Personal injury involves a lot: legal rules, complex procedures, and various types of damages. It's natural to have questions. On this page, we answer the most frequently asked questions from victims. From liability to compensation – you'll find clear explanations here and references to our comprehensive information pages.
Personal injury is physical or psychological harm you suffer from an accident or other traumatic event, for which someone else is usually liable. Think of a traffic accident, workplace accident, or medical error.
In some cases, compensation is possible even without direct third-party liability, such as with certain on-duty accidents involving civil servants or under specific statutory regulations. The damage can consist of medical costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering compensation.
Affection damage is compensation for close relatives of a victim with serious and permanent injury, or of someone who has died. It concerns the grief you experience because something happened to a loved one. This form of compensation is legally regulated and intended as recognition of your sorrow.
Also read the page about types of personal injury.
Liability means that someone is legally responsible for the damage you have suffered. Only if liability is acknowledged or established can you claim compensation.
Read more about the legal aspects of personal injury.
With product liability, the manufacturer or importer is responsible for damage caused by a defective product, such as a faulty medical device or unsafe appliance.
Because this involves strict liability, you don't need to prove fault. Demonstrating a defect, damage, and a causal connection between them is often sufficient.
More explanation can be found on the page about causes of personal injury.
Liability law determines who must compensate for damage under certain circumstances. This can involve wrongful acts, strict liability (such as with animals), or medical and employer liability.
For explanations by type, see the page about legal aspects of personal injury.
Shock damage is psychological injury you suffer from being directly confronted with a traumatic event in which someone is seriously injured or dies.
For example, if you witness a fatal accident. You can receive compensation for this, provided you meet strict conditions.
See also the page about types of personal injury.
Employer liability means that your employer can be responsible for injury you suffer during work. This also applies to occupational diseases or if you become chronically ill due to work pressure or unsafe working conditions.
Read more about this on the page about causes of personal injury.
A specialized lawyer guides you through handling your personal injury claim. They hold the other party liable, arrange medical and vocational expert examinations, and negotiate compensation. If necessary, they conduct legal proceedings on your behalf.
Read more about the role of the lawyer in personal injury cases.
A liability lawyer specializes in establishing liability. They advise on legal options, litigate if necessary, and know the regulations surrounding various types of claims, from medical errors to traffic accidents.
If there is a liable party and you have suffered demonstrable damage, you are generally entitled to compensation. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can often still receive (partial) compensation.
In cases of medical errors, a lawyer investigates whether the doctor or hospital is liable. They engage medical experts, negotiate compensation, and possibly guide you through court proceedings.
You can read more about this on the page about the role of the lawyer in personal injury cases and about causes of personal injury.
You are entitled to compensation if you have suffered injury, someone else is liable for it, you have suffered damage, and that damage is demonstrably caused by the incident (this varies by case).
Read more about this on the page about the personal injury claims process.
Medical liability means that a healthcare provider and/or hospital is liable for damage caused by a medical error. Think of an error during surgery, an incorrect diagnosis, or insufficient information about treatment risks.
You can read more about this on the page about causes of personal injury.
Personal injury is a collective term for all damage you suffer as a person, physically or psychologically. Personal injury is part of this, but purely financial damage or damage to relatives (such as shock or affection damage) also falls under this category.
See also the page about types of personal injury.
A workplace accident is an accident during or in connection with work, for example due to an unsafe work situation or a colleague's mistake. Prolonged exposure to harmful substances or stressful conditions can also lead to damage. Your employer is often liable.
You can read more about this on the page about causes of personal injury.
And would you like to know what I can do for you as a personal injury lawyer? Tell us your story and receive an initial assessment with no obligation.
