4 Common types of accident claims in Singapore

We are going to explore the different types of accident claims in Singapore. By understanding the different policies and types that exist, you will be able to better protect yourself in the case of an accident.

If you are injured in an accident and it was not your fault that the accident happened, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. This claim is to recover your losses, in the case of loss of income or should you be unable to work, or if your possessions were damaged.

However, what are the situations in which you may claim compensation for your injuries? This is something that many are unaware of, and a lack of information is one of the reasons many Singaporeans do not make a personal injury claim, despite being entitled to do so.

With this in mind, below are 4 of the most common types of accident claims made in the Singapore:

#1    Accidents at Work

While many of us think that our workplaces are safe, it is unfortunately not always the case. Hazards are present all around, even at your workplace. It is understandable that some workplaces present a higher risk than other. For example, factories and construction sites would be considered more dangerous than an office.

Regardless of your work environment, your employer is responsible for providing you with a safe space to work in. They must ensure you have received full health and safety training and given you the appropriate tools to perform your job safely. If this is not the case and you are injured while carrying out your duties at work, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation against your employer.

You may claim under the common law or the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), however you cannot do both.

The main advantage of WICA over common law is that you do not need to prove your employer was at fault, but there are set limits to the amount of compensation you may claim under WICA.

#2    Road Traffic Accidents

You might be the safest driver in the world, but accidents can still happen. Should you be involved in a road traffic accident, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation against the driver who was responsible for the accident.

You may recover your losses for damage to the car, for any injury and pain you are suffering, and for any loss you have suffered as a result of your injuries.

#3    Medical Negligence

The health system in the Singapore is one of the best. However, in the event that something goes wrong and results in further injury of the patient, an accident claim may be made.

Medical professionals and staff have a duty of care to ensure you are kept safe during your time in their care. They have a legal obligation to perform their duties to the desired result. If this does not happen and you are left with an injury or condition as a result of a medical procedure or medication given to you, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

#4    Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents

These are one of the most common accident claims in Singapore. Whether it is tripping over an uneven pavement, or slipping on a wet floor in the supermarket, assess the situation. If it possible that the accident happened due to someone else’s negligence, you might be able to make an accident claim.

Both people and organisations are responsible for providing safe public spaces. If the person or organisation responsible for the area where you suffered your accident has not done so, they may be at fault.

This means that you will be entitled to make a compensation claim against them.

To help businesses cover these unforeseen circumstances, having the right type of insurance is crucial. AXA’s business insurance (hyperlink to https://ecom.axa.com.sg/buy/business-insurance/) allows SMEs to explore several classes of insurance in a single plan.

This article was originally published by AXA Singapore and first published on Clifford Law and Asia Law Network. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AXA Insurance.