Personal Injury Compensation Claims in Turkey: A Guide
Updated: Oct 10
If you were injured in an accident, or because of someone else's negligence in Turkey, you may be entitled to compensation. Turkish law protects the right to seek money for injuries, medical costs and other losses. This is an easy guide to personal injury compensation claims in Turkey, written for both residents and visitors.
We explain who can claim, what you can claim for, the evidence you need and the time limits. We also look at how foreigners can bring a claim from abroad.
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process. A person who has been injured asks for compensation from the person or organisation responsible for the injury. The claim can be settled by agreement, or decided by a court.
Examples of personal injury cases
road traffic accidents
workplace accidents
medical malpractice
slip and fall incidents
injuries caused by defective products
The legal basis in Turkey
Personal injury claims in Turkey are based mainly on the Turkish Code of Obligations and the Turkish Civil Code. These laws allow a person who has suffered harm because of a wrongful act to claim compensation from the person responsible. The courts look for fault, harm and a link between the two.
Because the rules are in Turkish and the process is formal, most people find a lawyer very helpful. Turkish courts hear these claims, and the procedure differs from the courts in England and Wales.
Who can make a claim?
You can make a personal injury claim if:
the injury was caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing
the injury has caused physical, emotional or financial harm
Even foreigners injured in Turkey can bring compensation claims under Turkish law.
Claims by family members
In some cases, relatives can claim too. For example, if a person dies because of an accident, close family members may be able to bring a claim. A lawyer can tell you who is entitled in your situation.
Elements of a successful claim
To win a claim, you generally need to show three things.
Duty of care and fault. The other person acted wrongly, carelessly or broke a rule. In a traffic case, this could be breaking the highway code or driving too fast.
Harm. You suffered a real injury or loss, and you can prove it.
A link between the act and the harm. The injury must come from the other person's act or failure, not from something else.
What can you claim compensation for?
Compensation covers different types of loss.
Medical expenses
costs of treatment, hospital stays and medicines
future medical care, if the injury needs ongoing treatment
Loss of income
wages lost because you could not work during recovery
loss of future earning capacity for permanent injuries
Pain and suffering
Compensation can cover the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. This is often called non pecuniary damages, which means harm that is not a direct money loss.
Property damage
the cost of repairing or replacing belongings, such as a car in a road accident
Other costs
travel for medical appointments
the cost of help with daily activities if the injury limits your movement
Traffic accident claims
A traffic accident is the most common reason for an injury claim. In Turkey, drivers must hold compulsory traffic insurance. A claim for a road injury is often made against the driver's insurer, as well as the driver. Always get the police report and the other driver's insurance details at the scene if you can.
If you were a passenger or a pedestrian, you may also have a claim. Speak to a lawyer early, because the evidence from the scene is the most important.
Claims against employers and businesses
If you were hurt at work, you may have liability claims against your employer. Employers have duties to keep staff safe. A hotel, a shop or a tour operator can also be responsible if you are hurt on their premises or on a trip they ran.
Medical malpractice and defective products
If a doctor or hospital caused your injury, special rules may apply. The same is true for a defective product. Read our guide to a medical malpractice lawyer in Turkey for more detail.
Accidents on boats and yachts
Accidents at sea raise extra questions. We explain them in our guide to yacht accident compensation in Turkey.
How to start a personal injury claim in Turkey
1. Collect evidence
Strong evidence is key to a successful claim. This includes:
photos of the accident scene and your injuries
witness statements
police or accident reports
medical records and receipts
2. Seek medical attention
Get treated by a qualified doctor straight away. A medical report documents how serious your injuries are and helps support your claim.
3. File the claim
You will need to file your claim with the court or with the responsible party's insurance company, depending on the type of case. A lawyer can prepare the papers and make sure they are in the right form.
4. Negotiate or go to court
Many claims are settled through negotiation with the responsible party or their insurer. If no agreement is reached, the case may go to court.
Time limits for personal injury claims
In Turkey, there are strict time limits for filing a personal injury claim. Generally:
you must file the claim within two years of the date of the injury or accident
in some cases, such as medical malpractice, the time limit may vary depending on when the injury was discovered
There can also be an outer limit, and longer periods may apply where the act is also a crime. Do not wait. Ask a lawyer to confirm the time limit in your case as soon as you can.
