After an accident or injury, the first question is often: “How much compensation can I get?”. The answer is not straightforward, because the amount depends on various factors. In this article, the personal injury lawyers at Arslan Advocaten explain which types of damage exist, how the amount is calculated, and what amounts are possible in practice.

What types of compensation are there?

In cases of personal injury a distinction is made between material damage en Non-material damage.

1. Material damage

These are all the concrete costs and lost income as a result of the accident, such as:

• Loss of income (wages or profit).

• Costs of medical treatments and medicines.

• Travel costs to doctors or therapists.

• Extra help in the household or childcare.

• Costs for modifications to the home or car.

2. Non-material damage (compensation for pain and suffering)

This is compensation for pain, sorrow, and reduced enjoyment of life. It is not about expenses incurred, but about the suffering you experience. The more serious and permanent the injury, the higher this amount can be.

What does the amount of compensation depend on?

The amount of personal injury compensation depends on:

• Severity of the injury (temporary or permanent, minor or severe).

• Age of the victim (young victims often suffer income loss for longer).

• Occupation and income (a top athlete or self-employed person can suffer more loss than someone with a fixed salary).

• Impact on daily life (loss of hobbies, independence, or relationships).

• Medical prognosis (full recovery or permanent limitations).

Examples of personal injury compensation amounts

Note: every case is unique. Still, the examples below give an indication:

• Whiplash: pain and suffering compensation ranges from a few hundred euros (mild, quick recovery) to € 10.000+ (persistent symptoms).

• Bone fractures: temporary bone fracture without residual damage: € 2.000 – € 5.000. Complex fractures with permanent limitations: considerably higher.

• ABI (acquired brain injury): compensation can amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions, especially due to loss of income and ongoing care costs.

• Amputation: in addition to high material damages, often tens of thousands of euros in pain and suffering.

How is compensation calculated?

Compensation is not determined arbitrarily. The following are considered:

1. Specific damage items (receipts, invoices, income records).

2. Medical information (final medical condition, limitations).

3. Comparable rulings from case law (judges look at previous cases to determine amounts).

4. Prognosis for the future (future loss of income or healthcare costs).

Checklist: what to do after personal injury?

• 📑 Collect medical records and reports.

• 💶 Keep track of all expenses and receipts.

• 📅 Record missed workdays and loss of income.

• 🤝 Seek timely legal help: a personal injury lawyer can calculate and recover all losses.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What is the average amount of personal injury compensation?
That varies enormously. Minor accidents often result in amounts of a few thousand euros, while serious and permanent injuries can amount to hundreds of thousands or millions.

2. Will I receive my full compensation immediately?
No, it is often handled with advance payments, because the final losses only become clear once your medical condition has stabilized.

3. Are the costs of a personal injury lawyer reimbursed?
Yes, the liable party must reimburse the reasonable costs of legal assistance. For you, the services of our personal injury lawyers are therefore free of charge.

4. Can I calculate my compensation myself?
You can make an initial estimate of expenses and lost income, but for a complete overview and the best outcome, legal assistance is indispensable.

Conclusion

The amount of personal injury compensation depends entirely on your personal situation: the severity of the injury, your job, your income, and the impact on your daily life. Our specialists in personal injury ensure that truly all damages are included and that you receive what you are entitled to.