Discover everything about personal injury after a workplace accident
Worried after a workplace accident?
Approximately 220,000 workplace accidents occur every year. personal injury following a workplace accident could happen to you too!
Usually, you recover within a short time. But sometimes it takes longer, or your injury (eventually) even permanent. After a workplace accident, you are almost always faced with financial damage. This can involve – among other things – extra costs, but also lost income.
For example, if it only concerns your deductible with your health insurer, the financial loss is still manageable. But what if there are other costs as well? Or you're missing income due to disability?
Sooner or later, you'll worry and wonder—consciously or unconsciously—how to proceed with your financial losses. Is doing nothing even an option? Or is there someone who should compensate you for your financial losses? But who should that be, and how does that work? These are all logical questions, and we can answer them for you.
Personal injury after a workplace accident
If injury results from a workplace accident and that injury has financial consequences, we refer to this as personal injury caused by a workplace accident. This involves additional costs, compensation for informal care, and loss of income. In addition, there is always a right to compensation for emotional distress (pain and suffering), but this does not hit you directly in your wallet.
Personal injury after a workplace accident can quickly mount, especially if there's also a loss of income. If the damage exceeds, say, a few hundred euros, sooner or later, people will want to be compensated. It's a logical thought.
Personal injury claims can't just be about the costs "in the here and now." If your injury doesn't fully heal, costs may continue to accrue in the future. This could also include loss of income if you can no longer work (fully).
There's really only one official way to get compensation for your personal injury. That's through your own employer or client. Of course, that's not what you want, but unfortunately, there's no other way.
It's worth noting that in the Netherlands, employers are almost always insured for personal injury. After a workplace accident, your employer never has to pay for your personal injury themselves. This is handled by their insurance company. This keeps your employer completely out of the picture, making it purely an insurance issue.
Have you had a workplace accident? Don't take any risks and always seek advice. Even if you're seriously unsure about holding your employer liable, we can tell you exactly what's going on and what's best for you. We'll do this based solely on your own story.
Our personal injury advice is free of charge and completely without obligation. Afterward, you can decide for yourself what to do with our advice . If we believe it's in your best interest not to pay for your personal injury claim yourself, we'll explain why.
And if you (eventually) ask us for further assistance, it's guaranteed 100% free of charge. Our costs must also be reimbursed by your employer's insurer, separate and apart from your own personal injury.
When do we speak of an industrial accident?
There is actually no '100% clear' definition of personal injury resulting from an industrial accident.
Any accident at work that results in injury is considered a workplace accident. In almost all cases, your employer is liable. The Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) defines this as "an event at work or during working hours that directly leads to damage to your health."
Even if the accident didn't occur at your own business location, it's considered a workplace accident. Think of a construction site, another work location, a facility, or even roadwork. Personal injury resulting from commuting or using a company car can also be considered a workplace accident.
How can I help you?
Floris de Bruin
Commercial Director
Commercial Director
Always financial damage (personal injury) due to an industrial accident
Personal injury workplace accident: after a workplace accident resulting in injury, you almost always face financial damage.
Your personal injury may consist of:
- additional costs and reimbursements for informal care
- loss of income
- pain and suffering (non-material damage) and
- your legal costs (read: the costs of legal assistance).
As indicated, your personal injury can quickly mount after a workplace accident. Your employer is usually responsible for your workplace accident and therefore for your financial losses. This means you are almost always eligible for personal injury compensation.
Want to know more about personal injury after a workplace accident? Don't hesitate to ask for advice .
Based on your story, we can tell you exactly what's best for you. And best of all, our advice is completely free and without obligation. You decide what you want to do with it.
Industrial accident: from a purely legal perspective, the employer is almost always responsible
Dutch law stipulates that, from a purely legal perspective, an employer is almost always responsible for the financial consequences of a workplace accident. This is stated in Article 7:658 of.
The law states that an employer is always responsible for the occurrence of a workplace accident. Unless your employer has done absolutely everything possible to prevent it. And from a purely legal perspective, that's unlikely to be the case!
Your employer is therefore also responsible (liable) if the accident is 'your own fault', the fault of a colleague , or if, in your opinion, no one could have done anything about it. It actually makes no difference, therefore, whether or not your employer can be blamed 'from a practical point of view'. It concerns a purely theoretical assessment of liability.
This means that an employer will almost always be liable for personal injury resulting from a workplace accident, regardless of the circumstances that caused the accident. And regardless of whether you or your colleagues were also at fault.
Only if your employer can demonstrate that they did everything, absolutely everything, to prevent an accident like the one you had will they be exempt from liability. This is – and we can't emphasize this enough – a purely theoretical approach, regardless of how things actually work in your daily work.
