• How compensation is calculated in a personal injury claim

    If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation—but how is that amount actually determined? In the Netherlands, personal injury compensation (schadevergoeding) is based on various types of damages you’ve suffered, both financially and emotionally. Here’s how we calculate what you’re owed.

    Economic damages

    These are the tangible, measurable costs related to your injury. They often include:

    Medical expenses
    This covers all medical costs, including hospital bills, GP visits, medication, physical therapy, and future medical treatments if your recovery is ongoing.

    Loss of income
    If you’re unable to work temporarily or permanently, your lost earnings are factored in. This also includes reduced earning capacity if you’re forced to change jobs or work fewer hours due to your injury.

    Travel and out-of-pocket costs
    Expenses for traveling to medical appointments, parking fees, or hiring help at home (such as cleaners or carers) can be included in your claim.

    Non-economic damages

    These are also known as immateriële schade or pain and suffering compensation (smartengeld). They compensate you for:

    • physical pain

    • emotional distress

    • reduced enjoyment of life

    • permanent disability or scarring

    There are no fixed amounts for this type of compensation. Instead, insurers and courts look at similar past cases, the severity of your injury, and how it impacts your daily life.

    how we calculate your compensation

    At Injury Lawyer Amsterdam, we take a thorough approach:

    1. we work with medical experts to understand the full impact of your injury

    2. we gather evidence of your financial losses and future costs

    3. we reference case law and court decisions to assess non-economic damages

    4. we build a strong claim and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf

    Our goal is to ensure nothing is overlooked—so you receive fair, full compensation for what you’ve been through.

    Ready to find out what your claim is worth?

    If you’ve been injured in an accident, we’re here to help. At Injury Lawyer Amsterdam, we calculate your damages carefully and fight for the compensation you deserve—completely free of charge. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.