Crime and Safety
June 2011 Crime Victim Reparations Announced
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today that the Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Board awarded $467,916.49 in reparations to 219 crime victims during June. Additional expenses were paid in 57 previously submitted cases.
The Crime Victims Reparations Program provides compensation for victims' unexpected expenses, including medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, replacement services and funeral costs. Most awards are limited to $10,000 or less; however, for victims receiving catastrophic injuries resulting in total and permanent disability, the maximum award can be as high as $25,000.
The program was created by the General Assembly in 1987.
For all of 2010, the Crime Victims Reparations Board awarded 1,704 claims for a total payout of $3,308,135.19.
A portion of the reparations funding comes from fines imposed on convicted criminals. Additionally, court costs and fees are a major revenue source for the program.
The Attorney General's Office provides staff to administer the Crime Victims Program under the direction of the Crime Victims Reparations Board. The board members decide which claims can be paid and how much can be awarded. Board members include Dr. Jan Church of Little Rock, Colleen Nick of Alma, Redius Yancy of North Little Rock, Louis Jones of Fayetteville and Bryce Brewer of Little Rock.
For more information about the Crime Victims Reparations Program, call the Crime Victims Hotline at (800) 448-3014, or visit the Attorney General's Office website at www.arkansasag.
Consumer Alert: Use Caution When Dealing with Chiropractic "Runners"
LITTLE ROCK -Because of recent complaints, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel issued today's consumer alert to warn Arkansans about the use of "runners" by some chiropractors eager to increase business in Arkansas.
Runners are companies or individuals who collect and review police reports in order to identify consumers recently involved in car accidents.
"Runners contact accident victims and try to persuade them to visit a specific chiropractic clinic," McDaniel explained. "The clinic then pays the runner a fee based on each new patient the runner recruits."
Many runners use high pressure sales tactics in order to get as many new patients as possible, including placing repeated phone calls, making door-to-door visits and even offering cash as an incentive to switch to the chiropractor they represent.
"Consumers should not be swayed by these high-pressure techniques," McDaniel said.
The Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners' rules and regulations allow chiropractors to contact accident victims; however chiropractors must utilize honest and ethical marketing practices.
Complaints to the Office of the Attorney General and regulatory agencies concerning this issue indicate that some runners have provided misleading information about other chiropractic offices, impersonated the consumer's insurance company, and advised consumers that insurance claims will only be paid if the consumer sees a specific chiropractor.
If you are contacted by someone you suspect to be a runner for a chiropractor, McDaniel advises you to take these steps to protect yourself:
1. Talk to your insurance provider. He or she will be able to tell you if a particular service or office is covered by your insurance plan.
2. Advise the runner that you plan to find your own treatment.
3. Do not be swayed by the offer of cash to switch to or visit a particular chiropractor. Take time to thoroughly research the chiropractic offices to be sure the office will provide the treatment you require.
4. Consult legal counsel of your own choice to advise you regarding options to resolve claims.
For more information, contact the Public Protection Department of the Attorney General's Office at (501) 682-2341, (800) 482-8982 or www.ArkansasAG.gov.