Have you had a workplace accident? Are you wondering if your employer is legally liable in your situation? Feel free to contact us for free, no-obligation personal injury advice.
Based on your personal story, we can tell you exactly whether your employer is legally liable and what your best course of action should be. You can then decide for yourself what to do with our advice.
Employer always insured!
In the Netherlands, an employer is almost always liable for personal injury resulting from a workplace accident, even if they themselves are not responsible for the accident. That's simply the law!
On the other hand, employers can insure themselves against this risk very easily and at a low premium. That's why almost all employers in the Netherlands are insured against personal injury resulting from a workplace accident. In 99 out of 100 cases, personal injury is simply covered by an employer's or client's liability insurance.
An employer is never actually required to pay for personal injury resulting from a workplace accident. Their liability insurer covers this. So your personal injury costs your employer nothing.
We understand very well that you do not want to hold your own employer responsible for your personal injury.
But – as mentioned – there's often no way around it. Simply because you can't afford to pay for your own personal injury. It's comforting to know that it's an insurance company that will compensate you. And that it won't cost your employer anything!
You can ask your employer for compensation yourself
To receive compensation for your injuries after a workplace accident, you must take action yourself. An employer (almost) never does this on their own.
You'll have to ask your employer yourself to compensate you for your injuries. Unfortunately, there's only one way to do this: through liability. There's no other way, unfortunately.
So, whether you like it or not, if you want compensation for your personal injury after your workplace accident, the only way to do so is to hold your employer liable.
That is unpleasant, and really no one wants that. But otherwise, you are left with your financial loss yourself, and surely that cannot be the intention? Quite apart from the fact that in these times, very few people can bear the cost of their own financial loss. Certainly not if there is also loss of income!
But as mentioned, your employer is almost always insured for your personal injury. So they don't have to pay for your personal injury themselves. Their own insurer will cover that.
But insurers have their own unique methods and sometimes view liability and your personal injury claims very differently. In that case, it quickly becomes in your best interest (necessary) to specialized legal assistance . Only then can you be sure you'll receive fair compensation for your personal injury after a workplace accident.
We have unparalleled experience with personal injury resulting from a workplace accident. We can provide you with perfect assistance in recovering your personal injury damages, without straining your relationship with your employer.
Don't take any risks and always seek advice. We can tell you exactly what your options are and what the best course of action is.
Our personal injury advice is free and without obligation, so you can decide for yourself what to do with it. And if you ask us to help you afterward, it's guaranteed 100% free of charge.
People choose us because:
- 15,000+ victims helped
- Customer rating of 9+
- The specialist in industrial accidents and personal injury
- The most involved personal injury law firm in the Netherlands
Why (100% Free) Help from a Personal Injury Agency
To receive compensation for your workplace accident injury, you must first hold your employer liable. Your employer will forward the claim to their insurer. From there, the handling of your injury claim will proceed through your employer's insurer.
Unfortunately, liability insurers often have a different perspective on liability and fair compensation for personal injury than you and we do. Very often, disputes arise sooner or later.
Do you want to have these discussions yourself? You really need to ask yourself that question. Because even if your employer's liability insurer does everything "perfectly by the book," you'll never be able to know for sure. You simply don't have sufficient knowledge of personal injury law, especially if it involves a workplace accident.
to engage a specialized personal injury law firm It's therefore quickly becoming essential for you
How can I help you?
Floris de Bruin
Commercial Director
Commercial Director
Free assistance with personal injury resulting from an industrial accident
With us, assistance with personal injury following a workplace accident is always completely free of charge. By law, your employer's insurer is also required to pay our legal costs, separate from your own compensation. This is stipulated in Article 6:96 of the Dutch Civil Code. Consequently, as a personal injury victim, you are entitled to 100% free legal assistance.
From our very first contact, we'll immediately assess your chances of receiving compensation based on your personal story and whether our assistance is necessary. We'll also explain why. If we believe your personal injury is worthy of compensation and you seek our assistance, you'll receive a written guarantee that our assistance is 100% free of charge.
Personal injury from a workplace accident? ALWAYS ask for advice!
Workplace accident personal injury: Have you suffered personal injury due to a workplace accident? Don't take any risks and seek advice.
Our advice is 100% free and without obligation. Based on your specific situation, we can tell you exactly what's going on and what the best course of action is for you.
Do we think you would be better off with our specialized help? Then we will explain why, and that there is no cost associated with our assistance for you. You can then decide for yourself what to do with our advice.
