VICTIMS OF CRIME COMPENSATION LAWYER
Have you or a loved one suffered? Talk to us today.
START YOUR CLAIMARE YOU A VICTIM OF CRIME?
Victims of violent crime and their families are often left with traumatic and debilitating physical and psychological injuries. Victims and their families must deal with immediate financial costs to treat injuries and ensure the safety of the victim, as well as additional financial burdens such as lost income. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a crime including physical or sexual assault, domestic and family violence or robbery, talk to the expert victims of crime lawyers at Wyatts about making a claim for compensation.
You focus on recovering from your injuries and we’ll take care of your claim.
WHO CAN CLAIM VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION?
If you have sustained physical and/or psychological injuries as a direct consequence of a violent crime you can claim support and compensation. The Victims’ Support Scheme provides compensation for people who have directly sustained injuries as a result of a violent crime, the families of those victims, and also people who may have witnessed the crime or violent act.
As one of Australia’s leading specialists Personal Injury Law Firms, Wyatts acts as lawyers for victims of crime and our expert team has the experience and dedication to help you with your compensation claim. If you or a family member has been a victim of a violent crime, call us for an obligation-free consultation.
There are various categories of victims who are entitled to claim victim support and compensation:
Primary victim
A person who is injured or dies as a direct result of a violent act. A primary victim is also someone who is injured or dies while intervening in a violent crime, for example while trying to stop another person from committing a violent act or trying to rescue a victim from a violent act.
Secondary victim
A person who is injured as a direct result of witnessing a violent act against the primary victim(s). Secondary victim also includes a parent or guardian who has been psychologically injured as a result of becoming aware of the death or injury of their biological child or a child in their care.
Family victim
A person who is a member of the immediate family of a primary victim who has died or has been injured as a direct result of a violent act. Immediate family members include spouse, de facto partner, parent, guardian, stepparent, child, stepchild and sibling.
VICTIM OF CRIME ENTITLEMENTS
If you or a loved one has been a victim of crime and sustained physical or psychological injury as a result of the unlawful act, you may be entitled claim and obtain compensation for:
- Financial support for medical expenses – immediate and ongoing
- Financial support for economic loss – loss of income, living costs etc.
- Financial support for costs incurred to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the victim
- Counselling services to assist with recovery from trauma and psychological injury
- Lump sum payment for recognition and acknowledgement of trauma suffered
WHAT PROOF IS REQUIRED TO MAKE A CLAIM?
- A successful victim of crime compensation claim typically needs evidence that might include:
- Proof of incident (such as police reports, CCTV footage etc.)
- Proof that medical treatment was sought, and any costs associated with that treatment
- Proof of the victim’s truth to certify the integrity of their story (such as a signed victim statement, witness statements etc.)
- Proof that both the victim and perpetrator were at the location at the time the offence took place
Injury Category
Entitlements
Up to the injury “threshold”
Income support, medical and home care expenses for up to 12 months
Above the injury “threshold”
- Income support, medical and home care expenses that can extend beyond 24 months if there is a claim for damages.
- A lump sum for past and future lost income
Above the injury “threshold” plus over 10% permanent impairment
An additional lump sum for pain and suffering
The most important thing is for your injuries to be fully assessed. The motor vehicle compensation experts at Wyatts can help make sure the full extent of your injuries is considered, and work with you to prepare your claim to ensure you get everything you are entitled to.
HOW TO GET STARTED
The process of making a compensation claim under the Victims’ Support Scheme can be complicated, but we’ve done this for thousands of people just like you. We can help prepare your claim and support you and your family, keeping you fully informed every step of the way.
At a time when you are vulnerable and suffering from the effects of the crime committed against you or your loved one, a highly skilled Wyatts victims of crime lawyer can provide you with compassion and a commitment to achieve the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Then we can help get your claim started.
01
CONTACT WYATTS
Tell us about what happened and the injuries you have sustained. We’ll listen to you and take the time to get to know you so we can fully understand your situation, physical condition and needs.
02
YOUR ELIGIBILITY
We will explain in simple terms what you are entitled to claim based on what you have told us. Then we’ll offer to get started working on your behalf.
03
WE GET STARTED
You decide if you would like one of our specialist crime victims lawyers to start your case. Then we get to work for you.
HOW WYATTS CAN HELP YOU
We understand that being a victim of crime is a very traumatic and confronting experience, and that the pain and suffering can last long after physical injuries have healed. Our team offers a compassionate and caring approach, helping you step towards a brighter future.
You need an expert by your side to help you navigate this difficult path. A Wyatts victims of crime lawyer can help you and your loved ones in a number of ways while you seek to claim the compensation you are entitled to:
- Explain your rights to you and provide you with comprehensive advice on making a claim.
- Lodge complaints and relevant documentation to progress your claim.
- Represent you in all disputes and appeals, including appearing in court on your behalf.
- Advocate for you and direct you to services that can provide you with additional support.
- Assess your case and advise if you are eligible for an alternative form of compensation (such as public liability).
- Advise you on whether you should seek further compensation through the court system.
