Leading Personal Injury Solicitors in Dublin

If you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, you deserve compensation for your suffering, losses, and expenses. At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we specialize in personal injury claims, providing expert legal representation to help you secure the maximum compensation you're entitled to.

With years of combined experience in Irish personal injury law, our dedicated team understands the physical, emotional, and financial impact that injuries can have on your life. We're committed to making the claims process as smooth and stress-free as possible while fighting vigorously for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle

Our experienced solicitors handle the full spectrum of personal injury claims, including:

Road Traffic Accident Claims

Road accidents are among the most common causes of personal injuries in Ireland. We represent clients injured in all types of road traffic accidents:

• Car Accidents: Driver and passenger injury claims from collisions, rear-end accidents, head-on crashes, and multi-vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents: Claims for motorcyclists who suffer often severe injuries due to drivers' negligence
• Bicycle Accidents: Representation for cyclists injured by negligent drivers, poor road conditions, or defective road design
• Pedestrian Accidents: Claims for pedestrians struck by vehicles, including crosswalk accidents and hit-and-run cases
• Bus and Coach Accidents: Claims against public transport operators and private coach companies
• Commercial Vehicle Accidents: Claims involving trucks, vans, and other commercial vehicles

Road traffic accident claims can involve complex issues of liability, insurance coverage, and multiple parties. Our experienced team navigates these complexities to secure the compensation you deserve.

Workplace Accident and Occupational Injury Claims

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment. When they fail in this duty and you're injured as a result, we can help you claim compensation:

• Construction Site Accidents: Falls from height, struck by falling objects, scaffolding collapses, equipment failures
• Machinery Accidents: Injuries from unsafe or defective machinery, lack of guarding, inadequate training
• Manual Handling Injuries: Back injuries, strains, and musculoskeletal disorders from improper lifting
• Slips, Trips, and Falls at Work: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, obstructed walkways
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Chemical burns, respiratory injuries, long-term health effects
• Occupational Diseases: Asbestos-related diseases, industrial deafness, repetitive strain injuries, stress-related conditions
• Accidents in Offices: Falls, injuries from defective office equipment, ergonomic injuries

We understand employer's liability law and health and safety regulations, ensuring your employer is held accountable for workplace safety failures.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Claims

Property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain safe premises. Slip, trip, and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, and we help clients claim compensation for accidents caused by:

• Wet or slippery floors without adequate warnings
• Uneven paving, potholes, or defective flooring
• Poorly maintained stairs or lack of handrails
• Inadequate lighting in buildings or car parks
• Trailing cables or obstacles in walkways
• Snow and ice not properly cleared
• Defective floor coverings or carpets

These accidents can occur in shops, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, car parks, or on public streets. Wherever your accident happened, if negligence was involved, we can help.

Public Liability Claims

Public liability claims involve injuries sustained on public or private property due to someone else's negligence:

• Accidents in shops, supermarkets, and shopping centers
• Injuries in restaurants, pubs, and hotels
• Accidents in leisure facilities, gyms, and swimming pools
• Injuries at entertainment venues and events
• Accidents in schools, colleges, and universities
• Injuries caused by defective products or equipment
• Dog bite and animal attack claims

Medical Negligence Claims

When healthcare professionals fail to provide an acceptable standard of care and you suffer harm as a result, you may have a medical negligence claim. These complex cases require specialist expertise, which our team provides:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions
• Surgical errors and post-operative complications
• Birth injuries affecting mother or baby
• Medication errors and prescription mistakes
• Hospital-acquired infections and failures in infection control
• Dental negligence
• GP negligence
• Nursing home and care home negligence

Medical negligence cases involve complex medical evidence and require expert testimony. We work with leading medical experts to build compelling cases that secure justice for our clients.

