Legal matters related to structural damage in the Netherlands

When structural damage occurs and disputes arise, forensic engineers have to search for the causes of this damage to find out who can be held liable for it. Legal systems must provide an adequate, reasonable, effective and complete way to solve these disputes. Each country has its own system with advantages and disadvantages. This paper provides an overview of the Dutch legal system concerning liability, dispute resolution and insurances. These themes will be illustrated by quantitative research data, a comparison between the Netherlands and England and by discussing advantages and disadvantages of rules, such as reasonableness and influences on structural safety. In this way, the aim is to share knowledge and contribute to the discussion regarding the legal and judicial framework relating to structural damage.