Double Reasonableness Test in Personal Injury Rotterdam
The double reasonableness test is a key legal tool in Dutch personal injury law, specifically for Rotterdam residents, to determine whether out-of-court costs (BGK) can be reimbursed. This test checks whether the costs are proportionate to the damage and to the settlement performance. It prevents claims from spiraling out of control, for example after accidents in the bustling Port of Rotterdam or on busy cycling routes.
What does the double reasonableness test entail?
In personal injury cases in Rotterdam, such as traffic accidents on the Maasboulevard or errors at Erasmus MC, out-of-court costs (BGK) are essential. These cover fees for lawyers and experts before court proceedings. The Supreme Court introduced the double reasonableness test to ensure reimbursability, based on two pillars: proportionality to the damage and contribution to the settlement. This builds on our overview of out-of-court costs (BGK) and is crucial for fair handling.
The test protects Rotterdam policyholders from excessive expenses, while victims receive fair compensation for their legal efforts in complex cases.
Legal basis in Rotterdam
Based on Article 6:96(2) of the Dutch Civil Code, which compensates reasonable out-of-court costs, the Supreme Court elaborated this in the Posnanski judgment (ECLI:NL:HR:2003:AF7096). The same rules apply to Rotterdam claims.
The two conditions are:
- Reasonableness relative to the damage: Costs must match the total claim. For €5,000 damage in an Erasmusbrug cycling accident, €10,000 in lawyer fees is disproportionate.
- Reasonableness relative to the settlement: Costs must be justified by the work required. Simple negotiations do not warrant extensive files.
The Van der Wiel judgment (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:2594) clarified this: objective assessment based on case complexity and local rates, relevant for the District Court of Rotterdam.
The two components explained
First: Proportionality to damage
Out-of-court costs (BGK) should ideally amount to 25-30% of the damage. For non-material claims like pain and suffering, this is more flexible. Example: After a fall on the Coolsingel, you claim €20,000 (medical care and lost income). €6,000 BGK is acceptable (30%), but €2,000 too much for a €2,000 claim.
Second: Proportionality to settlement
Here, the necessity of the work is key. For whiplash after an A20 accident, an expert (€2,500) is often essential to prove causation. Unnecessary letters in cases of quick acknowledgment are not.
Rotterdam practice examples
Application in local injury cases:
- Cycling accident on the Willemsbrug: €10,000 damage. €3,000 BGK for correspondence and negotiations: compliant (30%, necessary). Fully reimbursed.
- Error at Erasmus MC: €100,000 damage. €25,000 for experts: reasonable due to complexity. Approved.
- Minor fall in Kralingen: €1,000 damage. €4,000 unnecessary costs: fails. Limited to €500.
In case of dispute: involve the District Court of Rotterdam or the district court judge, or start at Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for free advice.
Rights and obligations
Victims may claim reasonable out-of-court costs (BGK), but must moderate their costs (Article 6:96(2) of the Dutch Civil Code). Consult Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for support.
- Rights:
- Full payment if the test is passed.
- Clear cost breakdown.
- Recourse at the District Court of Rotterdam.
- Obligations:
- Substantiated invoice.
- No excesses.
- Swift damage assessment.
Insurers must reasonably acknowledge claims. For accidents related to the Municipality of Rotterdam, pay extra attention to local rules.
| Aspect | Reasonable (Rotterdam) | Unreasonable |
|---|---|---|
| Damage €10k | €3k BGK (cycling claim) | €5k unnecessary |
| Complex case | Experts justified | Superfluous investigation |
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