QLD What compensation would a 65 year old man get from his attackers that are being charged with GBH + A

[Nicholas Panos]

This 65 year old man can't work, his wife had 2 exchange student at there house when the attack happen. So the school took the students off them. So he has lost his income from his work and his wife has lost her income from the students. He has a broken jaw witch has 6 pins and a plate joining his chin together, broken collar bone and a separate shoulder. Also from his nippels up to his chin is covered in brussing. Looking forward for advice.
Thanks

 

[DMQC]

Hi NIcholas, depending what State you are in you have a few options.

1. You could make a claim as a "victim of crime" if available in your state, once the charges are finalised and (if) the individuals are found guilty. The victim of crime scheme is quite straightforward and they would be better positioned to give an estimate $ figure. Here is the link for QLD - Victims and witnesses of crime | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government - Victim of crime compensation can cover medical and loss of earnings etc.

2. You could bring a claim through the Courts against the individuals for the injuries, loss of earnings etc. The best way to explain "what compensation" you would get is probably to explain the purpose of the compensation generally, that is you would be compensated "to bring you back to the situation you would have been, but for the injury" - so that covers the money you would of earned, the money you wouldn't have had to spend on medical etc. The issue withing bring the action this way is that the students may not have any money to give you if you are awarded a significant amount.

You cannot claim both, it is either one or the other (usually), hope that helps

DM