A work injury is statutorily defined as any accident occurring to a worker during or because of work, and also includes commute accidents between home and work, and proven occupational diseases (such as hearing loss for workers in noisy industries). The moment an injury occurs, the Occupational Hazards branch of the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) activates, covering treatment, temporary disability allowance, and permanent disability or death compensation.
During temporary disability, the worker is entitled to a daily allowance equal to 75% of their wage. For permanent partial disability (50% or more), a lifetime monthly pension is paid, or a lump sum equal to 60 times the monthly pension for those under forty (capped at SAR 165,000), gradually reduced for those over forty. For total disability or death, compensation reaches much higher limits with monthly pensions for heirs per statutory shares.
While GOSI covers the basic benefits, the employer may be liable for additional supplementary compensation in specific cases: gross negligence in occupational safety (absence of protective equipment, violating basic safety standards), or failing to register the worker with GOSI at all at the time of the injury. This supplementary compensation is entirely separate from GOSI entitlements: neither cancels the other.
After an injury, some employers may offer a sum of money in exchange for signing a waiver of the right to pursue GOSI or claim supplementary compensation. Occupational hazard compensation is a statutory right that isn't waived by agreement or renunciation, and may far exceed what's offered to you. Don't sign any document before consulting a specialized lawyer.
To claim compensation for a work injury in Jeddah, contact us on WhatsApp.
You may also find it useful to review GOSI & Social Insurance Disputes Lawyers in Jeddah or Domestic Worker Disputes Lawyers in Jeddah, both topics our team handles regularly in Jeddah and which may relate to your situation.Reach out now on WhatsApp or by phone: a licensed Jeddah lawyer will respond quickly.
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