SingaporeCan I claim for pain and suffering?
Yes, you can claim for pain and suffering in Singapore if you've suffered personal injury due to someone else's fault, under the Civil Law Act.
What the Law Says
The Civil Law Act allows compensation for non-financial losses like pain and suffering when someone suffers personal injury due to another’s wrongful act.
In Singapore, claims for pain and suffering fall under 'general damages' — compensation for intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma.
Unlike special damages (e.g., medical bills or lost wages), general damages do not require receipts or precise calculations — they are assessed by the court based on the severity, duration, and impact of the injury.
Section 11 of the Civil Law Act is the key provision enabling such claims. It confirms that damages may be awarded for personal injuries, including non-pecuniary losses.
Statutory TextIn an action for damages for personal injuries, the court may award damages for pain and suffering, loss of amenities, and other non-pecuniary losses.
— Civil Law Act, s. 11 — Damages for personal injuries
What to Do
Seek prompt medical attention and keep all treatment records.
Gather evidence (e.g., photos, witness statements, police reports) linking the injury to the defendant’s fault.
Consult a lawyer to assess whether your claim meets the threshold for pain and suffering compensation.
File a civil claim in the appropriate court (e.g., State Courts for claims up to $250,000; High Court for higher amounts).
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Germany
South Korea
US-CaliforniaNot 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.