Real Estate Agency Commission in the Republic of Croatia – When Does It NOT Have to Be Paid?
Ozljeda na radu - prava radnika, postupak i naknada štete (kompletan vodič)
28/11/2025
Intro
A work injury represents any physical or psychological harm suffered by an employee while performing work or in connection with work. This comprehensive guide explains your rights, the reporting procedure and how to claim compensation, with a strong focus on protecting the interests of injured workers.
What Is Considered a Work Injury?
Under Croatian law, a work injury includes any injury or health impairment suffered by an employee:
- while performing work tasks or duties assigned by the employer
- on the way to or from work
- due to dangerous or unsafe working conditions
- due to the employer’s failure to implement workplace safety measures
- as a result of long-term physical strain (e.g., repetitive strain injuries)
After a work injury, an employee may be entitled not only to sick leave paid by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), but also to compensation for damages from the employer and/or the employer’s insurance company. Compensation may include lost earnings, medical expenses, pain and suffering, fear and reduction in life activities.
What to Do Immediately After a Work Injury?
1. Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important step is to visit a doctor. Any delay may complicate the recognition of the injury as a work-related injury. When speaking to the doctor, clearly state that the injury occurred at work or in connection with work so that it is properly recorded.
2. Inform Your EmployerYou must report the injury to your employer without delay. The employer is obligated to take the necessary steps, provide assistance and record the incident. If the employer refuses to classify it as a work injury, legal assistance is strongly advised.
3. Preserve EvidenceEvery detail may be crucial later in the process:
- photograph the scene and any hazards (wet floor, damaged equipment, unsecured machinery, etc.)
- collect names and contacts of witnesses
- keep orders, emails, messages and other written communications
- keep all medical documentation from the first examination onward
Employers are required to keep a work injury log book. The injury must be recorded in that log. A refusal to enter or report the injury may be a serious breach and significantly affect your rights.
Law Office Andrej Bašović can obtain documentation on your behalf, communicate with the employer and ensure that the injury is properly recorded.
Workers’ Rights After a Work Injury
1. Sick Leave Compensation
Material Damages
If the injury is recognized as a work injury, the employee is entitled to sick leave compensation paid by HZZO, generally at 100% of the base salary. If the employer attempts to reduce this amount, legal remedies are available.
2. Right to Compensation From the EmployerThe employer is often liable for damage caused by a work injury, even when the employee partially contributed to the incident. Employer liability may arise from:
- unsafe working conditions
- faulty machines or equipment
- lack of protective equipment
- insufficient workplace safety training
- poor work organization
Material Damages
- lost earnings (including future earnings)
- medical and rehabilitation costs
- costs of medicine, medical aids and transportation
- cost of assistance or home care
- physical pain
- mental suffering due to reduced life activity
- mental suffering due to disfigurement
- fear (primary and secondary)
Non-material damages often represent the largest part of the compensation, especially in cases of severe injuries.
Law Office Andrej Bašović frequently achieves higher compensation amounts than initially offered by insurance companies and employers.
Procedure for Reporting and Claiming Compensation
1. Employer’s Obligations
The employer must:
- fill out the official Work Injury Report form
- submit the report to HZZO
- allow inspection of the scene and investigation
- keep internal records of injuries
- take measures to prevent similar incidents
HZZO conducts the procedure of recognizing the injury as work-related. If HZZO refuses to recognize it, the employee may:
- file a complaint
- initiate an administrative dispute
- submit additional documentation, witness statements or expert reports
If the employer or insurance company offers inadequate compensation, the next step is filing a lawsuit. This typically includes medical expert evaluation, determining the employer’s liability and calculating damages.
In most cases, the employer’s insurance company is the one paying the compensation, not the employer personally.
Common Causes of Work Injuries
- falls from height or slips on wet or uneven surfaces
- injuries involving machines, tools or equipment
- improperly stored materials or loads
- lack of personal protective equipment
- work involving hazardous substances
- lifting and carrying heavy loads, spinal injuries and repetitive strain
- traffic accidents in company vehicles
- long-term stress, burnout, mobbing or other psychological harm
Each category has its own legal rules and liability standards.
Examples From Practice
Slip and Fall on a Wet Surface
An employee slips on an uncleaned or unmarked wet floor. The employer was required to maintain a safe environment, place warning signs and organize work safely. Employer liability is typically clear in such cases.
Machine-Related InjuryThe injury occurs due to missing or faulty protective equipment on a machine. If the employee was not properly trained or was not provided with adequate protective equipment, the employer is likely liable.
Accident in a Company VehicleA traffic accident occurring while the employee performs work duties is usually classified as a work injury, making compensation from the employer’s insurance company possible.
Psychological InjuriesSevere stress, burnout or mobbing may also lead to serious health consequences, which can, under certain circumstances, be treated as work injuries.
Law Office Andrej Bašović can assess whether there are grounds for a claim and estimate potential compensation.
Common Mistakes Workers Make After a Work Injury
- Failing to report the injury immediately to the employer and doctor
- Believing the injury is “their fault” even when employer liability exists
- Not collecting evidence (photos, witnesses, documentation)
- Accepting the first offer from the insurance company
- Not keeping receipts for medical and travel expenses
- Not hiring a lawyer in time, risking loss of rights
Each of these mistakes may significantly reduce the total compensation amount.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Essential
Work injury cases involve multiple laws and procedures: labor law, occupational safety regulations, liability law, HZZO rules and extensive case law. Without legal assistance, an employee may struggle to determine:
- whether the injury was correctly reported
- whether conditions for recognizing a work injury were met
- the true value of compensation
- whether the insurance’s offer is too low
- what additional legal remedies are available
Law Office Andrej Bašović regularly represents workers in disputes against employers and insurance companies, from initial reporting to final compensation payment.
How Much Compensation Can Be Obtained?
Compensation depends on many factors, including:
- severity and type of injury
- length and intensity of medical treatment
- permanent consequences or disability
- age of the worker
- lost earnings
- degree of employer liability
Based on Croatian case law, typical compensation ranges include:
- minor injuries: approx. €3,000 – €10,000
- moderate injuries: approx. €10,000 – €35,000
- severe injuries: approx. €35,000 – €100,000 or more
- permanent disability: potentially significantly higher amounts
These are general guidelines. Each case requires a detailed legal and medical assessment.
When Is It Worth Starting Legal Proceedings?
Starting a legal claim is usually justified when:
- sick leave lasts more than a few days
- fractures, ruptures or surgeries are involved
- there are permanent consequences
- the worker experiences reduced income
- the employer denies responsibility
- the insurance company offers an obviously low amount
In most serious cases, filing a legal claim results in significantly higher compensation.
Contact Us – Protect Your Rights After a Work Injury
A work injury can significantly impact your health, income and quality of life. Croatian law provides strong protection to employees and enables them to obtain fair compensation.
Law Office Andrej Bašović offers complete legal support for injured workers:
- case analysis and compensation estimate
- assistance with reporting the injury and gathering documentation
- communication with the employer and insurance company
- representation before HZZO
- filing and leading civil lawsuits for damages
If you suffered a work injury or believe you are entitled to compensation, contact us as soon as possible – early legal intervention is often crucial for success.
Law Office Andrej Bašović
Rijeka, Croatia
Email: info@odvjetnikbasovic.hr
Website: odvjetnikbasovic.hr
Do you have any more questions?
A representative from our office will get back to you as soon as possible.
- 091 520 0264
- andrej@odvjetnikbasovic.hr