Accident at Work Solicitor Dublin: What Actually Helps Your Claim
Author: Gary Matthews, Principal Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland Practising Certificate No. S8178, 3rd Floor, Ormond Building, 31–36 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin D07 • 01 903 6408 • Checked December 2025
Summary: If you were injured in an accident at work in Dublin or anywhere in Ireland, you may be able to claim compensation where your employer failed in their duty to provide a safe system of work, proper training, equipment or supervision. Most workplace injury claims must first go to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), which assesses many personal injury claims before any court case starts, and strict time limits usually give you two years less one day from the date of your accident or your “date of knowledge”.
If you want a Dublin-based accident at work solicitor to guide you through the IRB process and, if needed, the courts, our practice near the Four Courts focuses on representing injured workers across Ireland.
Quick answer: Can I claim for an accident at work in Dublin?
Yes, you can usually claim if your work accident in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland was caused by your employer’s failure to take reasonable care and you were injured as a result.If your accident happened in the course of your work, you suffered injury and loss and the claim is brought within the two-year time limit, you can normally apply to the Injuries Resolution Board first before any court case. For a plain-language public guide on accidents in the workplace, see Citizens Information .
- Accident must arise out of and in the course of your work.
- You need medical evidence of injury and real financial loss.
- Most Irish work accident claims start with an IRB application.
- IRB can mediate or assess before any court proceedings begin.
What counts as an “accident at work” in Ireland?
In simple terms, it is an incident that happens in the course of your work, or on a continuous journey to or from work, which causes you injury or illness. It includes one-off accidents, such as a fall from scaffolding, and sometimes gradual injuries, such as back problems from poor manual handling systems.
We often see people unsure whether a journey, off-site meeting or work-from-home incident counts as “at work”, so it helps to talk that through with a solicitor early on.
Is this page for me?
This guide is designed for you if:
- You were employed or working through an agency in Dublin or anywhere in Ireland when the accident happened
- You needed medical treatment afterwards or your symptoms have continued
- You lost income, used up holidays or had other out-of-pocket costs because of the accident
- You want to know if it is worth starting an IRB claim and speaking to a specialist solicitor
From our experience, these are the questions we hear most often on first calls from injured workers in Dublin and across Ireland.
Answer card: A strong work accident claim has four things: a genuine workplace accident or work-related disease, evidence that your employer failed in their duty of care, an injury that caused real loss, and a claim submitted in time to the IRB with medical support. The IRB now also offers free mediation for employer liability claims, which can resolve many cases without going to court.
Contents
What to do in the first 48 hours after a work accident
The first two days after an accident at work are often messy. You may be sore, worried about money and unsure whether to “make a fuss”. From a legal point of view, a few simple steps make a big difference later.
See a doctor quickly. Attend A&E, your GP or an out-of-hours clinic and explain clearly that the injury happened at work. Mention all symptoms, even if they seem minor. Early, detailed notes become key medical evidence.
Make sure the accident is recorded. Report what happened to your manager or health and safety officer and ask that it is written up in the accident book or internal reporting system. Keep a copy or take a photo of anything you sign.
Gather basic evidence. If you are able, take photos of the scene, any hazard such as a spill, broken step or missing guard, and any visible injuries. Note the names and contact details of any colleagues or others who saw what happened.
Watch what you post online. Insurers often check social media. It is fine to tell close friends you are hurt, but avoid public posts about blame, “big payouts” or activities that could be used to suggest you are not injured.
Get early legal advice. A short call with a specialist accident at work solicitor can help you understand time limits, what evidence to keep and whether your situation is likely to give rise to a claim. We often see people wait too long and then feel rushed when the deadline is close.
Do I have a workplace injury claim?
Irish employers must provide a safe workplace, safe systems of work, proper training, competent colleagues and suitable equipment. When they fall short and you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation through the IRB and, if needed, the courts.
| Element | What it means in real life |
|---|---|
| Work-related accident | You were doing your job or something linked to it when hurt, including some trips directly to or from work. |
| Breach of duty | Your employer failed to take reasonable care for your safety, for example by not giving proper training, allowing unsafe systems or using faulty equipment. |
| Causation | That failure caused your injury or made it significantly worse than it should have been. |
| Loss | You suffered pain, time off work, reduced earnings or out-of-pocket expenses such as treatment and travel. |
Many Dublin work accident claims turn on small details, such as whether training that existed on paper was actually delivered and whether day-to-day working speeds and staffing levels were realistic.
