Personal Injury Solicitors Dublin –No Win, No Fee

No, you will not have to pay upfront to bring a claim for compensation. When you attend for an initial consultation, we will discuss and agree an appropriate fee arrangement that is suitable to your individual needs and requirements. For more detail, see our No Win, No Fee –Explained section above.

In accordance with Section 68 of the Solicitors Act 1994, “A solicitor shall not act for a client in connection with any contentious business on the basis that all or any part of the charges to the client are to be calculated as a specified percentage or proportion of any damages or other moneys that may be or may become payable to the client.”

You generally have two years from the date of the accident (or from your "date of knowledge" of the injury) to submit your claim to the Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB). This is known as the Statute of Limitations.

There are some exceptions, particularly for minors (who have until their 20th birthday) and for injuries that weren't immediately apparent. However, it's crucial to start the process as soon as possible –evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and medical records become harder to obtain over time.

The Injuries Resolution Board (formerly known as PIAB) is an independent state body. In Ireland, almost all personal injury claims must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board before court proceedings can begin.

The Board assesses your claim based on medical evidence and the official Personal Injuries Guidelines to determine a fair compensation amount. Both parties can accept or reject the assessment. If either party rejects it, the Board issues an "Authorisation" allowing the claim to proceed through the courts.

Our team handles the entire PIAB application process on your behalf, including obtaining medical reports and completing all necessary paperwork.

It's highly unlikely. The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled without a full court hearing –either through the PIAB process (which typically takes 9-15 months) or through negotiations between solicitors.

Only a small percentage of cases actually require a court appearance. Our goal is always to secure fair compensation through the most efficient route possible, keeping you informed at every stage.

You may still be able to make a claim under the principle of "contributory negligence." Even if your actions partially contributed to the accident, you can still recover compensation, though it may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you're found 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. The key is that the other party bears some responsibility for your injury. Our experienced solicitors can assess your specific circumstances during a free consultation.

Compensation amounts vary significantly depending on the type and severity of injury, the impact on your daily life, and your financial losses. The Judicial Council's Personal Injuries Guidelines provide a framework:

• Minor soft tissue injuries: up to €12,000
• Moderate injuries with ongoing symptoms: €12,000 - €35,000
• Serious injuries requiring surgery: €35,000 - €100,000
• Severe or life-changing injuries: €100,000+

These are general ranges only. We'll provide a realistic assessment based on your specific circumstances once medical evidence is available.

The average payout varies widely depending on the nature and severity of the injury. According to the Judicial Council's Personal Injuries Guidelines, minor soft tissue injuries typically result in awards up to €12,000, while moderate injuries with ongoing symptoms range from €12,000 to €35,000. Serious injuries requiring surgery can attract awards from €35,000 to €100,000, and severe or life-changing injuries can exceed €100,000. Special damages for financial losses such as lost earnings and medical expenses are calculated separately and added on top.

The timeline depends on the complexity of your case. Straightforward claims that go through the Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB) typically take 9 to 15 months. If your case is more complex and requires court proceedings, it can take 2 to 4 years to reach a conclusion. Factors that affect timing include the severity of your injuries, whether liability is disputed, and how long it takes to gather medical evidence. We always aim to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.

The first step is to contact a solicitor for a free initial consultation. During this meeting, we'll assess the merits of your case and advise you on your legal options. If you decide to proceed, we'll gather evidence including medical reports, witness statements, and any relevant documentation. Almost all personal injury claims in Ireland must then be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB) before court proceedings can begin. We handle the entire process on your behalf.

No. Under Irish tax law, compensation received for personal injuries is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax. This applies to both general damages (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses). However, any interest earned on invested compensation may be subject to tax. We always recommend consulting a financial advisor regarding the management of your award.

Yes. Psychological injuries such as stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are recognised as valid grounds for compensation in Ireland. You do not need to have suffered a physical injury to make a claim for psychological harm, although psychological injuries often accompany physical injuries. A medical professional will need to assess and document your condition. The Personal Injuries Guidelines include specific brackets for psychological injuries depending on their severity and duration.

Claims are calculated using two main components. General damages compensate for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, assessed against the Judicial Council's Personal Injuries Guidelines based on the type and severity of injury. Special damages cover all quantifiable financial losses including lost earnings (past and future), medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, travel expenses, and future care needs. Our solicitors will meticulously document every loss to ensure your claim reflects the full impact of your injury.

Once the Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB) makes an assessment, both you and the other party (the respondent) have the option to accept or reject it. If both parties accept, the award is paid and the claim is settled. If either party rejects the assessment, PIAB issues an Authorisation which allows you to bring court proceedings. Our solicitors will advise you on whether to accept or reject a PIAB assessment based on the specific facts of your case and the likely outcome if the matter proceeds to court.

Yes. If you've been injured by an uninsured or unidentified (hit-and-run) driver, you can make a claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). The MIBI compensates victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured or untraced drivers. There are specific time limits and procedures for MIBI claims, so it's important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after the accident.

After an accident, your priority should be your health and safety. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the accident (to the Gardai for road accidents, or to your employer for workplace incidents). Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Keep all receipts for medical expenses and a record of any time off work. Contact a solicitor early to ensure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.

Once a settlement is agreed or a court award is made, payment is typically received within 4 to 8 weeks. The exact timeline depends on the insurer processing the payment and any administrative steps required. For PIAB assessments that are accepted by both parties, payment usually follows within 4 to 6 weeks. Our team will keep you informed throughout the payment process and ensure there are no unnecessary delays.

Yes. A parent or legal guardian can bring a personal injury claim on behalf of a minor (under 18). The Statute of Limitations does not begin to run until the child turns 18, meaning they have until their 20th birthday to bring a claim. Any compensation awarded is typically held in trust by the Courts Service until the child reaches 18. We have extensive experience handling accident claims for children and can guide you through the process.