Accidents at Work Claims

Accidents at work claims arise where an employee suffers injury due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, defective equipment, or failures in workplace health and safety procedures. Kerrigan Solicitors advises clients throughout Galway and Ireland in relation to workplace accident claims and personal injury matters.

What Are Accidents at Work Claims?

Accidents at work claims arise when an employee suffers physical or psychological injury during the course of their employment due to the negligence of an employer or another party in the workplace.

Workplace accidents can have a significant impact on a person’s health, livelihood, and future earning capacity. Depending on the circumstances, injured employees may be entitled to pursue compensation for injuries, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and other financial losses arising from the accident.

Employer Duties Under Irish Health & Safety Law

Employers in Ireland owe a legal duty of care to employees to provide a safe place of work. This includes obligations such as:

• Carrying out workplace risk assessments
• Providing adequate supervision and training
• Maintaining machinery and equipment properly
• Implementing safe workplace procedures
• Complying with health and safety legislation

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 sets out many of the legal obligations owed by employers to employees in Ireland.

Where an employer breaches these obligations and injury occurs, a personal injury claim may arise.

Common Workplace Accident Claims

Examples of workplace accidents may include:

• Slips, trips, and falls at work
• Manual handling injuries
• Falls from height
• Accidents involving machinery or equipment
• Construction site accidents
• Injuries caused by inadequate training or supervision

Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB)

In Ireland, most personal injury claims must first be submitted to the Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB), formerly known as the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).

The Personal Injuries Resolution Board is an independent statutory body that assesses claims based on medical evidence and supporting documentation. While some workplace accident claims resolve during this process, others may proceed through the courts where liability is disputed or injuries remain unresolved.

Time Limits for Workplace Accident Claims

Strict time limits apply to accidents at work claims in Ireland. In most cases, claims must be submitted within two years less one day from the date of the accident.

Failure to bring a claim within the relevant limitation period may result in the claim becoming statute barred. It is therefore important to seek legal advice as soon as possible following a workplace accident.

Kerrigan Solicitors has the experience to guide clients through the workplace accident claims process. You can also read what previous clients have said about their experience of working with us.

Speak With a Personal Injury Solicitor

If you have suffered injury due to an accident at work, we can provide clear, practical guidance regarding your situation.

Contact Kerrigan Solicitors to arrange a confidential consultation. We advise clients throughout Galway and Ireland in relation to accidents at work claims and related personal injury matters.

Email us at m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie or telephone 091-820630 to arrange a consultation.