Recent decisions like Lawless v Keatley [2025] IEHC 364 and the Court of Appeal judgments in Duke v Dunnes Stores and Greene v Dunnes Stores show that Irish courts look closely at whether an employer had a reasonable system of training and housekeeping in place and whether an injury was really more than an “everyday mishap” that could have happened anywhere. Those cases underline that simply having an accident at work does not automatically mean the employer is liable; the focus is on whether they fell short of reasonable care.
Can I claim? Typical work accident scenarios
| Scenario | Can I claim? | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Slip on a wet floor in a warehouse or shop | Often yes | Was there a system for cleaning, warning signs or barriers, and was the spill left for too long? |
| Back injury from lifting or moving heavy items | Often yes | Were you trained in manual handling and was equipment or help available for heavier loads? |
| Trip in a staff car park or yard | Often yes | Who was responsible for lighting, surface maintenance and dealing with known hazards? |
| Accident on the way to work | Sometimes | Whether the journey was part of your work, a continuous route and linked to your job duties. |
| Work-from-home injury at your desk | Sometimes | How your home workstation was set up, who provided equipment and whether you were following work instructions. |
Day to day, many of the calls we take are from people who blame themselves more than the law actually does once all the facts are set out. Being partly at fault yourself does not automatically stop you bringing a case. The IRB or court can find “contributory negligence” and reduce compensation to reflect your share of responsibility rather than refusing your claim completely.
Who we help in Dublin and nearby
We act for people injured in many different workplaces in Dublin and the surrounding counties. That includes construction workers on sites along the M50 and in Docklands, warehouse and logistics staff around Dublin Port and industrial estates, office and tech workers in city-centre and business-park offices, and retail and hospitality staff in shops, bars, hotels and restaurants.
We also help agency and temporary workers placed into factories, care homes and warehouses where it is not always clear who is responsible for safety. If you were working in or around Dublin when you were hurt, we can usually help with your accident at work claim even if you live elsewhere in Ireland.
Most of our Dublin work accident clients come from these everyday workplaces rather than from rare or unusual job settings.
Can I claim if I am not from Ireland?
You do not have to be Irish to bring an accident at work claim here. What matters is where the accident happened and where your employer is based, not your citizenship.
If you are a migrant worker, an international student or on a work permit, you still have the same basic right to a safe place and system of work. Language barriers or short-term contracts do not remove that duty.
If you are worried about your visa or immigration status, tell your solicitor at the start so they can explain any practical issues and plan around travel or changes in your address. We regularly speak with non-Irish workers who are unsure if they “have the same rights” and the answer is usually more positive than they expect.
Recent Dublin work accident cases we have handled
To give a feel for the type of work accident claims we deal with, here are a few recent examples. Details are anonymised, but the patterns are typical.
City-centre office slip: An employee slipped on a wet corridor in a Dublin office building and suffered a back injury, needing several months off work. We helped with the IRB claim, including loss of overtime and physiotherapy costs.
Warehouse manual handling injury: A warehouse worker hurt their back while lifting heavy boxes without proper training. When the IRB assessment did not reflect the full loss of earnings, we moved the case on to court.
Construction site fall: A tradesperson fell from defective scaffolding on a Dublin site. The claim involved several defendants and a Health and Safety Authority investigation, with expert evidence about long-term restrictions on heavy work.
Example outcome (anonymised): In one Dublin warehouse case a worker with a back injury from unsafe manual handling had several months off work and then moved into lighter duties. After the IRB process and later settlement talks, the final agreement reflected pain and suffering, loss of overtime, travel to treatment and the impact on future earning potential. Every case is different, but this shows how several types of loss can be taken into account.
From our own files, we see these accident patterns repeat frequently across Dublin, even though each client’s injuries and recovery are unique.
IRB workplace claim process
The Injuries Resolution Board is the State body that assesses most personal injury claims, including many work accidents, as a lower-cost and quicker alternative to court. For most workers, nearly all standard accident at work claims must go through the IRB before the courts will hear them.
