Open 24 Hours - 7 Days

Personal Injury and Accident Claims in Ireland

Accidents happen unfortunately, and although it is not rocket science, after you have been injured in a personal accident by the negligence of a third party which was not your fault and have suffered bodily injuries, you need an experienced personal injury solicitor for a claim in Ireland.

You need to understand the process of claiming damages for injury with the right support alongside you all the way. Yes, you can do it on your own but there are serious pitfalls and traps all the way when dealing directly with the Personal Injury Assessment Board in any personal injury claim.

It is only after you have processed your claim through PIAB do you have the authority to issue court proceedings.

Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors?

We will make your personal injury accident claim process smooth and successful

  • We will deal with the Injuries Board (Formerly known as PIAB)
  • We will negotiate the best settlement for your injuries claim
  • We operate on a No Win No Fee* basis
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Award-winning legal team with proven results

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

Understanding the personal injury claims process in Ireland is important to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety must come first. Always seek immediate medical attention after an accident, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can become serious over time. Medical records also provide crucial evidence for your claim.

Step 2: Document Everything

Gather as much evidence as possible about your accident:

  • Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazards
  • Get contact details of witnesses
  • Report the accident to the relevant authority (employer, property owner, Gardaí)
  • Keep all medical records, receipts, and expenses related to your injury
  • Maintain a diary of how your injuries affect your daily life

Step 3: Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Solicitor

Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your case, explain your rights, and advise on the likely outcome. We work on a No Win No Fee* basis, so you face no financial risk.

Step 4: Medical Assessment

We'll arrange for you to be examined by an independent medical expert who will assess your injuries and provide a detailed medical report. This report will document:

  • The nature and extent of your injuries
  • The treatment you've received and will require
  • The impact on your ability to work and daily activities
  • Any long-term or permanent consequences
  • The pain and suffering you've experienced

Step 5: Submission to the Injuries Board (PIAB)

All personal injury claims in Ireland, except for medical negligence claims, must be submitted to the Injuries Board. We'll prepare and submit all necessary documentation, including:

  • Completed application form
  • Independent medical report
  • Supporting evidence and documentation
  • Details of financial losses and expenses

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

The medical report will show what injuries you have suffered and any medium or long-term consequences that may arise from them. So do not hesitate and call us your personal injury solicitors on 01 9036407 now for your consultation or fill in the contact form with your name and telephone number and we will get back to you shortly or at a time of your convenience.

Step 6: Assessment and Offer

The Injuries Board will assess your claim based on the medical evidence and the Book of Quantum. They may make an offer of compensation. The defendant (the person or organization responsible for your injury) can accept, reject, or make a counter-offer.

Step 7: Accept Settlement or Proceed to Court

If a reasonable settlement is reached through the Injuries Board, your claim can be resolved quickly. If not, the Injuries Board will issue an authorization allowing you to pursue your claim through court proceedings. We have extensive experience representing clients in court and will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

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 your claim, you must prove:

  1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., an employer's duty to provide a safe workplace, a driver's duty to drive safely, a property owner's duty to maintain safe premises)
  2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty through negligence, recklessness, or failure to act
  3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your injury
  4. Damages: You suffered actual harm (physical, psychological, or financial) as a result

Our experienced solicitors will gather evidence to prove each element of your claim and present a compelling case on your behalf.

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

A personal injury case arises when you suffer harm due to another party's negligence or wrongful conduct. This can include a wide range of accidents and injuries:

Workplace Accidents

Injuries at work including:

  • Construction site accidents
  • Falls from height
  • Machinery and equipment injuries
  • Lifting and manual handling injuries
  • Exposure to hazardous substances
  • Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
  • Occupational diseases

Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

Public liability claims for accidents including:

  • Slips on wet or icy surfaces
  • Trips over uneven pavements or obstacles
  • Falls on stairs or escalators
  • Accidents in shops, restaurants, or hotels
  • Injuries on poorly maintained premises
  • Inadequate warning signs

Road Traffic Accidents

All types of vehicle accidents:

  • Car and van accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Passenger claims
  • Uninsured driver claims (MIBI)
  • Hit and run accidents

Learn more about car accident claims →

Animal Attacks

Injuries caused by animals:

  • Dog bites and attacks
  • Horse riding accidents
  • Farm animal injuries
  • Attacks by other animals

Animal owners have legal responsibility for their animals' behavior.

