Accident Claims

We can provide you with advice on whether you have a good compensation claim or not. Contact us at (01) 8438766 and/or by email info@dermotmcnamara.ie for a consultation to discuss your potential claim.

Although there are several exceptions to the rule, generally, a compensation claim must be made within two years from the date of the accident.  We recommend that compensation claims are filed as soon as possible to avoid the claim from becoming statute-barred.  Once a claim becomes statute barred, no claim for compensation can be made after two years from the date of the accident.

You are entitled to compensation both for psychological and physical injuries, however all injuries must be treated by an appropriately qualified medical doctor or consultant who must diagnose the psychological injury and confirm that it was caused by the accident.

The amount of compensation entirely depends upon the injury’s nature, extent and severity.  The level of compensation is designed to compensate the injured party for the pain and suffering they have endured.  Awards will also take into account additional items such as medical expenses, past loss of earnings and loss of earnings into the future

There is no tax payable on awards of compensation.

For first stage minor injuries cases, the claim can be settled within a few months of the injury. In such cases, the fee charged depends on the time spent on the case and the nature and extent of the injuries.

If a claim cannot be settled in this way it proceeds to the second stage – a formal compensation claim is made to the Injuries Board – the government agency that deals with compensation claims.  If an assessment is made by the Injuries Board which results in the conclusion of the case, fees are paid from this award, and again, the fees depend on the nature and complexity of the case.The third stage involves issuing court proceedings for compensation. 

If the case is settled or if an award of compensation is made by a court the legal fees are generally paid by the party who is responsible for the accident.  Again, the extent of those fees depends upon the time involved in the case and the nature and extent of the injuries.  In some cases, a client may also be required to make a contribution towards fees if the court award for legal costs is insufficient to discharge the full legal costs of the case.

There is no need for you to visit our office in person although we are happy to see clients in our office as often as is necessary.  Appointments out of normal working hours are always available.  Alternatively, if more convenient, we are happy to process your claim over the phone on (01) 8438766 and/or by email info@dermotmcnamara.ie.