Application. Your solicitor prepares and submits the IRB application form, arranges a medical report and pays the fee. The application can be filed online or by post and must be made in time to stop the two-year clock.
Notification and consent. The IRB then notifies your employer and their insurer. They can agree to the IRB process, suggest mediation or let the claim move directly to a formal assessment.
Mediation. For employer liability claims, the IRB can offer phone-based mediation. It is free, confidential and often faster than a full assessment. Many cases settle at this stage with the help of your solicitor.
Assessment. If mediation does not take place or does not resolve everything, the IRB assesses your claim. It uses your medical report, the Personal Injuries Guidelines and details of your financial losses to suggest a compensation figure.
Acceptance or court. If both sides accept the assessment, the IRB issues an order to pay. If either side rejects it, the IRB issues an authorisation that allows your case to move on to the appropriate court. You can read a short official overview of how the IRB connects with government and the courts on the Department of Enterprise’s Injuries Resolution Board liaison unit page .
A large part of our day-to-day work is guiding clients through these IRB stages so they know what each letter or decision actually means for them.
What if my employer has closed down or changed name?
It is still often possible to bring a claim even if the business has closed, moved or changed its name. In many cases the claim is really against the employer’s liability insurer, not the company directors personally.
Your solicitor can check old Companies Registration Office records, insurance details and any new business that may have taken over staff or assets. The main risk is delay, so it is better to ask the question early rather than assume you are out of options.
From experience, we find that tracing old insurance details can take time, which is another reason not to leave things until the very end of the limitation period.
How our accident at work solicitors in Dublin help you
As your solicitor, we do far more than just file forms. In a typical Dublin work accident case we gather and organise your medical records, employer incident reports, any HSA material and witness details so everything is in one place.
We make sure your IRB application is submitted in time, so the two-year clock stops correctly while your claim is being assessed. We use the Personal Injuries Guidelines, your earnings history and real-life examples to put a realistic value on your case rather than guesswork.
We also advise you on whether to try IRB mediation, help you prepare for it and explain the pros and cons of any assessment you receive. If the assessment is not fair, we can issue court proceedings in Dublin or elsewhere and manage settlement talks or a full hearing.
Our role is part legal, part practical guide, making sure you understand what is happening at each stage and why.
If your case needs to go to court, many Dublin work accident cases are heard in the Circuit Court at the Four Courts complex, with higher-value cases going to the High Court depending on the value and seriousness of the injuries.
Compensation, job security and social welfare
Compensation. There is no fixed table for what every work accident is worth, but Irish judges and the IRB follow the Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines for pain and suffering. Your total award is usually built from general damages (pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life) and special damages (financial losses such as past and future earnings, treatment costs, travel, care and sometimes retraining). No two cases are identical. The Courts Service has a short public guide to how personal injuries cases are dealt with in Ireland on its Understanding personal injuries page .
Job security. Many people are afraid that bringing a claim will cost them their job. An employer should not dismiss or penalise you simply for making a genuine personal injury claim. In most cases compensation is paid by employers’ liability insurance, not personally by your manager. If you are treated badly for raising the accident, there may be separate employment law remedies.
Sick pay and Injury Benefit. Short-term income often comes from a mix of employer sick pay schemes and statutory sick leave, which currently gives at least five paid sick days per year at 70% of normal pay up to a daily cap. If you are unable to work because of an accident at work or on a direct journey to or from work, you may also qualify for Injury Benefit and supports under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme. You can find official information about that scheme on the Department of Social Protection website .
These welfare payments are separate from your civil claim, but in some cases the State can seek repayment out of your final compensation. We factor that into valuations so there are no surprises later.
Online “claim calculators” can look helpful, but they rarely reflect your exact injuries, recovery time, work pattern, social welfare history and future risks. In real cases, Irish work accident claims are valued using the Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines together with your medical evidence and detailed proof of financial loss, rather than a one-size-fits-all calculator. When we combine guideline ranges, recent IRB assessments and your welfare and earnings records, we can usually give a far more realistic settlement range than any generic figure.
