Under Turkish Labor Law (No. 6331) and Social Security Law (No. 5510), a workplace accident (iş kazası) is defined as any injury that occurs due to work-related activities, on-site or during business travel, which results in medical treatment, disability, or death. Istanbul Law Firm, a leading Turkish Law Firm, assists employers and injured workers in clarifying whether an event meets legal accident criteria. Our Turkish Lawyers review accident reports, medical records, and site conditions to ensure accurate classification. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for occupational health and safety, we support clients in SGK filings, employer liability assessments, and insurance claims. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures multinational employers and expat workers understand how accidents are defined legally in Turkey.
1. Legal Criteria for a Workplace Accident
A workplace accident must occur during work hours, at the employer’s workplace or on a work-related route, and involve sudden events leading to injury. Istanbul Law Firm helps determine whether incidents such as commuting accidents, occupational illnesses, or travel-related injuries fall under the SGK definition. Our Turkish Lawyers inspect duty rosters, travel orders, and geographic routes to support claims. We also analyze whether chronic exposures should be classified as occupational accidents or diseases. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we compile evidence—including expert reports and workplace inspections—to substantiate employer duty or worker eligibility. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey communicates findings to international management and insurers in dual language reports.
Employer liability hinges on proving a causal link between employment activity and injury. Istanbul Law Firm assists workers by preserving accident scenes, collecting witness statements, and documenting safety violations. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare liability assessments and compliance memos referencing İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği (OSH) requirements. We also guide employers in performing root-cause analysis to avoid misclassification. As a proactive Turkish Law Firm, we support implementation of immediate remedial actions post-accident. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey coordinates communication with foreign-headquartered companies about liability determinations.
2. SGK Notification & Employer Obligations
Employers must notify SGK within three business days after a workplace accident that causes injury requiring medical care, death, or permanent disability. Istanbul Law Firm advises HR and legal teams on drafting accurate SGK accident notifications with correct ICD codes and incident descriptions. Our Turkish Lawyers review medical records, first-aid reports, and employer statements to ensure timely filing. Failure to notify can result in administrative fines, insurance complications, and criminal charges under Labor Law. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we help employers create internal OSH checklists to avoid missed notifications. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares bilingual notification drafts to ensure clarity and regulatory compliance.
Employers must document the accident in a formal report, showing date, time, location, conditions, and emergency response actions. Istanbul Law Firm provides template investigation reports aligned with Turkish regulations. Our Turkish Lawyers guide employers through witness interviews, scene photo-taking, and preserving physical evidence. We also review CCTV records, machine logs, and site safety checklists for inaccuracies. As a compliance-driven Turkish Law Firm, we assist in compiling accident files ahead of inspections. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures internationally operating companies understand documentation standards and upload practices for SGK systems.
Employers must also maintain the injured worker’s medical records and facilitate rehabilitation or return-to-work plans. Istanbul Law Firm advises management on arranging medical leave certificates and workplace accommodations. Our Turkish Lawyers draft rehabilitation agreements compliant with SGK rules and workplace safety obligations. We also coordinate workplace risk reassessments and temporary role modifications. As a safety-first Turkish Law Firm, we help develop return-to-work checklists ensuring legal compliance and employee well-being. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists multinational clients in understanding legal responsibilities and international best practices for injured workers.
3. Types of Workplace Accidents and Examples
Workplace accidents in Turkey can involve physical injuries, such as slips, trips, falls, cuts, or crushing incidents, and often occur in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Istanbul Law Firm helps employers and injured workers understand how daily tasks — like climbing scaffolds, handling heavy loads, or working with machinery — can lead to legally cognizable accidents. Our Turkish Lawyers analyze activity logs, machine maintenance records, and safety protocols to determine causation. We also compile case studies to illustrate precedent and support legal arguments on compelled safety standards. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for occupational safety, we categorize incident types to clarify liability and insurance coverage boundaries. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey translates complex legal and technical findings for multinational teams dealing with cross-border workplace risks.
Another major category includes commuting accidents characterized by sudden incidents during travel to or from the workplace or assigned tasks. Istanbul Law Firm reviews travel orders, transportation routes, tickets, and GPS data to establish legitimacy. Our Turkish Lawyers also evaluate whether accidents during company-sponsored events or travel are SGK-reportable workplace accidents. We analyze public transport incidents, highway collisions, and shuttle-related accidents to confirm jurisdiction. As a travel-safety focused Turkish Law Firm, we build evidentiary cases for compensation or coverage eligibility. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign employees understand their rights and entitlements deriving from such incidents.
Chemical exposure, repetitive strain injuries, and occupational illnesses—like hearing loss or respiratory conditions—can also qualify as workplace accidents under specific circumstances. Istanbul Law Firm helps clients document hazard exposure, environmental monitoring reports, and medical evaluations to support classification as an occupational injury. Our Turkish Lawyers compare workplace conditions with permissible exposure limits and industry benchmarks. We even prepare expert evidence, such as occupational medicine assessments. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we assist workers seeking recognition of occupational illness for compensation or insurance access. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey liaises with foreign medical experts and translates findings for dual-language compliance.
