Limitation period for a personal injury claim
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Do not wait to make a personal injury claim. The starting point, type of liable party and earlier letters may affect the limitation period.
General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work
On this page
Create a timeline
Record the accident, discovery of the damage, awareness of the potentially liable party and earlier notices of liability. Keep proof of sending and receipt.
Have the time limit for your case checked
Do not simply use one standard time limit for every claim. Claims against an insurer, older events and special situations may require separate assessment.
Preserve your rights and keep proof
Seek help in time for an appropriate act interrupting the limitation period or legal proceedings. Merely consulting or waiting for a response does not automatically secure your rights.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 3 · Where do you stand with this item?
Dates and events
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 3 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Dates and events
- All claim letters and responses
- Proof of receipt
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to wait while the insurer is still investigating?
Do not assume so. Ask who is ensuring that you act in time. Also have it checked whether the necessary steps have been taken to preserve your rights.