Victim of a crime
Becoming the victim of a crime can have a deep impact. In addition to the traumatic nature of what happened, you may be dealing with physical or psychological injuries and a great deal of uncertainty.
Personal injury as a result of a crime
Questions often arise about liability, financial compensation and what will happen next. We assist victims of crimes in gaining clarity and legal guidance under Dutch law. Personal injury resulting from a crime occurs when you suffer physical or psychological harm due to the criminal actions of another person. This may include violent offences, assault, sexual offences or other forms of intentional misconduct.
In some cases, the offender is liable for the damage, but recovering compensation is not always straightforward. Even if the offender is unknown or unable to pay, there may still be possibilities for financial compensation. Which route is appropriate depends on the specific circumstances. Would you like to know what options may be available in your situation? Discuss it during a free consultation.
Civil law and criminal law
In personal injury cases resulting from a crime, civil and criminal proceedings may exist alongside each other. A criminal case focuses on assessing the offence, while a civil procedure focuses on financial compensation. Each process has its own rules and possibilities. Proper coordination prevents confusion and helps you make informed decisions.
Compensation without the offender
When the offender is unknown or unable to pay compensation, this does not automatically mean that financial recovery is impossible. In certain situations, alternative routes may exist, such as compensation funds or specific arrangements. The available options depend on the circumstances and require careful legal assessment.
Control and protection during the process
In cases arising from a crime, it is important that victims do not lose control over the process. Legal steps should match what you are able to handle and what you need. Where necessary, we also guide communication with authorities such as the Public Prosecution Service. By carefully managing the process and actively safeguarding your interests, space is created for recovery without additional pressure or unnecessary burden.
Common consequences for victims
The consequences of a crime differ from person to person. In addition to physical injuries, psychological complaints such as anxiety, sleep problems or difficulties in daily functioning are common. These symptoms may persist over time and affect work, relationships and your sense of safety.
There may also be practical and financial consequences, such as medical expenses, loss of income or the need for additional support. This combination often makes the situation complex and burdensome. Would you like to discuss what this means for your situation? Ask for advice.
How we can help
We support you in assessing the possibilities for compensation and determining the extent of your personal injury claim. We examine liability, any criminal proceedings and other available routes that may contribute to financial compensation.
We take over communication with the parties involved and guide the process step by step, taking into account your situation and the pace that feels appropriate for you.
Why choose AVB law
At AVB Law, we work carefully and with genuine attention for victims of crime. We understand that the legal process is not separate from your personal recovery, but part of a broader experience.
You have direct contact with a lawyer and receive clear explanations about what is possible and what is not. We ensure that the process remains as structured and manageable as possible, without pressure or unnecessary complexity.
What clients say about us
Our clients can explain it better than we can. In their words, you will read how important it is to feel heard, to receive clarity and to know that someone is standing beside you during a difficult period.
I have been assisted by Ms. Van Beest and her team for the past 9 years. I can only say that they are outstanding professionals. In addition to the legal work, Ms. Van Beest also helped me with many related matters and engaged various parties to support me.
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I see Ms. van Beest and her team as true fighters who don’t let go until everything is handled properly and the best possible result is achieved. I want to say a huge thank you to Team AVB Law, and especially to Babette van Beest, for everything she has done for me. While I hope it won’t be necessary, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to her again if the need arises.
Michel B.
3 months ago
I am extremely satisfied with the guidance from Sam. From the very first moment I felt taken seriously and well supported. Sam helped guide me through the process with great knowledge and dedication, and I am very grateful to her for that.
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Thanks to her commitment and clear communication, everything went smoothly and with excellent results. AVB Law not only met my expectations, but exceeded them!
Saar
4 months ago
The lawyer who assisted me made me feel that I could rely on her full commitment. I was not just a number to her, but a person. During the guidance she never lost sight of the human side of the situation. This meant a great deal to me during this unpleasant and uncertain period.
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AVB Law should definitely keep doing what it’s doing and continue to ensure that clients feel seen as individuals. Thank you so much for your guidance!
Wilma P.
4 months ago
In my opinion, AVB Law’s greatest strength was their communication. Sometimes they only needed a single word to understand what I wanted to say. In addition, I was always kept well informed about the progress of the case.
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All in all, I cannot name any negative aspects of their guidance.