Evidence that makes a real difference
Two people can have similar injuries but very different outcomes because one case is rich in evidence and the other is not. Strong evidence usually includes clear medical notes from the day of the accident and follow-up visits, detailed incident reports, HSA investigation records where required, photos and any available CCTV, and contact details of witnesses.
Accurate records of lost income, overtime, bonuses and out-of-pocket costs help show the financial impact. A simple diary of pain levels, sleep problems and how the accident affects your daily life can also be powerful when your solicitor and any medical experts are explaining your case.
When we review files, we consistently see that the best-prepared matters are not always the most serious injuries but the ones with organised records and clear timelines.
What if I had a pre-existing injury?
Many people have some old back, neck or joint problems by the time they get hurt at work. Having a pre-existing condition does not stop you bringing a claim, but it can change how the case is assessed.
The key question is whether the accident made things worse, and if so by how much. Medical experts often compare your symptoms and scans before and after the accident and try to separate out what is new from what was already there.
That comparison is rarely perfect.
In many files, this can mean that some of your pain and loss is linked to the accident and some is not. A fair outcome usually reflects that split rather than treating everything as new or everything as old.
What about stress or psychological injury after an accident at work?
Not all injuries are physical. People can develop anxiety, sleep problems, low mood or loss of confidence after a serious accident at work, especially if they are worried about money or going back to the same job.
These psychological effects are real and can be part of a work accident claim if they are properly diagnosed and linked to the accident. Your solicitor may arrange a report from an appropriate expert so that this side of your injury is not ignored.
You are not alone if you feel this way.
We often meet clients who only mention these problems late in the process, so we now routinely ask about sleep, mood and confidence as well as physical pain.
Mistakes that damage otherwise good claims
Waiting too long. Many people hope things will settle down and only look for help when the two-year time limit is nearly over. That can make it harder to gather evidence and lodge a proper IRB application in time.
No written accident record. If the only mention of the accident is a quick chat with a supervisor, insurers may argue that it never happened or happened somewhere else. Getting a written report matters.
Unhelpful social media. Photos of heavy lifting, late nights out or sports straight after the accident can be used to downplay your injury, even if you were trying to keep life normal.
Signing things too quickly. Insurer or employer forms that look routine can sometimes include admissions or waivers you did not intend to give. It is safer to have a solicitor check them first.
Assuming the clock only starts when it “gets really bad”. In law, the time limit often runs from the accident date or when you first knew your injury might be linked to work, not from the point where the pain becomes unbearable.
Looking back over problem files, we can almost always point to one of these avoidable mistakes as a turning point.
Fast facts about work accidents in Ireland
Some workplace accidents must be reported to the HSA within tight timeframes, particularly if you are off work for more than three days or there is a fatality. That report can later become useful evidence.
The Injuries Resolution Board is now the standard route for most motor, workplace and public liability claims. Mediation is available for employer liability cases at no extra cost to the parties.
IRB assessments are usually completed far faster, and with lower legal costs, than full court proceedings, while still reflecting the Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines.
Dublin has a mix of higher risk sectors: construction along the M50 corridor, logistics around Dublin Port, heavier industry at the fringes of the city, and large volumes of office and retail work in the centre.
Gary Matthews Solicitors focuses on personal injury and work accident claims for clients throughout Ireland from its base beside the Four Courts.
Free templates and checklists
You can use our free work accident incident report checklist (PDF), medical and expense tracker (Excel) and IRB workplace claim preparation checklist (PDF) to keep everything organised from the start of your claim.
We designed these tools based on the recurring gaps we see in real cases, so they reflect what actually helps when an insurer or court looks at your file.
How to start an accident at work claim in Ireland
Estimated effort: about an hour to get started. You will need a brief timeline, your employer’s details, your PPS number and any medical letters or photos you already have.
Step 1 – Talk to a specialist solicitor. Explain what happened, where you work, your role and how the injury affects you at home and at work.
Step 2 – Request your records. Your solicitor will help you obtain medical notes, employer accident reports and, where relevant, Health and Safety Authority documents.
Step 3 – Prepare the IRB application. With your input, your solicitor drafts the IRB form, arranges any medical report needed and submits everything before the time limit.
Step 4 – Consider mediation. If mediation is offered, your solicitor can advise whether it suits your matter and help you prepare for the discussion.
