Crime Victims’ Compensation

Like many states, Florida has a crime victim compensation program to provide victim aid, however, the amount of victim compensation is relatively small compared to the amount of compensation available through our civil justice system. The crime victim’s lawyers at Hannon Legal Group have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of violent crime. We represent the victims of violent crime and their families throughout the state of Florida in cases where the failure of a landowner or business owner to provide adequate security lead to crime victim suffering serious injury or death. These civil cases (often called “negligent security” cases) focus on the liability of business owners and landowners for neglecting their responsibility to make their property reasonably safe for guests and patrons.

The Florida Office of the Attorney General oversees the Florida crime victim compensation program and the application process which utilizes the Bureau of Victim Compensation Claim Form. The application can be downloaded at my Florida legal.com, but you should contact a Florida crime victim advocate at Hannon Legal Group to make sure your rights are protected before you fill out any forms or speak with anyone about your claim. Call us at (305) 358-3109 for a free consultation to find out if you are eligible to receive compensation.

Most crime victims don’t realize that they may be entitled to substantial compensation, thinking instead that it is only the criminal justice system that is involved in violent crime. In fact, Florida law provides a method to hold business owners and property owners accountable for injuries or death suffered as a result of violent crime if the attack was the result of negligent, inadequate or non-existent security measures. That accountability includes compensation for the crime victim or her family.

Crime Victims' Frequently Asked Questions

“What kind of compensation is available for crime victims?”

If you or someone you love was the victim of violent crime, you could be entitled to compensation for damages including but not limited to:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of support & services
• Lost wages
• Loss of Consortium
• Medical expenses
• Loss of earning capacity
• Funeral expenses
• Construction of handicap access

These are just some of the elements of damage for which a crime victim can receive compensation in a negligence claim. Contact a victim advocate at Hannon Legal Group today for a free evaluation of your claim and to find out if you may be eligible to receive compensation or call (305) 358-3109 to speak with a crime victim advocate now.  

“Am I eligible for victim aid or compensation?”

According to Florida law, other than someone who was injured while committing a crime, anyone who suffers physical harm including injury or death as a result of negligence may be entitled to receive compensation. That includes:

• The intended victim
• An intervenor (one who tried to stop the crime)
• A surviving spouse of a homicide victim
• Anyone who was dependent on the victim for financial support.

“What about human trafficking?”

Victims of “human trafficking” or “sex trafficking” may be able to obtain compensation from hotels and motels that profit from it. In Florida, a bill was recently proposed that would allow human trafficking victims to sue their traffickers and businesses that profit indirectly from human trafficking.

“What is restitution?”

Restitution is a mechanism that allows for the crime victim to receive some compensation from the convicted criminal. This law was intended to help victims more easily get compensated, but the criminal attacker rarely has the ability to pay restitution.

“How can I get compensation?”

While crime victims rarely are able to collect court-ordered restitution from their attacker, compensation is often available through our civil justice system.

In Florida, crime victims' compensation may be obtained for victims of various violent crimes including: murder, rape, robbery, assault, battery, shootings, stabbings, kidnapping,  sexual assault, sexual molestation, sexual battery, drunk driving, DUI, mass shootings, bombings and even acts of terrorism.

“Who is liable for the crime?”

Most people assume that only the criminal attacker may be liable for the crime they committed; in reality, there could be other parties that bear responsibility and therefore are also liable. These include property owners or managers for failing to properly secure their premises. The businesses most commonly held liable for victim’s compensation are commonly known as “crime magnets” and include gas stations, ATM cash machines, and adult entertainment clubs/strip clubs. Other establishments where violent crime is a problem include daycare centers, parking garages and lots, college and university campuses, apartment complexes, bars, and restaurants.

For more information about victim compensation from negligent business owners, check out these links:

• Premises Liability
• Negligent and Inadequate Security

“What should I do next?”

The lawyers at Hannon Legal Group represent the victims of violent crime and their families and work tirelessly to help get Florida crime victims the compensation they deserve from negligent land and business owners. Hannon Legal Group has earned a national reputation as one of the Best Law Firms in America and our lawyers have been recognized as among the Best Lawyers in America in U.S. News & World Report. Contact one of our victim aid lawyers today or call now at (305) 358-3109 to speak with one of our lawyers for a free evaluation of your claim.