Harrie vd H.
4 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance provided by AVB Law. They communicated clearly and gave good and clear explanations about matters that were unfamiliar to me.
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In addition, they were accessible, so I didn’t hesitate to contact my lawyer if I had any questions. Thanks to her encouraging words, Sanna guided me through the process, even though the case took a long time. I am well prepared for that too.
Suzanne O.
3 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance, support, and help from my lawyers Babette and Raymond. They have a great deal of knowledge and provide clear information. They are skilled negotiators who aim for the best possible outcome. They keep you well informed about everything and are personally involved.
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From start to finish and even beyond, they are committed and offer excellent support.
They have exceeded all expectations and offer outstanding quality. I always felt heard throughout the case, and they are easy to reach and approachable.
A highly professional firm that is there for you both professionally and personally, which is what you want when dealing with personal injury.
Sanne H.
3 months ago
I am extremely grateful for the professional and committed help I received from AVB Law and Babette van Beest during my personal injury case. From the first contact I felt heard, taken seriously, and truly supported.
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Babette works meticulously, communicates clearly, and has an eye for both the legal and human aspects of the process. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and kept me informed of every step. Thanks to her efforts, my case had a very positive outcome, which gave me a great deal of peace of mind and confidence during a difficult period.
I can wholeheartedly recommend AVB Law to anyone dealing with personal injury. An honest, knowledgeable, and empathetic firm where you are truly in good hands.
Varsana Yogawinkel
4 months ago
AVB Law is a very professional and personally involved party, which we experienced as very pleasant. We are grateful for the excellent assistance from Raymond.
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He worked tirelessly on our behalf, kept us informed throughout the process, always gave honest and sound advice, and he is guaranteed to deliver on all his promises. We therefore wholeheartedly recommend Raymond and AVB Law.
Ferdinand vd B.
3 months ago
During my process (which ultimately lasted 11 years), Raymond always maintained a good balance between staying calm in his approach, expressing justified indignation when needed, and continuing to think strategically.
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I am also grateful to him for telling me, after about three years, that the real extent of the damage would only become more visible in the years to come. He insisted on first reaching an agreement about which examinations would be carried out on me and by whom before we could proceed further.
We were always in contact whenever I needed it. He almost always called me back or let me know something.
Finally, I felt such trust in him that I dared to rely on his wisdom. I felt the same with Babette, and I appreciated her energy and determination to keep moving forward. The points I raised were genuinely taken into account in the further procedure. Because of the excellent guidance I received, I have already recommended AVB Law to two other people.
Looking back: what a process it has been. I am so grateful that they stood by me and represented me as a constant, calm, knowledgeable, and strong presence in the “battle” with the insurance company.
Daan vd W.
4 months ago
Other types of personal injury
Traffic accidents
Accidents in traffic
Medical malpractice
Inadequate healthcare
Sport and Games
Injuries during activities
FAQ
Am I entitled to compensation if I am a victim of a crime?
Do I always have to report the crime to the police?
In some situations, the Public Prosecution Service may start criminal proceedings without your formal report. However, filing a report yourself gives you more control over the process and helps ensure that your rights as a victim are properly considered.
Can I receive compensation if the offender is unknown or cannot pay?
A personal injury lawyer can assist you with the application and ensure that all requirements are met.
What damages can I claim after a crime?
As a victim of a crime, you may claim both material and non material damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Travel expenses
- Psychological treatment
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Damaged or stolen property
In some cases, you may also be entitled to bereavement damages (affectieschade) or shock damages (shockschade).
What should I do after becoming a victim of a crime?
Contact a personal injury lawyer promptly to protect your rights and assess your options for compensation.
How does joining criminal proceedings as an injured party work?
You must complete a claim form and provide supporting evidence, such as receipts, medical records and a written explanation of your damages. In many cases, you also have the right to speak during the court hearing and explain the impact of the crime on your life.
A personal injury lawyer can help prepare your claim and guide you through the process.
How is compensation determined in a criminal case?
How long does it take to receive compensation after a crime?
If the offender does not pay within eight months, the Dutch state may advance the compensation to you under the advance payment scheme. The state then recovers the amount from the offender.
If you apply through the Dutch Violent Offences Compensation Fund, the process usually takes several months. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure that the procedure runs as smoothly as possible.