How is compensation calculated?
The amount depends on:
the severity of your injury
medical costs and future care needs
the impact on your ability to work
the emotional toll of the injury
The court or the insurance company looks at the evidence and the circumstances to decide the final amount. No lawyer can promise a particular sum.
What to do straight after an injury in Turkey
The first hours matter. If you can, follow this checklist after an injury in Turkey:
Get help. Call emergency services and get medical care at once. Your health comes first.
Report it. For a road accident or a crime, make sure the police attend and write a report.
Record the scene. Take photos and videos, and note the names of any witnesses.
Keep every document. Keep medical papers, receipts, tickets and messages.
Do not sign anything you do not understand. Insurers or other parties may ask you to sign a release. Ask a lawyer first.
Contact a lawyer. Early advice helps you protect your claim.
Making a claim against the responsible party or their insurer
A claim against the person at fault is the usual starting point. In many cases, you can also bring a claim against the insurer. Insurance companies often make a first offer quickly. That offer may be lower than what a court would award, so do not accept it before you understand your losses.
If more than one party shares the blame, claims against each of them may be possible. A lawyer can work out who is liable, and for how much.
Medical reports and disability assessments
If your injury is serious, a medical expert may be asked to assess how much it affects your health and your ability to work. These reports often carry great weight in setting compensation. Keep all your treatment records, because the expert will want to see them.
If you have a permanent injury, the court will look at how it will affect you in the future. This includes your work, your care needs and your daily life.
How a court case works
If your claim goes to court, the process follows several steps:
Your lawyer files the claim and the court serves it on the other side.
Both sides exchange their written arguments and evidence.
The court may appoint an expert to give an opinion on the injury or the cause of the accident.
The judge hears the parties and decides the case.
A losing party can usually ask a higher court to review the decision.
Cases can take time. Your lawyer should explain the stages, the likely costs and what you can expect at each point.
What can reduce your compensation?
Courts can reduce compensation if the injured person helped cause the harm. An example is a driver who was not wearing a seat belt, or a pedestrian who crossed a road at a dangerous spot. Be honest with your lawyer about what happened, so that they can deal with this issue in advance.
Settling without going to court
Many people prefer a settlement. A settlement is quicker and gives certainty. But once you accept it, you usually cannot ask for more. Before you sign, make sure the offer covers your future medical needs and loss of income, not just the bills you have today.
Claims from outside Turkey
Many injured visitors return home before they begin a claim. You can still bring one, but you will need to plan for it. This is a cross border situation, so a few extra steps may apply:
Power of attorney. You can sign a power of attorney so that a Turkish lawyer can act for you. It usually has to be signed in a particular form, which your lawyer will explain.
Evidence. Keep your medical records, your flight and travel documents and any insurance papers. Ask the Turkish hospital for copies before you leave.
Travel insurance. Tell your insurer quickly. Some policies require notice.
The UK government gives travel advice on travelling in Turkey including health and insurance. It also lists lawyers in Turkey for British nationals, without recommending any.
Do you need a lawyer?
You can handle a claim on your own, but personal injury cases are often complex. A skilled lawyer can:
help you gather strong evidence
negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
represent you in court if needed
Why choose legal help?
A lawyer helps protect your rights and improves your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. At Canko Law Firm, we help with personal injury cases and provide:
clear guidance on Turkish personal injury laws
strong representation in negotiations or court
a focus on maximising your compensation
Frequently asked questions
Can a tourist claim injury compensation in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign nationals injured in Turkey can bring claims under Turkish law, in the same way as residents.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Generally two years from the injury or accident, though other periods can apply. Speak to a lawyer straight away.
What evidence do I need?
Photos, witness statements, police reports, medical records and receipts. The more you have, the stronger your claim.
Will my claim go to court?
Not always. Many claims settle with the insurer or the responsible party. If no fair offer is made, the case may go to court.
Final thoughts
Personal injury compensation claims in Turkey are designed to help victims recover from accidents and injuries. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, at work or because of negligence, understanding the process and taking advice can make a big difference.
If you were injured and want to learn more about your options, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process.
