Best Work Injury Lawyers in Arta

About Work Injury Law in Arta, Greece

Work injury law in Greece covers accidents and occupational diseases that occur because of or during employment. In Arta, as in the rest of Greece, most financial support after a workplace accident is delivered through the national social insurance system EFKA, while additional compensation may be sought from the employer or other responsible parties when legal liability exists. Typical incidents include injuries on construction sites, agricultural accidents during harvesting or machinery use, traffic incidents while performing work duties, repetitive strain injuries, and illnesses caused by exposure to harmful substances.

A work accident is generally any sudden and violent event that happens during work or because of work and leads to injury or death. Occupational diseases arise from long-term exposure to risks connected to the job. Commuting incidents may be recognized in certain circumstances if there is a direct link to employment. Because thresholds, procedures, and deadlines can be strict, local advice is important. Arta is served by regional authorities in Epirus, and there are EFKA and labor inspectorate services that handle reporting, benefits, and enforcement.

This guide provides a plain-language overview to help you understand your rights, what to do after an injury, and when to speak with a lawyer. It is informational and not legal advice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if there is a dispute about whether your injury is work-related. Insurers or employers sometimes challenge that an accident happened during work or argue that a medical condition is not an occupational disease. A lawyer can help gather medical evidence, witness statements, and documents to establish the link to work.

Calculating compensation can be complex. EFKA offers medical care and wage replacement based on specific formulas and disability ratings. You may also be entitled to additional damages from the employer or a third party for pain and suffering, moral harm, loss of future earnings, or the difference between EFKA benefits and your actual loss. A lawyer can assess all potential claims so you do not leave money on the table.

Deadlines are short. Reporting to authorities, applying for benefits, and filing civil claims must be done within strict time limits. A lawyer ensures that paperwork is filed correctly and on time and can represent you in EFKA procedures and before the Disability Certification Center KEPA, which assesses disability percentages.

Safety violations matter. If your employer failed to provide training, personal protective equipment, or safe machinery, that can change the legal landscape. A lawyer can investigate safety compliance, obtain inspection records, and preserve evidence. If a subcontractor or manufacturer is at fault, a separate claim may be possible.

Protection from retaliation may be needed. If you are pressured not to report, threatened with dismissal, or face reduced hours after an injury, a lawyer can advise on your rights and help you seek protective measures and compensation for abusive treatment.

Local Laws Overview

Health and safety at work are primarily governed by the Code on Health and Safety at Work Law 3850-2010. Employers must identify and control risks, provide training and personal protective equipment, maintain an accident book, and consult with employees on safety. For certain workplaces, a safety technician and occupational physician are required. Workers have the right to remove themselves from serious and imminent danger without adverse consequences.

Work accidents and employer liability are rooted in Law 551-1915 and the Greek Civil Code. In addition to social insurance benefits, employers can be liable for damages when intent, negligence, or breach of safety rules contributed to the accident. Civil Code articles on tort and moral damages commonly apply. Courts in Arta can hear such civil claims.

Social insurance EFKA administers medical care, wage replacement, and disability benefits arising from work accidents and occupational diseases. Disability percentages are determined by KEPA. The calculation of benefits depends on insured earnings and the certified disability. EFKA has specific forms, medical documentation requirements, and deadlines for reporting an accident and applying for benefits.

Accident reporting is mandatory. Employers must record accidents, investigate causes, and notify the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Serious or fatal accidents must be reported immediately for on-site inspection. Other accidents are reported within legally specified timeframes. EFKA must also be notified promptly for benefit processing. Workers should also inform their employer as soon as possible and obtain a medical certificate describing the incident and injuries.

Discrimination and dismissal protections apply. Greek and EU law prohibit discrimination based on disability. Employers must avoid abusive dismissal and consider reasonable adjustments for workers who return with limitations after an injury. If a dismissal is abusive, compensation may be claimed.

Limitation periods exist. Some claims have short limitation periods, while general tort claims can have longer periods. Because time limits vary depending on the legal basis and facts, prompt legal advice is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a work accident in Greece

A work accident is an unexpected event occurring during or because of work that causes injury or death. It includes incidents at the workplace, off site while performing job duties, and certain commuting accidents that are closely linked to employment. Occupational diseases are illnesses caused by work-related exposure over time.

