Many crime victims are unaware that they have additional options for pursuing justice outside of a prosecution. In addition to the criminal justice system, there are also options available in civil court as well.
If you have been victimized, you might be entitled to Philadelphia criminal victim compensation. A civil lawsuit could cover your medical expenses, property losses, or even the emotional trauma that can come with these circumstances. Let a dedicated personal injury attorney help you understand your options – call Marrone Law Firm today to learn how this is possible.
There are countless crimes that can leave a person with physical, emotional, or financial challenges. For victims of a crime in Philadelphia, compensation for these hardships could be available in the following cases.
A physical attack has the potential to cause grave bodily injuries. While some of these injuries might heal over time, others could result in permanent disfigurement or even death. Not only is a lawsuit against the perpetrator a possibility, but suing the owner of the property where the attack happened could also be an option. For example, a business could owe its customers a duty to provide security when they are aware of the increased risk of violent crime in the area.
Impaired motorists have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. When a person gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, they often lack the reaction time and decision-making ability to avoid a collision. In addition to criminal penalties, they can also be held accountable for any injuries they cause through a civil lawsuit. Examples of damages may include lost wages, medical bills, or pain and suffering.
Victims of sex crimes often face a lifetime of emotional and physical issues. While this is true for anyone, these challenges are especially prominent among child victims. Legal action could be a possibility against the abuser or any organization that helped cover it up – such as a school, a business, or even a religious organization.
Restitution is one of the penalties associated with a guilty plea or criminal conviction. Instead of paying the money to the court, like with a fine, the judge orders the defendant to compensate the victim for their losses.
It is important to understand that while restitution is ordered by the court, it is different from the compensation available through a civil lawsuit. What’s more, these awards are often inadequate when it comes to fully covering the losses of a crime victim. Prosecutors will not always spend the time needed to identify all of the expenses related to the offense, and some types of damages might not be available in general.
Even if a person is awarded restitution, they may still have an opportunity to file their own lawsuit for additional damages. A plaintiff cannot be awarded the same damages twice, but a lawsuit could fill in the gaps that were not covered through the criminal case. A Philadelphia attorney could provide more answers about the types of compensation available for victims of a criminal act.
As someone who was injured from an intentional or unintentional criminal act, you deserve justice. You may have more ways to pursue it than you realize beyond a criminal prosecution. Philadelphia criminal victim compensation might be available to pay your bills and provide a small level of comfort for your suffering.
These cases can be complex, and it is not a good idea to handle them without help. Let the experienced team at the Marrone Law Firm advise you of your options – schedule a free consult now.