Material versus Immaterial Damage: Differences and Combination in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, the vibrant port city where traffic accidents on the Erasmus Bridge or A20 often lead to personal injury claims, material damage comprises measurable costs such as hospital bills at Erasmus MC and loss of income (article 6:95 BW). Immaterial damage concerns non-pecuniary loss for suffered suffering, such as pain following a collision on the Westersingel. Both are combined in claims at the Rotterdam District Court.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Material | Immaterial |
|---|---|---|
| Calculation | Erasmus MC invoices and payslips | Equity, Smartengeldgids and medical reports |
| Evidence | Quantifiable via invoices | Medical specialists and subjective testimonies |
| Financial Impact | Direct financial loss | Psychological suffering due to Rotterdam traffic jams |
Combining Claims in Rotterdam Practice
Example from a typical Rotterdam traffic accident on the Kralingse Plaslaan: €35,000 material (car repair and hospital admission) + €20,000 immaterial for trauma. Full compensation requires claiming both via a local personal injury lawyer. Tax-free, but set off against benefits from the UWV in Rotterdam-South.
Strategy: Engage a Rotterdam expert, such as specialised firms on the Coolsingel, to quantify total damage. This way, you maximise the payout taking into account local port worker pensions and traffic congestion.