Compensation for Victims of Violent Crimes

South Carolina Victim Assistance Program

The South Carolina Office of Victim Assistance (SOVA) is a state government agency that aims to help victims and their families put their lives back together in the aftermath of a crime. Based on the victim’s eligibility and needs, SOVA can help people who have suffered the impact of a violent crime get some of the help they need to recover from the crime. Compensation is available through the victim assistance program, which includes compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Counseling
• Lost wages
• Funeral expenses

While SOVA helps with the above expenses associated with a crime, there are certain costs that SOVA will not cover. These include:

• Property damage or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing disability or lost income as the result of a crime
• Relocation expenses

It is important to note that SOVA does not help with non-criminal traffic offenses, nor will it provide expenses already covered by insurance or Medicaid.

For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222

Legal Recourse for Victims of Crimes

Under South Carolina law, you may be entitled to seek civil recourse for a criminal act that was committed against you. While the criminal court enforces the punishment for a crime and may even require the perpetrator to pay restitution to their victims, the civil court system allows the victim of a crime to file a suit for damages. Under Section 15-32-210 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, compensation victims may seek in a civil lawsuit include:

• Economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, physical rehabilitative costs, property damage and replacement, loss of income and employment, loss of earning capacity and education costs
• Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement or physical impairment, loss of reputation, loss of enjoyment of life, and humiliation

Victims may also be entitled to punitive damages, which is compensation paid to a victim that is meant to serve as punishment for the person who committed the wrongdoing or criminal act.

Reach Out to Us Today

If you or someone you love is a victim of a violent crime, contact our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys today. Violent crimes have long-term effects on victims and everyone who cares for them. Our attorneys can pursue civil legal remedies that can ensure you and your family receives the compensation needed to recover. Let us help you and your loved ones get the justice you deserve.