IVAC lawyer for victims of crime
Victims who have suffered serious personal injury face a difficult time. If you are in this type of situation, you can obtain justice from the Indemnisation des Victimes d’Actes Criminels (IVAC). IVAC’s mission is to offer fair compensation to victims of crime in Quebec.
Dealing with the legal system after a traumatic episode can be frightening. As a victim of crime, you can benefit from having an experienced IVAC lawyer assist you throughout the process.
What is an IVAC lawyer?
IVAC lawyers are dedicated to assisting victims of serious criminal offences. They support their clients as they go through the process of obtaining IVAC compensation, helping them to prepare and submit their claims and contest decisions. They will represent them before the Tribunal administratif du Québec, if necessary. The Direction générale de l’IVAC reports to the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST).
Get justice from IVAC with Bégin Avocat
At Bégin Avocat, we recognize that is it crucial to obtain competent legal assistance when dealing with IVAC. Compensation procedures can be complex and intimidating and they require in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations in force. That’s why we put our expertise and experience at your service, to support you every step of the way and help you assert your rights.
Whether you need assistance in presenting a file to the IVAC for review or if you have questions about the procedure to follow for a claim for compensation, the empathy and experience of our Montreal victim compensation lawyers is invaluable.
Bégin Avocat can help you if you are:
How to assert your rights when you are a victim of crime in Quebec
As the victim of a criminal act in Quebec, it’s crucial to know how to assert your rights and get the justice you deserve. At Bégin Avocat, our administrative lawyers understand the challenges you are facing, and we are committed to providing you with competent and dedicated legal assistance throughout the process. Here’s how we can help:
- Evaluating your case
- Representation during investigations and legal proceedings
- Compensation claims
- Legal advice and personalized support
- Representation at hearings and pleadings
Eligibility criteria for obtaining IVAC compensation
To qualify for IVAC compensation, you must be a direct victim of a crime. Victims’ next of kin and dependents, as well as witnesses to the crime, are also eligible for compensation. In addition, those who suffer harm or die while trying to prevent a crime are also recognized as eligible victims, as are their families, and can therefore also claim assistance from the IVAC.
Several other conditions must be met:
- Location of the criminal act: You must be the victim of a criminal act within the province of Quebec
- Type of criminal act: The damage sustained must be against a person, not against material objects.
- Proof of the act and injuries: A victim must have proof of the criminal act as well as the physical or psychological injuries sustained as a direct result of the event.
- Claim time limit: In most cases, victims of criminal offences must make their claim within three years of the date of the crime. However, there is no time limit for offences involving domestic violence, childhood abuse or sexual abuse.
Possible IVAC compensation
It’s important to understand the type of IVAC compensation you could receive. Here are some examples of compensation you may be entitled to as a crime victim:
- Income replacement benefit: 90% of your net salary from the first day you are unable to work
- Compensation for permanent after-effects: compensation for lasting physical or psychological after-effects
- Compensation for the cost of psychological support: to cover the cost of therapy or counseling sessions
- Lump-sum compensation for parents: in the event of the death of a crime victim who is a child
- Compensation for the cost of a funeral and transportation of a body: to cover funeral-related costs
- Reimbursement of other expenses: for example, moving expenses, alarm systems, or clothing damaged in the incident.
How can a lawyer help you deal with IVAC?
There are many advantages to hiring a specialized IVAC lawyer. Let’s look at why it’s a good idea to call in a legal expert for IVAC compensation cases.
Helping you understand and assert your rights
Although the Quebec Victims of Crime Act clearly describes victim rights and conditions for compensation, each case is different and deserves to be handled on an individual basis. Having a lawyer by your side will help you determine the legitimacy of your claim and make sure that it will be granted.
Presenting the most complete file possible
The success of your IVAC application depends on the strength of your case and the type of evidence you provide. For some victims of crime, it can be difficult to obtain all the relevant documents.
An experienced lawyer like Me Bégin will help you obtain all relevant evidence, such as medical and police reports, as well as other useful information that you may otherwise have overlooked.
Understanding IVAC decisions
Have you ever dealt with IVAC and felt you did not get justice? Before challenging a decision, it is a good idea to get professional advice on whether you should appeal. It happens often that victims are dissatisfied with an initial decision, and a lawyer will be able to give you the right advice.
Challenging an IVAC decision
Making a claim with the Indemnisation des Victimes d’Actes Criminels can seem daunting, but with the guidance of experienced IVAC lawyer Me Bégin, you put every chance on your side. He’ll help you gather all the evidence and documents you need.
If necessary, Me Bégin will also represent you at hearings to defend your rights and maximize your chances of success. Remember, you have to submit your challenge within a limited timeframe! You have 30 days in which to contest an initial IVAC decision.
