Personal Injury Compensation: Everything You Need to Know

An accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. When a personal injury occurs – whether on your way to work, in traffic, during medical treatment or in your free time – it can give you the right to financial compensation. But how does personal injury compensation actually work, and why should you consider contacting a specialist lawyer?

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In this guide, you will get an overview of your rights, what types of damage give rise to compensation, how the amount is calculated – and not least why legal help can make a big difference.

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What is personal injury compensation?

Personal injury compensation is a financial compensation you may be entitled to if you have been physically or mentally injured as a result of an incident for which someone else is responsible. The compensation is intended to ensure that you are not left alone with the costs and losses that the injury entails – and should, in theory, put you in the same financial situation as before the incident.

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What damages give rise to the right to compensation?

There are several types of situations that can provide grounds for personal injury compensation. The most common are:

• Traffic accidents – as a pedestrian, cyclist, passenger or car driver.
• Occupational injuries – if you are injured during working hours or in the workplace.
• Patient injuries – for example, due to malpractice or inadequate healthcare.
• Violence and assault – where you are entitled to redress or victim compensation.
• Accidents during leisure time – where others can be held responsible, for example due to lack of supervision.

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This must be in place to receive compensation.

In order for you to receive personal injury compensation, four basic requirements must be met:

1. Someone must be responsible – there must be a responsible party, either an individual, employer or insurance company.
2. There must be an injury - both physical and psychological injuries are covered.
3. You must have suffered a loss – for example, loss of income or expenses for treatment.
4. There must be a causal connection – between the incident and the loss you have suffered. That is, you must be able to prove that the damage was caused by the incident in question.

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How is the compensation calculated?

Calculating personal injury compensation is rarely simple. Compensation is often divided into the following categories:

• Lost income – both what you have lost so far and what you will lose in the future.
• Expenses you would not have had without the injury – such as medical treatment, travel, aids and accommodations.
• Disability compensation – if the injury causes you to have a permanent medical disability.
• Compensation for damages – in the event of gross violations, for example intentional violence, deprivation of liberty, abuse in close relationships or rape.

Each case is assessed individually, and the amount you receive depends on the extent of the damage, how much you lose financially, and what consequences the damage has on your life.

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What can a lawyer help you with?

The legal system can be challenging to understand, and many injured parties face large insurance companies alone. This is where a lawyer with experience in personal injury compensation can be of invaluable assistance. A specialized lawyer can:

• Consider whether you have a legitimate claim.
• Collect and structure necessary documentation.
• Ensure correct calculation of compensation.
• Negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies.
• Handle complaints or take the case to court if necessary.
• Relieve yourself.

Many people are offered lower compensation than they are actually entitled to. With legal assistance, the likelihood of a correct and fair settlement increases.

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Do you need legal assistance?

Applying for compensation can be demanding, especially in complex cases or if you have been denied and are considering appealing.

At Insa advokater you can get assistance from an experienced tort lawyer who knows the system and how to protect your rights. We help you with everything from assessing the case and collecting documentation, to submitting the application and handling complaints if necessary.

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