What is Louisiana crime victim compensation?
the Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Program is administered by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE). It is a government program that helps victims of violent crime — and certain family members — with the out-of-pocket costs a crime leaves behind. It is a payer of last resort: it covers expenses not paid by insurance or other sources, and it does not require you to prove that anyone was at fault.
How much can you receive?
The program pays up to $15,000 (up to $25,000 for total and permanent disability). It typically helps with:
- Medical and prescription care
- Mental-health counseling
- Loss of earnings or support
- Funeral costs
- Relocation costs
Who is eligible?
You must be an innocent victim of a violent crime in Louisiana (or a Louisiana resident victimized in a state without a comparable program), report it to law enforcement within 72 hours (good-cause exceptions apply), and cooperate fully with the investigation and prosecution.
Deadlines that matter
- Report the crime: within 72 hours.
- Apply: within 1 year of the crime (exceptions may apply, especially for minors).
Because deadlines and rules can change, confirm the current requirements with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) or with a lawyer.
Compensation vs. a civil lawsuit — the difference that matters
Compensation is vital, immediate help, but it is capped at $15,000 and only covers certain costs. If your injury was caused by a crime that a property owner could have prevented with reasonable security, you may also have a civil negligent-security claim — a separate case that can recover the full cost of your medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering, with no such cap. Many victims pursue both. The Haggard Law Firm can review whether you have a civil claim, free.
How we handle a Louisiana case — working with local counsel
The Haggard Law Firm is based in Coral Gables, Florida, and Michael A. Haggard is licensed to practice law in Florida. Mr. Haggard is not licensed in Louisiana. Negligent security and crime-victim litigation is the firm’s core focus, and because of the national reputation the firm has built in this specific area, Mr. Haggard regularly works on Louisiana cases as co-counsel with a locally licensed Louisiana attorney, seeking admission pro hac vice (for the individual case) where the court’s rules permit. Any Louisiana matter would be handled together with local counsel admitted in Louisiana.
If you were shot, stabbed, or lost a loved one to a preventable crime in Louisiana, you can still reach out to us directly. We will review your case for free and, where appropriate, associate with a qualified Louisiana attorney to pursue it.
This page is attorney advertising and general information only; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Michael A. Haggard is licensed in Florida. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Louisiana crime victim compensation pay?
Up to $15,000 (up to $25,000 for total and permanent disability), covering costs like medical care, counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses not paid by insurance.
What is the deadline to apply in Louisiana?
You generally must report the crime to police within 72 hours and file your application within 1 year of the crime. Exceptions sometimes apply, so confirm your specific deadline.
Can I get compensation and also sue?
Often yes. Compensation is a capped government fund; a civil negligent-security lawsuit against a negligent property owner is separate and can recover far more. A free case review will tell you whether you have a civil claim.
Is Michael Haggard licensed to practice in Louisiana?
Mr. Haggard is licensed in Florida, not in Louisiana. Because negligent-security litigation is his firm's core focus and the firm has a national profile in these cases, he regularly serves as co-counsel with a locally licensed Louisiana attorney and, where the court permits, appears pro hac vice for the individual case. You can contact the firm directly, and where appropriate it will associate with qualified local counsel in Louisiana.