Crime Victim’s Compensation Treatment Arlington, TX
Crime Victims’ Compensation Program Treatment Arlington, TX
Violent crime victims in northern Texas who are physically injured or suffer from serious psychological and emotional trauma from the event may be eligible for benefits from the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Program. This program is funded by convicted offenders and administered by the Office of the Attorney General. Crime victims may suffer from extensive physical, psychological, and financial impacts and may require treatment in more than one area after being injured. Monetary compensation to eligible violent crime victims and their families may receive benefits up to $50,000. If the injuries are catastrophic creating a total and permanent disability for the victim, an additional $75,000 may be awarded.
Crimes Covered
Crimes included in the program include behavior that involves “criminally injurious conduct.” The conduct is defined as actual or attempted illegal behavior that poses a serious threat of personal injury or death and that would be punishable by fine or incarceration. Crimes covered include sex offenses, aggravated robbery, assault, kidnapping, arson, and homicide. Motor vehicle crimes eligible for compensation include Manslaughter, DWI, Intoxication Manslaughter, Intoxication Assault, Criminally Negligent Homicide, Aggravated Assault, and Failure to Stop and Render Aid. Victims and their families, confronted with physical, emotional, and financial repercussions of the assault, may find that the The Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Program is the only available financial support available to help them recover
Eligibility
Eligibility for the program requires that the crime must:
- Occur in Texas to a Texas or United States resident, or
- Involve a Texas resident who is a crime victim in another state and who is ineligible for crime victims’ compensation in that state
Police reports must be filed in a timely manner. Failing to file the police report in a reasonable period of time interferes with a thorough police investigation and prosecution of the crime and the victim risks having the case dismissed. A victim’s inability to cooperate with the police may cause a claim to be reduced or denied.
Qualifications
Violent crime victims who are eligible may qualify for financial assistance if they are:
- An innocent crime victim that suffers physical and/or emotional injury or death
- An approved party acting on the victim’s behalf
- A victim’s dependent
- An immediate family or household member requiring psychiatric counseling because of the crime
- An intervener who helps the victim or police
- A police officer, fireman, or other individual whose employment responsibilities include protecting the public
Filing for Compensation
An application for compensation must be filed within three years of the crime date. Most police departments have a crime victim’s liaison who can describe the program and help fill out the application. The Attorney General’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program reviews and verifies the completed application and police report. Their investigation may include witnesses, police officers, physicians, counselors, and employers. A decision of eligibility is generally rendered within 45 days.
Approved Claims
Crime victims who have had their claim approved are assigned a staff member from the Attorney General’s office to assess costs incurred as a result of the crime and verify those eligible for reimbursement or payment. Crime victims may receive compensation for crime related expenses, including:
- Medical expenses including hospital, physical therapy or nursing care
- Counseling or psychiatric treatment
- Loss of wages because of medical or legal processes related to the crime
- Child care
- Loss of support
- Funeral and burial costs
- Crime scene clean-up
- Costs of replacing clothing or other property needed for investigating the crime
- Attorney fees
- Loss of wages and travel reimbursement for medical treatment
- Domestic violence relocation expenses for victims attacked in their own home