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Labor and Industries’ Compensation Fund helps crime victims recover

by | Nov 9, 2021 | Attorneys Near You

The Washington State Crime Victim’s Fund through the Department of Labor and Industries provide benefits to individuals injured and traumatized as a result of a violent crime. The injury attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno help protect victim’s rights, whether in a car accident, workplace injury, or victim of a felony or misdemeanor crime.

What are the benefits?

  • Medical/Dental treatment
  • Medication
  • Mental health treatment
  • Grief counseling
  • Partial wage loss replacement
  • Funeral expenses
  • Expenses not covered by other insurance (such as co-pays and deductibles)

How much does Labor and Industries pay?

Maximum per claim: $190,000

  • Medical/Mental Health treatment: $150,000 maximum
  • Wages (payments are based on 60% of the victim’s wages)
  • Family benefits of homicide victims: $40,000 maximum, includes burial expenses
  • Benefits to crime victim:
    • Temporary wage loss benefit (returning to work): up to $15,000
    • Permanent total disability wage loss benefit: up to $40,000
  • Burial expenses: up to $6,620

How do I qualify for crime victim benefits?

To qualify for benefits you must have:

  • Sustained a physical injury or mental health trauma as a result of a gross misdemeanor or felony crime in Washington State; such as injured in a car accident from an at fault driver convicted of DUI or hit and run.
  • Reported the crime to law enforcement and cooperated with the investigation.
    • File a report with law enforcement within one year from the date of crime or within one year from when it reasonably could have been reported.
  • Submit a timely application.
    • Submit an application for benefits within two years of the crime being reported to law enforcement. Or, up to five years from the police report in certain circumstances.
    • For minors, at the time of the crime, the application must be filed within two years of their 18th birthday.

Who is eligible?

Claims filed under these circumstances may be denied. If your injuries occurred:

  • While committing a felony
  • During incarceration
  • As the result of your consent, provocation or incitement.

Let Althauser Rayan Abbarno help you!

For a free injury consultation in Olympia or Centralia, call (360) 736-1301 or visit www.CentraliaLaw.com