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The
Ohio Victim Compensation Law was enacted to provide innocent victims of
violent crime with compensation for loss of earnings or support and
medical expenses due to crime-related injuries. PROPERTY LOSS IS NOT
COVERED.
A
claim can be filed by a victim of a violent crime, and in the case of
death, by a dependent of the victim. Victims of drunk drivers may now also
apply. The program is designed to pay expenses which are not covered by
insurance or other benefits. You may use the money to
pay:
- Medical, medication and rehabilitation expenses;
-
Wages lost as a result of the crime;
-
Replacement service costs (the cost of services the victim can no longer
perform);
-
Dependent's economic loss in death claims;
- Funeral expenses; and/or
-
Psychological services.
You
might be eligible if:
- The
crime occurred in Ohio or you are an Ohio resident and the crime
occurred outside the state;
- The
crime was reported to law enforcement officials within 72 hours
after it happened; and,
- You
cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
You
must file within:
- Two
years after the crime occurred, if the victim was an adult; or
- Two
years after criminal charges are filed, if the victim was a
juvenile.
The application may be filed through the clerk of your county common
pleas court or the Ohio Court of Claims. You may seek legal assistance
with the filling out and filing of the claim and the attorney's fees are
paid by the State of Ohio. You do not pay for this service.
To learn more about the program or receive an application, please contact
the
Victim / Witness Division at (937) 225-5623, or the
Ohio Attorney General Crime
Victims Services section at 1-877-584-2846.
  
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