Occupational injury – entitlement to compensation?

Occupational injury – do you have questions?

Our lawyers specialise in compensation law and have extensive expertise in occupational injuries. We have worked with this for over 30 years. We estimate that you can receive at least 50–100% more in compensation by using our experienced lawyers than by handling the case yourself.

If you contact us, you will receive a free phone consultation and an assessment of whether you are entitled to occupational injury compensation. Afterwards, you decide whether you would like us to assist you. You will receive advice and guidance regardless. Further legal costs are normally covered by the insurance company.

Our goal is for you to focus on your recovery after the injury, while we handle your compensation case. We emphasise personal contact, keep you continuously updated, and give feedback on what you can achieve.

We care, have the necessary experience, and fight for your case!

About occupational injury compensation

Here you will find the most important information you need to know about compensation following occupational injuries.

What does occupational injury insurance cover?

Here you get an overview of what the insurance company covers after an occupational injury.

Rights in the event of an occupational injury

Here you can read about your rights with the insurance company and public authorities if you have an occupational injury approved by NAV or the insurance company.

What is an approved occupational injury?

Here you can see what it means to have an approved occupational injury and how to obtain approval.

Occupational injuries in traffic

Involved in a road traffic accident at work? You may be covered by several insurance policies – read more about what this means here.

Compensation for non-economic loss

Here you can read more about what non-economic compensation is, and how it is calculated and paid.

Permanent medical impairment

What is permanent medical impairment? How it is assessed and the impairment table.

Case examples

Here you can find examples of occupational injury cases that we have handled for our clients.

Collective agreement (public sector)

Here you can read about the coverage public sector employees have through the national collective agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Here you will find our answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive.

Our tips

Here you can read our tips for dealing with an occupational injury.

Occupational injury – rights and compensation

If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation. An occupational injury also gives you rights within the public system. We have over 30 years of experience with compensation cases and know how important it is that you understand your claims and your rights. Our lawyers are specialists in this field and can help you so that you receive what you are entitled to.

We can help you recover loss of income, treatment expenses and other costs from your employer’s insurance company. Our team also has extensive experience in selecting specialists for medical assessments, preparing final compensation claims and negotiating with insurance companies. We can also represent you in court if necessary.

Many people find it challenging to handle a case alone against an insurance company. We help you so that you can focus on your recovery.

What is an occupational injury?

An occupational injury is a personal injury, illness or death caused by a work accident. A work accident is defined as a sudden or unexpected external event that occurs in the course of work. A specific, time-limited external event that results in an unusual strain compared to what is normal in the job may also qualify as a work accident.

In many cases it is straightforward to identify an occupational injury, for example falls from scaffolding, roofs or ladders, or crush injuries. In some situations it can be more difficult. The description in the injury report is often key evidence. If you are unsure how to complete the report or whether your situation qualifies as an occupational injury, it may be wise to contact us.

Good to know – the insurance company usually covers legal costs in occupational injury cases.

Strain injuries that develop over time in the musculoskeletal system are not considered occupational injuries. The same applies to conditions resulting from psychological strain over time. This is because it is difficult to distinguish such conditions from everyday strain outside work.

Are you entitled to compensation?

If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation.

This requires that you have suffered a financial loss after the accident, such as lost income or additional expenses. You may also be entitled to compensation if you have sustained a permanent injury of a certain extent.

An occupational injury case is between you and the insurance company where your employer has taken out occupational injury insurance. Only in rare cases can the employer be held liable.

Are you unsure whether you are entitled to compensation? Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. With our experience, you will quickly receive an assessment.

Which occupational injuries can you receive compensation for?

You may receive compensation for injuries that cause financial loss or permanent impairment of a certain extent.

For example:

– fractures

– crush injuries

PTSD

whiplash

– head injuries

What are you entitled to? What does occupational injury insurance cover?

If you have been injured at work, you are entitled to compensation for all financial losses resulting from the injury. Each case is assessed individually, which is why simple calculators cannot provide accurate results.

You may be entitled to compensation for loss of income, future loss of income, expenses, loss of household services, non-economic loss and legal costs.

Read more: Compensation after occupational injury – what does insurance cover?

What is an approved occupational injury?

It is NAV and the employer’s insurance company that approve whether an injury qualifies as an occupational injury. NAV assesses this under the rules of the National Insurance Act, while the insurance company applies the Occupational Injury Insurance Act. Decisions are normally made independently.

An approved occupational injury gives you rights under the National Insurance Act and entitles you to compensation under the Occupational Injury Insurance Act.

Read more: What is an approved occupational injury

Occupational injuries in traffic

If you are injured in traffic while working, for example in a car accident, you are covered by several regulations. You are entitled to compensation under the rules that provide the highest payout. This requires calculations under different legal frameworks.

Read more: Occupational injuries in traffic

What must you prove?

You carry the burden of proof. This means you must document that your injury and financial loss are a result of the accident.

Medical records are often decisive evidence. It is important to seek medical treatment and follow up regularly so that your injuries are properly documented.

Read more: Our tips for occupational injury cases

Public sector employees

If you are employed in the public sector, you may also be covered by additional compensation schemes through collective agreements. Compensation must be calculated under different frameworks to determine what is most beneficial for you.

Read more: Collective agreement coverage

Why contact a lawyer early?

Early legal guidance helps secure your rights. Many clients find the process challenging and time-consuming when dealing directly with insurance companies. In most cases, professional assistance leads to a significantly better outcome.

Do you have to pay legal fees?

The first consultation is free. In most cases, legal costs are covered by the insurance company. You will receive clear information before entering into any agreement.

Compensation for non-economic loss

If you suffer a permanent injury of a certain degree, you may be entitled to compensation for non-economic loss. Medical specialists assess the level of permanent impairment based on official disability tables.

Choosing the right specialist is important and can significantly affect your compensation. It is recommended not to let the insurance company decide this alone.

Read more: Compensation for non-economic loss

When can a case be concluded?

Typically, a case is finalised once the injury has stabilised, usually after 2–3 years. A specialist assessment is then obtained to determine permanent impairment and work capacity. Compensation is calculated based on both past and future loss.

Most cases are settled through negotiations with the insurance company. If necessary, the case may proceed to court.

Check your insurance coverage

Review any insurance policies you may have and notify the relevant companies. You may have overlapping coverage and claims against multiple insurers.

Special NAV rules

There are special rules for those injured at work, including better conditions for sick pay and benefits. You may also be exempt from certain user fees for medical treatment.

Learn more at: https://www.nav.no/yrkesskade

Occupational disease compensation

You may be entitled to compensation for occupational diseases. These cases are often complex and require thorough medical and legal assessment.

Read more: Occupational disease