Personal Injury and Accident Claims in Dublin

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 (PIAB) in any personal injury claim.

All personal injury claims in Ireland, except for Medical Negligence claims, have to be submitted to the Injuries Board (formerly known as PIAB). In theory, there is no need for you to engage a personal injury solicitor in Dublin, although there are some very real reasons why you should take on a solicitor with a competent legal team behind them.

Benefits From Using Our Personal Injury Services

When you choose Gary Matthews Solicitors to handle your personal injury claim, you benefit from:

• We Make the Process Smooth and Successful: We handle all aspects of your claim, from initial filing to final settlement, ensuring everything is done correctly and on time.
• We Deal with the Injuries Board: We manage all communications and paperwork with the Injuries Board (formerly PIAB), navigating the system expertly on your behalf.
• We Negotiate Your Settlement: Our experienced solicitors negotiate aggressively to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
• No Win, No Fee Available: Our no win no fee arrangements mean you can pursue your claim without financial risk.
• 24/7 Availability: We're here whenever you need us, providing support and advice around the clock.
• Expert Medical Evidence: We arrange for comprehensive medical reports to support your claim.
• Court Representation: If necessary, we're fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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

The Injuries Board (PIAB) 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. This documentation is crucial for establishing the full extent of your injuries and ensuring you receive appropriate compensation.

It is only after you have processed your claim through PIAB do you have the authority to issue court proceedings if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through the Board.

How Do Personal Injury Claims and Accident Claims Work?

The personal injury claims process in Ireland follows a structured path:

1. Initial Consultation: Contact us for a free consultation where we assess your case and explain your options.
2. Medical Evidence Gathering: We obtain comprehensive medical reports documenting your injuries and prognosis.
3. PIAB Application: We prepare and submit your claim to the Injuries Board with all necessary documentation.
4. Assessment Period: The Injuries Board assesses your claim and may make an offer of compensation.
5. Evaluation of Offer: We review any offer from PIAB and advise you on whether it's fair and adequate.
6. Negotiation or Court: If the PIAB offer is rejected or inadequate, we obtain authorization to issue court proceedings and negotiate directly with insurers or pursue your case through the courts.
7. Settlement: Once an agreement is reached, we finalize the settlement and ensure you receive your compensation promptly.

What is Considered a Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case arises when you suffer bodily injury or serious injury due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another person, company, or entity. Personal injury claims can cover a wide range of incidents, including:

Road Traffic Accidents

• Car accidents and collisions
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian injuries
• Cyclist accidents
• Bus and public transport accidents
• Hit and run incidents

Workplace Accidents

• Construction site injuries
• Industrial accidents
• Falls from height
• Machinery accidents
• Occupational diseases
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Exposure to harmful substances

Public Liability Claims

• Slip and fall accidents in shops, restaurants, or public spaces
• Trip and fall on poorly maintained pavements
• Injuries on commercial premises
• Accidents in hotels, entertainment venues, or public buildings

Medical Negligence

• Surgical errors and complications
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Birth injuries
• Medication errors
• Hospital-acquired infections
• Dental negligence

Other Personal Injury Claims

• Product liability (defective products causing injury)
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Assault and criminal injury claims
• Sports injuries due to negligence
• Holiday accidents abroad

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

The amount of compensation awarded for personal injury claims varies significantly depending on the severity of injuries, their impact on your life, and various other factors. There is no single "average" award, as each case is unique.

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 individually, 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 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 (such as loss of earnings, medical expenses, or care costs), which must be calculated separately based on your specific circumstances.

Compensation typically includes:

• General Damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Special Damages: Compensation for financial losses including lost earnings, medical expenses, travel costs, care costs, and future financial losses

How Long Do Personal Injury Claims Take?