WYATTS MAKES IT EASY
Free initial consultation
No win no fee policy
Six convenient office locations
In-home consultation If you are unable to travel
We can talk to you in your preferred language
ACT NOW!
As soon as possible after you or a loved one has suffered as a victim of crime, you should contact the Wyatts victim of crime compensation specialists to help prepare and lodge your claim. We’ll support you with care and compassion every step of the way. Talk to us today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Under the Victims’ Support Scheme, victims of violent crime are entitled to claim victim support and compensation if they have sustained physical and/or psychological injuries as a direct consequence of the crime. This applies to people that have directly sustained psychological or psychiatric injuries as a result of witnessing a crime. Immediate family members of a person who has died as a result of a violent act can also claim support. In addition, parents and guardians of an injured child can apply for support.
More specifically, Primary, secondary and family victims are entitled to claim victim support and compensation.
A primary victim is a person who is injured, or dies as a direct result of a violent act. A primary victim is also someone that is injured or dies while intervening in a violent crime; for instance, while trying to stop another person from engaging in a violent act, or trying to rescue a victim.
A secondary victim is a person who is injured as a direct result of witnessing a violent act against the primary victim(s). A secondary victim is also a parent or guardian who was psychologically injured as a result of becoming aware of the injury or death their biological child or child within their care.
A family victim is a member of the immediate family (e.g. spouse, de facto partner, parent, guardian, step-parent, child, step-child, sibling) of a primary victim who has died or has been injured as a direct result of a violent act.
If you are a primary, secondary, or family victim, Wyatts Compensation Lawyers can explain your rights as a victim and provide you with essential legal advice. If you are uncertain as to whether you are eligible to claim compensation under this scheme, please contact Wyatts for a thorough and personalised consultation.
An experienced lawyer has a great deal of knowledge about victims’ rights. A lawyer can explain these rights to you and provide you with comprehensive advice on seeking compensation, appearing in court, and lodging complaints, dispute and appeals. Importantly, a lawyer should listen carefully and compassionately to your story, advocate for you and direct you to services that can provide you with additional support.
A lawyer can also assess your case and advise as to whether you are eligible for an alternative form of compensation through a personal injury scheme (e.g. public liability or compulsory third party (CTP)). They can also advise as to whether reparation should be sought through the court system.
Contact us today for a personalised, compassionate and attentive service. We understand that you are a more than a “case number”, and we will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve.
Under the NSW Government’s Victims’ Support Scheme, you are eligible to receive:
- A maximum of 22 hours of counselling
- Immediate financial assistance up to $5000 for primary victims, or $8000 for funeral expenses provided to the immediate family of a homicide victim
- Financial support for continuing costs up to $30,000 for primary victims, parents of a child victim, or immediate family of a homicide victim
- A recognition payment between $1500 and $15,000 depending on the nature of the crime.
Wyatts Compensation Lawyers can provide you with legal advice and assistance when you are submitting your claim. They can assess your case and advise as to whether you are eligible for an alternative form of compensation through a personal injury scheme (e.g. public liability or compulsory third party (CTP)). They can also advise as to whether reparation should be sought through the court system.
In New South Wales, victim of crime claims can be made under the NSW Government’s Victims’ Support Scheme. While victims of crime are entitled to claim compensation under this scheme, it is helpful to have an experienced lawyer by your side. A competent lawyer will have a great deal of knowledge about the rights of victims, and can explain these rights to you. They can provide you with comprehensive advice on seeking compensation, appearing in court, and lodging complaints, dispute and appeals. Importantly, a lawyer should listen carefully and compassionately to your story, advocate for you and direct you to services that can provide you with additional support.
Our legal team will support you through the challenging process of seeking compensation. We will listen and respond to your situation with compassion, dedication and care.
Compensation for individuals who are victims under the victims’ support scheme covers:
- Counselling services to assist with trauma and psychological injury
- Financial support for immediate needs – medical expenses, costs associated with ensuring safety and wellbeing
- Financial support for economic loss – ongoing medical expenses, living costs, lost income
- Recognition – lump sum payment to acknowledge the trauma suffered
For a comprehensive and compassionate service, contact Wyatts today. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Victim of a Crime
As part of the Victims’ Support Scheme, victims of a crime can apply for compensation. However, there are time limits in place for accessing particular forms of financial assistance. For example, if a victim of sexual assault is an adult, claims for financial assistance for economic loss must be made within 2 years of the incident. However, if the victim was a child (under 18 years of age), there are no time limits imposed.
Given that different time limits apply for different forms of assistance, it is important that you act as soon as possible. The team at Wyatts can help you understand your rights as a victim, and can provide expert, personalised, and compassionate legal support.
Institutional Child Sex Abuse
As part of the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, time limits for civil claims have been removed. This change to the law was brought into effect under the Limitation Amendment (Child Abuse) Act 2016. This means that you can pursue a compensation claim no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Our team of lawyers understands that talking about child sexual abuse and sexual assault can be difficult, and it takes great courage to speak-up. We will listen to you with compassion and sensitivity, and will support you in your journey. Please contact us today to take the first step towards claiming compensation.
