🩹 What am I entitled to after a workplace accident?

Yes

Quick answer

The benefit is 90% — and the employer is liable even without fault. The employer must report every workplace accident to the social security institute within 5 working days of learning of it. If they fail to, you may report it yourself — within 1 year of the incident. The institute issues a decision accepting or refusing to treat the accident as work-related within 14 days of the report; that decision can be appealed. For the period of temporary incapacity the benefit is 90% — appreciably more than the 80% paid for ordinary illness. Most importantly: the employer bears liability for the harm — including non-pecuniary harm — regardless of whether they were at fault.

📋 The rules

The employer reports within 5 working days
If they do not — you may, within 1 year
The institute issues a decision within 14 days
Benefit for a workplace accident: 90%
The employer is liable for the harm without fault

🔓 Exceptions

Liability is reduced only on proven gross negligence by the injured person
The institute's decision can be appealed
Compensation covers non-pecuniary harm — pain and suffering — as well

⚠️ Penalties & fines

For the employer: failing to report the accident is a breach, and their liability under the Labour Code is strict — they owe compensation for all the harm, including pain and suffering, whether or not they were at fault. Liability is reduced only on proven gross negligence by the injured person. For you, timing is everything: if the employer "forgets" to report, do it yourself — you have 1 year. And gather the evidence at once: witnesses, photographs of the scene, medical records from the day of the incident. Without a favourable decision, neither the benefit nor a claim against the employer gets off the ground.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

How soon must an accident be reported?

The employer must report it within 5 working days of learning of it. If they do not, you may report it yourself within 1 year of the incident.

How much is the benefit?

Ninety per cent for the period of temporary incapacity — appreciably more than the 80% payable for an ordinary illness.

Is the employer liable even without fault?

Yes. Liability under the Labour Code is strict — the employer owes compensation for all the harm, including non-pecuniary harm, whether or not they were at fault.

When is liability reduced?

Only on proven gross negligence by the injured person. Ordinary carelessness is not enough to cut the compensation due.

What should I do straight after the accident?

Gather evidence — witnesses, photographs of the scene and medical records from the same day. Without a favourable decision, neither the benefit nor a claim proceeds.

🔎 Common searches

What people search to land here:

“workplace accident reporting 5 days bulgaria”
“workplace accident benefit 90 percent”
“appeal accident decision bulgaria”
“employer liability article 200 bulgaria”
“gross negligence reduced compensation”
“accident without employment contract bulgaria”