Free Workplace Accident Lawyer in the Netherlands

If you were injured at work in the Netherlands, you may be entitled to compensation. ExpatLawyer is a brand of law firm Arbeidsadvocaat.nl. We help internationals assess who is legally liable, secure the right evidence, and claim damages for lost income, medical costs, and pain and suffering. At the same time, we protect your employment position during sick leave and reintegration, so a compensation claim does not create avoidable risks at work. If the other party is liable, our legal assistance is available with no costs.

Injured at work, what we help you with

We assist expats and international employees with:

  • Employer liability after a workplace accident (duty of care)

  • Compensation claims for personal injury at work (damages and settlement)

  • Work-related accidents off-site, on business trips, or during work activities

  • Accidents involving tools, machinery, unsafe procedures, or lack of PPE

  • Workplace violence, unsafe staffing, or inadequate supervision

  • Complex situations, such as agency work, secondment, subcontractors, or multiple parties

If you are unsure whether your case “counts” as a workplace accident, we can assess that quickly based on the facts.

Book a free online consultation

During the free 20-minute consultation, your case or question will be discussed carefully. During this meeting, your lawyer will ask you a number of questions. The conversation will address the legal options available. Finally, you will receive more information about our services of ExpatLawyer and the expected costs and potential benefits.

Our 30-minute consultation is designed to provide you with expert legal advice conveniently online. This format ensures immediate access to our specialized services no matter where you are. However, we also warmly welcome our clients to visit us in person at our offices. Located in the vibrant Strijp-S district of Eindhoven, our offices offer a comfortable and professional environment for discussing your legal needs. Whether you prefer the ease of an online consultation or the personal touch of a face-to-face meeting, we are here to accommodate your preferences and provide top-notch legal assistance.

FAQs

When is the employer liable after a workplace accident?

1

Your employer may be liable if the injury happened while performing work tasks and one or more of the following applies:

  • The workplace was unsafe (hazards, poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, slippery floors)

  • There were insufficient safety instructions or training

  • Protective equipment (PPE) was missing, unsuitable, or not enforced

  • There was inadequate supervision or unsafe work pressure

  • Tools, machinery, or vehicles were not properly maintained

  • The employer failed to conduct or act on risk assessments

Even if you made a mistake, employer liability can still apply. Dutch cases often focus on prevention and control of risks, not on blaming the worker.

“No upfront costs” if the other party is liable, how that works

2

Many expats hesitate to contact a lawyer because they expect high legal fees. In workplace accident cases, there is often a different route.

If liability is accepted or clearly established, the reasonable legal costs are recoverable from the liable party or their insurer under Dutch principles for personal injury claims. In practical terms, that means:

  • No upfront payment where liability is acknowledged

  • Clear agreements about scope, approach, and cost handling from the start

  • Transparency if liability is disputed, so you understand any cost exposure before proceeding

We explain the expected cost route early, in plain English, and we document it in writing.

Who can be liable besides the employer?

3

Sometimes the employer is not the only, or not the primary, liable party. Other possibilities include:

  • A third party responsible for an unsafe location (building owner, client company)

  • A contractor or subcontractor controlling the work environment

  • A manufacturer or supplier (defective equipment)

  • A colleague acting within the scope of employment (in some scenarios liability routes exist via employer responsibility)

Identifying the correct liable party is critical because it determines the insurance route and the practical chances of recovery.

Why choose an employment lawyer instead of a general personal injury representative?

4

A workplace injury is rarely “only” a compensation file. It typically triggers an employment law track at the same time, including:

  • Sick leave reporting, medical guidance, and reintegration duties

  • Pay continuation rules, disputes about “suitable work”

  • Risk of pressure to sign a settlement agreement

  • Workplace conflict and documentation issues that can later affect your position

A general personal injury representative may focus on the claim alone. An employment and liability lawyer can protect both sides of your situation:

  • Your compensation claim against the liable party and insurer

  • Your employment position during reintegration, pay discussions, and any exit proposals

This integrated approach is often the difference between a good settlement and a settlement that creates avoidable employment risk.