Crime Victims

Victims of crimes, and sometimes their families, may be able to receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages, in addition to receiving other benefits:

Personal Injury Claims

If inadequate security or inadequate lighting, due to the negligence of the property owner or manager, was a factor, crime victims may have a right to make a claim against those in charge of the premises---such as shopping malls, landlords, colleges, and day-care centers.

If a motor vehicle accident was caused by the negligence of a drunk or reckless driver, a person injured by that negligence has to right to make a claim.

Social Security Disability Claims

If due to physical injuries, depression, or post traumatic stress disorder, a crime victim cannot work for at least a year, he or she may qualify for Social Security disability.  If a member of the victim's family is so upset by what happened to the victim that the family member becomes depressed to the degree that they cannot work for at least a year, they may also qualify for Social Security disability.

Criminal Victims Compensation Board

Many States have compensation boards that can provide assistance to crime victims.  Maryland has such a program.  Victims can apply for benefits themselves, or they can contact the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center for help with applying.  In addition, the Maryland Victims Resource Center has support groups for victims (and families of victims) of crime.

If you are a crime victim, or a member of the family of a victim, and you think that negligence of a third party such as the owner of property or the driver of a vehicle was involved, call me at 1-888-263-2630 for a free consultation.