When are you entitled to personal injury compensation?
Naturally, you want to know as soon as possible whether you are entitled to personal injury compensation. That makes sense. Every injury victim wants to know that. For the extra costs that you incur, but also for some acknowledgment.
To determine whether you are entitled to damage compensation, the following is assessed:
- the cause of the accident
- your role in the accident
- the severity of your personal injury
In most cases, you are entitled to damage compensation in the event of personal injury. Even if you also have a role in the cause of the accident. For example when you:
- as a cyclist or pedestrian, have caused a collision with a motor vehicle. You are then almost always entitled to personal injury compensation. This is because cyclists and pedestrians are better protected by Dutch law.
- have made a traffic error, but so has the counterparty. You are then both liable for the accident. You are therefore both entitled to a part of the compensation.
- have been careless in the workplace. Then, in most cases, your employer still has to reimburse all your personal injury damages.
Would you like to know who can be held liable for your personal injury? Or are you not sure whether you are entitled to compensation? Please contact us directly. Our lawyers will examine your situation in detail.
What damage must be compensated?
In most cases, the insurer of the counterparty will compensate all your personal injury damages. But what exactly is covered by the damage compensation? To determine your personal injury compensation, your specific situation has to be assessed. Your injury, your daily life, and the emotional impact of the accident. There are many costs that you may face, such as:
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses, including the costs for the deductible
- Travel expenses to and from doctor’s appointments
- Study delay
- Domestic help, even if you get help from family or friends
- Extra days of childcare or arranging a babysitter
- Dog walking service
- Chores in and around the house, even if this is done by family and friends
- Tickets to events you cannot attend because of your injury
- A fitness or swimming membership that you are temporarily unable to use
- Cancellation fees for a holiday
- Damage to personal property, such as your clothes, jewelry, or your cell phone
- Costs for a wheelchair and sports wheelchair
- Modifications to your home, such as a stairlift or automatic doors
- Moving expenses, if applicable
- Costs for a larger car that can fit your wheelchair
- And more
Many damage items are overlooked by victims. For example, help with your household tasks from family or friends. This help will not cost you money, but it will cost them time. That is why the insurer must reimburse this valuable time.