Permanent disability
The most impactful change concerns compensation for permanent disability. The previous flat-rate amounts have been increased by 300%. Compensation per percentage of permanent disability now depends on the victim’s age. Some examples:
- Age 20: €3,420 (previously €1,140)
- Age 40: €2,520 (previously €840)
- Age 60: €1,620 (previously €540)
For instance, a 40-year-old person with 15% permanent disability previously received €12,600 in compensation, while under the current Indicative Table, this amount has increased to €37,800—a difference of €25,200.
A new system for moral damages in case of death
Previously, the table applied a fixed flat-rate amount for moral damages following a death, without considering subjective criteria. The 2024 Indicative Table introduces a range system, where compensation is determined based on the intensity of the emotional bond with the deceased and the specific circumstances. Compensation now varies as follows:
- Partners, parents, and children: €15,000 – €45,000
- Siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren: €7,500 – €25,000
- Miscarriage: €3,000 – €9,000
- Other individuals: Compensation freely determined if a close legal or emotional bond can be demonstrated
This change brings a more nuanced approach, though its subjectivity may lead to disputes in complex and sensitive cases.
Other relevant adjustments
Alongside these core revisions, the new table also includes smaller adjustments:
- The term ‘Medical Costs’ is now ‘Healthcare Costs’ (psychological expenses are now included)
- Flat-rate compensations increase by approximately 15% for:
- Assistance from third parties
- Personal disability and hospitalisation
- Pain damages (Quantum doloris)
- Household damages
- Education costs and economic losses
- Loss of a school year
- Aesthetic damages
- Travel expenses
- Clothing damages
- Loss of vehicle use (bicycle: €10 → €12, car: €20 → €23)
Conclusion
The latest Indicative Table revisions provide a more detailed and realistic compensation framework, ensuring victims and their families are compensated more accurately and fairly.
This update marks a major step forward in compensation for personal injury cases, aiming for greater justice and fairness in the claims process.
