FAQ

Yes. In most cases, you are entitled to reimbursement for these costs. Your lawyer will claim these expenses from the insurance company on your behalf.

Yes. In many cases, you are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses related to visits to doctors or physiotherapists. Ask your lawyer to assist you with this.

When no stricter liability is established by law or contract, a person is liable for damage they cause under what is known as the principle of fault. One of the conditions for a person to be ordered to pay compensation is that the damage was caused by culpable conduct — meaning the person caused the harm intentionally or through negligent action or inaction.

Under Act No. 69/1995 on State Payment of Compensation to Victims of Crime, the Icelandic state is responsible for paying compensation to individuals who suffer damage as a result of criminal offences, such as serious assaults or sexual offences. Certain additional conditions must be met. A formal claim must be submitted to request compensation from the state, and it is advisable to have a lawyer handle this process. The so-called Compensation Committee decides whether the state is obligated to pay compensation in each case.

Compensation for medical disability is based on a medical assessment of the extent of the physical or psychological injury caused by an accident. Medical disability is independent of how the injury affects a person's ability to work or earn income (which is assessed separately as permanent disability under the Tort Liability Act). The degree of medical disability forms the basis for calculating compensation under accident insurance.

An evaluation meeting takes place when independent experts — usually a doctor or a doctor and a lawyer — appointed by your lawyer and the insurance company, or by the court, meet with you to assess your case. You will receive advance notice of the meeting. During the session, you will be asked questions about the accident, your health before and after the injury, your employment history, and your daily activities or hobbies. Finally, the doctor will conduct a medical examination.

This refers to the mental distress a person experiences as a result of an accident or assault — such as anxiety, fear, nightmares, or other psychological suffering.

The point of stabilization (or maximum medical recovery) refers to the date when your health condition is considered stable and no further improvement is expected.

Temporary loss of income refers to the earnings you lose from the time of the accident until the point of stabilization. If you can demonstrate that you lost income as a result of the accident or an assault, you are entitled to compensation for that loss.

Permanent disability refers to the reduction in your ability to earn income over the course of your working life. For example, a 10% permanent disability means it is estimated that, because of the accident, you will earn 10% less income over your lifetime than you otherwise would have — either by working about 10% less on average for the remainder of your career or through a lasting reduction in earning capacity.

Permanent non-pecuniary damage refers to the lasting reduction in your quality of life caused by limitations in your daily activities and leisure pursuits — for example, reduced ability to enjoy outdoor activities, difficulties with movement, or changes to your hobbies and interests. In simple terms, it reflects a loss of life enjoyment. The highest possible rating is 100%, which corresponds to a person who is almost completely dependent on others. Such a case would result in compensation of roughly ISK 15,000,000. Lower degrees of impairment are compensated proportionally — for instance, neck or back injuries from a traffic accident are often assessed between 5% and 20%. Compensation for permanent non-pecuniary damage is not included in payments made under private accident insurance policies.