Best Work Injury Lawyers in Thivais

About Work Injury Law in Thivais, Greece

Work injury law in Thivais is part of the national Greek framework that protects employees and other workers who are hurt because of their work. A work injury is any sudden event that occurs during the course of employment or due to work that causes physical or psychological harm or death. Occupational diseases are also covered when there is a proven link to workplace exposure. Commuting accidents can be recognized in specific circumstances when they occur on the normal route and time between home and workplace.

If you are injured, there are two main paths to protection. First, social insurance benefits through e-EFKA cover medical care, rehabilitation, and cash benefits during incapacity or long term disability. Second, you may have a separate civil claim against the employer or a third party if there was fault, a safety breach, or defective equipment. The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate supervises employer compliance with health and safety rules and investigates serious incidents. Local services in Thivais apply these national rules on the ground.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if there is a dispute about whether the accident is work related, if e-EFKA denies coverage or sets a low disability percentage, if the employer failed to report the accident, or if you face pressure to return to work before you are fit. Legal help is common where there are serious injuries, long recovery times, permanent disability, or a death in the family. You may also need advice when multiple companies are involved, such as subcontractors or temporary agency work, or when a third party driver or manufacturer caused the harm.

A lawyer can help you collect and preserve evidence, secure witness statements and CCTV, navigate medical documentation and KEPA disability assessments, liaise with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, challenge e-EFKA decisions, calculate total losses and future needs, negotiate with insurers, and file civil claims for additional compensation. Early advice helps you meet deadlines, avoid signing away rights, and protect against retaliation.

Local Laws Overview

Key laws include Law 551-1915 on employer liability for work accidents as amended, Law 3850-2010 that codifies health and safety at work obligations, and Law 4808-2021 that established the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate as an independent authority. General rules on civil liability and moral damages appear in the Greek Civil Code, including articles 914 and 932. Social insurance legislation sets out e-EFKA benefits, with disability ratings assessed by KEPA that influence the level and duration of support.

Employers must assess risks in writing, train employees, provide suitable protective equipment, appoint a safety technician and an occupational physician when required, and maintain an accident log. They must investigate incidents, take corrective measures, and notify authorities. Work accidents should be reported to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate promptly, typically within 24 hours, and recorded in the ERGANI system. Notification to e-EFKA should also be made without delay so benefits can begin. Non compliance can result in administrative penalties and potential criminal liability in serious cases.

Employees have the right to immediate medical care, to report unsafe conditions, to participate in safety training, and to refuse work in the presence of an imminent and serious risk. During incapacity, medical treatment is covered within the social insurance network and cash benefits may be payable. If employer fault contributed to the harm, you can seek additional compensation for losses not covered by social insurance, such as full lost earnings, future care, and moral damages. Commuting accidents and occupational diseases may be recognized if statutory criteria are met.

Time limits are important. Report the incident to your employer immediately and ensure formal notifications to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and e-EFKA are made as soon as possible. Civil tort claims generally have a five year limitation from when you knew the damage and the liable person, subject to a longer absolute limit. Shorter periods may apply to specific employer liability claims under special law. Always verify deadlines with a lawyer in Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a work injury in Greece?

A work injury is any sudden event during work or because of work that causes physical or psychological harm. This includes accidents at the workplace, off site tasks, business travel, and certain commuting incidents. Occupational diseases caused by exposure at work can also be recognized when medical and factual criteria are met.

What should I do immediately after an accident at work in Thivais?

Seek medical care without delay, inform your supervisor, and ensure the accident is recorded. Ask for a copy of any internal incident report. Keep medical records, receipts, and test results. Note the names and contact details of witnesses. If possible, take photos of the scene and equipment. Ask the employer to notify the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and e-EFKA, and keep proof of those notifications.

Are injuries on the way to or from work covered?

