Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Dornach

About Workers Compensation Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Workers compensation in Dornach is governed by Swiss federal law, primarily the Accident Insurance Act - UVG - LAA, and applied locally in the Canton of Solothurn. Every employer must insure employees against occupational accidents and occupational diseases. Employees who work at least 8 hours per week for the same employer are also insured for non occupational accidents. Coverage is usually provided by Suva or a licensed private or public accident insurer. Benefits include full payment of necessary medical treatment, daily cash benefits during temporary incapacity, pensions for long term loss of earning capacity, one time integrity compensation for permanent harm, and survivors benefits after fatal accidents.

Accident insurance is separate from health insurance. Employers pay the premium for occupational accident coverage. Employees usually pay the premium for non occupational accident coverage through payroll deduction. Commuting accidents are generally treated as occupational accidents if the employee does not have non occupational accident coverage due to working fewer than 8 hours per week. Cross border workers who are employed in Dornach are typically insured under Swiss accident insurance for work related risks.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many claims are straightforward, but legal help can be valuable when the insurer disputes whether an event qualifies as an accident or an occupational disease, questions the degree of incapacity to work, or reduces cash benefits based on allegations of gross negligence or exceptional risk. A lawyer can also assist when medical treatment is denied as not necessary, when the insurer plans to close the case while you still have symptoms, or when there is disagreement about permanent impairment ratings and entitlement to an integrity compensation or pension.

Legal support is important if your accident was caused by a third party - for example a traffic collision - because civil liability claims must be coordinated with accident insurance benefits and the insurer has recourse rights. Employees may also need advice if their employment is terminated while they are unfit for work, if salary continuation obligations are unclear in the first days after an accident, or if return to work arrangements and reasonable accommodations are in dispute. Timely objections and appeals are critical, and a lawyer can manage deadlines and evidence, obtain independent medical opinions, and negotiate with insurers and employers.

Local Laws Overview

Coverage and premiums - Employers in Dornach must insure employees for occupational accidents and diseases. Employees working 8 hours or more per week are additionally insured for non occupational accidents. The employer pays premiums for occupational risks. The employee pays premiums for non occupational risks through payroll deduction. Self employed persons may take out voluntary accident insurance.

What counts as an accident - An accident is a sudden, unintentional damaging event caused by an unusual external factor that harms the body or mental health. Occupational diseases are illnesses predominantly caused by work exposures or listed in the relevant ordinance.

Benefits - Medically necessary treatment for accidents is covered in full without deductibles or copayments. During temporary incapacity to work, a daily allowance of 80 percent of insured earnings is paid from the third day after the accident, proportionally reduced for partial incapacity. The maximum insured annual salary under UVG - LAA is currently CHF 148,200. For permanent health damage, insured persons may receive an integrity compensation - a lump sum for lasting harm - and, if earning capacity is reduced long term, an accident pension of up to 80 percent of insured earnings. Survivors may receive benefits after fatal accidents.

Coordination with other systems - Accident insurance benefits are coordinated with disability insurance - IV - AI and occupational pensions - BVG - LPP. Health insurance covers accidents only if you are not covered by employer accident insurance. Part time employees working fewer than 8 hours per week should usually keep accident coverage on their health insurance policy.

Employer obligations and job protection - Employers must ensure occupational safety under federal law and local enforcement. If you are unfit for work after an accident, termination is prohibited during protection periods set by the Swiss Code of Obligations once probation has ended - 30 days in year 1, 90 days in years 2 through 5, and 180 days from year 6.

Reductions and exclusions - Cash benefits may be reduced or refused in cases of gross negligence or exceptional risk, especially for non occupational accidents. Ordinary recreational sports with proper precautions are usually covered, while particularly dangerous activities without safety measures can lead to reductions.

Reporting and procedure - Report accidents to your employer and the insurer immediately. Use the insurer’s accident report form and include witness details and medical certificates. The insurer will issue a written decision. You may file an objection - Einsprache - within 30 days. If the insurer upholds its decision, you can appeal to the Solothurn cantonal insurance court, and subsequently to the Federal Supreme Court, typically within 30 days at each stage.

