Maryland State Compensation Board for Crime Victims
Crime victims are people who suffer harm or injury as a result of criminal activity. These victims must deal with physical and psychological consequences, sometimes even years after the crime occurred. Recognizing this unfair burden placed on crime victims, Maryland created the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB). Through a multifaceted process, the CICB can help crime victims secure financial compensation for their injuries. That being said, the CICB limits eligibility to specific crime victims and types of expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Only certain crime victims are eligible for compensation from the CICB. In most situations, eligibility is limited to the following individuals:
- Any person who sustained physical harm or injury as a result of a crime;
- Any person who experiences psychological side-effects as a result of a crime;
- Any person who assumed the cost of funeral expenses for a homicide victim;
- The surviving family members of a homicide victim, including spouse and child;
- A dependent person who relied on a homicide victim for care and support; and
- Domestic violence victims who lived with and received financial support from the abuser.
Subject to the qualification and reimbursement sections below, the crime victims detailed above are normally eligible for compensation from the CICB.
Qualification & Disqualification
In order to qualify for compensation from the CICB, a crime victim must normally demonstrate that they:
- Reported the crime to law enforcement or an appropriate authority within 48 hours of occurrence; and
- Sustained at least $100 in reimbursable expenses.
On the other hand, the CICB may disqualify a crime victim if:
- Evidence demonstrates that the victim caused, incited, or assisted with the crime in question; and
- The victim fails to cooperate with law enforcement or another appropriate authority.
That being said, the CICB does have discretion to overlook certain qualification or disqualification factors. If a crime victim can show good cause, for example, the CICB may waive the 48-hour reporting requirement. Similarly, good cause can allow the CICB to disregard the fact that the victim participated in the crime.
Reimbursable Expenses
Only certain expenses are considered reimbursable by the CICB. Generally speaking, the CICB limits crime victim compensation to the following situations:
- Medical bills and fees connected to physical injury;
- Healthcare costs related to psychological harm;
- Lost wages that result from the crime in question;
- Bereavement leave with a limit of two weeks or $2,000;
- Temporary disability, partial or total;
- Permanent disability, partial or total;
- Funeral expenses; and
- Loss of support or dependency.
In most cases, the CICB will only compensate crime victims for the expenses listed above. Crime victims with other types of expenses are generally required to pursue other legal options.
Reach Out to Us Today for Help
If have legal questions about crime victim compensation in Maryland, it can be decidedly useful to speak with an accomplished personal injury lawyer. The Baltimore crime victim lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP have proven experience helping crime victims obtain financial compensation. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
