If you are injured in an accident and it was not your fault that the accident happened, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. This is to recover your losses, such as loss of income when you are unable to work and damage to your possessions.
But, what are the situations in which you may claim compensation for your injuries? This is something that many people are unaware of, and not having enough information is one of the reasons many people in Singapore don’t make a personal injury claim, despite being entitled to do so.
With this in mind, below are 4 of the most common types of accident claims made in the Singapore:
#1 Accidents at Work
Although you may think your work environment is safe, hazards present themselves all the time in the workplace. Of course, some locations see accidents more frequently than others – such as factories and building sites being riskier than offices for example. However, there is no place completely without its risks.
Your employer has a duty of care to ensure you are working in a safe environment without the risk of injury. They must ensure you have received full health and safety training and given you the appropriate tools to perform your job safely. If this is not the case and you are injured while carrying out the duties of your work, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation against your employer.
You may claim under the common law or the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), but you cannot do both.
The main advantage of WICA over common law is that you do not need to prove your employer was at fault, but there are set limits to the amount of compensation you may claim under WICA.
#2 Road Traffic Accidents
The roads are a congested and dangerous place to be. While you may believe that you are a very safe driver, or have a car with the very best protective technology, unfortunately, there are many other drivers who do not take the same levels of care when on the road.
If you are involved in a road traffic accident, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation against the driver who has caused the accident.
You may recover your losses for damage to the car, for any injury and pain you are suffering, and for any loss you have suffered as a result of your injuries.
#3 Medical Negligence
The health system in the Singapore is, fortunately, at a very high standard and our medical professionals are well qualified to perform all sorts of complex procedures. However, there are occasions when things can go wrong, resulting in devastating injuries for the victims.
Medical professionals and staff have a duty of care to ensure you are kept safe during your time in their care. They have a legal obligation to perform their duties to the desired result. If this does not happen and you are left with an injury or condition as a result of a medical procedure or medication given to you, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
#4 Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
These are one of the most common injury claims, due to the sheer number of hazards that we face just by stepping outside the door every day. Whether it is tripping over an uneven pavement, or slipping on a wet floor in the supermarket, you need to consider whether someone else is liable for the injuries they have caused you.
People and organisations have a duty to ensure that they provide a safe environment for members of the public. If the person or organisation responsible for the area where you suffered your accident has not done so, they may be at fault.
This means that you will be entitled to make a compensation claim against them.
Need legal advice for accidents claims?
If you need advice for accidents related matters, you can get a Quick Consult with Viviene or other lawyers. With Quick Consult, you can check out in minutes and for a transparent, flat fee of S$49, the lawyers will call you back on the phone within 1-2 days to answer your questions and give you legal advice.
This article is written by Viviene Sandhu from Clifford Law and was first published on Clifford Law’s website.
This article does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion on any matter discussed and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and practice in this area. If you require any advice or information, please speak to a practicing lawyer in your jurisdiction. No individual who is a member, partner, shareholder or consultant of, in or to any constituent part of Interstellar Group Pte. Ltd. accepts or assumes responsibility, or has any liability, to any person in respect of this article.
Continue reading:
- What to do if you get into a traffic accident with a foreign vehicle
- Traffic Accident Victims: How to Make a Claim?
- What to do after a traffic accident in Singapore – Tips from a lawyer