 |
Victims of crime |
 |
Attorney David P. Drew can provide assistance in getting compensation to innocent victims of crime in a timely, efficient and compassionate manner; to fund direct services to crime victims via a network of community-based programs; and to advocate for the rights and benefits of all innocent victims of crime. |
| Persons who may be eligible for compensation include: |
- An innocent victim who suffers personal injury resulting from a violent crime or who is injured while trying to stop a crime or apprehend a criminal.
- A dependent of a deceased victim
- Someone who has paid the expenses of a victim.
|
| To be eligible for compensation, a victim must report the crime to a law enforcement officer within 72 hours and must cooperate fully in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. The victim also must file a claim for compensation within two (2) years of the date of the crime. |
| The Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program is not allowed to make awards to |
- The offender
- Anyone who has a felony conviction within ten years prior to the crime that caused the injury
- Anyone who helped cause the injury.
|
Applications can be found at the Court of Claims, county common pleas courts, police departments, sheriffs' departments, county prosecutors offices, and the offices of victim/witness assistance programs. Applications can be filed at any county court of common pleas or at the Court of Claims of Ohio, 65 East State St., ste 1100, Columbus, OH 43215. |
| In 1976, Ohio passed a law requiring the State to pay eligible victims or their dependents (when the victim is deceased) for their cost of: |
- Medical expenses, including rehabilitation.
- Wages lost from not being able to work.
- Replacement services, which are services the victim normally would perform, but must now, pay someone else to do.
- Income that had been lost by dependents because the victim is deceased.
- Funeral expenses for the deceased victim, up to $2,500.
|
| The Ohio Victim of Crime Compensation Program can only compensate victims for un-reimbursed expenses. The following sources may be required to pay for victims' expenses before the Program will consider payment: |
- The offender
- The victim's insurance company
- Government insurance programs
- Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
- Worker's Compensation
- Employee Benefits
|
| ---Remember --- |
- You have many rights.
- You must request some of these rights - so ask each agency or your lawyer whenever you are in doubt.
- You must give the law enforcement agency (police, sheriff) the name, address, and phone number for the contact person for the family.
- You must file the victim/witness notice form with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to be notified of events once the perpetrator has been sentenced to a prison term.
|
| If you live in Ohio call
Attorney David P. Drew today to schedule a consultation so that he may advise you of your rights and help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Please call Attorney David Drew : (330) 762-0080 |
