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CONDITIONS TO BE FULFILLED.
The creation of an association of victims is possible when a certain number of people have together suffered the same damage. It is then necessary to deposit statutes, to choose a president, to be equipped with an office which will act on behalf of association. In addition, it is possible to join an existing association.
TO BE WELL ADVISED.
Grouping together makes it possible to be better informed. Victims can work out strategies together, consult lawyers and thus better approach legal advice and the choices to be made during the procedure.
TO BE BETTER COMPENSATED.
The victims’ association makes it possible to better defend their rights to reparation: for example, full reparation when one is the victim of bodily injury, or reparation for material damage after a natural disaster. The victims’ association has more weight in negotiations and in legal proceedings. Its requests are also more consistent and therefore easier to process for insurers or guarantee funds.
TO BE ABLE TO BRING A CIVIL PARTY.
Insofar as it meets the conditions of the Code of Criminal Procedures, the association can access all the elements of the file, request acts from the judge and participate in the search for the truth.
AS A MEANS OF PRESSURE.
Together, the victims are stronger to exert pressure on the judicial institution, the insurers and the public authorities. As part of preventive actions, an association can also fight to help improve legislation, standards and protection.
DAMY Law Firm , Nice, Why create an association of victims?, Update 2022