Cross border workers - Many people living in neighboring countries work in Dornach. If you are employed in Switzerland, Swiss accident insurance usually applies. Medical treatment abroad is covered in emergencies and may require prior authorization for non urgent care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I covered for accidents that happen on my way to or from work in Dornach

Yes. Commuting accidents are generally covered. If you work at least 8 hours per week and have non occupational accident insurance through your employer, commuting is treated as a non occupational accident. If you work fewer than 8 hours and do not have non occupational coverage, commuting accidents are treated as occupational and are still covered.

How much of my salary will I receive while I am unable to work

The accident insurer pays a daily allowance equal to 80 percent of your insured earnings for full incapacity, starting on the third day after the accident. For partial incapacity, the allowance is reduced proportionally. Some employment contracts or collective agreements require the employer to cover the first 2 days or to supplement pay.

Do I have to pay deductibles or copayments for accident treatment

No. Medically necessary treatment for covered accidents is paid by the accident insurer without deductibles or copayments. You should present your accident insurance details to providers so costs are billed correctly.

Can benefits be reduced if the insurer says I was grossly negligent

Cash benefits may be reduced or refused in cases of gross negligence or exceptional risks, especially for non occupational accidents. Examples include taking significant risks without basic safety measures. The specific reduction depends on the facts. A lawyer can contest such findings with evidence and case law.

What happens if the insurer closes my case but I still have symptoms

You can object within 30 days of the written decision. Provide up to date medical reports that document ongoing consequences and work limitations. If the insurer maintains its position after the objection, you may appeal to the Solothurn cantonal insurance court.

Can I choose my own doctor after an accident

Yes, you generally have free choice of provider, although some insurers use networks and may coordinate care. The insurer may require assessments by independent medical examiners. Keep all referrals and invoices aligned with the accident claim.

What if a third party caused my accident

Your accident insurer will still cover medical costs and cash benefits. The insurer may recoup costs from the liable party or their liability insurer. You can also claim damages not covered by accident insurance, such as certain pain and suffering components, from the third party. Coordination is important to avoid double recovery and to protect your rights.

How are permanent impairments compensated

If you have lasting health damage, you may receive an integrity compensation - a one time payment based on the severity of impairment - and, if your earning capacity is reduced long term, an accident pension. The level of pension depends on the degree of disability and insured earnings up to the statutory maximum.

Are occupational diseases covered the same way as accidents

Yes. Occupational diseases recognized by law or proven to be predominantly caused by work are covered under accident insurance, with the same range of medical and cash benefits. Evidence of exposure and medical causation is often central. Legal help can assist in gathering proof.

What deadlines apply if I disagree with an insurer decision

You usually have 30 days to file a written objection - Einsprache - after receiving the decision. If unsuccessful, you typically have 30 days to appeal to the Solothurn cantonal insurance court, with a further 30 day deadline for appeal to the Federal Supreme Court. Missing deadlines can end your claim, so act quickly.

Additional Resources

Suva - Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund - regional customer service and claims support. Many Dornach area employers are insured with Suva.

Licensed accident insurers - private and public insurers authorized to provide UVG - LAA coverage. Your policy or salary slip indicates your insurer.

Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen - Federal Social Insurance Office - supervision and policy for accident insurance and social security.

Versicherungsgericht des Kantons Solothurn - the cantonal insurance court handling appeals from insurer decisions.

Arbeitsinspektorat Kanton Solothurn - cantonal labor inspectorate for workplace safety issues and prevention inquiries.

Ombudsstelle der Privatversicherung und der Suva - independent ombuds office for disputes with private insurers and Suva.

Gemeindeverwaltung Dornach and Kanton Solothurn social insurance offices - guidance on local procedures and coordination with other social benefits.

Next Steps

Report the accident to your employer and insurer immediately, seek medical care, and keep copies of all documents. Ask your employer for the accident insurer’s name and claim number. Provide a detailed description of the event, witnesses, and how the injury affects your work. If benefits are delayed, reduced, or denied, request the decision in writing and note the 30 day objection deadline. Consult a lawyer experienced in Swiss accident insurance to evaluate medical evidence, deadlines, and the best strategy, especially if permanent impairment or a pension may be at stake. If you are a cross border worker, inform your providers about Swiss coverage and ask your insurer about approvals for treatment abroad. Do not let deadlines lapse - timely, well documented action is the key to protecting your rights.

This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation in Dornach and the Canton of Solothurn, consult a qualified Swiss lawyer.