§ 1-40-109 — Standards for compensation

(a) For the purpose of determining the amount of
compensation payable pursuant to this act, the division, insofar
as practicable, shall formulate standards for uniform
application of this act and shall take into consideration rates
and amounts of compensation payable for injuries and death under
other laws of this state and of the United States and the
availability of funds under this act.
(b) Loss of earnings and loss of future earnings shall be
determined on the basis of the victim's average monthly earnings
for the six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the
injury, or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is less.
(c) Loss of support shall be determined on the basis of
the victim's or defendant's average monthly earnings for the six
(6) months immediately preceding the date of the injury, or the
current federal minimum wage, whichever is less.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section,
the maximum individual award of compensation paid to any victim
or dependent shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars
($15,000.00). Compensation shall only be awarded for economic
losses occurring within a twenty-four (24) month period from the
date of the injury or discovery of the crime. However, the
division may extend the twenty-four (24) month period to allow
compensation for mental health counseling and care occurring
within an additional twelve (12) month period for a total of
thirty-six (36) months.
(e) In addition to the maximum award authorized in
subsection (d) of this section, in the case of catastrophic
injury the division may award an additional amount not to exceed
ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) to the victim to cover future
lost wages, special medical needs and any other special
assistance needed as a result of the injury. The additional
award may be made only for economic losses occurring within
twenty-four (24) months after the date of the injury or
discovery of the crime.