Making a Personal Injury Claim in Ireland
A personal injury is any physical or psychological harm caused to a person through the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault — whether at work, on the road, in a public place, or anywhere else — you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and all associated losses.
At Gary Matthews Solicitors, our dedicated personal injury team handles personal injury claims of all types and complexities across Dublin and all of Ireland. We have the experience, expertise, and commitment to ensure you receive the outcome you are entitled to.
Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle
No two accidents are the same. Our solicitors have successfully managed claims arising from a broad range of circumstances, including:
- Road traffic accidents (car, motorcycle, cyclist, and pedestrian injuries)
- Workplace accidents and employer liability claims
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents in public or private premises
- Injuries sustained on public transport
- Defective product liability claims
- Holiday and travel injury claims
- Sports and leisure activity injuries caused by negligence
- Assault injuries and criminal injuries compensation claims
- School and childcare accident claims
The Personal Injury Claims Process in Ireland
Understanding the process before you begin can help ease the stress of pursuing a claim. Here is what to expect when you instruct Gary Matthews Solicitors:
- Step 1 – Free consultation: You speak to a specialist solicitor who assesses the merits of your case at no charge and with no obligation.
- Step 2 – Medical assessment: We arrange for you to see a medical specialist who prepares a detailed report on your injuries and their expected impact.
- Step 3 – Evidence gathering: Our team collects accident reports, witness statements, photographic evidence, CCTV footage, and all relevant documentation.
- Step 4 – Injuries Board submission: Most personal injury claims (excluding medical negligence) must first be submitted to the Injuries Board (PIAB). We manage this entire process on your behalf.
- Step 5 – Settlement or litigation: If the Injuries Board award is accepted, your case concludes. If it is rejected, we negotiate directly with the insurer or proceed to court to secure the best possible outcome.
The Injuries Board (PIAB) and Your Claim
The Injuries Board — formerly known as PIAB — is the independent Irish state body that assesses personal injury compensation before cases go to court. All personal injury claims except medical negligence must be submitted to the Injuries Board first. The process can take a number of months, and both the claimant and the respondent must agree to accept the assessment for the case to be resolved at this stage.
Having an experienced solicitor manage your Injuries Board submission is critical. Errors in the claim form or incomplete medical evidence can lead to rejection or delays that put your claim at risk. Our solicitors ensure everything is prepared to the highest standard from day one.
For comprehensive information about the personal injury claims process in Ireland, visit our dedicated resource page:
Personal Injury Claims Solicitors → personalinjurysolicitorsdublin.infoWhat Injuries Can I Claim For?
You can pursue a personal injury claim for a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor soft-tissue damage to serious, life-altering conditions. Common injuries we handle include:
- Neck, back, and spinal injuries including whiplash
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Knee, shoulder, and joint injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries including sprains, strains, and tears
- Cuts, lacerations, and scarring
- Psychological injuries including PTSD and anxiety disorders
- Chronic pain conditions arising from injury
Two-Year Time Limit — Act Now
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ireland is two years from the date of the accident. If you are under 18, the two-year period commences on your 18th birthday. Do not delay in seeking legal advice — time is critical in ensuring all evidence is preserved and your right to claim is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
You are not legally required to use a solicitor to submit a claim to the Injuries Board, but there are very compelling reasons why you should. A solicitor ensures your claim form is complete and accurate, that your medical evidence is thorough, and that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that undervalues your injuries. Research consistently shows that claimants represented by solicitors achieve significantly better outcomes than those who act alone.
Employers have a legal duty of care to provide a safe working environment for all employees. If you were injured at work due to your employer's negligence — for example, due to inadequate training, faulty equipment, or unsafe working conditions — you are entitled to make a personal injury claim. Our team handles all types of employer liability and workplace accident claims.
Yes. Occupiers and landowners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If you were injured due to a hazardous condition on public property, in a shop, restaurant, or any other premises, you may have a valid public liability claim. We will assess the circumstances of your accident and advise you on the strength of your case.