Litigation Section Icon

Litigation

Accidents at work and factories

Litigation Section Icon

Our firm has extensive experience in acting for people injured at work. Examples of claims taken include injuries sustained as a result of:

  • Trips or falls
  • Falling objects particularly on building sites
  • Collapsing walls, foundations or trenches
  • Machinery accidents
  • Injuries sustained while lifting
  • Extreme temperatures exposure
  • Electrocution, sudden pressure changes
  • Exposure to harmful substances
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Breathing or consumption of harmful substances

It is the responsibility of your employer to provide a safe working environment. When an employer fails in their statutory duties and obligations, and the consequences are the death or injury of an employee you may be entitled to compensation.

Fatal claims and Inquests

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 48(1) of the Civil Liability Act, 1961, as amended, the dependants of a deceased person may bring a cause of action arising out of the wrongful death. Section 8 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act, 2004, requires that a letter of claim be sent to the wrongdoer before the expiration of two months from the date of accrual of the cause of action, ie the accident, or as soon as practical thereafter.

Once the letter of claim has been sent to the wrongdoer, an application to Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is submitted. If the defendant admits liability and consents, the claim may be assessed and compensation determined by PIAB. If the party bringing the claim is unsatisfied with PIAB’s determination, PIAB will authorise the matter to go to trial. It is noteworthy however that in circumstances where there is a substantial loss of earning claim which proves difficult for PIAB to assess, the fatal injury claim may proceed to court for adjudication.

Damages or compensation in fatal injuries claims are determined by PIAB and/or the court on the basis of three grounds:

  • Special damages arising from the death, eg. Funeral expenses;
  • Loss of dependency;
  • Emotional distress

Client Testimonials