Personal Injury Claims Solicitors Dublin

Personal Injury and Accident Claims in Ireland

Accidents happen unfortunately, and although it may seem overwhelming after you've been injured in a personal accident by the negligence of a third party which was not your fault, you need an experienced personal injury solicitor for your claim in Ireland.

At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we understand the process of claiming damages for injury and provide the right support alongside you all the way. Yes, you can handle a claim on your own, but there are serious pitfalls and traps when dealing directly with the Personal Injury Assessment Board (Injuries Board) in any personal injury claim.

It is only after you have processed your claim through the Injuries Board that you have the authority to issue court proceedings if necessary.

Benefits From Using Our Personal Injury Legal Services

The Process of Making a Claim for Personal Injuries After an Accident

Understanding how personal injury claims work in Ireland is essential. Here's a comprehensive overview of the process:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Case Assessment

Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors for a free, confidential consultation. We'll discuss:

• The circumstances of your accident
• The nature and extent of your injuries
• Who was at fault and whether liability is clear
• Whether you have a valid claim
• The potential value of your claim
• The timeline for your case

Step 2: Evidence Gathering

Once you instruct us, we immediately begin collecting evidence to support your claim:

• Medical Evidence: We obtain comprehensive medical reports from your GP, hospital records, and specialist consultants
• Accident Details: We gather Garda reports (for road traffic accidents), incident reports, CCTV footage, and photographs
• Witness Statements: We contact and interview witnesses who saw the accident
• Financial Documentation: We collect receipts for medical expenses, proof of lost earnings, and other financial losses
• Expert Opinions: Where necessary, we instruct medical experts, engineers, or other specialists

Step 3: Submitting to the Injuries Board

All personal injury claims in Ireland, except for medical negligence claims, must be submitted to the Injuries Board (formerly PIAB). We'll:

• Complete the required application form accurately
• Submit comprehensive medical reports
• Provide all supporting documentation
• Correspond with the Injuries Board on your behalf
• Ensure your claim is processed efficiently

The Injuries Board has a specific form that needs to be completed and filed with a medical report detailing the injuries suffered in your accident. Your personal injury law firm will contact your GP to obtain this report to enable the filing to be done as promptly as possible.

The medical report will show what injuries you have suffered and any medium or long-term consequences that may arise from them. This is why you should not hesitate to call us, your personal injury solicitors, on 01 903 6407 now for your consultation.

Step 4: Injuries Board Assessment

The Injuries Board will assess your claim using the Personal Injuries Guidelines (Book of Quantum). The respondent (the person or organization responsible) has 90 days to consent to the assessment. If they consent, the Board will make an award. If not, or if you reject the award, you'll receive an authorization to proceed to court.

Step 5: Negotiation or Court Proceedings

If the Injuries Board assessment is insufficient or if the respondent doesn't consent to assessment, we can:

• Negotiate directly with the respondent's insurers
• Issue court proceedings to pursue maximum compensation
• Engage in mediation or settlement discussions
• Represent you at trial if necessary

Step 6: Settlement and Compensation

Once a settlement is agreed or a court judgment is obtained, we'll:

• Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly
• Settle any outstanding medical bills or liens
• Deduct our agreed legal fees (if applicable)
• Transfer your compensation to you promptly
• Provide a full breakdown of all financial transactions

How Do Personal Injury Claims and Accident Claims Work?

Personal injury claims in Ireland are based on the legal principle of negligence. To succeed in a claim, you must prove:

1. Duty of Care

The defendant owed you a duty of care. For example:

• Drivers owe a duty of care to other road users
• Employers owe a duty of care to employees
• Property owners owe a duty of care to visitors
• Medical professionals owe a duty of care to patients

2. Breach of Duty

The defendant breached that duty by acting negligently or failing to act when they should have. Examples include:

• A driver running a red light
• An employer failing to provide safety equipment
• A shop owner not cleaning up a spill
• A doctor misdiagnosing a serious condition

3. Causation

The breach of duty directly caused your injuries. There must be a clear link between the defendant's negligent action (or inaction) and your injuries.

