Pain and Suffering Calculation in Den Haag
Pain and suffering compensates for non-material damage such as pain, emotional distress, and grief following an accident or injury. In Den Haag, the calculation follows guidelines from case law and the Smartengeldgids, based on injury severity, duration of complaints, and personal factors. This article helps victims in Den Haag get a realistic idea of their claim. For broader compensation, see our article on compensation for personal injury. For questions, contact the Juridisch Loket Den Haag or the Rechtbank Den Haag.
What exactly is pain and suffering?
Pain and suffering covers the non-physical suffering caused by injury, such as psychological stress, physical discomfort, or reduced quality of life. Unlike material costs like medical expenses or lost income, it focuses on the impact on daily life. Article 6:95 of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC) guarantees reasonable compensation for fatigue and exhaustion and pain.
Amounts vary by case. Judges in Den Haag use the Smartengeldgids from ANWB and partners, which provides standard amounts for common injuries to ensure consistent rulings.
Legal basis for pain and suffering
The foundation is Book 6 of the DCC, particularly Article 6:95 DCC for non-material damage. The Supreme Court (ruling of 20 June 1986, NJ 1987/10) emphasizes a fair and equitable award tailored to the case. Article 6:96 DCC requires a reasonable estimation method, with the Smartengeldgids serving as the current guideline. For permanent disability, Article 6:107 DCC applies. Pain and suffering requires attributable damage (Article 6:162 DCC), often covered by motor vehicle liability insurance for traffic accidents in Den Haag.
How does the Rechtbank Den Haag calculate pain and suffering?
No fixed formula, but a step-by-step assessment by the Rechtbank Den Haag:
- Injury assessment: Medical reports determine severity and duration, such as in whiplash or fractures from bike accidents in Den Haag.
- Personal factors: Age, health, and lifestyle are considered; younger people with long-term suffering receive more.
- Duration of complaints: Temporary versus permanent; for disability: amount per year multiplied by remaining life expectancy.
- Case law: Comparison with Smartengeldgids guidelines, from €500 (minor bruise) to €100,000+ (severe injury).
- No double compensation: Pain and suffering is separate from material claims.
The 2023 Smartengeldgids: €1,500-€3,000 for concussion (3 months); up to €20,000 for PTSD after a tram accident in Den Haag.
Key factors in table
| Factor | Impact on amount | Den Haag example |
|---|---|---|
| Severity of injury | Higher for severe | Broken bone: €5,000; Amputation: €50,000+ |
| Age | Younger = higher | 20-year-old back injury: €30,000; 70-year-old: €10,000 |
| Duration of complaints | Longer = higher | 6 months: €2,000; Permanent: €15,000/year |
| Psychological impact | Extra for trauma | PTSD after bike accident: +€10,000 |
Pain and suffering examples in Den Haag
Bike accident on Grote Marktstraat: whiplash with 12 months of neck pain and anxiety. Pain and suffering €8,000-€12,000, higher for a 35-year-old due to impact on work and beach walks.
Serious tram accident with amputation for 25-year-old: €80,000-€120,000 plus annual amount. Recent Rechtbank Den Haag ruling (2023): €95,000 for similar case, based on Article 6:95 DCC.
For children, such as scars from school accidents in Den Haag neighborhoods: €5,000, focusing on long-term suffering.
Rights of victims in Den Haag
You are entitled to:
- Full compensation for non-material damage via the Rechtbank Den Haag.
- Free advice from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag (Laan van Wateringsveld 62).
- Assistance from the Gemeente Den Haag for rehabilitation or Wmo support.
- Medical expertise at the at-fault party's expense.
Contact local experts for your case.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.