Are commuting accidents covered

Commuting accidents may be recognized if they occur on the ordinary route and within a reasonable time when traveling directly between home and work or between worksites, and if there is a clear connection to employment. Each case turns on its facts and evidence.

What should I do immediately after a work injury in Arta

Get medical care at once and explain that the injury is work-related so this appears in your medical records. Inform your employer as soon as possible. Ask that the accident be recorded in the accident book. Keep copies of any medical reports. If the accident is serious, call the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. File your EFKA claim without delay.

What benefits can I receive from EFKA

EFKA may cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, and wage replacement benefits during incapacity. If long-term disability is certified by KEPA, you may receive a disability pension or other support. The amount and duration depend on insured income and the disability percentage. EFKA can also cover prosthetics and vocational rehabilitation in some cases.

Can I also claim compensation from my employer

Yes, in addition to EFKA benefits you may have a civil claim against the employer for damages such as moral harm, pain and suffering, and economic loss, especially if the employer breached safety obligations or was negligent. You may also have claims against third parties, such as a negligent driver or a machinery manufacturer.

How do I prove that the injury was work-related

Useful evidence includes the accident book entry, witness statements from coworkers, photographs, CCTV footage, training records, risk assessments, maintenance logs, and medical reports that describe the mechanism of injury. Prompt reporting and consistent accounts in medical records are very important.

What if my employer refuses to report the accident

You can report the accident yourself to EFKA and the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Provide as much detail and documentation as possible. Failure to report is a violation that can trigger inspections and penalties. A lawyer can help ensure the report is complete and timely.

Do seasonal or undeclared workers in Arta have rights after an accident

Yes. All workers, including seasonal and part-time workers, are generally protected by health and safety laws. Undeclared work complicates the process but does not erase the right to seek benefits and compensation. Authorities may also investigate the employer for non-compliance.

How long do I have to bring a claim

Deadlines vary depending on whether you are filing for EFKA benefits, contesting a disability rating, or bringing a civil claim for damages. Some time limits are short. Because calculating the correct limitation period is critical, contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.

Can I be fired after a work injury

Dismissal solely because you exercised your rights or suffered a work-related injury can be abusive and unlawful. Employers must respect anti-discrimination rules and consider reasonable adjustments for workers returning with limitations. If you believe you were dismissed unfairly, seek legal advice promptly.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate - Regional Directorate of Epirus, which supervises health and safety compliance and investigates work accidents affecting workers in Arta.

EFKA - Local Branch in Arta, which processes accident notifications, medical care coverage, wage replacement, and disability benefits.

KEPA - Disability Certification Center, for medical evaluation and disability percentage decisions used by EFKA.

General Hospital of Arta, for urgent care, medical records, and referrals following a workplace accident.

Bar Association of Arta, for referrals to local lawyers experienced in work injury and social insurance matters.

Local Labor Center - trade union bodies in the Arta area that can offer support, guidance, and representation for workers.

Greek Ombudsman, which can receive complaints relating to public administration issues that may arise during interactions with authorities.

Public Employment Service DYPA, for vocational training and return-to-work services after recovery.

Next Steps

First, seek medical attention and clearly state that your injury is work-related. Ask for copies of medical records and any imaging results. Keep all receipts and documents.

Second, notify your employer immediately and request an entry in the accident book. If the accident is serious, contact the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Submit the required EFKA forms and medical certificates as soon as possible.

Third, collect evidence. Write down a timeline, keep a pain and recovery diary, take photos of the scene and equipment, and secure names and phone numbers of witnesses. Preserve pay slips and employment documents that show your earnings and duties.

Fourth, consult a local lawyer experienced in work injuries in Arta. Bring your medical records, EFKA documents, and any correspondence with your employer or insurer. Ask about potential claims against the employer or third parties, expected timelines, and legal costs.

Fifth, follow medical advice and attend all examinations, including KEPA assessments. Ask your doctor for clear descriptions linking the mechanism of injury to your job duties. Keep copies of every medical note and decision.

Finally, be mindful of deadlines. There are strict time limits for EFKA claims, objections to disability ratings, and civil actions for damages. Timely legal help can protect your rights and improve your chances of full compensation.

This guide is general information and not a substitute for legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation in Arta, speak with a qualified lawyer.