With no contract, is a workplace injury even investigated?
It is — and since 2025 that is written into the regulation in black and white. The common myth runs: "with no contract it is not a work injury." Wrong. Since 22 March 2025 the rules expressly cover any person who, on the real circumstances, is an employee — even where the employer never formalised the relationship. The deadlines are firm. The accident must be reported immediately to the employer or direct supervisor. The investigation and report must be completed within 15 working days; for objective reasons that may be extended to 30 working days. An investigation is required where incapacity lasts more than one day, and in cases of death.
📋 The rules
- The accident must be reported immediately
- Investigated where incapacity exceeds one day
- Investigation and report: 15 working days
- For objective reasons — up to 30 working days
- Since 2025: it covers the factual employee too
🔓 Exceptions
- A serious or fatal accident must be reported immediately to both the police and the inspectorate
- Where incapacity lasts one to three days, a simplified investigation applies
- If incapacity develops later, the investigation starts on the worker's written application
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Concealing or failing to investigate an accident costs €140–500 for a natural person and €350–1,400 for a legal entity. Where serious injury or death occurred, the fine rises to €500–700 and €2,100–4,300. But for the worker, the report itself matters most. A registered accident report is the basis for insurance compensation — without it, a claim becomes far harder. Periodic compensation for loss of working capacity is available where the commission finds a loss from 25%, and the insurance agency can separately reimburse treatment, medication, rehabilitation and travel costs. So do not let it be "settled quietly": without the report you lose exactly what is worth the most.
📎 Official sources
- likumi.lv · Cabinet Regulation No. 950 →
- likumi.lv · Labour Protection Law →
- VSAA · Insurance compensation →
❓ Frequently asked
Is an injury investigated without a contract?
It is. Since 22 March 2025 the rules expressly cover anyone who, on the real circumstances, is an employee — even where the employer never formalised the relationship in writing.
How long does the investigation take?
The investigation and the accident report must normally be completed within 15 working days. For objective reasons an employer-led investigation may be extended to 30 working days.
When must it be reported?
Immediately — to the employer, the direct supervisor or the occupational-safety specialist. A serious or fatal accident must also be reported at once to the police and the labour inspectorate.
What is the penalty for concealing it?
For a natural person €140–500, for a legal entity €350–1,400. Where serious injury or death occurred, the fine rises to €500–700 and €2,100–4,300 respectively.
Why does the report matter so much?
Because it is the basis for insurance compensation. Without a registered report, a claim becomes far harder — and it is the compensation, not the fine, that is worth most to the worker.
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