You can contact us via the form on the website, by email, by phone, or via WhatsApp. Whatever you prefer. We will provide you with clear and honest advice, which does not obligate you to anything. You can then decide for yourself what to do with it. And if we do decide to help you, it will be 100% free of charge. Promised!
About the author
The information on this page was written by Floris de Bruin, a specialist in liability and personal injury. The content of this page fully complies with the requirements of the National Quality Mark for Personal Injury (NKL).
What customers ask
What compensation for personal injury due to an industrial accident?
Have you suffered a workplace accident and are you wondering how much compensation you can receive for your injuries? The cost of workplace injuries can quickly mount up.
Read below what you should take into account when determining your compensation for personal injury caused by a workplace accident.
How do I get compensation for personal injury resulting from a workplace accident?
If you have had an accident at work or during your work and you suffer an injury, this is called an industrial accident.
An employer is almost always liable for a workplace accident. This means the employer must pay compensation for injuries sustained as a result of the workplace accident.
To even be eligible for compensation for your personal injury, you must first hold your employer liable. We understand that you might not feel comfortable holding your own employer or client liable.
The law states that an employer is almost always liable for a workplace accident, even if your employer had no control over it and even if it was your own fault. It's purely theoretical. Fortunately, your employer is almost always insured for your personal injury. So, your employer doesn't have to pay for your personal injury themselves.
Are you unsure about holding your employer liable for compensation for personal injury caused by a workplace accident? Feel free to call one of our legal helpdesk specialists and ask for advice. Together, we will look at what is best in your situation. Our advice is always 100% without obligation and free of charge.
What is covered by personal injury after a workplace accident?
Compensation for personal injury resulting from a workplace accident can quickly add up. Personal injury is made up of several components:
- additional costs
- lower income
- loss of enjoyment of life (compensation for pain and suffering)
As a victim of a workplace accident, the financial consequences make it almost impossible to avoid holding the employer liable. This is especially true if there is also an immediate loss of income.
With years of experience handling personal injury claims resulting from workplace accidents, we know exactly how to handle them without jeopardizing your relationship with your employer, client, or employment agency. Feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
Free assistance with personal injury resulting from an industrial accident
Compensation for personal injury resulting from a workplace accident: Because holding the employer liable after a workplace accident is such a sensitive issue, we always advise victims to first seek advice from a specialist personal injury agency.
Our advice is completely without obligation and free of charge for you as a victim. If we subsequently conclude together that you would be better off with legal assistance, we will tell you that as well. In that case, our specialized assistance is 100% free of charge for you. This is because your employer's insurer is also required to reimburse your legal costs (read: our costs), separate from your own compensation. This is stipulated in the law.
During an initial phone consultation, we'd love to hear about your situation. We'll then immediately offer a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll explain the best steps to take and answer your questions about the compensation you'll receive for personal injury resulting from a workplace accident. And it won't cost you a thing!
Rights in case of personal injury after a workplace accident
If you've been the victim of a workplace accident, there's a lot to deal with. You're experiencing physical discomfort, incurring additional expenses, and are unable to work. You're right to wonder: what are my rights if I sustain personal injury after a workplace accident? And how can I get compensation for my financial losses?
When do we speak of an industrial accident?
If you have an accident at work or during your work and sustain personal injury, this is called a workplace accident. Workplace accident injuries can occur due to accidents:
- in a company
- due to a traffic accident
- on a construction site
- in another location and
- in an institution.
The accident can be caused, for example, by a broken machine, insufficient work instructions or an unsafe working situation.
Your rights after a workplace accident
Your employer is almost always liable if you suffer personal injury due to a workplace accident. This applies even if you believe your employer is not at fault, or even if the accident is your own fault.
- Your rights as an employee in the event of personal injury following a workplace accident
If, as an employee, you sustain an injury following a workplace accident, you are entitled to reimbursement of your expenses and lost income. You are also always entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. Your employer's insurer must pay this. However, to claim the compensation, you must first hold your employer liable. The employer then reports the workplace accident to their insurer.
Determining the amount of compensation for personal injury after a workplace accident almost always leads to disagreement. In most cases, an insurer will simply have a different perspective on your personal injury than you do. Avoid losing out in this discussion and always consult a personal injury firm . It's completely free, saves you a lot of energy, and only then can you be sure your personal injury will be fairly compensated!
- Your rights after a workplace accident as a temporary worker
As a temporary agency worker, in the event of personal injury following a workplace accident employee. You are entitled to compensation for all your damages: material damage and pain and suffering. As a temporary agency worker, you even have the right to hold the employment agency (formal employer) liable for your personal injury following a workplace accident, in addition to the company where you are placed (the material employer). If you are unsure who is best to approach in your case, always seek advice from a specialized personal injury firm. This will prevent you from putting unnecessary pressure on the working relationship! However, do not wait too long, because as a temporary agency worker, you usually suffer financial loss from the very first day, as your income is not being paid.
