Victims Compensation Queensland (QLD)

Queensland Victims of Crime

What should I do if I am the victim of a crime?

In Queensland, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries sustained if you are the victim of a crime. You may be entitled to compensation under the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995. At your request, the court may order the offender to pay you compensation.

In the event the offender is unable to pay you compensation, it may be possible for you to apply directly to the State Government for an ex gratia payment.

You may be entitled to compensation if you were the victim of an act of violence and the offense occurred on or after 18 December 1995.

There are two ways to apply for compensation in Queensland, Court Applications and Ex Gratia Applications.

Court Applications

An application for compensation can be made directly to the District or Supreme Court if you have sustained an injury - whether it be physical or mental as a result of an act of violence and the offender has been convicted of the offense.

Ex Gratia Applications

You may be entitled to make a claim for an ex gratia payment directly from the Queensland State Government if you have sustained an injury as a result of an act of violence and they are unable to find or identify the offender, the offender has been determined to be of unsound mind or is a minor as determined by the courts.

Time Limits

If you were the victim of a crime before 17 December 1995, there is no time limit as you need to lodge a claim under the Criminal Code.

If you were the victim of a crime on or after 18 December 1995 you must lodge a claim within three (3) years of the date of conviction, if the offender is unable to be located or identified within three (3) years of the date of the offence or if you were under eighteen (18) years at the time, you would have three (3) years from the date you turn eighteen years (18).

It may be possible to apply for time extensions, however you will need to explain the circumstances surrounding why you need this time extension.

Your rights as a victim

As a victim of a crime, you have the right to pursue compensation for the injuries suffered and the pain and suffering you have endured during this time.

Pursuing a compensation claim for the injuries you have sustained can be an emotionally draining time - Legal Injury understands that it can be difficult to talk about the incident. Our staff is fully trained to help you through this time.

To receive the maximum damages on your Personal Injury Claim come talk to the professionals at Legal Injury today.