Accidents happen when we least expect them. Whether it’s a traffic incident, a workplace mishap, or even a slip and fall at a shopping mall, getting hurt due to someone else’s carelessness is never just physical; it takes a toll emotionally and financially, too. If you’ve ever wondered how much a personal injury claim in Singapore you might be entitled to, you’re not alone.
In this blog, we’ll talk you through what a personal injury claim in Singapore really involves, from the steps you need to take to what sort of amounts people typically claim. We’ll also clear up common questions about personal injury claims in Singapore and help you understand where to start if you need legal help.
What Is A Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process where someone seeks compensation after being injured due to another person’s actions or negligence. This could be a physical injury, such as broken bones, cuts, or long-term disabilities. It can also include emotional or psychological trauma that results from the incident.
The key point is that the injury must have been caused by someone else who owed you a duty of care and failed to act reasonably. This can happen in everyday situations, such as being hit by a car, slipping on a wet floor that was not marked with warning signs, or being injured at work due to unsafe conditions.
Personal injury claims are not about punishing the other party. Instead, they focus on helping the injured person recover financially and medically. The goal is to cover your losses, such as medical bills, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering.
How Much Personal Injury Claim In Singapore?
The amount you can claim depends heavily on the severity of your injury, how it affects your daily life, and the financial losses you’ve suffered because of it. The Court does not follow a fixed number for every case but relies on various legal tools and past judgments to arrive at a fair amount.
General Damages: For Pain and Suffering
To estimate compensation for pain and suffering, as well as future medical needs, Singapore Courts refer to a guidebook called the Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages. This guide provides a range of compensation values depending on the type and severity of the injury.
For instance, if someone suffers a below-the-knee amputation of one leg, the general range according to the guidelines is between $40,000 and $70,000. However, the Courts have the discretion to go beyond this range in exceptional cases.
Factors such as age, long-term suffering, and attempts at recovery can influence how much you are awarded for general damages.
Special Damages: For Actual Financial Loss
Special damages refer to specific out-of-pocket expenses you’ve had to bear because of your injury. These can include:
- Medical bills
- Surgery costs
- Rehabilitation or physiotherapy
- Transport for hospital visits
- Assistive devices (like wheelchairs or prosthetics)
- Loss of income due to time off work
To successfully claim special damages, you must provide proof such as receipts, medical invoices, and transport logs. The Court will also assess whether the expenses were reasonable. For example, if you choose a high-end private hospital without clear medical justification, you may not be able to recover the full cost.
Future Loss of Income: The Multiplier-Multiplicand Method
If your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you can claim for loss of future earnings. The Singapore Courts use a well-established multiplier-multiplicand approach to calculate this.
- The multiplicand is your annual loss of earnings.
- The multiplier is the number of years you would have continued to work if not for the injury, adjusted for things like retirement age and potential risks (like premature death or changing job conditions).
This total figure is then slightly reduced to account for real-world uncertainties. The Court refers to the Actuarial Tables with Explanatory Notes for use in Personal Injury and Death Claims, published by the Singapore Academy of Law, to help decide the right multiplier.
Workplace Injuries: Compensation Under WICA
If you’re injured at work, your claim might fall under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) instead of the Court system. WICA provides a faster, non-litigious route to compensation, especially for foreign workers and lower-income employees.
The compensation is based on a formula:
Average monthly earnings × Age multiplying factor × % of permanent incapacity
For example:
- Average monthly salary: $2,000
- Age: 59 years old (factor: 102)
- Permanent loss of an arm at the elbow: 75% disability
The claim amount would be:
$2,000 × 102 × 75% = $153,000
Legal Costs and Punitive Damages
In some cases, the Court may order the other party to cover part or all of your legal fees, especially if your claim succeeds. This can ease the financial pressure of bringing a personal injury claim.
As for punitive damages, these are rarely awarded in Singapore. They may be considered only if the other party’s conduct was particularly outrageous or malicious. However, if they have already been criminally punished, the Court is unlikely to impose additional penalties through civil damages.
When Can You File A Personal Injury Claim In Singapore?
You can file a personal injury claim in Singapore if you have suffered harm as a result of someone else’s fault or carelessness. The law requires that certain conditions be met for your claim to be valid.
First, you must be able to prove that the other party owed you a duty of care and that their negligence directly caused your injury.
Second, your injury must be backed by evidence. This includes medical reports, photos, receipts, witness statements, and official documents such as accident reports. The more detailed and organised your evidence, the stronger your claim will be in Court.
Lastly, you must act within the legal time limit. In Singapore, you usually have up to three years from the date of the accident or injury to start legal proceedings. This is known as the limitation period. In cases involving minors or people who are mentally incapacitated, the time limit may be extended.
What Is The Process For Personal Injury Claims In Singapore?
Here’s a simple overview of what typically happens:
- Get Medical Attention First – Always seek treatment immediately. This isn’t just for your health, it’s also vital proof for your claim.
- Report the Incident – Depending on the nature of the injury, report it to the police, your employer, or the relevant body.
- Gather Evidence – Photos, receipts, reports, and witness statements are all important.
- Consult A Lawyer – A good lawyer can advise you on your next steps and manage the legal process for you.
- Pre-Action Protocols – Before going to Court, parties are encouraged to settle matters amicably through negotiations or mediation.
- Filing A Lawsuit – If the settlement isn’t possible, a formal lawsuit is filed, and the matter proceeds in the Court.
Conclusion About Personal Injury Claims In Singapore
Suffering a personal injury can be overwhelming. But understanding your rights and the steps to take can help you find a sense of control again. Whether you’re wondering how much a personal injury claim in Singapore is or you just want advice on what to do next, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Talk to Tembusu Law today because you deserve the best criminal lawyers in Singapore who care, and who fight to get what you rightfully deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims In Singapore
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim?
You typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim in Singapore. However, exceptions can apply for minors or mental incapacity.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Personal Injury Claim?
While it’s not legally required, having a lawyer significantly improves your chances of a successful claim and ensures you’re fairly compensated.
Can I Claim For Emotional Distress?
Yes, emotional distress and psychological trauma can be part of your claim under general damages, especially if supported by medical evidence.
How Much Personal Injury Claim In Singapore Can I Expect?
Amounts vary, but claims range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to six-figure sums for severe or permanent injuries.
