Connecticut Crime Victim Compensation Fund Information
Helping Crime Victims Find Access to Compensation
Violent crime or embezzlement can generate some significant expenses for the victims. The financial losses that result from crime can only add to the trauma of an encounter with a violent criminal. Although the state of Connecticut's Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund can meet some of these costs, the benefits are limited and the process can be complicated. Restitution is sometimes available through the criminal courts, especially with the right legal representation. Civil suits can sometimes provide compensation as well.
If you need advice about the range of your rights and practical options for crime victim compensation, contact an attorney at Berman & Russo in South Windsor. We represent crime victims and their families in need of assistance with compensation claims.
Call (866) 761-8561 for a free consultation about Connecticut victims' rights
Connecticut is one of the few states in the nation that devotes an article of the state constitution to crime victims' rights. These include the right to be treated with respect and dignity throughout the investigation and judicial process, the right to reasonable protection from the accused, the right to be heard at guilty plea or sentencing hearings, and the right to restitution. The lawyers of Berman & Russo can help you enforce these rights.
The Connecticut Office of Victim Services administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund for victims of violent crimes. The maximum awards are $15,000 for assault victims, $25,000 for the families of homicide victims and $5,000 for funeral expenses. The filing deadlines are tight and the procedures can be somewhat demanding, so we suggest that you contact an attorney as soon as possible for advice about protecting your interests.
People who have been badly hurt by violent criminals will generally face medical expenses and lost wages far in excess of the state's maximum compensation awards. Our attorneys can work with you to see whether any of the following approaches to compensation might benefit you:
- Restitution from the criminal as part of his sentence in court
- Personal injury or wrongful death claims against the criminal
- Claims under an auto insurance policy for injuries caused by a drunk driver or hit-and-run driver
- Claims under a homeowner's or commercial general liability insurance policy
- Tort claims for negligent security damages against an establishment with a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises
Berman & Russo represents the victims of such crimes as murder, vehicular manslaughter, sexual assault, or child abuse. We offer free consultations, and in some cases we will waive all or part of the attorney's fee in our efforts to help you obtain restitution in the criminal courts or from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.
We represent clients throughout the counties of Hartford, Tolland, Middlesex, Windham, and New London, including the communities of South Windsor, Manchester, Glastonbury, Vernon/Rockville, Ellington, Storrs, Willimantic, Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Wethersfield, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Meriden, Enfield, East Windsor, Somers, Norwich, and New London.
For additional information about the scope of our crime victim compensation practice, contact our office in South Windsor.