4. Damages

You suffered actual losses or harm as a result. This includes physical injuries, psychological trauma, financial losses, and pain and suffering.

What Is Considered a Personal Injury Case for a Bodily Injury or Serious Injury?

Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and injuries. At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we handle all types of personal injury claims, including:

Road Traffic Accidents

Road traffic accident claims are the most common type of personal injury case. We represent:

• Car Drivers: Injured in collisions, rear-end accidents, T-bone accidents
• Passengers: Innocent parties injured in vehicles
• Motorcyclists: Vulnerable road users suffering serious injuries
• Cyclists: Injured in collisions with vehicles or due to poor road conditions
• Pedestrians: Hit by vehicles or injured in hit-and-run accidents

Workplace Accidents

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment. Workplace injury claims include:

• Slips, trips, and falls at work
• Injuries from defective equipment or machinery
• Manual handling injuries (lifting, carrying)
• Falls from height (construction accidents, scaffolding collapses)
• Industrial accidents and exposure to harmful substances
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Occupational diseases

Public Liability Claims

Accidents that occur in public places or on someone else's property:

• Slips on wet floors in shops or restaurants
• Trips on uneven pavements or poorly maintained premises
• Falls due to inadequate lighting
• Injuries from falling objects in stores
• Accidents in hotels, gyms, or leisure facilities
• Dog bite injuries

Medical Negligence Claims

While medical negligence claims follow a different process, we have extensive experience handling:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Surgical errors
• Birth injuries (mother and baby)
• Medication errors
• Hospital-acquired infections
• Failure to obtain informed consent

Learn more about our medical negligence services.

Assault and Criminal Injury

Victims of violent crimes can claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal:

• Physical assault injuries
• Psychological trauma from violent crime
• Sexual assault injuries
• Injuries from armed robbery or burglary

Product Liability Claims

Injuries caused by defective or dangerous products:

• Faulty consumer goods
• Defective medical devices
• Dangerous pharmaceutical products
• Contaminated food or drink

Holiday Accident Claims

Accidents and illnesses while on holiday abroad:

• Hotel accidents (slips, falls, pool accidents)
• Food poisoning
• Accidents during organized activities
• Inadequate safety measures

What Is the Average Award for a Personal Injury Claim from PIAB?

The compensation you receive depends on the severity and impact of your injuries. The Injuries Board publishes the "Book of Quantum" (Personal Injuries Guidelines), which provides general valuation ranges for different types of injuries.

General Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Compensation for physical pain, suffering, and loss of amenity varies based on injury type and severity:

Injury Type	Severity	Approximate Range
Whiplash/Soft Tissue Neck Injury	Minor (3-6 months recovery)	€3,000 - €8,000
Whiplash/Soft Tissue Neck Injury	Moderate (6-24 months recovery)	€8,000 - €20,000
Back Injury	Minor to moderate	€10,000 - €30,000
Back Injury	Severe with lasting effects	€30,000 - €100,000+
Broken Arm/Wrist	Simple fracture, full recovery	€8,000 - €15,000
Broken Leg	Moderate severity	€15,000 - €40,000
Head Injury	Minor concussion	€5,000 - €15,000
Head Injury	Moderate with cognitive effects	€40,000 - €100,000+
Psychological Injury (PTSD, Anxiety)	Moderate	€15,000 - €40,000
Shoulder Injury	Significant, requiring surgery	€30,000 - €60,000
Facial Scarring	Permanent visible scarring	€20,000 - €80,000+
Spinal Injury	Severe, life-changing	€100,000 - €1,000,000+

Note: These are general guidelines only. The actual compensation you receive will depend on the specific facts of your case, the medical evidence, and how the injury has affected your life.