4. Compensation, Insurance & SGK Support Processes
In Turkey, injured workers may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and death benefits through SGK’s insurance system. Istanbul Law Firm advises injured employees and employers on SGK application procedures, medical report preparation, and follow‑up communications. Our Turkish Lawyers assist with initiating SGK claims, appealing rejected applications, and calculating benefit amounts. We also prepare medical and vocational rehabilitation strategy letters to support claims. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for workplace accident insurance, we guide clients through progressive premium adjustment assessments. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign claimants understand benefit structures and eligible medical treatments clearly.
Employers are required to have occupational accident insurance and ensure premiums are submitted to SGK correctly. Istanbul Law Firm reviews employer insurance policies and verifies insurance validity periods, coverage scope, and notification accuracy. Our Turkish Lawyers audit SGK payment records to avoid underpayment issues. We also assist employers in self-insurance arrangements where applicable, guiding compliance documentation. As a proactive Turkish Law Firm, we prepare appeals when SGK or insurance companies underpay compensation. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign companies understand mandatory insurance obligations and premium record-keeping requirements.
If SGK benefits are delayed or denied, Istanbul Law Firm files appeals with SGK’s medical and legal governance units. Our Turkish Lawyers compile medical documentation, workplace inspections, and accident records to support appeals. We also coordinate final benefit reconciliation and ensure disbursement to survivors in case of fatal accidents. As a victim-focused Turkish Law Firm, we pursue private legal claims for pain-and-suffering damages in addition to statutory SGK benefits. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists foreign heirs in navigating probate procedures and compensation disbursement across jurisdictions.
5. Employer Liability and Legal Proceedings
Employers may face civil and criminal liability for workplace accidents if they fail to meet Occupational Health and Safety obligations. Istanbul Law Firm represents injured workers and employers in proceedings before criminal courts, civil courts of first instance, and administrative tribunals. Our Turkish Lawyers evaluate whether employer negligence or breach of safety regulations led to the accident, such as failure to provide protective equipment or conduct risk assessments. We prepare defense briefs or claim submissions accompanied by expert OSH reports. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we guide clients through procedural timelines, evidentiary thresholds, and liability frameworks. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports foreign stakeholders by providing detailed bilingual case strategies and updates.
In criminal cases, employers may be charged with involuntary manslaughter under Article 85 of the Turkish Penal Code if their actions caused death. Istanbul Law Firm builds robust defenses by scrutinizing causation, foreseeability, and preventive measures taken prior to the incident. Our Turkish Lawyers also negotiate penal mitigations based on immediate remedy actions, compensation paid, and safety system enhancements. We appear alongside clients in court and facilitate expert testimonies to explain technical safety improvements. As a results-oriented Turkish Law Firm, we aim to limit punitive consequences and protect company reputation. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures international insurers comprehend legal requirements and defense rationale.
Civil claims for damages are common, including compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, and psychological injuries. Istanbul Law Firm assists claimants in calculating damages based on medical prognosis, future disability rates, and earning capacity. Our Turkish Lawyers draft detailed claim submissions and submit to civil courts or arbitration tribunals as appropriate. We also handle settlement negotiations and structure compensation packages. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we balance legal risk with financial outcomes. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign parties understand settlement mechanics and legal documentation.
6. Prevention Strategies & Employer Best Practices
Preventing workplace accidents starts with robust occupational health and safety systems integrated into daily operations. Istanbul Law Firm advises employers on designing OSH management systems aligned with Labor Law No. 6331 and ISO 45001 standards. Our Turkish Lawyers draft safety policies, emergency preparedness plans, and hazard identification protocols. We also conduct employee training audits and refresher sessions across worksites. As a preventive-focused Turkish Law Firm, we encourage proactive risk assessments and safety walk-throughs to prevent accidents before they occur. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides multilingual training materials that integrate legal requirements with practical actions.
Regular safety audits and inspections identify potential hazards, non-compliant equipment, or procedure lapses. Istanbul Law Firm helps clients schedule internal and external audits, review findings, and implement corrective action plans. Our Turkish Lawyers coordinate with OSH specialists and document improvement records for future validation. We provide management summaries showing legal compliance, cost-benefit analysis, and timeline-based remediation steps. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we follow-up to ensure audit items are closed. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists international partners in interpreting audit outcomes and aligning multi-jurisdictional compliance standards.
Employee involvement is crucial: forming safety committees, reporting near misses, and submitting anonymous hazard alerts promote a safer workplace. Istanbul Law Firm helps HR and legal teams establish formal safety committees and incident reporting policies. Our Turkish Lawyers draft written protocols for near-miss investigations and whistleblower protection. We also facilitate feedback loops between management and labor representatives. As a proactive Turkish Law Firm, we encourage cultural shifts through dashboards and review mechanisms. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures employee communications and training documents are bilingual and legally sound.