Step 5 – Plan for assessment or court. If the IRB assessment is accepted, payment should follow. If not, your solicitor can bring the case to the appropriate court in Dublin or elsewhere.
In our experience, getting these first steps right often sets the tone for the rest of the claim and makes later stages much smoother.
When it might not be worth bringing a work accident claim
Not every accident at work leads to a legal claim. In some situations it may be better to focus on recovery and workplace changes rather than a formal case.
For example, a very minor injury that fully settles in a few days with no costs or time off work may not justify the effort and stress of a legal case. A borderline case with little evidence, or one where the time limit has already passed, can also be difficult.
We sometimes advise people not to claim after a first call, or to wait until more medical information is available. That does not mean your concern is not valid, only that a formal claim may not be the best tool in your situation.
How legal fees work for work accident claims
Many people worry that they cannot afford a solicitor after an accident at work. In practice, you will always be told how fees are calculated before you decide to go ahead with a case.
With us, you will always be told how fees are calculated before you decide to go ahead with a case. We explain our likely fees and outlays in writing, answer any questions you have and keep you updated if the position changes. You will never be asked to agree to a percentage of your award or settlement, as that is not permitted under Irish law.
If you decide not to move forward after getting advice, you can say so. A first conversation is usually about understanding your options, not about being pushed into a claim.
Why many Dublin workers choose Gary Matthews Solicitors
Gary has worked in personal injury and accident at work claims since 1997. During that time he has focused on acting for injured people, not insurers, and has helped thousands of clients understand their rights after workplace accidents.
From our office beside the Four Courts in Dublin, we handle IRB applications, mediation and court cases for workers across the city and throughout Ireland. Most updates can be done by phone or video, so you do not need to travel into the city for every step of your claim.
Over the years, we have seen that clear communication and realistic expectations matter as much as legal expertise when people are dealing with the aftermath of a work accident.
Questions to ask before you choose a work accident solicitor
It is ok to speak with more than one firm before you decide who to work with. Helpful questions include:
1. How often do you handle accident at work claims and IRB cases each week?
2. Who will look after my file day to day and how often will I hear from you?
3. How do you charge for this type of case and what outlays should I expect?
4. What sort of timescale do you see for a case like mine, based on your recent experience?
5. If the IRB assessment seems low, how do you decide whether to move on to court?
We find that clients who ask these questions at the start usually feel more in control throughout their claim.
Common myths about accident at work claims
Myth: “If I make a claim, I will definitely lose my job.”
Fact: An employer should not sack or punish you just for bringing a genuine claim. Problems usually arise from how situations are managed, not from the fact you used the legal system.
Myth: “I cannot claim because I was partly to blame.”
Fact: Irish law allows for shared responsibility. Your compensation can be reduced to reflect your share, but that is not the same as having no case at all.
Myth: “Only serious, life-changing injuries are worth claiming for.”
Fact: Many successful work accident claims involve injuries that eventually heal but still cause months of pain, lost income and treatment costs.
In our experience, clearing up these myths at the start often helps people make calmer, better decisions about whether to claim.
How long does an accident at work claim usually take?
There is no fixed time, because each matter depends on your injuries, how quickly medical reports are available and whether the claim settles at IRB stage or has to go to court.
Straightforward cases that settle at the IRB can resolve in months rather than years. Cases that go on to court, or where injuries have not yet fully settled, can take longer because it is important to understand the long-term impact before any final decision.
At the start of your matter we will give you a realistic view of likely stages and timescales based on recent experience with similar work accident cases.
Common questions about accident at work claims
What should I do immediately after an accident at work?
Get medical help, report the accident so it is written down, keep any photos and witness details, and speak with a specialist accident at work solicitor as soon as you can.
Key points:
- Get prompt medical care and mention that it was a work accident.
- Report the incident in writing so there is a clear record.
- Keep photos, witness details and any medical notes together.
Why it matters: Quick, accurate records make it much harder for insurers to argue that the accident never happened or that your injuries came from somewhere else.
Next step: Make a short note on your phone today about what happened and who saw it, then arrange a GP visit and a legal consultation.