Commuting accidents can be recognized when they occur on the usual route and time between home and the workplace without unjustified deviation. Each case is assessed on its facts, including the route, timing, and reason for any detour. Speak with a lawyer if there is a dispute about coverage.

Who pays for medical treatment and income during recovery?

Medical care for an occupational accident is covered through e-EFKA and the public health system, and you should not bear the cost for covered services. Cash benefits for temporary incapacity and disability pensions depend on your insurance record and KEPA disability ratings. Employers may have separate obligations for wage payment for short absences and may owe additional compensation if they were at fault. The exact amounts depend on the circumstances and collective agreements.

Can I claim additional compensation from my employer beyond e-EFKA benefits?

Yes, if employer fault or a breach of safety obligations contributed to the accident, you may seek additional civil compensation. This can include full lost earnings, future losses, medical and rehabilitation costs not covered by insurance, and moral damages for pain and suffering. You may also have claims against third parties, such as a negligent driver or a manufacturer of defective equipment.

What if my employer did not report the accident?

You can and should report the accident yourself to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and inform e-EFKA. Failure to report does not remove your rights. It can lead to penalties for the employer. Keep all documents and send notifications in writing where possible. A lawyer can help make sure the record is complete and timely.

What if e-EFKA denies that it is an occupational accident or gives a low disability percentage?

You can file objections and submit additional medical evidence. KEPA decisions on disability ratings can be challenged through the established review process. Legal assistance can help you gather specialist medical opinions, meet procedural deadlines, and present a strong case for revision.

Can I be dismissed or face retaliation after a work injury?

Retaliation for exercising safety rights or reporting a work accident is unlawful. Dismissal during a protected period of incapacity or because of the accident can be invalid. If you experience pressure, demotion, or termination linked to the injury, seek immediate legal advice and document all interactions.

I am a temporary agency worker or subcontractor - who is liable?

Multiple companies can share responsibilities. The user undertaking, the temporary agency, and subcontractors may each owe duties for health and safety. Liability can extend to any third party whose fault caused the accident. A lawyer can identify all responsible parties so you do not miss potential sources of compensation.

What deadlines should I be aware of?

Report the accident to your employer immediately and ensure notification to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate typically within 24 hours. File with e-EFKA without delay so benefits can start. Civil claims in tort generally have a five year period from knowledge of the damage and the liable person, with an absolute long stop. Specific employer liability claims may have shorter limits. Deadlines can be suspended in some cases, but you should not rely on that without advice.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate - Regional Directorate for Central Greece and local inspection offices serving Thivais.

e-EFKA - Local social insurance branches handling occupational accident benefits and certifications.

KEPA - Disability Certification Centers for medical assessment and disability percentage decisions.

General Hospital of Thiva - Emergency and occupational injury care.

DYPA - Public Employment Service for vocational rehabilitation and return to work support.

Citizens Service Centers KEP in Thivais - Help with digital filings and access to public services.

Local Bar Association in Boeotia - Referral to lawyers experienced in work injury cases.

Greek Ombudsman - Assistance with issues involving public administration in complex cases.

Next Steps

Get medical treatment immediately and follow all medical advice. Inform your employer at once and keep a written record. Ask for copies of the employer accident report, the ERGANI entry, and the notification sent to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. File a declaration with e-EFKA and keep every receipt, diagnostic result, and medical report. Record time off work and out of pocket costs.

Arrange a consultation with a work injury lawyer in Thivais as soon as possible. Bring your employment contract or pay slips, any safety training records, photographs, witness contacts, and all medical documents. Do not sign any settlement or waiver without independent legal advice. If you receive a KEPA appointment, attend and prepare with your full medical file.

If there were serious safety breaches, consider asking your lawyer about a complaint to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and potential civil or criminal proceedings. Mark key deadlines on a calendar and set reminders. Keep communication with your employer and insurers in writing where possible. This guide is informational and not legal advice. For decisions about your case, speak with a qualified lawyer licensed in Greece.