The compensation and damages payment made to date amounts to more than two million seven hundred thousand zlotys. The pre-litigation 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 undertook to handle the case.
Editorial team: How did the injured person come to your office?
Zbigniew Zawada: Through recommendations from other clients of the office. 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 handled such a serious case before?
In the 17 years since the office was established, we have never had a case in which we were speaking not about the scale of the harm, but about its enormity. This is the most serious case we have ever had to face.
Were you not afraid that you might be unable to handle it?
In my opinion, this kind of concern is 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 about 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—drives cases to court because this policy simply pays off for them. Out of every ten people—let us call this practice what it is, namely, cheating—only two decide to bring a court action. The insurance companies simply make money from the other eight, because they charge premiums at a level as if every eligible person were to sue the insurer in court.
Biuro Ronin will fight for additional money for the injured person. What further payments can be claimed?
Another case is currently pending against the insurer to increase the annuity for increased needs from PLN 7,000 to PLN 15,000 per month. Despite reliable evidence, the insurer refused to increase the annuity.
Independently of the above, we managed—I consider this a personal success—to obtain the insurer’s written confirmation that it will cover all the costs of the injured person’s further rehabilitation in Germany, amounting to PLN 110,000 (one hundred and ten thousand zlotys) per month. This is particularly important because we do not know how many months the injured person will remain at the clinic in Germany. The insurer will pay for every month.
At present, the sum insured for which the insurer is liable is PLN 21 million. This amount is indexed every two years.
Is it worthwhile to seek 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 you can manage on your own or whether to commission us to handle the case.
In what situations—following what events—can compensation be claimed?
Above all, by participants in and families of victims of road accidents. 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, compensation may be claimed for all other events meeting the definition of an accident, that is, a sudden event caused by an external factor.
How long after an accident does an injured person have 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 suffered since 10 August 1997.
Where can people seek advice and obtain practical assistance in claiming compensation?
The office is located in Bolesławiec at 12 Mickiewicza Street, tel. +48 75 732 19 05 or +48 505 111 231. The office website address is: www.biuroronin.pl We also answer questions sent by email at: biuro.ronin@vp.pl
