Some individuals can receive benefit from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund it they are:
- The victim of the crime (the individual who received personal injury)
- A dependent of a deceased victim
- The administrator of the victim’s estate
- Someone who was injured trying to prevent a crime or apprehend a criminal
- A relative responsible for funeral or burial costs
- A victim's child who witnessed domestic violence against the parent and received counseling as a result
- The relative of a homicide victim who received mental health counseling
- A sibling or parent of a victim of child sexual abuse who received counseling as a result
However, there are additional eligibility requirements including that:
- The crime must be reported to authorities within 48 hours (unless the victim is a minor or there is good cause).
- The crime must have happened in Tennessee.
- The victim’s actions cannot contribute to the crime.
- The victim/claimant must fully cooperate with police and efforts to prosecute.
- A claim must be filed within two years of the crime, unless good cause can be established for not doing so.
- There must be an eligible expense. This program is a fund of last resort, so it does not consider costs that are covered by another source.
Learn more about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund here.
Still have questions? Schedule a consultation with Attorney Ellis at 865-235-1787.