What Is Compensation for Permanent Injury?
Compensation for permanent injury following an occupational injury is compensation for permanent damage. A medical disability assessment must be established for the permanent injuries, and the compensation amount is determined based on this.
The compensation is intended to compensate for loss of quality of life that cannot be measured financially (non-economic loss). The degree of medical disability determines the compensation amount, unlike any financial losses caused by the injury. The degree of medical disability is established as a percentage, and the compensation is calculated based on the National Insurance basic amount (G). This means that even if you have sustained a significant permanent injury but are still able to work full-time, you may still be entitled to compensation for permanent injury.
Occupational Injury and Compensation for Permanent Injury
All companies are legally required to provide occupational injury insurance for their employees. Compensation for permanent injury resulting from permanent medical disability at work is covered by such insurance. In addition, NAV also pays compensation for permanent injury.
If you have suffered an occupational injury or developed a work-related illness, and your condition has stabilised following medical treatment and rehabilitation, you may, pursuant to the regulations, be entitled to compensation for permanent injury. You must see a doctor (specialist) to have a permanent and substantial medical disability established. By permanent, this means injuries you must live with for at least 7–10 years, and by substantial, this means a disability rating of at least 15 percent.
How Do You Apply for Compensation for Permanent Injury Following an Occupational Injury?
There are three requirements that must be met in order to apply for compensation for permanent injury. The injury must be permanent, significant, and medical in nature. A doctor issues a specialist report describing your degree of permanent medical disability in accordance with the disability assessment table. The specialist report provides the basis for calculating your compensation amount.
Good to Know – Insurance Companies Usually Cover Legal Costs in Occupational Injury Cases.
As a general rule, you can apply for compensation from NAV no earlier than one year after the injury occurred. In many cases, this will also be the appropriate time to contact the insurance company and propose the choice of specialist to prepare the specialist report.
Read more about compensation for permanent injury on NAV’s website.
How Is Compensation for Permanent Injury Calculated?
Much of the calculation of compensation for permanent injury is standardised. The compensation is calculated based on the degree of permanent medical disability, expected remaining life expectancy, and the National Insurance basic amount (G). In many cases, an insurance company will pay a lump sum. Compensation for permanent injury from NAV is a lifelong benefit paid monthly. However, it may also be paid as a lump sum, which would then include the entire compensation amount you are entitled to from the time of payment.
The calculation of compensation for permanent injury is assessed according to the following table.
Approximately one-third of the total compensation for permanent injury is paid by the occupational injury insurance, while the remaining two-thirds are paid by NAV.
Legal Assistance
Occupational injury cases, traffic injury cases, and patient injury cases in general, and compensation for permanent injury in particular, are governed by complex regulations. Many factors affect the compensation amount, but the most important is the specialist report, which has the greatest impact on the amount you will receive. Choosing the right specialist who can provide the correct assessment for your injury profile is therefore extremely important. We know who you should choose. Many people are probably unnecessarily hesitant to seek legal assistance in such cases. However, the insurance company is obliged to cover reasonable and necessary legal expenses. Speak with us, and we will ensure that you receive the compensation you are actually entitled to in your particular case.
