The Victims Compensation Scheme provides support to victims of violent crimes in NSW, including counselling and financial assistance.
There are a number of requirements that need to be met in order to be eligible for an award of compensation, including:
An offence is an “act of violence” that results in an injury. This may seem like a straight forward concept, however, it is important to discuss what is covered with your solicitor.
Generally speaking, the following are considered to be acts of violence:
The evidence required to pursue a recognition payment includes:
In addition, receipts for any claims relating to immediate needs and financial assistance should be submitted. This includes receipts for:
Evidence will be required to pursue a claim for wage loss. This will be discussed with you by your solicitor.
All police documentation or medical evidence in your possession should be provided to your solicitor.
A Recognition Payment is an award of lump sum compensation. This sum of money is awarded in recognition of the trauma suffered from an act of violence.
Compensation is awarded in accordance with the type of offence. There are 4 categories ranging in value from $1,500.00 to $15,000.00, depending on the nature of the offence.
Compensation is available for a range of expenses you may have incurred as a result of the act of violence. These include relocation costs if you have had to move to a safer location, changing locks, emergency medical and dental care, crime scene clean up costs and funeral expenses.
This covers compensation for any financial loss you may have suffered as a result of the act of violence, such as reasonable travel expenses, medical and dental expenses and assistance with living expenses. You may also receive compensation for actual wage loss if your injury prevented you from working.
Your solicitor can advise you further in respect of the various benefits available under the scheme and whether they are applicable to you.
Yes, you may be able to claim up to $20,000.00 for actual wage loss provided that you have sufficient evidence in support of your claim. This includes payslips, tax returns, a letter from your employer confirming days off and medical evidence. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide Notices of Assessment, bank statements and a report from your accountant, detailing income received from the business.
All compensation monies awarded are paid to the victim by the Victims Compensation Scheme directly. The offender (the person who caused the injury) may be pursued by the Scheme to repay the compensation awarded to a victim if he or she has been convicted in a Criminal Court for the particular offence. If the offender was not convicted, they will not be required to repay the compensation to the Scheme.
There are strict time limits in which to lodge an application for Victims Compensation. These are as follows:
It is always advantageous to have a solicitor review your claim. A solicitor will handle the day to day carriage of the matter, leaving you to concentrate on the recovery process.
Marsdens will help gather the evidence necessary to make a successful claim for compensation.
"From the beginning of the case you showed me a genuine commitment together with compassion that followed through the course of the next 5 years. I can't and never will be able to show you my gratitude and appreciation. You were always available to not only myself but Nathan who I know contacted you several times. He also was genuinely touched by your compassion and commitment. This alone shows your dedication to your career and the people you represent. I am more content now the matter has been resolved and no longer question myself about the "IF's"!!!
Once again, MANY THANKS."
"Even though my parents couldn't speak English very well our solicitor took time to explain the situation so we could all understand the lawful requirements and where we stood at the time. He is very professional, friendly and very helpful. Thank you very much Joe Bonura and staff we are happy with the outcome and will use you again if needed. Thanks Team."
"We have been treated by Marsdens very good. We will recommend them to family members and the community. Marsdens have always been confidential, and they delivered trust, respect and privacy in the issues that they have dealt with for our family. Well done Marsdens team. Special thanks to Joe Bonura, Thanks, Thanks."