7. Reporting to the Ministry of Labor and Labor Inspectorates
All workplace accidents must be recorded and reported not only to SGK, but also to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s labor inspectorate when serious injuries or fatalities occur. Istanbul Law Firm assists clients in preparing formal submissions, meeting procedural standards outlined in the İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Kanunu (Law No. 6331). Our Turkish Lawyers help employers submit accident logs, root-cause investigation reports, and emergency response documentation. We also guide the inclusion of compliance measures taken to prevent recurrence. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for labor compliance, we help reduce liability through proactive communication with labor inspectors. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares English summaries of labor filings for multinational companies and foreign shareholders.
Failure to report accurately or timely may trigger administrative fines and future investigation flags. Istanbul Law Firm defends companies under inspection, preparing statements, accident timelines, and risk assessments. Our Turkish Lawyers attend site inspections and coordinate with internal HSE departments to respond comprehensively. We also appeal inspection conclusions where legal or factual inaccuracies occur. As a litigation-ready Turkish Law Firm, we ensure compliance while protecting clients from excessive penalties. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists expat managers in preparing bilingual audit responses and inspection protocols.
Post-inspection, labor authorities may mandate corrective actions, additional training, or OSH system reforms. Istanbul Law Firm helps HR and legal teams implement government directives efficiently. Our Turkish Lawyers assist with contractor communications, subcontractor integration, and updating safety handbooks. We also facilitate coordination between legal, technical, and HSE teams to maintain compliance. As a workplace safety-focused Turkish Law Firm, we support structured improvement plans with audit-ready documentation. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures full visibility of these steps for international stakeholders and compliance auditors.
8. Why Istanbul Law Firm Leads in Workplace Accident Law
Istanbul Law Firm is the leading advisor for workplace accident law in Turkey, combining deep legal expertise with technical occupational safety knowledge. Our Turkish Lawyers represent both employers and injured workers in SGK claims, civil litigation, criminal liability defense, and compliance consulting. We understand sector-specific safety risks—from construction and mining to healthcare and logistics—and provide tailored strategies accordingly. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey, we act swiftly, provide bilingual reports, and offer litigation-tested safety system improvements. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey is trusted by global corporations to manage accident-related legal issues in a transparent, compliant, and language-accessible way.
From preventive audits to emergency defense, Istanbul Law Firm delivers results-focused legal support for companies committed to improving safety outcomes. We combine ISO 45001 integration, KVKK-compliant documentation, and SGK system navigation in a unified service model. Our Turkish Lawyers lead seminars on legal duties, employer defenses, and OSH law for HR teams, boards, and safety managers. We also offer accident simulations and incident drill legal reviews. As a training-forward Turkish Law Firm, we aim to empower companies and protect employees through better systems. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures each client understands the law—and their risk exposure.
Whether you need help after an accident or want to prevent the next one, Istanbul Law Firm is your full-scope legal partner. We manage crisis communications, insurance recovery, and judicial procedures. Our Turkish Lawyers help firms avoid shutdowns, reputational damage, and litigation losses. As a complete legal safety solution provider, we build risk-resilient structures into corporate frameworks. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey guarantees international teams receive reliable legal interpretation and case handling tailored to global standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What qualifies as a workplace accident in Turkey? – Any injury or incident occurring during work activities or on work-related travel that results in harm or death.
- What is the SGK notification deadline? – Employers must notify SGK within 3 working days after becoming aware of the accident.
- Are commuting accidents covered? – Yes, if the accident occurs while traveling directly to or from the workplace under employer instruction.
- Can employers be criminally liable? – Yes. Criminal charges may arise from negligence leading to injury or death under the Penal Code.
- Who pays the compensation? – SGK pays statutory benefits. Employers may owe additional civil compensation if negligence is proven.
- What documents are needed for a claim? – Medical reports, incident records, witness statements, SGK notifications, and safety protocols.
- Can foreign workers file claims? – Yes. Foreign nationals are protected under Turkish Labor Law and eligible for SGK benefits.
- What is the penalty for late reporting? – Administrative fines, loss of insurance coverage, and civil/criminal liabilities may apply.
- Is rehabilitation support available? – Yes. SGK and employers must support recovery and return-to-work planning when feasible.
- Do safety violations increase employer risk? – Absolutely. Uncorrected safety violations greatly increase legal exposure and penalties.
- Can survivors claim compensation? – Yes. Legal heirs of deceased workers can file for survivor benefits and civil damages.
- Who is the best lawyer for workplace accidents in Turkey? – Istanbul Law Firm—widely recognized as the best lawyer firm in Turkey for SGK claims, compliance, and litigation defense.
Contact Our Turkish Workplace Accident Lawyers Today
Injured on the job? Istanbul Law Firm helps workers, families, and employers with SGK filings, legal liability defense, and accident prevention compliance. Our expert Turkish Lawyers and English speaking lawyer in Turkey deliver bilingual support and full legal protection. Work with the best lawyer firm in Turkey for labor safety and legal strategy.