The compensation and damages award paid to date amounts to more than two million seven hundred thousand zlotys. The pre-trial proceedings lasted more than a year. The court proceedings lasted more than two years. The insurer did not attempt to reach a settlement, paying the injured person only PLN 4,000.
We discuss the record compensation with Zbigniew Zawada, owner of Biuro Ronin, which took on the case.
Editorial staff: How did the injured person come to your office?
Zbigniew Zawada: On the recommendation of other office clients. We operate exclusively in this way, without intermediaries or sales agents, who in my opinion are merely traders in human suffering and routinely commit crimes.
Have you previously handled such a serious case?
In the 20 years since the office was established, we have not had a case in which we were speaking not about the extent of harm, but about its immeasurability. This is the most serious case we have faced to date.
Were you not afraid that you might be unable to handle it?
In my opinion, concerns of this kind are natural. However, thanks to the work of our lawyers and all the office employees, the goal was achieved.
How was it possible for the insurance company to offer such a low amount of compensation after an accident with such terrible consequences?
For a simple reason. For approximately two years, all insurance companies without exception have abandoned compromise and settlement negotiations. At present, every one of them—and there are no exceptions in this regard—pushes cases into court proceedings because this policy simply pays off for them. Of every ten people who, let us call this practice what it is, are cheated, only two decide to go to court. Insurance companies simply profit from the other eight, because they charge premiums at a level as if every entitled person brought a claim against the insurer in court.
Biuro Ronin will fight for additional money for the injured person. What further amounts can be claimed?
Another case is currently pending against the insurer to increase the annuity for increased needs from PLN 7,000.00 to PLN 15,000.00 per month. Despite reliable evidence, the insurer refused to increase the annuity.
Independently of the above, we managed—something I consider a personal success—to obtain the insurer’s written confirmation that it will cover all costs of the injured person’s further rehabilitation in Germany, amounting to PLN 110,000.00 (one hundred and ten thousand zlotys) per month. This is all the more important because we do not know how many months the injured person will remain in the clinic in Germany. The insurer will pay for every month.
The current maximum sum insured for which the insurer is liable is PLN 21 million. This amount is indexed every two years.
Is it worth seeking compensation independently?
Of course, if the outcome satisfies the person concerned. However, I believe it is worth seeking an opinion on your case, especially since this costs nothing at our office. You can then decide whether to handle the case yourself or commission us to conduct it.
In what situations—following what events—can compensation be claimed?
Above all, participants in road accidents and the families of their victims. It should be remembered that a vehicle passenger will always receive compensation and damages, because the driver’s liability toward a passenger arises not from fault but from risk. In addition, claims may arise from all other events meeting the definition of an accident, meaning a sudden event caused by an external factor.
How much time does an injured person have from the moment of the accident to claim compensation?
Depending on the basis of the claim, from 3 to 20 years. In some situations, a claim may even be filed for damage occurring from 10 August 1997 onward.
Where can people seek advice and obtain specific help in pursuing compensation?
The office is located at 12 Mickiewicza Street in Bolesławiec; telephone +48 75 732 19 05 or +48 505 111 231. The office website address is www.biuroronin.pl. Our Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/biuroronin.odszkodowania. We also answer questions sent by email at: biuro.ronin@vp.pl
