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I was the victim of a crime. Can I get money for what I have lost?

October 09, 2024

If the defendant is convicted of the crime, and in some other special dispositions, the court can order the defendant to pay restitution. Restitution is money equal to the victim’s loss and typically includes the cost of destroyed, lost or damaged property and medical bills.

Some types of loss, such as pain and suffering, are usually not awarded as restitution. You should contact a non-government attorney if you want help obtaining pain and suffering damages.

In addition, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a program called the Victim Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP). VCAP is available to victims of crime who meet certain requirements and may be acquired to assist with payment of medical bills, counseling, lost pay, funeral costs, child care, stolen cash and other costs that are a direct result of a crime. VCAP does not cover all costs and is available only after approval upon proper application.