Workplace Accidents in Switzerland: Your Rights under the LAA/UVG
The Federal Act on Accident Insurance (LAA/UVG) of 20 March 1981 is the cornerstone of protection for Swiss workers against professional accidents, non-professional accidents and occupational diseases. SUVA (Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund) is the main LAA/UVG insurer, covering the majority of workers. Other approved LAA/UVG insurers may cover other categories of employees. PBM Avocats assists accident victims in Geneva and Lausanne to defend their rights against insurers.
Scope of the LAA/UVG
The following are compulsorily insured against accidents under the LAA/UVG:
- All employed workers working in Switzerland, including cross-border workers and foreigners
- Unemployed persons receiving AVIG/LACI allowances
- Trainees and apprentices
- Part-time workers (with conditions for NPAs)
Self-employed persons are not compulsorily insured under the LAA/UVG but may insure themselves voluntarily.
Types of Accidents Covered by the LAA/UVG
| Type of Accident | Definition | Coverage Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Professional accident (PA) | Occurs during working hours or in connection with the professional activity | All insured workers |
| Non-professional accident (NPA) | Occurs during leisure time | Minimum 8 h/week with same employer |
| Commuting accident | Direct and usual journey between home and workplace | Treated as NPA |
| Occupational disease | Disease caused by professional activity (SUVA list) | See dedicated page |
LAA/UVG Benefits: Care and Allowances
Benefits in Kind
- Medical treatment: doctor's fees, medication, hospitalisation (general ward), rehabilitation costs — with no excess or participation
- Auxiliary means: prostheses, orthotics, hearing aids necessary for rehabilitation
- Transport costs: medically justified transport costs
Cash Benefits
- Daily allowance: 80% of insured salary from the 3rd day of incapacity to work (the first two days are borne by the employer under the CO)
- Disability pension: if earning capacity loss is at least 10% after one year of medical treatment; amount = 80% of insured earnings × disability rate
- Survivor's pensions: 40% of insured earnings for the spouse; 15% per child who has lost one parent
- Integrity compensation (IPAI): for permanent sequelae, see our integrity compensation page
Insured Earnings and Limits
The maximum insured annual earnings under the LAA/UVG are CHF 148,200 in 2024. This cap is important because all cash benefits are calculated on this basis. Salaries above this amount are not taken into account when calculating daily allowances and pensions, unless the employer has taken out supplementary accident insurance (supplementary LAA/UVG).
Procedure in the Event of a Workplace Accident
| Step | Who Acts? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Accident notification | Employer (legal obligation) | Without delay |
| Urgent medical treatment | Worker (doctor, hospital) | Immediately |
| Medical certificate | Treating physician | From first consultation |
| File investigation | SUVA / LAA insurer | During treatment |
| Insurer's decision | SUVA / LAA insurer | Objection: 30 days |
Contesting LAA/UVG Decisions: Deadlines and Procedure
Decisions by SUVA or a LAA/UVG insurer can be contested through the same channels as for AI/IV:
- Objection: 30 days with the LAA/UVG insurer; free of charge
- Cantonal appeal: 30 days before the cantonal insurance tribunal
- Federal appeal: 30 days before the Federal Supreme Court (legal questions only)
The most frequent disputes concern the causal link between the accident and the health impairments (natural and adequate causality), case closure, the disability rate and the calculation of insured earnings. A lawyer specialising in insurance law is often essential for these technical proceedings.
What is the difference between a professional accident and a non-professional accident under the UVG/LAA?
A professional accident occurs during working hours or in direct connection with the professional activity (including the direct journey between two workplaces). A non-professional accident (NPA) occurs during leisure time. The NPA is only covered if the insured works at least 8 hours per week with the same employer.
What does SUVA cover in the event of a workplace accident?
SUVA covers: medical costs (treatment, medication, hospitalisation) with no excess or cost participation; daily allowances of 80% of the insured salary from the 3rd day; a disability pension if the earning capacity loss is 10% or more; survivor's pensions for relatives; an integrity compensation (IPAI) for permanent sequelae.
What should I do if SUVA refuses to cover my accident?
If a refusal decision is issued, you have 30 days to file an objection with SUVA. If the objection is rejected, you can appeal within 30 days before the cantonal insurance tribunal. It is strongly advisable to consult a lawyer specialising in UVG/LAA for these proceedings, particularly to contest medical findings or causality.
How is the LAA/UVG daily allowance calculated?
The LAA/UVG daily allowance is 80% of the insured salary. The insured salary is the determining annual salary under art. 22 LAA, capped at CHF 148,200 (maximum insured annual earnings 2024). It is paid from the 3rd day of incapacity to work, with the employer required to pay the salary for the first two days.
Can LAA/UVG and AI/IV benefits be combined in the event of disability?
Both insurances can intervene simultaneously, but benefits are coordinated to avoid over-indemnification. The LAA/UVG pension is calculated taking the AI/IV pension into account. The total may not exceed 90% of the insured earnings. See our page on coordination of social insurances for more details.