Holiday and Travel Accidents

Injuries while traveling:

  • Accidents at hotels or resorts
  • Food poisoning
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Inadequate medical treatment abroad
  • Transport accidents

Defective Products

Injuries caused by faulty products:

  • Defective consumer goods
  • Dangerous toys
  • Faulty electrical equipment
  • Contaminated food products

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

The compensation awarded in personal injury claims varies significantly depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the financial losses you've incurred.

Types of Damages

1. General Damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. The Injuries Board uses the Book of Quantum and Judicial Council Personal Injuries Guidelines to assess these damages based on:

  • The severity and type of injury
  • The duration of symptoms and recovery time
  • Impact on your quality of life and daily activities
  • Any permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Psychological impact

2. Special Damages: Compensation for actual financial losses and expenses, including:

  • Medical expenses (hospital bills, GP visits, physiotherapy, medication)
  • Loss of earnings (wages lost due to time off work)
  • Future loss of earnings (if your injury affects your ability to work long-term)
  • Travel expenses (to medical appointments)
  • Care costs (if you require assistance with daily tasks)
  • Adaptation costs (home or vehicle modifications if needed)
  • Any other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

The Book of Quantum

The Injuries Board publishes what is called a "Book of Quantum", a type of claim calculator which tries to evaluate the worth of a particular injury.

Although it does not deal with the severity of your injury, the Book of Quantum will put a value on, for example, a broken arm from a bicycle accident claim. This could also happen for an accident on holiday or for a head injury in a car accident or any road traffic accidents. Your personal injury solicitors in giving you both legal advice and claims advice will be able to explain this in a consultation for a claim for personal injury.

The Book of Quantum does not indicate a value on special damages. So do not hesitate and call 01 9036407 now for your consultation or fill in the contact form with your name and telephone number and we will get back to you shortly or at your convenience.

Example Compensation Ranges

Please note: These are general guidelines only. Every case is unique and actual compensation depends on your specific circumstances.

Injury Type Severity Typical Range
Whiplash Minor - full recovery within 3 months €3,000 - €8,000
Whiplash Moderate - recovery 6-12 months €8,000 - €15,000
Back Injury Soft tissue with full recovery €10,000 - €20,000
Back Injury Moderate with some lasting symptoms €20,000 - €40,000
Shoulder Injury Requiring surgery, limited recovery €30,000 - €60,000
Broken Limb Simple fracture with full recovery €15,000 - €30,000
Head Injury Concussion with full recovery €10,000 - €25,000
Psychological Trauma PTSD or anxiety following serious accident €15,000 - €50,000+

Remember, these figures represent general damages only. Your total compensation will also include all special damages (financial losses).

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

The duration of a personal injury claim varies depending on several factors:

Factors Affecting Claim Duration

  • Liability: If fault is clear and admitted, claims resolve faster than disputed cases
  • Injury Severity: More serious injuries require longer assessment and recovery periods
  • Medical Prognosis: It's important to wait until your medical condition stabilizes before settling
  • Cooperation: How quickly medical reports and evidence can be gathered
  • Injuries Board Process: The PIAB assessment timeline
  • Negotiation: Whether parties can agree or court proceedings are necessary

Typical Timelines

Simple Cases

6-12 months

  • Clear liability
  • Minor injuries with full recovery
  • Settlement through Injuries Board
  • No disputes

Moderate Cases

12-24 months

  • Some liability disputes
  • Moderate injuries requiring treatment
  • May involve negotiation beyond PIAB
  • Possible early court proceedings

Complex Cases

2-4 years

  • Serious or catastrophic injuries
  • Disputed liability
  • Full court proceedings
  • Multiple medical experts
  • Large compensation claims

Our Commitment

While we work efficiently to resolve your claim as quickly as possible, we will never pressure you to settle before you're ready. It's crucial that your medical condition has stabilized and we have a full understanding of the long-term impact of your injuries before settling your claim.

What Types of Personal Injury?

Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of accident types and injuries. We have expertise in handling all types of personal injury claims including:

Workplace Injuries

Employers in Ireland have strict legal duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to provide a safe working environment. If you've been injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Construction site accidents (falls, falling objects, scaffold collapses)
  • Machinery and equipment injuries
  • Slips, trips and falls in the workplace
  • Manual handling injuries and repetitive strain
  • Exposure to hazardous substances or chemicals
  • Industrial diseases (asbestosis, noise-induced hearing loss)
  • Inadequate training or safety equipment
  • Stress-related illnesses from workplace bullying or excessive workload

Public Liability Claims

Property owners, businesses, and public authorities must maintain safe premises. If you're injured due to dangerous conditions on someone else's property, you may have a claim for:

  • Slips on wet floors in shops or supermarkets
  • Trips over uneven pavements or potholes
  • Falls on poorly maintained stairs
  • Injuries from falling objects in stores
  • Accidents caused by inadequate lighting
  • Injuries from defective equipment in gyms or leisure facilities
  • Accidents in restaurants, hotels, or entertainment venues

Road Traffic Accidents

Ireland's roads can be dangerous, and accidents can have life-changing consequences. We handle all types of road traffic claims including those for drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Learn more about car accident claims.

