Compensation for Crime Victims: Disability Compensation Benefit and Professional Impact
The French Court of Cassation clarified on November 27, 2025 the rules for compensating victims of crimes, particularly regarding the Disability Compensation Benefit (PCH) and professional impact.
In this case, the victim of an armed assault, applied to the CIVI for compensation of future medical expenses and the effects of his disability on his professional life. The Court of Appeal limited his compensation, considering the PCH without verifying that it was granted without time limitation, and refused any compensation for professional impact.
The Court of Cassation overturned these decisions:
The PCH is considered compensatory when it is not means-tested and covers certain reparable losses. It can be deducted from sums paid by the FGTI, but only if granted without time limitation.
Professional impact, which compensates the peripheral effects of disability on the victim’s professional and social life, cannot be merged with future loss of earnings. Denying compensation for this component violates the principle of full compensation.
The case is referred back to the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal for a reassessment of the amounts owed to the victim.
Cass. 2e civ., 27 novembre 2025, n° 24-14.365
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