Criminal Compensation

Criminal compensation is an amount of money awarded to a person who has suffered personal injury (including physical harm, emotional harm and pregnancy) as a result of a crime, but it is not available to a bystander who witnesses they crime.

Please note that different rules apply for different States.

Criminal injury compensation is paid either by the offender or, if the offender cannot pay, by the government. The government will only pay if there is no other way of claiming compensation. A person who wants the government to pay must show that they have explored all other options for payment, eg. a person injured in an armed robbery at work will be required to follow through their entitlements from WorkCover and explore whether they can take legal action against their employer.

A right to criminal compensation may exist even if the offender cannot be found to be prosecuted or is insane or where a person is injured while assisting police.

For more information on criminal compensation in Queensland visit www.legalaid.qld.gov.au or call 1300 65 11 88.

Last Updated: 19 May 2006