Special Damages (Financial Losses)

In addition to general damages, you can claim for all financial losses arising from your injury:

• Medical Expenses: GP visits, hospital treatment, physiotherapy, prescription costs, future medical care
• Lost Earnings: Past and future loss of income due to time off work or reduced earning capacity
• Travel Costs: Mileage and travel expenses for medical appointments
• Care and Assistance: Cost of hiring carers or compensation for family members who provided care
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of damaged property (e.g., vehicle, clothing)
• Home Modifications: Adaptations needed due to disability (ramps, stairlifts, bathroom modifications)
• Equipment: Wheelchairs, crutches, mobility aids, specialized equipment

Special damages are calculated based on actual receipts and evidence of financial loss. It's crucial to keep all receipts and documentation.

How Long Do Personal Injury Claims Take When Making an Accident Claim or Injuries Claim?

The timeline for personal injury claims varies significantly depending on several factors:

Fast Track Claims (6-18 Months)

Simple cases with clear liability and minor to moderate injuries often settle quickly:

• Clear-cut liability (e.g., rear-end collision)
• Straightforward injuries with full or near-full recovery
• Cooperative insurance companies
• Reasonable Injuries Board assessment accepted by both parties

Standard Claims (18 Months - 3 Years)

Most personal injury claims fall into this category:

• Moderate injuries requiring ongoing treatment
• Some dispute over liability or contributory negligence
• Need to wait for full medical recovery before settlement
• Court proceedings initiated after Injuries Board process

Complex Claims (3-5+ Years)

Serious injury cases or those with complex legal issues take longer:

• Catastrophic injuries (spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations)
• Significant dispute over liability
• Multiple defendants involved
• Need for extensive expert evidence
• Cases that proceed to full trial

Factors Affecting Timeline

• Medical Recovery: It's often necessary to wait until you've reached maximum medical improvement to accurately value your claim
• Liability Disputes: If fault is contested, additional investigation and evidence gathering is required
• Injuries Board Process: The Board has specific timeframes that must be followed
• Court Availability: Court backlogs can delay trial dates
• Complexity of Evidence: Gathering expert reports and medical evidence takes time
• Negotiation: Settlement discussions can take months

While we work to resolve your claim as quickly as possible, we never rush to settle for less than you deserve. Our priority is securing maximum compensation, even if it takes longer.

What Types of Personal Injury Are There?

Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. Understanding the types of injuries can help you assess your claim:

Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, whiplash, muscle tears, ligament damage
• Fractures: Broken bones (simple, compound, comminuted fractures)
• Dislocations: Joint dislocations (shoulder, hip, knee)
• Back and Spine Injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord damage, vertebrae fractures

Head and Brain Injuries

• Concussion: Mild traumatic brain injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Moderate to severe brain damage
• Skull Fractures: Breaks in the skull bone
• Contusions: Brain bruising

Psychological Injuries

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Following traumatic accidents
• Anxiety and Depression: Resulting from accidents or injuries
• Psychological Trauma: From assault or witnessing traumatic events
• Phobias: Developed after accidents (e.g., fear of driving)

Internal Injuries

• Organ Damage: Injury to liver, spleen, kidneys, etc.
• Internal Bleeding: Hemorrhaging requiring emergency treatment
• Abdominal Injuries: Blunt force trauma to the abdomen

Sensory Injuries

• Vision Loss: Partial or complete loss of sight
• Hearing Loss: Partial or total hearing impairment
• Loss of Smell or Taste: Often following head injuries

Scarring and Disfigurement

• Facial Scarring: Permanent visible scars affecting appearance
• Burns: First, second, third, or fourth-degree burns
• Amputation: Loss of limbs or digits

Chronic Conditions

• Chronic Pain: Long-term pain conditions
• Reduced Mobility: Permanent limitation of movement
• Disability: Life-altering impairments affecting daily living

What Are the Legal Fees and Legal Costs?

