After an occupational injury, financial questions often arise, including questions about compensation. Who covers the costs of doctors and physiotherapy? What should I do about my loss of income? Here you will find an overview of the compensation you may be entitled to following an occupational injury or a workplace accident.
Many people ask for a calculator to estimate compensation after an occupational injury. Because each case is assessed individually – for example, based on your income level and the number of years of financial loss – such calculators rarely provide accurate results. There is almost always disagreement with insurance companies about which figures should be included in the calculation, making the outcome uncertain. We therefore recommend contacting a lawyer who can help you use the correct figures and assumptions, ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
If you have been injured at work, you are entitled to have all expenses covered, both current and future, that arise as a result of the injury. You are also entitled to compensation for loss of income through occupational injury insurance. Loss of income is assessed individually in each case. Which expenses can be covered depends on your needs, the nature of your injury, and the income you would have had if the injury had not occurred.
No two occupational injury cases are the same, and there will always be discussions with the insurance company. Common issues include determining the extent of your actual financial loss. There may be questions about how significantly the occupational injury affects you and whether other factors have contributed to your condition. Your compensation claim will depend on your education, occupation, income situation, family circumstances, and the nature of your injury. We have extensive experience with these assessments and can help clarify what you are entitled to.
Learn more about your rights following an occupational injury here.
Good to know – the insurance company usually covers legal costs in occupational injury cases.
Loss of income
You are entitled to compensation for loss of income from the insurance company. This usually arises after the sick pay period if you have not returned to full employment. You may also have earlier loss of income if you previously earned overtime, additional work income, or earned above 6G.
If you do not return to full employment, you are also entitled to compensation for future loss of income (basic compensation). In occupational injury cases, future loss is typically assessed using a standardised method.
Most people need help to calculate their loss of income correctly. Insurance companies are experienced in this, so we recommend that you also get assistance from specialists in this area.
Compensation for non-economic loss
If you have suffered an occupational injury that has been approved, you may be entitled to compensation for non-economic loss from both NAV and the insurance company.
This type of compensation is awarded when you have sustained a permanent injury resulting in medical impairment. It compensates for reduced quality of life that cannot be measured financially. The degree of impairment determines the amount, and it is assessed by a medical specialist.
The compensation is calculated as a percentage of the National Insurance basic amount (G). This differs from financial loss compensation, which is based on actual income and expenses. You may be entitled even if you can still work. We can help assess whether this applies to you.
If the conditions are met, you are entitled to compensation for non-economic loss from both NAV and the insurance company. You must apply to NAV yourself. As a general rule, you must wait at least one year after the accident, and you must have at least 15% medical impairment. Read more here.
Expenses
You are entitled to have all reasonable and necessary expenses covered by the insurance company. First, check what is covered by public authorities. Then the remaining costs can be claimed from the insurer.
We recommend keeping all receipts. Small costs can accumulate into significant amounts over time.
You must submit receipts to Helfo within six months to receive reimbursement.
Find more information here: HelseNorge
Loss of household services
You may be entitled to compensation for household services you are no longer able to perform due to the injury.
The calculation is based on the cost of hiring others to perform the work. Keep receipts for these expenses.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages must be claimed directly from the employer and require gross negligence or intent. These claims are rare in occupational injury cases.
Compensation in case of death – loss of dependency
If a workplace injury results in death, dependants may be entitled to compensation.
Legal costs
You are entitled to have necessary and reasonable legal costs covered by occupational injury insurance.
