It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide a method of compensating and assisting those persons within the state who are victims of criminal acts and who suffer personal injury or death. To this end, it is the further intent of the General Assembly to provide reparations, in the amount of expenses actually incurred as a direct result of the criminal acts of other persons up to a maximum amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). However, for those victims whose injuries are catastrophic and result in a total and permanent disability, the maximum amount shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).