Personal injury claims in Singapore help those who suffer injuries as a result of someone else's negligence obtain compensation. Thus, an injury resulting from a road accident, a workplace incident, medical negligence, or a slip and fall, it is vital to understand how the claims process works to be able to safeguard your legal rights. It is probably intimidating to file a personal injury claim, but it would certainly be of great help if you know how to proceed from one step to another.

Generally, a personal injury claim starts with the determination of who is at fault. That is to say, it requires proof that the negligence of the party - be it a driver, an employer, a property owner, or a medical professional - caused the injury. In Singapore, the law of negligence stipulates that one must prove that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, that the defendant breached that duty and that the breach directly caused the plaintiff's injuries. During this stage, it is extremely important to have in your possession evidence such as pictures, police reports, medical records, witness statements, and CCTV footage.

There is no doubt that seeking medical help immediately is one of the most important things to do after an accident. Apart from taking care of your health, medical records will later be used as formal evidence of an injury. Even if the injuries are seemingly minor at the moment, it is still possible for complications to appear later, that is why a proper medical follow-up is indispensable. Your medical reports are your claim's core and are the main factor that influences the compensation that you may be entitled to.

In Singapore, personal injury compensation usually takes care of a few different aspects such as medical expenses (both past and future), loss of income, pain and suffering, and other special damages. The sum of compensation varies depending on the extent of the injury, the impact of the injury on the injured person's life, their capability of work, and any side effects their health may suffer in the long run. Courts decide on the amount of compensation based on the guidelines and precedents of the past cases to make it fair and just and to ensure that similar injuries are compensated equally.

The majority of personal injury cases in Singapore are settled through negotiations before they are taken to court. These cases are usually handled by insurance companies, especially in the case of motor accidents or workplace injuries. Insurers frequently propose early settlements, but victims should be wary. Early settlement acceptance without thorough comprehension of the injury's long-term effects might lead to insufficient compensation. For this reason, a good number of claimants decide to hire a personal injury attorney who can represent them in negotiation and help them achieve a fair result.

Though not a requirement, the involvement of a personal injury lawyer in your case will, in most instances, lead to better results. Lawyers are well acquainted with the intricacies of Singapore's laws, regulations, and negotiation techniques. They can assist in collecting evidence, determining how much the claim is worth, talking with the insurer, and if the situation calls for it, they can stand for you in the court. Their skill sets guarantee that your rights are intact and that you won't be forced to agree to an unfair settlement.

Time limitations are also very important in personal injury cases. Most of the cases in Singapore should be brought to court within three years starting from the day of the accident or your first observation of injuries. Failing to meet this deadline may cause the loss of the right to file for compensation altogether. The Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) has different reporting requirements for work-related injuries, so it is vital to take action quickly.

One of the main differences that victims should be aware of is whether their filing a claim under WICA or suing for damages under common law. It is generally understood that WICA claims take less time and there is no need to prove negligence, however, the amount of compensation can be lower as compared to a common-law claim. Whereas suing under common law gives you the right to claim a wider range of damages but it also requires that you prove that someone else is at fault. To figure out which option is the most advantageous based on their situations, a lot of victims talk to lawyers.

It is very important to keep detailed records throughout the personal injury claim process. Besides that, you have to make a note of all your medical costs, receipts, accident reports, and also letters from the insurers or employers. These papers support your case and are the means through which you can claim any compensation due to you. Furthermore, by following medical advice, going to your appointments, and not engaging in activities that may hinder your recovery, you can deter the insurers from disputing your claim.

At the end of the day, filing a personal injury claim in Singapore is about making sure that the victims get the right amount of money to make up for the damage that they have been through. To start with, this might look like a complicated issue, but actually, just knowing your rights, collecting solid evidence, and asking for help from a lawyer can really make the odds of your success much higher. There are laws concerning personal injuries that are put in place to shield the victims, and therefore by being prompt and knowledgeable in your moves, you will be able to secure the support that you need to recover and proceed with your life with ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌confidence.