A serious injury can change your life forever. In 2023 alone, over 900 people in Ireland sustained serious injuries in road traffic collisions, with the Road Safety Authority estimating that for every life lost on Irish roads, another ten lives are profoundly altered by serious injuries. The physical, emotional, and financial burdens of such injuries are immense, often requiring years of treatment, rehabilitation, and support.
For anyone enduring the pain and disruption of a serious injury, it can feel unfair to face such challenges alone. At Michael Boylan Litigation, we are here to stand by your side, advocating for your rights and working to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, contact us today to discuss your case.
What Is a Serious Injury?
A serious injury is one that significantly impacts an individual’s physical or mental health, requiring substantial medical treatment, prolonged recovery, and often leading to long-term or permanent disability. These injuries may arise from medical negligence typically affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities, work, and enjoy life as they did before.
What Is a Life-changing Serious Injury?
Life-changing serious injuries are those that lead to profound and irreversible changes in a person’s lifestyle, often limiting independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. These can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, or amputations, each of which may require lifelong medical care, adaptive living arrangements, and emotional adjustment for both the injured person and their family.
How Can a Catastrophic Injury Claim Be Quantified?
Catastrophic injury claims are quantified by evaluating both general damages,compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life,and special damages, which cover financial costs like medical expenses, loss of income, and rehabilitation needs. Courts may also consider the injured person’s long-term needs, such as future medical care, home modifications, and the loss of potential earnings, all of which contribute to calculating the claim’s value.
Do You Need a Solicitor to Bring a Serious Injury Compensation Claim?
While it is not legally required to have a solicitor, working with an experienced solicitor can make a significant difference in filing complex serious injury claims. A solicitor can help gather and present compelling evidence, negotiate effectively with insurers, and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to, particularly for long-term needs.
The Serious Injury Claim Process
If your serious injury was caused by medical negligence, we will send a formal letter of claim to the defendant. Your case will be resolved if they agree to pay a reasonable settlement if they acknowledge responsibility for your injuries. We will take your case to court, though, if they contest liability or if we are unable to reach a consensus with them about the amount of compensation.
Statute of Limitations
In Ireland, serious injury claims must be made within two years from the "date of knowledge" under the Statute of Limitations Act 1957. For minors, the time limit begins on their 18th birthday, while individuals with mental incapacity are granted an extension until they regain capacity.
If you are pursuing a claim on behalf of a loved one who died from their injuries, the two-year period typically starts from the date of death. These timeframes ensure that all affected individuals have an opportunity to seek justice.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect?
Compensation for serious injuries depends on factors outlined in the Personal Injuries Guidelines, including the severity of injuries, long-term impact, and financial costs. We can help estimate your potential compensation, which may cover general damages for pain and suffering and special damages for costs like medical expenses and lost income.
Courts often issue Periodic Payment Orders (PPOs) for ongoing needs, such as future medical care and assistive technology, to ensure continuous financial support alongside a lump sum payment. This approach helps mitigate potential shortfalls in special damages, covering future expenses while providing stability.
Start Your Serious Injury Claim
Trust Michael Boylan Litigation to support you in seeking justice. Contact us today to begin your serious injury claim journey and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
