SingaporeCan I claim for loss of future earning capacity?
Yes, you can claim for loss of future earning capacity in Singapore if you suffer a personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence or breach of duty.
What the Law Says
The Civil Law Act allows compensation for financial losses arising from personal injury, including loss of future earning capacity — but only where the injury results from another party’s wrongful act.
Under Singapore law, loss of future earning capacity is a recognised head of damages in personal injury claims. It compensates for the reduced ability to earn income over your working life due to injury.
This claim is not automatic — you must prove that the injury was caused by the defendant’s negligence, breach of statutory duty, or other wrongful act, and that it has materially affected your future earnings potential.
The court assesses this loss based on evidence such as medical reports, vocational assessments, employment history, age, qualifications, and likely career progression — but the legal authority for awarding such damages comes solely from statute.
Statutory TextIn an action for damages for personal injuries, the court may award damages for loss of future earnings or earning capacity.
— Civil Law Act, s. 11 — Damages for personal injuries
What to Do
Gather medical evidence proving the nature and long-term impact of your injury on your ability to work.
Collect employment records, payslips, promotion history, and expert vocational or actuarial reports estimating future earnings loss.
File a civil claim within the limitation period — generally 3 years from the date of injury or knowledge of injury (under the Limitation Act).
Engage a lawyer experienced in personal injury claims to help quantify and argue your loss of future earning capacity.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.