Victim Compensation Programs: Bermuda

Directory of International Crime Victim Compensation Programs 2004 - 2005

Bermuda

Bermuda has a crime victim compensation program to provide financial compensation for victims of violent or personal crime.

Eligibility Requirements

Report to police. Yes, as soon as possible.

Filing period. Within 1 year of injury or death. Exceptions may be made.

Foreign citizen eligibility. Citizens of foreign countries are eligible to apply for compensation.

Claimants

•	Victims of violent or personal crime


•	The spouse and biological children of a deceased victim

Procedures

Claimants must obtain an application form and file it with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. The claimant will receive notification of the program’s decision between 2 weeks and 6 months. Compensation is received between 2 and 3 weeks after the application has been approved. This decision can be appealed to an independent committee of three persons, appointed by the government.

Benefits and Award Limits

The maximum award is Ber$70,000.

Compensable costs

•	Medical expenses


•	Mental health expenses


•	Lost wages for disabled victims


•	Lost support for dependents of deceased victims


•	Funeral expenses


•	Travel expenses


•	Rehabilitation for disabled victims


•	Services to replace work in the home previously performed by the victim


•	Pain and suffering


•	Loss of proceedings under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1973

Emergency awards. An interim award may be available if the applicant is in actual financial need and it appears that the board will award compensation.

Funding sources. The program is funded through tax revenue.

Contact Information

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, c/o The Supreme Court
113 Front Street, Hamilton HM12, Bermuda
Telephone: (441) 292–1350
Fax: (441) 292–2268
Internet: None

Languages used—
• On application forms: English
• In correspondence: English
• By telephone: English

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