The timeline for personal injury claims can vary considerably depending on several factors:

• Simple PIAB Claims: Can be resolved in 9-12 months if accepted by both parties
• Complex PIAB Claims: May take 12-18 months, especially if medical prognosis is uncertain
• Court Proceedings: Cases that go to court typically take 18-36 months or longer
• Medical Negligence: These complex cases often take 2-4 years or more due to their complexity and the need for extensive medical evidence

Factors affecting timeline include:

• The complexity of your injuries and whether you've made a full recovery
• Whether liability is disputed
• The time required to gather medical evidence
• How quickly the Injuries Board processes the claim
• Whether settlement negotiations are successful or court proceedings are necessary
• Court scheduling and availability

At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we work efficiently to progress your case as quickly as possible while ensuring we secure maximum compensation for you. We keep you informed throughout the process so you always know where your case stands.

What Types of Personal Injury Can We Help With?

Our experienced personal injury solicitors handle all types of injury claims, including:

What Are the Legal Fees and Legal Costs?

Understanding legal costs is important when pursuing a personal injury claim. At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we offer transparent pricing and no win no fee arrangements to make legal representation accessible.

No Win No Fee Arrangements

Under our no win no fee arrangement:

• You don't pay any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful
• If your claim succeeds, our fees are deducted from your compensation
• The percentage is agreed upfront, so there are no surprises
• You're protected from the other side's costs through After the Event insurance

Learn more about how No Win No Fee solicitors work - Call us now at 01 903 6407.

What You Don't Pay

• No consultation fees
• No investigation costs
• No fees for gathering medical evidence
• No charges for correspondence or court appearances
• No fees if your claim is unsuccessful

Medical Negligence Claims

When you are treated by a medical professional, you are entitled to expect a "Duty of Care" from that medical professional who you hold responsible for your well-being. It does not matter if that medical professional is a consultant, surgeon, doctor, nurse, psychologist (indeed some psychological injuries can come under this heading), dentist, or anyone else who treats you.

Medical negligence claims do not go to the PIAB and Injuries Board and can take much longer than personal injury claims. Your personal injury solicitors will spell out the detail, but the most important document that you will need is an expert opinion from a medical expert on the harm and the pain and suffering that you have experienced. This document can take time and expense to get, but your whole case of medical negligence will hinge on this document.

You should note that the statute of limitations time limit for bringing a medical negligence claim is also two years, but two years from the date that you discovered or were made aware of a possible medical negligence claim.

Injuries Board Claims (PIAB)

The Injuries Board also publishes the "Book of Quantum," which tries to evaluate the worth of a particular injury. Although it does not deal with the individual 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 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 during a consultation for a claim for personal injury. The Book of Quantum does not indicate a value on special damages, which must be calculated separately based on your actual losses and expenses.

Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors for Your Personal Injury Claim?

When you choose us to handle your personal injury claim, you benefit from:

• Extensive Experience: Years of successfully handling personal injury claims throughout Dublin and Ireland
• Specialized Expertise: Deep knowledge of Irish personal injury law and the PIAB system
• Proven Track Record: Hundreds of successful cases and millions in compensation secured
• No Win, No Fee: Risk-free legal representation with no upfront costs
• 24/7 Availability: Round-the-clock support whenever you need us
• Personalized Service: Individual attention and compassionate care throughout your case
• Strong Advocacy: Aggressive negotiation and skilled court representation
• Efficient Processing: We handle all administrative work, allowing you to focus on recovery
• Maximum Compensation: We fight to secure every euro you're entitled to
• Clear Communication: Regular updates and explanations in plain language

Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims

It's crucial to be aware that time limits apply to personal injury claims in Ireland. Generally, you have two years from the date of your accident to submit your claim to the Injuries Board. There are some exceptions, particularly for:

• Children and minors (claims can be made up to two years after turning 18)
• Individuals lacking mental capacity
• Medical negligence (two years from date of knowledge of the negligence)

Don't delay in seeking legal advice. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin building your case and protecting your rights. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and missing the time limit can mean losing your right to compensation entirely.

Get Expert Help with Your Personal Injury Claim Today

If you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, don't struggle through the claims process alone. Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors today for expert legal representation that gives you the best chance of securing maximum compensation.

So do not hesitate and call us at 01 903 6407 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.