Other Personal Injury Claims

We also handle many other types of personal injury claims, including:

• Holiday Accident Claims: Injuries sustained abroad due to hotel negligence, defective facilities, or tour operator failures
• Sports and Leisure Injury Claims: Injuries resulting from inadequate safety measures or negligent instruction
• Defective Product Claims: Injuries caused by faulty or dangerous products
• Assault and Criminal Injury Claims: Claims through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal
• Industrial Disease Claims: Long-term health conditions caused by workplace exposures
• Fatal Accident Claims: Claims on behalf of families who have lost loved ones due to negligence

The Personal Injury Claims Process in Ireland

Understanding the Irish Injuries Board (PIAB)

In Ireland, most personal injury claims (except medical negligence) must be submitted to the Injuries Board (formerly PIAB) before court proceedings can be issued. The Injuries Board is an independent statutory body that assesses personal injury claims and makes awards without the need for court proceedings.

While you can technically navigate the PIAB process without a solicitor, having experienced legal representation offers significant advantages:

• Ensuring your application is completed correctly with all necessary medical evidence
• Obtaining comprehensive medical reports that properly document all your injuries
• Advising whether to accept or reject Injuries Board awards
• Proceeding to court if PIAB assessment is inadequate
• Protecting your legal rights throughout the process

Step-by-Step Claims Process

1. Free Initial Consultation

Contact us for a free consultation where we'll:

• Listen to your account of what happened
• Assess the merits of your claim
• Explain the claims process and likely timescales
• Discuss our no win no fee arrangement
• Answer all your questions

2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once you instruct us, we'll immediately begin building your case:

• Obtaining accident reports, photographs, and CCTV footage
• Gathering witness statements
• Obtaining medical records from your GP and treating hospitals
• Arranging medical examinations with independent experts
• Commissioning expert reports on liability where needed
• Documenting all your losses and expenses

3. Medical Assessment

Comprehensive medical evidence is crucial to your claim. We'll arrange for you to be examined by independent medical experts who will:

• Assess the nature and severity of your injuries
• Determine how the injuries have affected your life
• Provide prognosis for recovery
• Identify any long-term consequences or disabilities
• Assess your need for future treatment or care

4. Submission to Injuries Board

For non-medical negligence claims, we'll prepare and submit your application to the Injuries Board, including all necessary medical evidence. The respondent (typically an insurance company) has a set time to respond.

Three potential outcomes can arise:

• Consent: Both parties consent to PIAB assessment
• Rejection: Respondent rejects PIAB process, and we proceed to court
• Assessment: PIAB makes an award which you can accept or reject

5. Negotiation or Court Proceedings

If the Injuries Board award is insufficient or if PIAB authorization is granted, we'll:

• Negotiate directly with insurers for a fair settlement
• Issue court proceedings if necessary
• Prepare your case for court including updating medical evidence
• Represent you at all court hearings
• Take your case to trial if fair settlement cannot be reached

6. Settlement and Compensation

Once settlement is reached or a court judgment obtained:

• We'll ensure compensation is paid promptly
• Advise on any tax implications
• Assist with managing settlement funds if needed
• Arrange for deduction of our agreed fee under the no win no fee arrangement

What Compensation Can I Claim?

Personal injury compensation aims to put you back in the position you would have been in had the accident not occurred. Compensation typically includes:

General Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and suffering caused by injuries
• Loss of Amenity: Compensation for inability to enjoy life as before, including hobbies, sports, and daily activities
• Psychological Impact: Compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Additional compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement

Special Damages

• Loss of Earnings: Compensation for wages lost due to injury, including future loss of earnings if unable to return to work
• Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for all medical costs including GP visits, hospital treatment, physiotherapy, counseling, medication, and medical equipment
• Travel Expenses: Costs of traveling to medical appointments and treatment
• Care and Assistance: Cost of professional care or compensation for family members who provided care
• Home Modifications: Costs of adapting your home if left disabled by injuries
• Vehicle Adaptations: Costs of modifying vehicles for disabled access
• Loss of Pension: Pension losses if unable to continue working
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any other reasonable expenses directly related to your injuries

The value of your claim depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries, impact on your life, and financial losses incurred. During your consultation, we'll provide an estimate of your claim's potential value based on our extensive experience.

Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims

It's crucial to be aware of time limits (statute of limitations) for bringing personal injury claims in Ireland:

• Standard Time Limit: Two years from the date of the accident or injury
• Date of Knowledge: For some injuries (particularly occupational diseases), the two-year period runs from when you first became aware of the injury and its connection to negligence
• Minors: For children under 18, the two-year period doesn't begin until their 18th birthday (claims can be brought up to age 20)
• Persons of Unsound Mind: Special provisions apply for those lacking mental capacity
• Fatal Accidents: Two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims

Important: While you technically have two years, it's advisable to contact a solicitor as soon as possible after your accident. Evidence can be lost, witnesses' memories fade, and starting early gives us the best chance of building a strong case.

If you're approaching the two-year deadline, contact us immediately—we may still be able to help, but time is critical.

Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors for Your Personal Injury Claim?

Specialist Personal Injury Expertise

Personal injury law is all we do. Our solicitors are specialists in this field with extensive experience handling all types of injury claims from straightforward to highly complex cases.

Proven Track Record of Success

We've successfully represented thousands of injured clients throughout Ireland, securing millions in compensation. Our reputation for excellence means insurance companies take our cases seriously.

No Win No Fee Arrangements

We offer no win no fee for personal injury claims, meaning you can access expert legal representation without any upfront costs or financial risk. You only pay if we win your case.

Personalized, Compassionate Service

We understand that suffering an injury is traumatic and life-disrupting. You'll receive personalized attention from experienced solicitors who genuinely care about your wellbeing and recovery.

Available 24/7

Accidents don't keep office hours, and neither do we. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advice when you need it most.

Maximum Compensation Focus

We fight aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you're entitled to. We won't settle for inadequate offers—if necessary, we'll take your case to court to achieve justice.

Clear Communication

We keep you informed at every stage of your claim, explaining everything in plain English. You'll always know what's happening with your case and what to expect next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my claim take?

Timelines vary depending on case complexity and injury severity. Simple cases through the Injuries Board may settle within 9-12 months. More complex cases requiring court proceedings can take 2-3 years or more. We'll provide realistic timescales based on your specific case.

What if I was partly to blame for my accident?

You may still be able to claim compensation even if you were partially at fault. Irish law allows for "contributory negligence," where your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

What if the person who caused my injury doesn't have insurance?

If injured by an uninsured driver, you can claim from the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). For other uninsured defendants, we'll explore all options including the Injuries Board compensation scheme where applicable.

Can I claim if my accident happened a while ago?

The standard time limit is two years, so if your accident was within that period, you can still claim. If it was longer ago, there may be exceptions depending on circumstances—contact us to discuss your situation.

What if I'm still receiving treatment?

It's often advisable to wait until you've recovered or your condition has stabilized before settling your claim, to ensure all your injuries and future needs are properly compensated. However, we can start the claims process while treatment is ongoing.

Will I have to go to court?

Most personal injury claims settle without going to court. However, if the insurance company doesn't make a fair offer, we're fully prepared to take your case to trial. You can be confident we'll represent you effectively whether your case settles or goes to court.

What if my employer retaliates against me for claiming?

It's illegal for employers to discriminate against or dismiss employees for pursuing legitimate workplace injury claims. You have strong legal protections. If you face retaliation, additional legal remedies may be available.

Take the First Step Today

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, don't delay in seeking legal advice. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building your case and working towards the compensation you deserve.

Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your case, explain your options, and if appropriate, offer to represent you on a no win no fee basis. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Related Services

We also specialize in:

• Professional Negligence Claims - Expert representation for professional misconduct cases
• Financial Negligence Claims - Specialist services for financial advice negligence
• No Win No Fee Services - Risk-free access to legal representation