- Your rights after a workplace accident as a self-employed person
In some cases, as a self-employed professional, the same rights regarding personal injury following a workplace accident as an employee. Article 7:658, paragraph 4 of the Dutch Civil Code applies in such cases. Since the financial consequences of a workplace accident can very quickly become unsustainable for a self-employed entrepreneur, we advise you to advice immediately . You can call, text, or email us right away. We are ready to assist you with expert advice!
Who is responsible for an industrial accident?
Who is responsible for an industrial accident?
Have you suffered personal injury due to a workplace accident? Then your employer is almost always liable. Determining who is responsible for a workplace accident is a purely theoretical assessment. We'll explain what this means.
Employer usually responsible for a workplace accident
Your employer is almost always liable if you suffer personal injury due to a workplace accident, even if you believe your employer is not at fault or that the accident was your own fault.
Fortunately, your employer is almost always insured for your financial damages. So they don't have to pay for your personal injury themselves. That's a bonus!
Article 7:658 of the Dutch Civil Code stipulates that the employer is always responsible for personal injury in the event of an industrial accident unless:
- Your workplace is completely safe
- Sufficient safety measures have been taken in the workplace
- There are sufficient safety equipment available at your workplace
- Sufficient safety instructions have been given repeatedly
- Sufficient account is taken of the fact that the safety instructions are not always fully complied with
- Sufficient checks on compliance with the safety instructions have taken place
- If possible, sufficient insurance has been taken out for you as an employee or
- That your personal injury from the industrial accident was caused solely and exclusively by your own 'intent' or 'recklessness'
It is up to the employer to prove that these requirements have been met. As an employee, you therefore do not initially need to provide evidence to prove responsibility for the workplace accident. The employer must do so.
Free assistance with personal injury after a workplace accident
Who is responsible for a workplace accident? Although the law clearly stipulates that the burden of proof for responsibility (liability) for a workplace accident lies with an employer, in practice, it's quite difficult to obtain full compensation yourself.
Your employer's insurer will often first try to avoid liability, often against their better judgment.
In addition, 'hassle' often arises regarding your personal injury claim itself. Personal injury covers not only your extra costs and lost income, but your loss of enjoyment of life ( pain and suffering) must also be compensated.
Many people find it difficult to hold their employer responsible for injuries resulting from a workplace accident. And that's understandable. Given the financial consequences of a workplace accident, it's almost impossible to avoid it, no matter how difficult it may seem.
It's good to know that almost all employers are insured against personal injury resulting from workplace accidents. To ensure that your employer's insurer accepts liability and pays the amount of personal injury compensation you're entitled to, we recommend seeking legal assistance.
Call or text us to tell us what happened and ask for advice. We'll explain who's responsible for the workplace accident in your situation. It's completely free, we promise!
How do I hold my employer liable after a workplace accident?
Have you had a workplace accident and suffered injuries? Holding your employer liable is practically unavoidable. Your financial losses can quickly mount. How do you hold your employer liable after a workplace accident? And why doesn't your employer have to compensate you for your injuries?
Holding your employer liable
Your employer is almost always liable if you sustain an injury in a workplace accident, even if you believe the employer is not at fault or the accident is your own fault. This is stipulated in the law.
To receive compensation for your personal injury, you must hold your employer liable. There's simply no other way. You can do this by (registered) letter or email. In the letter, you request compensation for your damages.
Employers may not always appreciate receiving such a letter. It is therefore very important that you clearly explain the reason for sending it. To prevent the working relationship from being put under unnecessary strain, we advise everyone legal advice seek specialized personal injury firm. This is always completely free of charge for you as a victim of a workplace accident.
For what damages is the employer liable?
Many employees find it unpleasant to hold their employer liable. Nobody wants a fight or hassle with their employer. Yet, you can't avoid getting financially compensated. Fortunately, most employers are insured against personal injury and liability!
To ensure you're not left with the damage, it's a good idea to consider the following aspects of personal injury claims:
- additional costs
- lost revenue
- non-pecuniary damages (loss of enjoyment of life)
After you hold your employer liable for the workplace accident, they will usually forward the matter directly to their insurance company. We advise victims of workplace accidents not to discuss liability and compensation with the liable insurer themselves.
Free assistance in the event of an industrial accident
Precisely because holding an employer liable can be a sensitive matter, we always advise victims to seek advice for you as the victim of a workplace accident completely free of charge!
