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.
The lawyer who supported 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 process, she never lost sight of the human side of the situation.
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This meant a great deal to me during this difficult and uncertain time. AVB Law should definitely continue in the same way and keep ensuring that clients feel seen as people. Thank you very much for the guidance!
Wilma P.
4 months ago
I am incredibly grateful for the professional and dedicated support I received from AVB Law and Babette van Beest during my personal injury case. From the very first contact, I felt heard, taken seriously, and genuinely supported.
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Babette van Beest works carefully, communicates clearly, and has an eye for both the legal and the human side of the process. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and kept me informed of every step along the way. Thanks to her dedication, my case resulted in 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. It is an honest, knowledgeable, and empathetic firm where you are truly in good hands.
Biljana G.
4 months ago
During my case (which ultimately lasted 11 years), Raymond always maintained a good balance between staying calm in his energy, expressing justified indignation when needed, and continuing to look at the situation strategically.
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I am also grateful to him for telling me, after about three years, that the real impact of the damage would likely become even more visible in the years to come. He also remained firm in ensuring that we first reached agreement about which examinations would be carried out on me and by whom before we could proceed further.
In addition, we were always able to stay in contact whenever I needed it. He almost always called me back or made sure to let me know something.
Finally, I felt such a level of trust in him that I was able to place my confidence in his judgment. I felt the same with Babette van Beest. Her energetic, decisive approach really appealed to me, and the points I brought forward were genuinely taken into account in the further procedure. Thanks to the excellent guidance, I have already recommended AVB Law to two other people.
Looking back now: what a process it has been. I am so grateful that they stood by my side as a constant, calm, knowledgeable, and strong presence in the “battle” with the insurer, representing and supporting me throughout.
Daan van der W.
4 months ago
In my opinion, AVB Law's greatest strength was above all their communication. They only ever needed one word to understand exactly what I was trying to say. On top of that, I was kept well up to date on the progress of my case.
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All in all, I cannot name any negatives about the support I received.
Harrie vd H.
4 months ago
No areas for improvement. Girthe handled this process with great care and professionalism. Her friendly approach and thorough working method helped me enormously, and I am very grateful to her for all her dedication and support.
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I would also like to warmly thank Sanna, who handled my case in the beginning, for her help. Her involvement and guidance made a great difference.
Dieuwerke vd V.
5 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance, support and help of my lawyers Babette and Raymond. They have extensive knowledge and provide excellent advice. They are skilled negotiators who always strive for the best 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 involved and offer great support. They have exceeded all expectations and deliver outstanding quality. I always felt heard throughout the case and they are easy to reach and approachable. A highly skilled firm that is there for you both professionally and personally, and that is exactly what you want when dealing with a personal injury claim.
Sanne H.
3 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.