Victim Compensation Changes in Massachusetts

Attorney General Martha Coakley is praising state lawmakers for agreeing to increase funeral and burial payments as part of the state's victim compensation fund.

The changes, included in a version of the state budget approved by lawmakers Monday, would also create a new catastrophic injury category for victims suffering a lifelong disability. Coakley said the changes will help guarantee crime victims receive needed services.

The changes would increase the burial cap from $6,500 to $8,000 to keep up with rising funeral costs in Massachusetts and establish a catastrophic injury amount of $50,000 for victims who suffer lifelong disability injuries due to a violent crime.

The changes would also provide temporary debt collection protection for eligible claimants. The budget is on Gov. Deval Patrick's desk.