Pain and Suffering Compensation in Rotterdam
Pain and suffering compensation covers non-pecuniary damage such as pain, emotional distress, and grief following an accident or injury. For residents of Rotterdam, with its busy port and cycle paths, the calculation follows guidelines from case law and the Pain and Suffering Guide. The Rotterdam District Court applies amounts based on injury severity, duration of complaints, and personal circumstances. This article provides victims in Rotterdam with insight into their claim. See the article on personal injury compensation for more details. Contact Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for free advice if you have questions.
What Does Pain and Suffering Compensation Mean for Residents of Rotterdam?
Pain and suffering compensation reimburses non-physical suffering from injury, such as psychological stress, pain, or limitations in daily life – for example, no longer being able to enjoy a walk along the Maas. Article 6:95 of the Dutch Civil Code guarantees a reasonable compensation for suffering and pain. In Rotterdam cases, the Rotterdam District Court applies this to local accidents, such as bike collisions in the city.
Amounts vary by case. Judges in Rotterdam refer to the Pain and Suffering Guide by ANWB and partners, which provides guidelines for typical injuries to ensure consistency in judgments.
Legal Basis for Pain and Suffering Compensation
Article 6:95 of the Dutch Civil Code forms the foundation for non-pecuniary damage compensation. The Supreme Court (judgment of 20 June 1986, NJ 1987/10) requires a reasonable compensation tailored to the case. Article 6:96 of the Dutch Civil Code calls for a reasonable estimate, with the Pain and Suffering Guide as the leading reference, updated with recent Rotterdam cases. In cases of severe disability, Article 6:107 of the Dutch Civil Code also applies. Pain and suffering compensation requires attributable damage (Article 6:162 of the Dutch Civil Code). In Rotterdam traffic accidents, motor vehicle liability insurance often covers the payout.
How Does the Rotterdam District Court Calculate Pain and Suffering Compensation?
There is no fixed formula, but a step-by-step method based on subjective factors:
- Injury assessment: Medical reports determine severity and duration. In Rotterdam, whiplash from tram accidents often results in higher amounts.
- Personal factors: Age, job in the port, or prior health play a role. Younger residents of Rotterdam with long-term suffering receive more.
- Duration of complaints: Temporary versus permanent; for lasting injury: amount per year of disability × life expectancy.
- Case law: Pain and Suffering Guide guidelines, from €500 (minor bruise) to €100,000+ (tetraplegia).
- No deduction for material damage: Prevents double recovery.
Pain and Suffering Guide 2023: €1,500-€3,000 for concussion (3 months); up to €20,000 for PTSD after a traffic accident in Rotterdam.
Key Factors in Table
| Factor | Impact on Amount | Rotterdam Example |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of injury | Higher for severe | Fracture: €5,000; Amputation: €50,000+ |
| Age | Younger = greater impact | 25-year-old port worker with back injury: €30,000; 70-year-old: €10,000 |
| Duration of complaints | Longer = higher | 6 months: €2,000; Permanent: €15,000/year |
| Psychological impact | Extra for trauma | PTSD after bike accident: +€10,000 |
Examples of Pain and Suffering Compensation in Rotterdam Accidents
Bike accident at Kralingse Plas: whiplash with 12 months of neck pain and anxiety. Pain and Suffering Guide suggests €8,000-€12,000; for a 35-year-old resident of Rotterdam, increased due to impact on work and city walks.
Severe car accident with amputation for a 25-year-old: €80,000-€120,000 plus annual amount. In a 2023 Rotterdam District Court case, a victim received €95,000 (Article 6:95 of the Dutch Civil Code).
For children, such as scars from a school accident in Rotterdam-South: €5,000, focusing on long-term suffering.
Your Rights as a Victim in Rotterdam
You are entitled to:
- Full non-pecuniary damage compensation.
- Medical expertise via the Municipality of Rotterdam or insurer.
- Assistance from Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for filing claims.
- Preliminary proceedings at the Rotterdam District Court.
Contact Juridisch Loket Rotterdam directly for personal guidance.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
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Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
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Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
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Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
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