Medical Negligence

When medical professionals fail to provide an appropriate standard of care, the consequences can be devastating. Medical negligence claims are complex and require specialist expertise. Learn more about medical negligence claims.

Other Personal Injury Claims

  • Sports Injuries: Caused by negligence, inadequate safety measures, or defective equipment
  • Assault Claims: Compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal
  • School Accidents: Injuries to children in schools or during school activities
  • Nursing Home Negligence: Substandard care causing harm to elderly residents

What are the Legal Fees and Legal Costs?

Understanding the cost of pursuing a personal injury claim is crucial. At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we believe in complete transparency about legal fees.

No Win No Fee* Arrangement

We offer No Win No Fee* representation for personal injury claims, which means:

No Upfront Costs

You pay nothing to start your claim. We cover all initial costs and expenses including medical reports, expert fees, and court fees.

Only Pay If You Win

Our legal fees are only payable if your claim is successful. They're deducted from your compensation award.

No Risk If You Lose

If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing to us. With legal protection insurance in place, you're also protected from the other side's costs.

Transparent Fees

We explain our fee structure clearly before you sign anything. No hidden charges, no surprises.

What Fees Are Deducted from My Compensation?

If your claim is successful, the following may be deducted from your compensation award:

  • Solicitor's Fees: Our legal fees for handling your case (percentage agreed in advance)
  • Disbursements: Out-of-pocket expenses we've paid on your behalf (medical reports, expert witnesses, court fees)
  • Legal Protection Insurance Premium: If applicable, the cost of the insurance policy

Important: Even after these deductions, you receive the majority of your compensation award. Our goal is to maximize your net recovery while providing expert legal representation.

Can the Defendant Pay My Legal Costs?

In many successful personal injury claims, the court orders the defendant to pay some or all of your legal costs. This means you may retain even more of your compensation award. We'll advise you on the likely costs outcome based on your specific case.

Learn more about how No Win No Fee* solicitors work - Call us now at 01 9036407

Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors for Your Personal Injury Claim?

Proven Track Record

Award-winning personal injury solicitors with decades of experience and millions recovered for clients.

Client-Focused Service

We treat every client with compassion, respect, and personalized attention. Your case is never just a number.

Expert Legal Team

Specialist personal injury solicitors with in-depth knowledge of Irish personal injury law.

Maximum Compensation

We fight tirelessly to secure the highest possible compensation for your injuries and losses.

24/7 Availability

Accidents don't happen during office hours. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

No Win No Fee*

Access expert legal representation with no upfront costs and no financial risk if your claim fails.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

Do I have to go through the Injuries Board?

Yes, almost all personal injury claims in Ireland (except medical negligence claims) must be submitted to the Injuries Board before you can issue court proceedings. This is a legal requirement under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003.

What is the time limit for making a personal injury claim?

Generally, you have two years from the date of your accident to submit your claim to the Injuries Board. However, there are exceptions for minors and for cases where injuries were discovered later. Don't delay – contact us as soon as possible after your accident.

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes, you may still be able to make a claim even if you were partially responsible. Ireland follows the principle of "contributory negligence," where your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

What if I was injured at work?

If you were injured at work due to your employer's negligence or failure to provide a safe working environment, you're entitled to make a claim. You won't lose your job for making a claim – employment law protects you from dismissal or discrimination for exercising your legal rights.

How much compensation will I receive?

Compensation varies depending on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and your financial losses. We'll provide an honest assessment of the likely value of your claim during your free consultation.

Start Your Personal Injury Claim Today

Don't suffer in silence. If you've been injured through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation. Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Call us now on 01 9036407 or contact us online. Available 24/7.

Gary Matthews Solicitors - Personal Injury Experts

Medical negligence solicitors, Dublin

We help people every day of the week (weekends and bank holidays included) that have either been injured or harmed as a result of an accident or have suffered from negligence or malpractice.

Contact us at our Dublin office to get started with your claim today.

Ready to Start Your Personal Injury Claim?

Free consultation with expert solicitors. No win, no fee*. Available 24/7.