Legal Guides

While you can make a personal injury claim without legal help, many people find the process is more complex than expected.

There is a strict time limit of two years (minus one day) to make a claim, so any mismanagement or delays can jeopardise your case.

Below, we break down the key differences between going it alone or using a personal injury solicitor, so you can make an informed decision.

Self claim vs Solicitor representation

Making your own claim	Using a solicitor for your claim
Assessing damages
You will need to assess your own damages and compensation value.	Expert and up to date valuation of all losses including: expenses incurred (including medical expenses) loss of earnings pain and suffering psychological and long-term impacts.
Gathering evidence
You need to gather all evidence and reports (medico-legal reports, CCTV footage, engineer reports etc.) for your case. Higher risk of missing key evidence.	All documents, evidence and reports needed for your case are methodically arranged and compiled by your solicitor.
Identifying defendant(s)
You must identify the correct defendant(s) with the exact entity name(s). Any errors here can delay your case and cause it to be rejected.	Your solicitor will ensure the correct legal entity is named so your case moves along swiftly.
Pursuing court proceedings
If either you or the defending party do not agree with the Injuries Board assessment, you will need to pursue the case through the Court system. In some complex cases, the PIRB may decline to assess the application.	Your solicitor can pursue court proceedings if: a higher award is justified, if the defending party do not agree to the PIRB assessment, or if the PIRB decline the assessment application.
Getting the best outcome for you
Managing a compensation claim can be complex. The PIRB do not assist claimants in their application. If you make a mistake in your application form you may not be informed of this by PIRB. If there are delays you can run out of time for your claim and it will be ‘statute barred‘.	Your application is managed by an experienced team to ensure it is accurate with no mistakes. Your solicitor will keep a close eye on the time limit and ensure any requests for new information are responded to quickly.

Read our case studies to see real life examples of how we were able to secure a higher compensation amount for our clients than the original
Personal Injuries Resolution Board offer.

Solicitors work to get the best outcome for you

Personal injury solicitors understand how to assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and future care needs, to ensure you get the appropriate amount of compensation for your case.

In Ireland, virtually all personal injury claims must go before the Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB) (also known as Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), or Injuries Resolution Board). However the PIRB may not always offer the best outcome for the client.

In these cases we instigate court proceedings to seek more appropriate compensation for our clients.

These don’t always go to court; they are often settled out of court, but they usually lead to a better outcome for our client.

They ensure all information is correct

Navigating the complex system of Irish personal injury law can be daunting for someone without practical legal experience. While it may initially seem straightforward, the reality is that bringing a case can be tricky.

People may not be aware they need to fully disclose any pre-existing injuries or conditions. Or people sometimes forget important details or think something isn’t relevant to their case.

But if a claimant doesn’t disclose appropriate information, it could mean the case is unsuccessful because of a lack of transparency. This is where a solicitor who understands the process inside-out can help, because they know exactly what must be included in the application.

Another area that can pose problems is naming the correct defendant. If you are suing a company, they often have different registered names. It’s vital that the correct entity who you’re taking legal action against is named – if it is wrong, this will cause delays, and your case may become statute barred (time barred).

This means that you are out of time for naming the correct legal entity and you will be unable to bring a successful action for compensation.

Your solicitor will ensure everything is correct in your PIRB application so your case runs smoothly and within the time limits. It also takes the pressure off you, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.

A solicitor can represent you in court

In the event your case escalates to court proceedings, you will need a solicitor by your side who knows your case inside-out.

An experienced personal injury solicitor is familiar with court procedures and can effectively present your case to a judge. This helps secure the best outcome for you, while ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

There is a huge amount of work behind the scenes that people don’t see to get a successful outcome for a client. This why we know that going it along can be a difficult route, especially where someone has no legal experience.

Shop around

Starting the process of a personal injury claim can be daunting.

If you are considering getting legal support for your claim, it’s important to shop around and find a solicitor who not only specialises in personal injury, but one you feel comfortable with and trust will work in your best interests.

We say ‘Tell us about your case’ because we are always happy to have a chat about your situation to see if we can help.

We listen to what happened and assess whether you have a viable case or not.

This is also an opportunity for you to get a feel for us, and whether you would like to work with our team on your legal journey.

This initial phone call, email or enquiry costs nothing. However, the absence of advice can be very costly.

Contact us and tell us about your case today.