Question 1

What should I do immediately after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Your immediate priorities should be seeking medical attention and ensuring your safety. After that, you should gather details of the incident (date, time, location), collect contact details for any witnesses, and take photographs of the scene and your injuries. Do not admit fault.

Question 2

Is there a time limit for making a personal injury claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the legal time limit (Statute of Limitations) in Ireland is generally two years. In Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, it is generally three years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury (such as in medical negligence cases). If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to claim compensation, so seeking legal advice promptly is essential.

Question 3

What is the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB)?

Accepted Answer

In Ireland, most personal injury claims (excluding medical negligence and certain other claims) must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly PIAB). The IRB assesses the claim and issues a compensation amount. If either party rejects the assessment, the claimant can then proceed to litigation.

Question 4

I had an accident in England, but I live in Ireland. Where do I bring the claim?

Accepted Answer

This is a key issue of jurisdiction. Generally, you can bring a claim in the country where the defendant is domiciled (lives or is based), or in the country where the accident occurred. We will determine the most advantageous forum for your specific case, taking into account which country’s law applies when assessing damages.

Question 5

How are damages calculated in cross-border cases?

Accepted Answer

Even if you bring your claim in an Irish court, the applicable law (the law of the place where the accident occurred) often dictates the rules for assessing liability and the types of damages that can be claimed. However, the quantum (value) of the award may still be benchmarked against the standards of the court in which the case is heard. This complexity requires expert advice to ensure you receive your full entitlement.

Question 6

What happens if I am involved in a road accident with a foreign-registered vehicle?

Accepted Answer

If the vehicle is from another EU Member State, the claim can often be pursued through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) or the equivalent body in the UK, even if the vehicle has returned to its home country. We manage this process to ensure the foreign insurer is identified and compensation is pursued correctly.

Question 7

Do you operate on a “No Win, No Fee” basis?

Accepted Answer

No. We will discuss the options for funding your claim during your initial consultation. We are committed to providing transparency regarding legal costs from the outset.

Question 8

What compensation can I claim?

Accepted Answer

Compensation generally covers two areas:
General Damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (impact on quality of life).
Special Damages: For financial losses you have incurred or will incur, such as medical expenses, loss of earnings (past and future), physiotherapy costs, and care and assistance costs.

Personal Injury Claims

Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)

Workplace Accidents

Accidents in Public Places (Slip & Trip)

Cross-Border Accidents

Medical / Dental Negligence

Product Defects

Jurisdiction & Applicable Law

Court Liaison