Workplace Injury Lawsuits in Turkey: 2026 Updated Guide

Workplace accidents continue to pose serious challenges in Turkey, affecting both employees and employers across all industrial sectors. Understanding the legal framework surrounding workplace injury lawsuits in Turkey is essential to protect your rights, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with Turkish labor and social security regulations.

At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we provide comprehensive legal representation in workplace accident claims, compensation lawsuits, employer liability disputes, and occupational health and safety compliance matters.

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As Akkas & Associates Law Firm, a leading full-service law firm in Istanbul since 1992, we provide comprehensive legal services in Turkish Labor and Employment Law. Workplace injuries remain one of the most significant challenges for both employees and employers in Turkey. Understanding your rights, obligations, and legal remedies is crucial for protecting your interests.

What Qualifies as a Workplace Injury in Turkey?

A workplace injury refers to any physical or psychological harm suffered by an employee during work hours, at the workplace, or while performing duties assigned by the employer. Turkish law also recognizes commuting accidents and off-site job-related accidents as workplace injuries if they meet specific criteria.

Common examples include:

• Injuries caused by machinery
• Falls or slips
• Chemical exposure
• Construction site accidents
• Traffic accidents during job tasks

These incidents are regulated primarily under the Turkish Labor Law, the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law, and relevant occupational health and safety legislation.

Legal Obligations of Employers After a Workplace Accident

Employers in Turkey must comply with several mandatory procedures following an accident, including:

1. Reporting the accident
They must notify the Social Security Institution (SGK) within three days of the incident.

2. Ensuring medical assistance
Employers must ensure immediate medical intervention and safe transportation to a healthcare facility.

3. Maintaining Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards
Under Law No. 6331, employers must take preventive measures, conduct risk assessments, and provide training to protect employees.

4. Documenting the accident
An internal accident report must be prepared with witness statements and evidence.

Failure to comply may lead to administrative fines, legal liability, and higher compensation claims.

Employee Rights After a Workplace Injury

Employees have strong legal protections under Turkish law. If you suffer an injury at work, you may be entitled to:

1. Temporary Incapacity Allowance

Paid by SGK during your medical leave.

2. Permanent Disability Benefits

If the injury results in partial or full disability, SGK provides long-term compensation.

3. Material and Moral Compensation

Employees can file a workplace injury lawsuit to claim:

• Treatment expenses
• Lost income
• Permanent disability compensation
• Emotional distress damages

4. Employer Liability Claims

If the employer failed to fulfill safety obligations, employees may claim additional compensation due to negligence. For guidance on labor-related disputes, visit our page on Labor Law Services.

Types of Workplace Injury Lawsuits in Turkey

1. Compensation Lawsuits Against the Employer

These lawsuits aim to secure material and moral compensation resulting from negligence, lack of safety precautions, or unsafe working conditions.

2. Social Security Claims

Employees can pursue SGK benefits independently of employer liability cases.

3. Criminal Proceedings

In severe or fatal accidents, employers or supervisors may face criminal charges for violating OHS rules.

4. Reemployment and Labor Rights Lawsuits

If dismissal occurs after an injury, the employee may file for reinstatement or compensation.
Learn more on our page for Employment Law in Turkey.

The Role of Mandatory Mediation

Before filing a compensation lawsuit in the Labor Court, it is mandatory to initiate a mediation process, which is a key feature of the Turkish legal system. Mediation offers a faster, confidential, and potentially less costly way to reach a settlement.

If mediation fails, a lawsuit can be filed. The court will often rely on expert reports from specialists to determine the degree of the employer’s fault, the percentage of the worker’s disability, and the calculation of material compensation.

How to File a Workplace Injury Lawsuit in Turkey

1. Gather and Preserve Evidence

Medical reports, accident photos, witness statements, and OHS investigation records are essential.

2. Obtain the SGK Accident Determination Report

This document confirms whether the incident qualifies as a workplace accident.

3. Request Expert Examination

Courts often appoint occupational safety experts to analyze employer liability.

4. Initiate the Lawsuit Within the Legal Timeframe

The general statute of limitations for compensation claims is 10 years, but earlier action is highly recommended.

5. Work With a Specialized Labor Lawyer

Professional legal support ensures accurate calculations of damages and a properly managed dispute process.

Compensation Types in Workplace Injury Cases

Under Turkish law, employees may pursue multiple types of compensation, depending on the severity of the injury:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Permanent disability compensation
• Future income reduction
• Pain and suffering damages
• Death compensation for families

Courts evaluate factors such as age, earnings, disability rate, employer negligence, and medical documentation.

Why Choose Akkas & Associates for Workplace Injury Lawsuits?

Our law firm has represented thousands of clients since 1992 in labor disputes, wrongful dismissal cases, OHS violations, and work accident lawsuits.

We ensure:

• Accurate compensation calculations
• Comprehensive legal strategy
• Expert negotiation and litigation
• Multilingual legal services
• Fast and effective case management

FAQs About Workplace Injury Lawsuits in Turkey

1. How long does a workplace injury lawsuit take in Turkey?

Most cases take between 12–24 months, depending on expert reports and court workload.

2. Can I receive compensation even if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Courts consider shared liability, and compensation is adjusted based on each party’s responsibility.

3. Do I need to report the accident immediately?

Yes. Immediate notification strengthens your legal position and ensures SGK coverage.

4. Can foreign employees file workplace injury claims in Turkey?

Absolutely. Foreign workers have the same legal protections as Turkish citizens.

5. Can an employer fire an employee after a workplace accident?

Not legally without valid grounds. Unfair dismissal allows the employee to file a reinstatement or compensation lawsuit.

For over three decades, Akkas & Associates has been Istanbul’s leading provider of labor and employment law services.

Selcuk Akkas, Attorney at Law, Patent & Trademark Attorney & Mediator

Contact us for Workplace Injury Cases in Turkey

Akkas Law is a solution-oriented law firm that empowers clients to meet the diverse and changing demands of today’s global market. Since 1992, our lawyers have been helping clients with complex legal challenges and maximizing opportunities for success.

If you or your loved one has suffered a workplace injury in Turkey, our experienced labor and employment lawyers are ready to help. We handle compensation claims, SGK disputes, employer negligence cases, and litigation with precision and dedication.

Our law firm is now one of the leading employment law firms in Istanbul, Turkey. You may reach us for workplace injury lawsuits in Turkey through our Contact page.