TALK TO AN EXPERT
If you are a victim of crime and have suffered physical and psychological injuries, you need expert help and advice to get the compensation you are entitled to. Our caring team understands what you are going through and has years of experience helping people in similar situations to you. We can manage your claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries and reclaiming your life.
FREE CASE EVALUATIONMEET OUR EXPERT TEAM
Julie Wyatt
Solicitor Director
Neville Wyatt
Solicitor Director
Mitchell Broom
Special Counsel
Silvia Thompson
Senior Associate, Motor Accident Practice Leader
Khristopher Narsimullu
Senior Associate, Work Injury Practice Leader
Camille Capati
Senior Associate, Institutional Abuse Practice Leader
Kirstin Hansch
Chief of Staff
Georgia Barlow
Business Development Manager
What Our Clients Say
L.
Motor Vehicle Accident
We tried to deal with the insurance company ourselves for some time before we realised we needed professional help. We met the Wyatts team and knew the experience would be positive from the start. They were honest with us, communicated every step of the way and were very knowledgeable and organised. They produced a result 20 times more than what we were initially offered by the insurance company. We can’t recommend Wyatts highly enough.
D.M.
Personal Injury
Wyatts was there to advise and help me at every stage of my claim. I knew I had a great team behind me. It was a relief when my matter settled, and I was happy with the result.
D.P.
Personal Injury
What a nice group of people that do care about you and your claim, they treat you with respect and kindness and are always a pleasure to talk to and work through whatever your matters are. If you ever find yourself needing to contact lawyers about making a claim for any personal injuries or anything else, I highly recommend these wonderful people.
C.S.
Institutional Abuse
The team at Wyatts have been nothing but golden, they have been so supportive and have really helped give me a life back. I’ve never met people that are so helpful, so kind and so genuine. The team worked hard with me to help build a strong legal case and have offered nothing but support in getting me the best possible outcome. They have really helped restore my happiness and my faith in humanity.
G.G.
Institutional Abuse
Wyatts lawyers was a great choice for my complex historical sexual abuse compensation claim. Not only did I get a result I never thought was possible, but they were professional, gentle and patient with my sensitive mental health. Although the case wasn’t the easiest of cases, with many bumps along the way, the Wyatts team had a heap of resources and people who could help in all areas.
T.S.
Medical Negligence
Wyatts took over my medical negligence claim from another firm that I wasn’t happy with. Wyatts prepared my claim for a hearing in the Supreme Court and negotiated a great settlement for me and my family. They treated me and my family with respect and sensitivity through this emotional time.
J.S.
Motor Vehicle Accident
I want to thank Wyatts for all the help they have given me throughout my claim. I did not know anything about the process or whether I could get anything at all from the CTP insurer, but you knew what to do. You have really made it worthwhile.
S.B.
Workers Compensation
My life has been one big blur the last month or so and I never expected the result we got. I just wanted to extend my great appreciation towards you. You have defiantly gone above and beyond, and I am blessed to have found such a great solicitor like yourself. You have no idea how much this money will change my life and I can’t thank you enough.
Anonymous
Institutional Abuse
My biggest fear was going to court again. Due to Camille and her team’s hard work, we managed to settle out of court, which was a dream come true. The settlement doesn’t take away the pain that the abuse caused me and what I have had to live with, but it certainly helps. An amazing outcome for myself and my family which would not have been possible without the dedication of Wyatts Compensation Lawyers.
R.A.
Medical Negligence
I chose Wyatts because they were a highly reputable firm, and I would know who was handling my claim the whole time. The directors were available to speak to me if I had any concerns. After some medical appointments and some negotiation, they got a great result for me, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you, Neville and Julie.
WIN WITH WYATTS
Free case assessment
Talk to us today about your situation and receive expert legal advice and your obligation-free assessment at no cost to you. Our specialists know the law inside out and they will tell you honestly about your chances of making a successful claim and what the next steps are if you decide to go ahead.
No win, no fee*
When we take on your claim, you will never be out of pocket. If your case is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay our legal fees. You can have complete peace of mind when you work with Wyatts that your case is in good hands, and we are committed to getting the best result for you.
We care about you
If you’re suffering from physical and psychological injuries, and facing financial losses due to being a victim of crime, we understand the stress of your situation. Our team don’t just provide legal advice, but also the compassion, support and care you need to get your life back on track.
A winning team
We’re proud to have helped thousands of people during their darkest moments, providing them with hope for a better future – and compensation to pay for it. With our expert legal advice and support, you will have the best possible chance of making a successful compensation claim.
START YOUR CLAIM OR MAKE AN ENQUIRY
WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
Level 2/299
Elizabeth St,
Sydney NSW 2000
Parramatta
7/91 Phillip St
Parramatta
NSW 2150
Liverpool
215/219 George St
Liverpool
NSW 2170
Melbourne
Level 19,
180 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Brisbane
Level 19,
10 Eagle St
Brisbane QLD 4000