Victims of Crime Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio
We Help Police Officers Who Are Victims of Crime
Ohio Revised Code 2743.51, et seq. provides for the Ohio Victims of Crime (VOC) program. Often, we find our police officer clients are eligible for victims of crime compensation when they have lost special duty earnings due to an industrial injury sustained in the course of their employment (such as making an arrest of a resisting suspect, being involved in a car crash in their cruiser while chasing a fleeing felon, or being shot by a suspect). Even when the officer does return to work, if the return is to "restricted duty," he or she is still precluded from working his or her extra job(s).
The crime victim program helps victims with certain out-of-pocket expenses that arise when they are physically injured, emotionally harmed, or killed because of a violent crime. The VOC program also applies to law enforcement officers who became victims of crimes, and the costs are paid from fines assessed in criminal cases.
Statutory Requirements for Victim Compensation in Ohio
If a police officer is the victim of a crime, an application for compensation may be filed at any time after the occurrence of the criminally injurious conduct.
The crime must be reported to a law enforcement agency, and the victim must cooperate with any request from law enforcement relating to the crime.
The victim and claimant must not have committed a criminal act that caused or contributed to the injuries.
Finally, the injured law enforcement victim must have incurred expenses that are not fully covered by certain other sources.
THE OPINIONS THAT MATTER MOST
-
“Up front and honest”
Abbie has been nothing but amazing with my workman's comp claim. She is up front and honest about everything regarding my claim. She is down to earth and very approachable. She made sure they approved and paid for everything within my claim. If I ever needed her again I would absolutely choose her. I will also refer others to her as well.- F. Towns -
“Fantastic”
Wish I had contacted Chuck Zamora earlier in the workers comp process. Him and his group were fantastic, can't thank them enough.- Daniel S. -
“Highly recommended”
Mr Chuck helped me with a worker compensation claim,they worked with me throughout the process from day one until the end. He is respectful,knowledgeable on what he does and always open to answer your questions or concerns.....highly recommended- Former Client -
“Extremely knowledgeable”
Mr Zamura was extremely knowledgeable with all phases of my Ohio Police and Fire disability claim. He followed up on all aspects and made sure I was informed and up to date with everything going on. He was prompt at returning calls and emails if needed. His application paperwork was done very thoroughly which helped the process go much easier with the OP&F review board. His staff was great also. I would recommend him to anyone looking into a possible disability claim. I am from Akron and he is in Columbus. I only made 2 trips down to see him face to face. Everything else was done electronically or by phone.- Steve H. -
“A professional with high ethical standards”
I hired Mr Zamora and could not have been happier. He was a professional with high ethical standards and represented me well, gave me excellent legal advice, peace of mind through the process and handled everything efficiently and effectively! I would highly recommend him to any of my fellow police officers or fireman!- Don M. -
“ALWAYS treated me with kindness, dignity, & respect”
If I had to go through such a situation with BWC I’m forever grateful it was with these people walking through it together...Charles & his secretary Iesha & Danielle. They ALWAYS treated me with kindness, dignity, & respect. They treated my situation as if it just as important to them as it was to me. They ALWAYS made me feel like I was their only one... trust me they have many & for good reasons. It makes my heart happy knowing there are still hardworking wonderful people out there doing what they do & fighting for the right reasons because they genuinely care. I’ll always feel fortunate to have met them. 🙏❤️🙏- Erica -
“If you've been injured at your job then you need Abbie from Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A. She is the best!”
- Mostafa O.If you've been injured at your job then you need Abbie from Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A. She is the best! She is smart, patient, and hard working. Attorney Abbie Hogan will get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
-
“This firm is very professional! They go above and beyond.”
“I would highly recommend to my family and friends.”- Trish R.
Not Eligible for Crime Victim Compensation
The following persons are ineligible for crime victim compensation:
- The offender, or an accomplice of the offender;
- A victim or claimant who has been convicted of a felony within ten (10) year prior to the crime that caused the injury, or during the pendency of the claim; and
- An adult victim who was injured while incarcerated and serving a sentence.
Examples Of Compensable Expenses for Victims of Crime
- Medical and related expenses, including hearing aids, eyeglasses, walkers or wheelchairs;
- Counseling for the victim and immediate family members of victims for specific crimes;
- Lost wages from being unable to work (including lost special duty earnings by police officers);
- Replacement services;
- Crime scene cleanup;
- Evidence replacement; and
- Funeral expenses.
Limits to Victim Compensation in Ohio
- Compensation cannot be provided for pain and suffering, or for stolen, damaged or lost property;
- Compensation cannot be provided for expenses payable by collateral sources (such as insurance, workers' compensation benefits, or restitution);
- The total award must be $50 or more before payment can be made; and
- The total award of compensation may not exceed $50,000.
Have more questions about your Ohio victim of a crime compensation claim? Call Zamora & Hogan Co., L.P.A. today at (614) 344-6822. He is a certified Columbus victim of crime attorney that is ready to fight for your right to be compensated!
We are devoted to fighting for the rights of injured workers and their families. We provide personal attention to your claim, answer your questions promptly, and pursue all benefits you are entitled under the law.
