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Can Crime Victims Recover Compensation?

Can Crime Victims Recover Compensation?

Most of us are good people. We do our best to provide for our families, to follow the law, and help our fellow neighbors and citizens. When something bad happens to us, for example, when we’re assaulted and robbed in a parking lot on Christmas Eve, or when our child is abused by someone we trusted, we wonder, “What’s happening to the world today?”

Someone may go their whole life without being a victim, but most of us will be placed in dangerous situations at least once in our lives. When an innocent person is on the receiving end of a crime (violent or non-violent), they may have the opportunity to file a lawsuit for damages.

At first crime victims often think, “I can’t sue anyone, my attacker was poor” or “The defendant in my case is going to prison for a long time, so there’s no way I can get any money out of him.” What many crime victims don’t realize is that they can file a personal injury or civil lawsuit for damages, they just have to understand how the laws work.

Who is liable for damages in a crime?

The answer depends on the nature of the crime and the circumstances of the case. For example, many assaults occur on residential and commercial properties. If a victim was sexually or physically assaulted on someone else’s property, such as at their place of work, or at a motel, they may be able to file a claim against the property owner’s insurance policy.

On the other hand, let’s say that “Tom” was a victim of a sophisticated white collar scheme at the hands of his investment banker, “Robert.” Even though Robert was investigated by the FBI, prosecuted in federal court, and sent to federal prison, Robert still has significant personal assets. So, Tom can sue Robert for the $100,000 Robert squandered away in his elaborate scheme.

Here are some examples of the types of criminal cases that we can help with:

  • Sexual assaults
  • Drunk driving accidents
  • Daycare or childcare abuse
  • Child sexual abuse
  • Physical assaults at businesses or in parking lots
  • Assaults in night clubs or bars
  • Homicide crimes
  • Carjackings or drive-by shootings
  • Crimes occurring at apartments, motels and hotels

If you were a victim of a crime, please know that there may be a way to collect valuable compensation, especially if the crime occurred at a business, or if the person who committed the crime has significant assets. Basically, there are avenues to explore and you should be aware of them.

Even if the person who committed the crime is in custody and facing criminal charges, that does not necessarily mean you cannot recover damages for your pain and suffering, medical bills and other losses.

If you’re a crime victim, please contact the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr. LLC to schedule a free consultation and to find out if you can recover much-deserved compensation!

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