The procedure is primarily employed in cases involving short‑duration claims, small amounts of money, or situations where the damage is evident and easily quantifiable. Typical examples include claims for accidental damage to personal property, medical malpractice where the harm is immediately apparent, or workplace injuries with clear injury reports. Ennakkolopetukset can also be filed against public authorities, for instance in cases of alleged violation of building codes or municipal negligence that has caused immediate damage.
To initiate an ennakkolopetus, the plaintiff must submit a written application to the relevant court or administrative authority. The application must outline the nature of the loss, the parties involved, and any proof of amount or damage. The plaintiff is expected to provide documents such as invoices, repair estimates, medical reports, or photographs. The cost of filing is generally low, and the plaintiff may request a reduced fee or full exemption if they can demonstrate financial hardship.
The authority evaluating the claim undertakes a rapid assessment, not a full legal inquiry. It may request additional information, but the decision is generally limited to monetary compensation and sometimes ordering the defendant to pay a sum or take specific remedial steps. If the claim is dismissed, parties can appeal to a higher court, where the matter is then examined in full legal detail. In this sense the ennakkolopetus serves as a provisional remedy that can resolve many disputes expeditiously while preserving the right to a later thorough judicial review.
In Finnish jurisprudence, ennakkolopetukset have proven valuable in reducing court backlogs and providing timely relief to individuals who need immediate compensation. The procedure is governed by rules that balance speed and fairness, ensuring that legitimate claims can be settled quickly while preventing abuse by limiting the scope of damages and requiring adequate documentation.