Understanding the costs involved in pursuing a personal injury claim is essential. At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options.

No Win No Fee Arrangements

We offer No Win No Fee arrangements for eligible personal injury claims. Under this agreement:

• No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing to start your claim
• No Ongoing Fees: You don't pay hourly rates or monthly bills
• Success-Based Payment: We only charge legal fees if your claim succeeds
• Transparent Percentage: Our fee is an agreed percentage of your compensation, clearly stated in writing before we begin
• No Hidden Charges: What you're told is what you pay

Legal Protection Insurance

As part of our No Win No Fee service, we arrange legal protection insurance to cover:

• The other side's legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful
• Court fees and disbursements
• Expert witness fees

This insurance ensures you have complete financial protection throughout the claims process.

Disbursements

Certain expenses (disbursements) may need to be paid during your claim:

• Medical reports (€150-€500 per report)
• Court filing fees (if proceedings are issued)
• Expert witness fees (engineers, medical consultants)

In most No Win No Fee cases, these are covered by legal protection insurance or paid upfront by us and recovered from the other side if you win.

Recoverable Costs

If your claim is successful, the defendant usually pays your legal costs in addition to your compensation. This means:

• You receive your full compensation award
• The defendant pays your solicitor's costs separately
• Our success fee may be deducted from your compensation, as agreed

We'll explain the exact cost structure during your free consultation, ensuring you understand all financial aspects before proceeding.

"Gary Matthews Solicitors were completely transparent about costs from the start. The No Win No Fee arrangement meant I had nothing to lose, and they delivered exceptional results." - Client, Dublin

Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors for Your Personal Injury Claim?

Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims

In Ireland, strict time limits apply to personal injury claims. It's crucial to act quickly:

Standard Time Limit

You have two years minus one day from the date of your accident to submit your claim to the Injuries Board or issue court proceedings. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to compensation.

Exceptions and Extensions

• Minors (Under 18): Time typically runs from the 18th birthday, giving until age 20 to make a claim (unless a parent makes the claim earlier)
• Mental Incapacity: The time limit may be paused if you lack the mental capacity to make a claim
• Date of Knowledge: For injuries that develop over time or aren't immediately apparent, time runs from the date you became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) of the injury
• Medical Negligence: Two years from the date of discovery of the negligence
• Fatal Accidents: Two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims

Why Act Quickly

Even if you have two years, it's wise to start your claim as soon as possible:

• Evidence Preservation: CCTV footage is often deleted after 30-90 days
• Witness Availability: Memories fade and witnesses become harder to locate
• Medical Evidence: Fresh medical records provide stronger evidence
• Financial Relief: The sooner you claim, the sooner you receive compensation
• Processing Time: The Injuries Board and court processes take time

Don't delay. Call us today on 01 903 6407 or fill in our contact form to start your personal injury claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

What should I do immediately after an accident?

1) Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. 2) Report the accident to the Gardaí (for road traffic accidents) or to the responsible party. 3) Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage. 4) Get contact details of witnesses. 5) Keep all receipts for expenses. 6) Contact us as soon as possible for legal advice.

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. Ireland applies the principle of contributory negligence. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%. We'll work to minimize any finding of contributory negligence.

How much is my claim worth?

The value depends on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and your financial losses. During your free consultation, we'll provide an estimated valuation based on similar cases and the Personal Injuries Guidelines.

Do I have to go to court?

Most cases settle without a court hearing. The Injuries Board process often results in a fair settlement. However, if the compensation offered is inadequate, we can issue court proceedings. Even then, many cases settle before trial.

Will I have to pay if I lose?

With our No Win No Fee arrangement, you pay us nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. Legal protection insurance covers the other side's costs, so you have complete financial protection.

How long will my claim take?

Simple cases can settle within 6-12 months. More complex cases may take 2-4 years. We'll provide a realistic timeline during your consultation based on the specifics of your case.