Compensation from the municipality: Your rights and roadmap
When you suffer personal injury at the hands of the municipality, it is important to know what steps you can take to claim compensation. In this article, you will discover your rights and learn how to hold the municipality liable.
When is the municipality liable?
The municipality is responsible for maintaining public areas, such as roads, sidewalks and parks. If you are injured by, for example, a poorly maintained sidewalk or a dangerous situation in a park, the municipality may be liable for your damages. However, you must be able to prove that the municipality was negligent in its duty of care.
Roadmap for claiming damages
- Document the incident: Take pictures of the situation and your injuries. Record the exact location, date and time of the incident.
- Collect witness statements: Write down witnesses’ contact information and ask them for written statements.
- Report the incident to the municipality: File an official complaint with the municipality detailing what happened.
- Hold the municipality liable: Send a registered letter holding the municipality liable for your damages.
- Get legal help: A specialized personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the process and protect your interests.
Why legal help is important
Claiming compensation from the municipality can be complicated. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you with:
- Collecting evidence.
- Drafting legal documents.
- Negotiations with the municipality.
- Representation in any lawsuit.
What reimbursements can you claim?
With a successful claim, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses: such as treatments, medication and rehabilitation.
- Loss of income: Compensation for lost income due to disability.
- Smart money: Compensation for pain and suffering.
- Other expenses: Consider travel expenses or necessary modifications to your home.
Tips for a successful claim
At Letselschade Advocaat Amsterdam, we work exclusively for victims. Our goal is to represent your interests and ensure fair compensation, even in complex cases. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the entire process, from determining liability to negotiating fair compensation.
Tips for a successful claim:
- Be on time: Make sure you file your claim within the legal deadlines.
- Keep all documents: Keep a file of correspondence, medical reports and other relevant documents.
- Provide complete information: Make sure you give an accurate account of the incident and your injury.
Read more about:
Personal injury calculationTraffic accidentLiability