Montana Title 53. Social Services and Institutions § 53-9-125. Limitations on awards

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, compensation may not be awarded unless the claim is filed with the office within 1 year after the day the criminally injurious conduct occurred causing the injury or death upon which the claim is based. Compensation in cases involving sexual offenses against minors may not be awarded unless the claim is filed with the office within 1 year after the day the criminally injurious conduct was reported to a law enforcement agency or an agency of the state responsible for provision of child welfare services, or within 1 year after the day the victim reaches 18 years of age, whichever occurs last. The time for filing a claim may be extended by the office for good cause shown.

(2) Compensation may not be awarded to a claimant who is the offender or an accomplice of the offender or to any claimant if the award would unjustly benefit the offender or accomplice.

(3) Compensation may not be awarded unless the criminally injurious conduct resulting in injury or death was reported to a law enforcement officer. The report must be made within 72 hours after its occurrence, except in a case involving a sexual offense against a minor or when the office finds there was good cause for the failure to report within that time.

(4) In order to be entitled to benefits under this part, a claimant shall fully cooperate with all law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorneys in the apprehension and prosecution of the offender causing the criminally injurious conduct. The office, upon finding that the claimant or victim has not fully cooperated with appropriate law enforcement agencies or prosecuting attorneys, may deny or reconsider and reduce an award of compensation.

(5) Compensation otherwise payable to a claimant must be reduced or denied to the extent the compensation benefits payable are or can be recouped from collateral sources.

(6) Persons serving a sentence of imprisonment or residing in any other public institution which provides for the maintenance of the person are not entitled to the benefits of this part.

(7) Compensation may be denied or reduced if the victim contributed to the infliction of death or injury with respect to which the claim is made. Any reduction in benefits under this subsection must be in proportion to what the office finds to be the victim's contribution to the infliction of death or injury.