualified to receive compensation through a typical victim compensation program.
Financial compensation will support you in recovery
Money won’t heal you, but you’ll experience less stress knowing you can cover your medical and household bills without going into debt or having your essential services (like electricity) cut off.
Navigating the aftermath of violent crime is tough, and that’s why you need to pursue every avenue available to recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Money won’t change your circumstances, but it will help you rebuild your life.
