What is Oregon crime victim compensation?
the Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program is administered by the Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division. 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 benefits set by category (up to $20,000 medical/counseling) (Oregon caps benefits by category rather than with one overall maximum). It typically helps with:
- Medical and hospital care
- Mental-health and grief counseling
- Lost wages and loss of support
- Funeral and burial costs
- Rehabilitation
- Crime-scene cleanup
Who is eligible?
You must be a victim of a compensable crime in Oregon, report it to law enforcement within 72 hours (good-cause exceptions apply), and use other available benefits first. Victims who did not report may still qualify for limited counseling-only benefits. File within one year.
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 Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division or with a lawyer.
Compensation vs. a civil lawsuit — the difference that matters
Compensation is vital, immediate help, but it is capped at benefits set by category (up to $20,000 medical/counseling) 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 Oregon 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 Oregon. 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 Oregon cases as co-counsel with a locally licensed Oregon attorney, seeking admission pro hac vice (for the individual case) where the court’s rules permit. Any Oregon matter would be handled together with local counsel admitted in Oregon.
If you were shot, stabbed, or lost a loved one to a preventable crime in Oregon, you can still reach out to us directly. We will review your case for free and, where appropriate, associate with a qualified Oregon 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 Oregon crime victim compensation pay?
Up to benefits set by category (up to $20,000 medical/counseling) (Oregon caps benefits by category rather than with one overall maximum), covering costs like medical care, counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses not paid by insurance.
What is the deadline to apply in Oregon?
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 Oregon?
Mr. Haggard is licensed in Florida, not in Oregon. 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 Oregon 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 Oregon.