How do I know if I'm eligible for victim compensation?

You're generally eligible for VCCO in NJ domestic violence cases if you're a victim of a violent crime in New Jersey who suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial hardship as a direct result. The crime must have been reported to law enforcement within 9 months, and you must cooperate with the investigation and prosecution.

Is there a deadline to file a compensation claim?

Claims must be filed within 3 years of the date of the crime, or 3 years from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered an injury from the crime. For child victims, the 3-year period begins when they turn 18.

Will my immigration status affect my eligibility?

Immigration status does not affect eligibility for victim compensation in New Jersey. The VCCO focuses on helping crime victims regardless of their citizenship or immigration status, as long as the crime occurred in New Jersey.

What if the perpetrator was never caught or convicted?

You can still receive compensation even if the perpetrator was never identified, arrested, or convicted. The focus is on helping the victim recover, though you must have reported the crime to law enforcement and cooperated with the investigation.

New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation | VCCO in NJ Domestic Violence Cases

New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation

Our Trusted New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyers Can Help You File a Claim for Victims of Crime Compensation in Passaic County, Hudson County, Essex County, Bergen County, or Elsewhere in NJ

Victims of domestic violence can face devastating physical and emotional effects that can last a lifetime. A single visit to the emergency room in the aftermath of an attack can result in thousands of dollars of medical bills. When a person is injured in an act of domestic violence in New Jersey, who covers these costs? The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) offers financial assistance to eligible victims that can help you move past this difficult time.

VCCO in NJ domestic violence cases provides crucial financial support by covering medical expenses, mental health counseling, lost wages due to recovery time, and other crime-related costs. The domestic violence lawyers at Camili & Capo, PA, can help you access these funds when you need them most.

How New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Works

The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office fund is supported by a $75 fee that is paid by offenders in the state when they are convicted. The fund covers various expenses, including:

Medical care (up to $25,000)
Catastrophic injury costs (additional $35,000)
Counseling and funeral expenses (up to $7,500)
Legal fees
Relocation costs (up to $3,000)
Domestic help (up to $6,500)

Victims of domestic violence in New Jersey can also qualify for money from the fund to pay your legal bills if you are seeking a restraining order.

VCCO in NJ domestic violence cases serves as a payer of last resort, covering crime-related expenses not covered by other sources like medical insurance, disability benefits, court-ordered restitution, government funds, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, Worker's Compensation, or other insurance benefits. Victims of domestic violence can access legal assistance to help obtain these funds without upfront costs, making it easier to secure both protection and compensation.

New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation: Eligibility Requirements

The VCCO provides compensation to victims of violent crimes in New Jersey, including assault, sexual crimes, kidnapping, murder, domestic violence, and stalking. To be eligible, victims must report the crime promptly and cooperate with law enforcement. Compensation is not available to offenders or their accomplices.

To be eligible for VCCO in NJ domestic violence cases, you must file a claim within the required deadlines. If you are a New Jersey resident but the domestic violence crimes took place in another state, you will need to seek compensation from the fund in the state in which the crimes occurred, if that state has such a fund.

How an Attorney Can Help You Get New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation

A domestic violence lawyer from Camili & Capo, PA, helps victims navigate both the legal system and the VCCO claims process to ensure maximum compensation and protection. They assist with obtaining restraining orders while simultaneously preparing thorough VCCO applications that include all necessary documentation like police reports, medical records, and receipts. We understand which expenses qualify for reimbursement, and we can help you document all of your eligible costs.

In addition to making sure your application is complete and accurate to speed up processing times and improve your chances of approval, our legal team can:

Collect and organize required documentation including police reports, medical records, and receipts
Identify all qualifying expenses and avoid claiming non-compensable items
Document mental, emotional, and physical impacts on you and your dependents
Ensure compliance with filing deadlines and office requirements
Handle appeals if claims are initially denied
Apply for attorney fee reimbursement when eligible

A domestic violence lawyer can help you document the abuse through police reports, medical records, and other evidence needed for your compensation claim. We can ensure you meet filing deadlines, submit required documentation to the VCCO, and appeal if your claim is initially denied. We can also coordinate with victim advocates to help you access emergency funds and other support services while your claim is processed.

Choose Camili & Capo, PA, for VCCO in NJ Domestic Violence Cases

Camili & Capo PA's legal team brings valuable cross-disciplinary experience in personal injury, criminal defense, and employment law - areas that often intersect with domestic violence cases. Our experience handling complex trials and understanding of injury compensation makes us well-equipped to document abuse-related damages and navigate the VCCO claims process effectively.

Our client-centered approach, including home and hospital visits, is particularly important for domestic violence survivors who may face mobility or safety challenges. With multiple office locations across New Jersey and a commitment to exploring all compensation avenues, we can provide accessible, comprehensive support while helping you obtain both legal protection and financial assistance through the VCCO.

Get Help With New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation

If you've experienced domestic violence and you need help covering the costs of moving forward and healing, don't face these challenges alone. Contact Camili & Capo, PA’s New Jersey domestic violence attorneys today at (973) 834-8457 for a free consultation. We are here to help you secure both legal protection and vital compensation through the VCCO while treating your case with the care and urgency it deserves.