SingaporeWhat damages can I claim for personal injury?
In Singapore, you can claim damages for personal injury covering pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and future care needs — calculated under the Civil Law Act.
What the Law Says
The Civil Law Act governs how damages for personal injury are assessed in Singapore. It sets out the legal framework for claiming full compensation for losses caused by negligence or other civil wrongs.
Under Singapore law, damages for personal injury aim to restore the injured person, as far as money can, to the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred. This includes both financial and non-financial losses.
Compensation covers past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings (including diminished earning capacity), pain and suffering, loss of amenities of life, and costs of care or rehabilitation.
There is no statutory upper limit on damages — awards depend on the severity of injury, age, occupation, and evidence of loss.
Statutory TextCivil Law Act s. 11: ---
— Civil Law Act, Cap. 43, 1999 Rev Ed, s. 11
What to Do
Seek prompt medical attention and keep all treatment records.
Gather evidence: medical reports, payslips, receipts for expenses, and witness statements.
Consult a lawyer to assess liability and calculate potential damages.
File a claim within the limitation period — generally 3 years from the date of injury or knowledge of injury.
Sources
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South KoreaNot 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.