With years of experience handling personal injury claims resulting from workplace accidents, we know how to handle them without straining the relationship with the employer, client, or employment agency. Call or text us directly for a free consultation. We're happy to help!
When is personal injury caused by an industrial accident?
When is there personal injury due to an industrial accident?
Any accident that occurs during or because of your work and leads to damage to your health (injury) is considered an industrial accident.
A workplace accident usually results from unsafe actions or unsafe situations in the workplace. It doesn't matter whether the accident occurred at another location or while traveling to work; it's still considered a workplace accident.
Types of industrial accidents that result in personal injury
In the Netherlands, the following types of industrial accidents occur most frequently:
- tightness of the body
- falling from a height
- vehicle accident/equipment (forklift, pallet jacks, etc.)
- being hit by an object
- high pressure
- cut or bumped into something
- contact with steam, heat, cold or hazardous substances
- electrocution
- traffic accident on public roads
- slipping, tripping or other falls
- forklift accidents
- conveyor belt accidents
- a machine that is not switched off or has a rotating part of a machine
- pinching between machine and another object
- other machine accidents
- fall from stairs or climbing stairs
- cuts or stab wounds from sharp objects and
- all other accidents that occur at or through work.
Location of accident does not matter
An industrial accident can occur at various locations, such as:
- within the company
- at the office
- on a construction site
- on the premises of another company
- during roadworks
- on public roads
- while working from home or
- at all other locations where you need to be for work.
Injury after a workplace accident
What is meant by injury after a workplace accident? If an accident at work results in damage to your health, it is considered a workplace accident.
Damage to your health is defined as injury, which refers to any damage to your body that causes medical complaints and requires medical treatment.
The term "injury" encompasses more than just visible injuries. Injuries that are not immediately visible or measurable, such as nerve damage, whiplash, forgetfulness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, are also considered injuries.
If you have suffered an injury due to a workplace accident, it is very important that you receive medical attention as quickly as possible.
What to do after an injury caused by a workplace accident
Always seek specialized legal advice. With us, it's 100% free and without obligation.
We can almost always tell you exactly what's going on and what's best for you, based solely on your own story.
If we think you would be better off with legal assistance, we will let you know and tell you why.
If you ask us to assist you with the legal and financial aspects of your workplace accident (personal injury), it's guaranteed free of charge. The liable party (almost always an insurance company) is also required to reimburse your legal costs (i.e., our costs). This is separate and distinct from your own compensation claim.
Ask for advice via WhatsApp, phone, email, or the form on the website. Whatever works best for you. We're happy to explain your specific situation.
Are there consequences if I hold my employer liable after a workplace accident?
Employee prefers not to hold employer liable for personal injury resulting from industrial accident
We know from experience that employees prefer not to hold their employers liable. The reasons for this vary. They usually involve:
- Fear of reprisal: Employees may be reluctant to hold their employer accountable for fear of repercussions such as dismissal, harassment, or other forms of negative treatment.
- Good relationship with employer: employees who have a good relationship with their employer may choose not to hold them liable.
- No need for compensation: If the workplace accident caused minimal injury or financial loss, an employee sometimes chooses to forgo compensation.
It's always important to be aware of your rights and options after a workplace accident. To be on the safe side, always seek professional legal advice.
No negative consequences of holding employers liable after a workplace accident
Don't worry. Normally, there are no negative consequences for you as an employee if you hold your employer liable!
In the Netherlands, virtually all employers are insured for personal injury after a workplace accident. This means your employer never has to pay for your workplace injury themselves. Their insurer does that.
You simply need to hold your employer liable. Your employer will forward your claim to their insurer, who will then handle everything else with you.
You'll soon be dealing solely with your employer's liability insurer. It's crucial then that you seek legal assistance quickly. Or at least request legal advice without obligation.
Always ask for advice
It's always wise to seek specialized legal advice. With us, this advice is 100% free and without obligation.
Based on your story, we can almost always pinpoint the situation and the best course of action. If we believe you would be better served with legal assistance, we will tell you and explain why.
When you ask us for assistance with the legal and financial aspects of your workplace accident (personal injury), this is guaranteed free of charge for you.
The liable party (as mentioned, an insurance company) must always reimburse your legal costs (i.e., our costs), regardless of your own compensation.
You can request advice via WhatsApp, phone, email, or the form on the website – whatever works best for you. We're happy to discuss your specific situation and what steps you can take next.
Stories from the field
That conveyor belt just pulled two of my fingers along with it…
As a temp, I was assigned to work on a sort of assembly line. They explained to me that I had to clean the conveyor belt occasionally, otherwise it would get too cluttered and jam. After a week of working on the conveyor belt, I noticed it was starting to malfunction.
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