Sources: Citizens Information – Accidents in the workplace • Health and Safety Authority – Accident and dangerous occurrence reporting
How long do I have to make a workplace injury claim?
In most cases you have two years less one day from the accident, or from when you first knew your injury might be linked to work. Submitting a complete IRB application in time stops the clock while your claim is assessed. In practice we look at the Statute of Limitations (Amendment) Act 1991 together with section 7 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, which reduced the usual personal injury period to two years, and section 50 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, which pauses the limitation clock while a valid IRB application is being processed. Section 8 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 also requires a written letter of claim within a set period, which your solicitor will track for you.
Key points:
- Most Irish personal injury claims have a two-year limitation period.
- The “date of knowledge” can matter where symptoms appear later.
- A complete IRB application made in time pauses the limitation clock.
Why it matters: If you miss the deadline your claim can be out of time, no matter how serious the injury is.
Next step: If you are anywhere near the two-year mark, tell your solicitor immediately so they can prioritise a protective IRB application.
Sources: Injuries Resolution Board – Official site • Citizens Information – Injuries Resolution Board
Can my employer fire me for making a claim?
Your employer should not dismiss or penalise you just for making a genuine personal injury claim. If they do, you may also have an employment law claim, for example for unfair dismissal or penalisation.
Key points:
- Irish law protects employees from unfair dismissal and penalisation.
- Accident at work claims are usually paid by insurance, not personally by your boss.
- If you are treated badly after an accident, you may have extra legal options.
Why it matters: Fear about job security stops many people from asserting their rights after a clear accident at work.
Next step: Keep copies of any work emails or letters and tell your solicitor quickly if your hours, duties or treatment change after you report the accident.
Sources: Citizens Information – Unfair dismissal • Workplace Relations Commission – Dismissal
What if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still have a claim. Irish law allows for contributory negligence, which means your compensation can be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility rather than refused entirely.
Key points:
- Shared fault does not automatically prevent a claim in Ireland.
- Courts and IRB can reduce awards to reflect your share of blame.
- Honest detail about what happened helps your solicitor assess risk.
Why it matters: People often talk themselves out of a valid claim because they think they “should have been more careful”, even where safety systems were poor.
Next step: Give your solicitor an honest, detailed account of what happened so they can give realistic advice on how responsibility might be shared.
Sources: Courts Service – Understanding personal injuries • Citizens Information – Accidents in the workplace
Do I still get paid while I am off after an accident at work?
It depends on your contract and social welfare entitlements. Some employers offer enhanced sick pay. Many workers also qualify for statutory sick leave and, in some cases, Injury Benefit or supports under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme.
Key points:
- Check your contract or staff handbook for employer sick pay terms.
- Irish law provides at least five paid statutory sick days per year in 2025.
- Work accidents may also entitle you to Injury Benefit and related supports.
Why it matters: Knowing what income you are likely to have helps you plan and reduces pressure to accept a low offer quickly.
Next step: Speak to your employer about their sick pay policy and check your eligibility for benefits with the Department of Social Protection or Citizens Information.
Sources: Citizens Information – Sick leave and sick pay • Citizens Information – Injury Benefit
Do I really need a solicitor for an IRB workplace claim?
You are not legally required to have a solicitor, but most people find it very helpful. A specialist accident at work solicitor can gather evidence, protect time limits, advise on mediation and help you decide whether to accept an IRB assessment or go to court.
Key points:
- You can deal with IRB yourself, but the process is technical.
- A solicitor can spot missing evidence or underestimated losses.
- Good advice is crucial before you accept any final assessment or offer.
Why it matters: Once you accept an assessment or settlement it is usually final, so good advice at the right time can prevent regret later.
Next step: Ask any solicitor you speak with how often they handle work accident claims and who will be dealing with your file day to day.
Sources: Injuries Resolution Board – Making a claim • Courts Service – Understanding personal injuries
Is there any advantage in using a Dublin-based workplace injury solicitor?
For many clients there is. A Dublin firm that deals with IRB claims and local courts every day will understand common accident patterns in local industries and how Dublin court lists tend to move.
Key points:
- Local firms are used to Dublin courts, doctors and experts.
- Knowledge of typical local accident patterns can speed up evidence gathering.
