Overview
Compensation law covers the rules for remedying financial and non-financial (moral) damage caused by an unlawful act. Claims may arise from employment, contracts, torts, traffic and workplace accidents, healthcare, family law or interference with personality rights.
In every case the nature of the damage, the causal event, fault, causation, limitation periods and the recoverable heads of loss must be assessed individually. The amount of compensation cannot be predicted with certainty before the court and experts have examined the case.
What we handle
Traffic accidents
Bodily injury, temporary or permanent incapacity, treatment and care costs, loss of support and vehicle depreciation. Claims may be directed at the driver, the vehicle keeper and the insurer; an application to the insurer is required before suing.
Workplace accidents and occupational disease
Financial and moral damages for the employee, or loss of support and moral damages for relatives in fatal cases, assessed against safety measures, fault ratios and social security payments.
Medical malpractice
Claims arising from diagnosis, treatment, surgery or failure to obtain informed consent, distinguishing complications from medical error, before the civil or administrative courts depending on the provider.
Personality rights and social media
Stopping and removing attacks on honour, privacy, name or image, and claiming moral damages — including posts on social media.
Contractual damages
Direct loss, lost profit, delay damages and penalty clauses where a party fails to perform properly.
Wrongful detention and protective measures
Claims against the State for unlawful arrest, detention, search or seizure under Articles 141–144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
How the process works
Documenting the loss
Reports, invoices, photographs and witness details are collected and heads of loss identified.
Identifying the liable parties
Driver, keeper, employer, healthcare provider or administration — and any insurer.
Pre-action steps
Mandatory application to the insurer, the Insurance Arbitration Commission or mediation where applicable.
Litigation and calculation
Actuarial and expert reports, the lawsuit and any appeals.
Before your meeting
Bring originals or legible copies of whichever of the following you have. You don’t need everything — missing items are identified together.
- Accident report and photographs
- Medical records and disability reports
- Invoices for treatment and care
- Proof of income
- Insurance policy and claim correspondence
- Screenshots and links (for online attacks)
Key deadlines
| Matter | Period | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Tort claims | 2 years / 10 years at the latest | Knowledge of damage and liable person / date of act |
| Traffic accident: application to insurer | Mandatory before suing | Suit or arbitration if no reply within 15 working days |
| Compensation for protective measures | 3 months / 1 year at the latest | Learning of the final decision / finality |
These are general rules; special provisions or a different starting date may apply in a particular case. It is best to have the deadline assessed on the day you receive a notification.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to apply to the insurer before suing after a traffic accident?
Yes. For claims covered by compulsory traffic insurance, a written application to the insurer is required first. If the insurer does not respond within 15 working days, or responds inadequately, you may sue or apply to the Insurance Arbitration Commission.
How is the amount of moral damages determined?
The judge decides, considering the gravity of the harm, fault, the parties’ circumstances and the facts. No exact figure can be promised in advance.
I am a foreign national injured in Türkiye. Can I claim from abroad?
Yes. With a power of attorney the case can be pursued while you are abroad; medical records from your home country can be used after translation.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice, a guarantee of outcome or an undertaking in respect of any specific matter. Periods and amounts are subject to change by legislation.
