A frequently occurring difficulty which we have encountered in the past when advising on personal injury cases has been in relation to time limits. Essentially, there are time limits placed on the length of time within which a claim can be pursued. This various depending on the type of action. For personal injury actions the time limit is 2 years. So if an accident happens on the 3^rd October 2018, the person has until the 2^nd October 2020 to commence a claim. Obviously if the claim relates to a medical condition rather than a specific injury (e.g. industrial asthma, industrial deafness, asbestos related conditions, etc.) the time limits are much harder to calculate and vary according to each individual case. While there is still a time limit of 2 years, in these cases it is 2 years from the date when the injured party becomes aware of the medical condition or 2 years from the date when they should reasonably have been aware of the condition.

These time limits in all personal injury actions are extremely strict and if an action is not commenced within the 2 year period the case cannot ever be pursued again at a later date. 

Disclaimer

The information in these articles are intended as a general guide only and detailed advice should be obtained. No responsibility is accepted for errors or omissions howsoever arising.

If you have been involved in an accident at work or a road traffic accident the following points may be useful:

• Report the accident and fill out an accident report form.
• Make a note of any witnesses and their phone numbers.
• If possible have someone take photographs of the accident location or the equipment/machine involved in the accident.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• Ensure that a claim is commenced within two years from the date of the accident
• In the case of a road traffic accident, try and take a photograph of the vehicles before the vehicles have been moved if possible.
• In the case of a road traffic accident, always notify the Gardai as there is a statutory obligation to report any accident to the Gardai even if there are no injuries and there is no claim being made by any party.

If you are off work as a result of the injuries: –

• keep a diary of all matters relating to the accident e.g. doctor’s appointments, physio appointments;
• keep a brief note of symptoms as these will change throughout the course of the duration of the claim and may be difficult to recall by the time an action goes to Court;
• keep copies of all receipts re doctors, physiotherapy, medication, hospital, pharmacy bills, taxi receipts etc.
• Keep a note of your loss of earnings.

If you are a Connect Trade Union member and you wish to make a claim in respect to an injury at work, please contact your branch secretary and complete a Legal Aid Form as soon possible.

Offices, Officials, Staff and Executive Council

If you are not a member of a Trade Union please contact us directly at the contact details provided on our Home Page.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is intended as a general guide only and detailed advice should be obtained. No responsibility is accepted for errors or omissions howsoever arising.