The Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund exists to help compensate those who have been injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another (such as in a motor vehicle collision or a hunting accident), and who have been unable to obtain full compensation because the party at fault (the tortfeasor) had no insurance, or inadequate insurance, or has filed for bankruptcy, or for other reasons specified by the law.
Payment of Claims
Once the value of the claim has been determined, the claimant is entitled to money from the Fund, but not immediately. Between August 28, 2001 and December 31, 2010, over 740 claims have been filed against the Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund; between August 15, 2003 and June 30, 2011 over $11.3 million has been paid out to the successful claimants.
At this time, there are no funds to pay claims filed after January 1, 2011. However, you may continue to file claims against the Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund by using the Application for Tort Victims' Compensation. Even though there is currently insufficient money to pay claims filed after January 1, 2011 you are still required to file your claim during the applicable statute of limitations period as provided in Section 537.684.2 RSMo. The Division will continue to accept claims against the Tort Victims’ Compensation Fund. All claims filed will be file-stamped and maintained for future review.