- Proximity helps with practical steps such as meetings and hearings when needed.
Why it matters: Local knowledge can help with practical issues like tracing CCTV, arranging medical appointments and understanding typical employer responses.
Next step: If your accident happened in or near Dublin, consider short-listing firms that focus on personal injury and work accidents in this area.
Sources: Injuries Resolution Board – Official site • Judicial Council – Personal Injuries Guidelines
Can I claim if I was an agency or temp worker?
Yes, if you were placed into a workplace through an agency and were injured because safety standards were not met, you may still have a claim. Deciding who is legally responsible can be complex, so it helps to get advice early.
Key points:
- Agency and host employers may share safety responsibilities.
- You still have a right to a safe place and system of work.
- Contracts and assignment letters are important evidence in these cases.
Why it matters: Agency workers sometimes assume they have fewer rights, but the law still requires that someone is responsible for providing a safe place and system of work.
Next step: Keep your contract or assignment paperwork and tell your solicitor both the agency name and the name of the business where you were working.
Sources: Citizens Information – Employer obligations • Health and Safety Authority – Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
Can I claim for an accident while working from home?
Sometimes. If you were working from home as part of your job and you were injured because work equipment or instructions were unsafe, there may still be a claim. Each case turns on its facts and how your home working setup was arranged.
Key points:
- Employer health and safety duties can extend to remote work setups.
- Clear evidence of how your home workstation was arranged is important.
- It is vital to separate work accidents from purely domestic incidents.
Why it matters: More people now work from home, and accidents there can still be work related, but lines between work and non-work activities are often blurred.
Next step: Take photos of your home work area, keep any emails about equipment or safety and talk to a solicitor about how your work from home arrangement was set up.
Sources: Department of Enterprise – Guidance for remote working • Health and Safety Authority – Official site
Deep dives on specific work accident topics
Workplace injury claim process in Ireland – step-by-step detail on IRB forms, evidence and typical timelines.
Work accident compensation guide – how the Personal Injuries Guidelines are used and what affects settlement values.
HSA reporting for work accidents – when accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Authority and what that means for your case.
Slip and fall at work – focused guidance on slips, trips and falls in workplaces and shared spaces.
Construction site accidents – higher-risk construction scenarios, multiple contractors and typical evidence issues.
We use these focused guides to go deeper into topics that come up again and again in Dublin work accident cases.
Glossary: key Irish work injury terms
Injuries Resolution Board (IRB): State body that assesses many personal injury claims, including work accidents, before any court case begins.
General damages: Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
Special damages: Financial losses such as past and future earnings, medical treatment, travel costs, care and sometimes retraining.
Limitation period: The legal time limit (usually two years less one day) for starting most accident at work claims in Ireland.
Contributory negligence: When an injured person is found partly at fault, so their compensation is reduced by a fair percentage rather than refused entirely.
How we keep this guide up to date
Work accident law and procedures change over time, for example when the Personal Injuries Guidelines are updated or when social welfare rules change. We review this page regularly so it reflects current Irish practice, and we update it when there are important changes that affect injured workers.
Next in this series
Workplace Injury Claim Process in Ireland: IRB, Mediation and Court Explained
Average Work Injury Compensation in Ireland: How the Guidelines Apply in Real Cases
Employer Negligence and Duty of Care in Irish Workplaces: Practical Examples and Your Rights
In one minute: your accident at work claim in Ireland
Most Irish work accident claims start with an IRB application within two years less one day of the accident or your date of knowledge. Strong cases have clear evidence of employer fault, medical support and good records of your financial losses.
A Dublin-based accident at work solicitor who deals with these cases every day can help you decide if your claim is worth pursuing, guide you through IRB or mediation and, if needed, bring your case to court while you focus on recovery.
Important: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always get advice on your own situation from a qualified solicitor. All content is prepared with Irish law in mind and must be read in that context. No guarantees are made about case outcomes or compensation levels.
Professional fees notice: In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
Gary Matthews Solicitors
Medical negligence solicitors, Dublin
We help people every day of the week (weekends and bank holidays included) that have either been injured or harmed as a result of an accident or have suffered from negligence or malpractice.
Contact us at our Dublin office to get started with your claim today
