A. An order for reparations payments under this Chapter shall not affect the right of any person to institute a civil suit to recover damages for the personal injury, death, or catastrophic property loss from any other person. However, if damages in a civil action are recovered, from the offender or any other third party, the person shall reimburse the Crime Victims Reparations Fund, through the board, in an amount equal to the amount of the reparations award or such lesser amount as is recovered in damages in the civil action.
B. When any person who has received an award from the board files a civil action to recover damages, he shall, at the time of the filing of the suit, notify the board and the attorney general.