Criminal Injuries Compensation in Western Australia

Have you been a victim of crime in WA? You may be entitled to compensation.

Being a victim of crime can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. The Western Australian Government recognises this through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which provides financial assistance to help victims recover and move forward with their lives.

At Delta Legal, we help victims of crime navigate the compensation process with compassion and expertise. We understand this is a difficult time, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

What is Criminal Injuries Compensation?

Criminal injuries compensation is a government-funded scheme under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 2003 (WA) that provides financial payments to people who have suffered injury as a result of a criminal offence committed in Western Australia.

This compensation is separate from any civil claim you may have against the offender. It's designed to acknowledge the harm you've suffered and assist with your recovery, regardless of whether the offender was caught, charged, or convicted.

Who Can Claim?

You may be eligible for criminal injuries compensation if you are:

A Primary Victim — Someone who suffered injury as a direct result of a crime committed against them, including physical assault, sexual assault, robbery, domestic violence, or other violent offences.

A Secondary Victim — A close family member who witnessed or was present during the commission of an offence against a primary victim, or who is a parent or guardian of a child victim.

A Related Victim — A close family member of a person who died as a direct result of an offence, including spouses, de facto partners, parents, and children.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

The scheme provides compensation for various losses and expenses, including:

Counselling and Psychological Treatment — Costs for professional counselling and mental health support to help you recover from the trauma of the offence.

Medical and Dental Expenses — Reasonable costs of medical treatment, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

Loss of Income — Compensation for wages lost as a direct result of your injuries, including during recovery periods and while attending medical appointments.

Pain and Suffering — A lump sum payment recognising the physical and emotional pain caused by the offence. Maximum awards apply depending on the nature and severity of your injuries.

Damage to Clothing and Personal Effects — Reimbursement for clothing or personal items damaged during the offence.

Funeral Expenses — For related victims, reasonable funeral and associated costs where a loved one has died.

Time Limits Apply

You must lodge your application within 3 years of the offence occurring.

However, there are important exceptions. The time limit may be extended in certain circumstances, such as for child victims or where you have a reasonable explanation for the delay. If you're unsure whether you're still within time, contact us immediately for advice.

The Application Process

Applying for criminal injuries compensation involves preparing a detailed application supported by evidence of the offence and your injuries. This typically includes police reports, medical records, receipts for expenses, and statements from you and any witnesses.

The Assessor of Criminal Injuries Compensation will review your application and determine the appropriate award. The process can take several months, and having experienced legal representation significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome and maximum compensation.

Why Choose Delta Legal?

We Understand Victims' Needs — We approach every case with sensitivity and compassion. You've been through enough; we make the legal process as smooth as possible.

Local Perth Expertise — Based in the Perth CBD, we have extensive experience with the Western Australian criminal injuries compensation scheme and understand the local processes and requirements.

No Upfront Costs — In most cases, we can assist on a no-win, no-fee basis. Our legal costs may be recoverable as part of your compensation claim.

Thorough Preparation — We gather all necessary evidence, obtain supporting medical and psychological reports, and present your case in the strongest possible light.

We Handle Everything — From lodging your application to liaising with the Assessor's office and responding to any queries, we manage the entire process so you can focus on your recovery.

Common Questions

Do I need to report the crime to police? Generally, yes. A police report strengthens your application and is usually required. However, in some circumstances—particularly involving domestic violence or sexual assault—applications can proceed without a formal police report. We can advise on your specific situation.

What if the offender was never caught or convicted? You can still claim compensation. The scheme focuses on whether a crime occurred and whether you suffered injury as a result, not on whether someone was convicted.

How much compensation can I receive? Maximum payments are prescribed by legislation and vary depending on the nature of your claim. Amounts are regularly updated. We will advise you on the likely range for your specific circumstances.

How long does the process take? Most applications take between 6 to 12 months to finalise, though complex matters may take longer. We keep you informed throughout the process.

Take the First Step Today

If you've been a victim of crime in Western Australia, you don't have to face this alone. Contact Delta Legal for a confidential, obligation-free discussion about your potential claim.

Call us on 08 6364 0410 or visit our Perth office at Level 2, 326 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000.

Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Delta Legal — Supporting Victims of Crime in Western Australia