Why should a Claimant seek legal advice?
If you have already decided to file a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund, you are not required to use a lawyer, but there are complex issues which make it wise to have a lawyer. For example: Collecting and presenting evidence to support a claim can involve complex issues. There are two different “tracks” and the opportunity for an “advance benefit” to choose between (SEE FAQ #s 11, 14). Claims must be filed within two years (by no later than December 20, 2003) and seeking legal advice is a good idea in order to assure that no time limits (statutes of limitation) are missed. Fund Claimants waive their rights to file almost all lawsuits in court (SEE FAQ #12). There may be issues concerning a deceased victim’s “Personal Representative” to consider (SEE FAQ #s 8, 9, and 10). All of these issues can be considered with the help of a lawyer. If you have not yet decided whether to file a claim with the Victim Compensation Fund or file a civil lawsuit, a Trial Lawyers Care volunteer attor
