FAQ

Yes, in most cases you are entitled to get these costs reimbursed. Your lawyer will collect this cost from the insurance company.

Yes, in many cases you are entitled to receive reimbursement for travel expenses related to doctor or physiotherapist visits. Ask your lawyer to assist you with this.

When stricter liability is not specified by law or contract, people are liable for damage they cause based on the so-called fault rule. One of the conditions for a tortfeasor to be ordered to pay compensation is that they have caused damage through what is called negligent conduct. This means that the tortfeasor caused the damage intentionally or through negligent behavior or inaction.

According to Act No. 69, 1995 on the state treasury's payment of compensation to victims of crimes, the state is obligated to pay compensation to those who suffer damage resulting from violations of the general penal code, e.g., due to serious physical assaults and sexual offenses. However, several more conditions must be met. A claim for payment of compensation from the state treasury must be made, and it is advisable to entrust a lawyer with this. The so-called Compensation Committee decides whether the state should pay compensation.

Compensation for medical disability is calculated based on a medical assessment of how much physical or mental damage is considered to have resulted from an accident. Medical disability is independent of the assessment of how much impact disability can have on the individual's income (permanent disability according to tort law). Medical disability is the basis used when benefits from accident insurance are settled.

It is called an assessment meeting when assessors, usually doctors or a doctor and a lawyer, who have been appointed by your lawyer and the insurance company or appointed by a court, meet with you. The meeting is announced in advance. There you need to answer questions about the accident you were in, your health before and after the accident, your employment history before and after the accident, and your interests. Finally, a doctor examines you.

Non-pecuniary damage refers to mental distress, fear, anxiety, nightmares, etc., that the injured party has to live with as a result of an accident or assault. Non-pecuniary damage is not compensated when it comes to benefits from voluntary accident insurance.

When talking about a stability point or recovery transition, it refers to the date when your health is considered stable and you will not achieve further recovery.

Temporary loss of income refers to the income that the injured person loses due to an accident up to the stability point. If you can demonstrate that you have lost income due to an accident or assault, you are entitled to have that loss of income compensated.

Permanent disability indicates the reduction in your ability to earn income during your working life. Thus, for example, a 10% permanent disability means that due to the accident, you are expected to earn 10% less income over your lifetime than would otherwise have been the case, either by working on average 10% less for the remainder of your working life or by earning less at your job.

Permanent non-pecuniary damage assesses the damage you suffer due to various limitations on your daily activities and leisure, e.g., due to reduced possibilities for outdoor activities, difficulties with movement, and changes in various interests. In simple terms, it can be said to be a reduction in quality of life. The highest permanent non-pecuniary damage is 100%, which means the person is almost completely dependent on others. That person would then receive approximately ISK 15,000,000 in compensation for permanent non-pecuniary damage. Compensation for lesser damage is calculated in proportion to this. Common assessed non-pecuniary damage for neck and/or back pain due to traffic accidents is 5-20%. Permanent non-pecuniary damage is not compensated when it comes to benefits from voluntary accident insurance.