Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Spain has confirmed its commitment to worker safety in 2025, by enforcing the payment of lump-sum compensation for employees who suffer permanent physical injuries due to work-related accidents and occupational diseases. This applies even if these workers do not qualify for permanent disability pensions. Although the initial legal framework was established under Article 201-201 of the General Social Security Law as well as a May 20,23 regulation, Social Security authorities have clarified the application of this payment and made it fully applicable for new cases in 2020.
Recent attention has been drawn to the growing need for more clarity in financial rights, especially for those who continue to suffer long-term workplace injury effects despite not being classified as permanently disabled. There will be an increase in the number of applications for lump sum compensations by 2025. This has prompted authorities to update their practical guidelines for mutual insurance providers and reaffirm obligations for employers. Workers with permanent physical damage receive financial assistance without it affecting their employment. The compensation is calculated using the national injury scaling known as baremo. The compensation amounts are determined by the type of injury and clearly bracketed for each. Facial injuries, such as the complete loss of the nose, attract the highest compensations, reaching approximately €9,500. The loss of both ears is compensated at over €4,500. Significant hearing loss, especially if it affects conversational ability in both ears, results in payments of over €4,200, while partial hearing loss in one ear may attract lower amounts.
Visual impairments also qualify, with the loss of more than 50% vision in one eye compensated at around €2,300. Less severe vision loss in one eye may result in payments starting from €1,300. Reproductive injuries are covered, with compensation amounts such as €7,600 for the loss of both testicles or ovaries, and around €3,000 for the removal of a breast. Musculoskeletal injuries, including permanent joint stiffness or restricted mobility in the wrist, shoulder, or fingers, are compensated between €1,500 and €3,400.
The lowest lump-sum compensation begins at just over €500, while the highest amounts exceed €9,500 depending on severity and impact. The claimant must submit the application within five years after the injury is deemed permanent. After a medical evaluation has confirmed that the worker can return to work despite the injury, payments are made either by the mutual insurance company of the employer or by Social Security. This clarification, which will take effect in 2025, ensures that employees who suffer lasting effects due to their employment are compensated and recognised. This clarifies recent concerns regarding workplace welfare and legal protections. It highlights Spain’s efforts to provide updated, practical support for injured workers who continue to work while coping physically with permanent consequences.
