Requesting compensation from the municipality

Have you suffered damage? And do you believe that the municipality is responsible? If so, you can request compensation from the municipality.

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Approach

How to claim compensation from the municipality for damage to yourself or your belongings:

  • You contact the municipality.
  • You provide:
    • date and time of the event
    • the exact place where it happened
    • description of the event: how did the damage occur?
    • if you have one: a report from someone who was there
    • proof of the damage you have suffered. For example:
      • a bill for the repair or doctor
      • photos of the situation
      • a police report (an official police report of the incident)

We will send you a confirmation of receipt once we have received your liability claim. If your claim for damages is covered by the municipality's insurance policy, we will submit your claim to the insurance company. Most claims are covered by the policy. Examples include damage caused by falling trees, loose paving stones, or holes in the road. The insurance company will process the claim and let you know whether you will receive compensation for the damage.

Costs

There is no charge for claiming compensation for damage to yourself or your belongings.

Description

Compensation for damage to yourself or your belongings

For example, you tripped over a misaligned paving stone. Or you had a car accident due to a slippery road surface. As a result, you incurred repair costs or medical expenses.

Requirements

The Requirements receiving compensation are:

  • You have complied with the warnings or other measures issued by the municipality.
  • The municipality was aware of the situation.
  • The municipality did not take any measures to prevent your damage, even though it had sufficient time to do so.
  • You must claim compensation within 5 years of noticing the damage. And within 20 years of the damage occurring.  

Term

In the case of compensation, the municipality is not obliged to make a decision within a certain period of time.

Objections and appeals

Do you disagree with the municipality's decision? Then you can lodge an objection. This allows you to let the municipality know why you disagree with the decision. You must do this within six weeks. The municipality will then review your application and make a new decision.

If you still disagree with the municipality's decision, you can ask the court to review whether the municipality made the right decision. This is called 'appealing'.

More information

Information about compensation on rechtspraak.nl

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