Tourist Accident Claims in Ireland
Author: Gary Matthews, Principal Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland PC No. S8178 · 3rd Floor, Ormond Building, 31-36 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin D07 · 01 903 6408 ·
In short: Tourists injured in Ireland hold the same legal rights as Irish residents. You have two years to claim through the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB). You don't need a PPS number. Your solicitor can manage the process from abroad.
A tourist injured in Ireland claim is a personal injury claim brought by a non-resident visitor who was injured on Irish premises due to another party's negligence. Irish law, specifically the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995, governs these claims regardless of the visitor's nationality. The IRB, formerly known as PIAB, assesses compensation using the Personal Injuries Guidelines (2021).
This is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its specific facts. Consult a solicitor for advice on your situation.
What this guide covers that others don't: the 48-Hour Tourist Evidence Protocol for preserving evidence before your flight, actual A&E charges by nationality (€0 with EHIC, up to €506 without), a limitation period comparison across six countries, the full IRB timeline including the 90-day consent window, and how virtual mediation lets you settle without returning to Ireland.
Contents
- Do tourists have the same claim rights?
- The 48-Hour Tourist Evidence Protocol
- How tourists access medical treatment in Ireland
- How the IRB process works for non-residents
- Common tourist accident scenarios
- Do activity waivers prevent a claim?
- What compensation can a tourist expect?
- What if a tourist is a victim of crime?
- Managing your claim from overseas
- Travel insurance vs a compensation claim
- The limitation period trap for international visitors
- Frequently asked questions
- References
Do you have a claim? Quick self-assessment:
1. Were you injured on premises or property someone else controlled (a hotel, shop, footpath, attraction, or activity venue)?
This is general guidance only, not legal advice. Every case depends on its specific facts.
Do tourists have the same claim rights as Irish residents?
Yes. Under Section 3 of the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995, an occupier owes a "common duty of care" to every lawful visitor on their premises. A tourist checking into a Dublin hotel, shopping in a Galway retail centre, or walking the Cliffs of Moher trail holds exactly the same legal status and protections as an Irish citizen. The Act draws no distinction based on nationality, residency, or visa status.
The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 amended the 1995 Act to introduce a stronger emphasis on voluntary assumption of risk (new Section 5A). Tourists who ignore explicit safety warnings at attractions, climb over barriers at historical sites, or venture beyond marked trails may find the occupier's liability reduced or excluded. This amendment applies equally to residents and visitors.
A detail that catches many overseas claimants off guard: Irish compensation rules apply regardless of your home country. Under Article 4(1) of the Rome II Regulation, the applicable law for a personal injury claim is the law of the country where the damage occurred. A German or American tourist can't expect home-country compensation benchmarks. The Personal Injuries Guidelines (2021) set the framework for general damages in Ireland.
Relevant case law:
Byrne v. Ardenheath Company Limited [2017] IECA 293 established that courts must consider the level of care a visitor may reasonably be expected to take for their own safety when assessing an occupier's duty. The Court of Appeal held that occupiers are not insurers of visitors' welfare. This principle was later codified into statute by the 2023 amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act. Courts.ie
Scanlan v. McDonnell T/A The Woodlands Caravan & Camping Park [2024] IEHC 324 applied the 2023 amendments, distinguishing between "usual" dangers (which a visitor can reasonably be expected to avoid) and "unusual" dangers (which an occupier must guard against). A "usual" danger, such as uneven ground in a caravan park, did not impose liability on the occupier. This distinction is directly relevant to tourists at outdoor attractions. Courts.ie
Section 5A in practice: when does voluntary assumption of risk reduce a tourist's claim?
| Scenario | Occupier's position | Likely outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist climbs over a barrier at the Cliffs of Moher despite warning signs in multiple languages | Occupier provided clear warnings and physical barriers | Claim likely reduced or defeated under Section 5A. The tourist voluntarily assumed the risk by bypassing safety measures. |
| Tourist slips on a wet hotel stairwell with no warning sign or cleaning schedule in place | Occupier failed to warn or maintain the premises | Claim likely succeeds in full. No voluntary assumption of risk. The tourist had no reason to expect the hazard. |
| Tourist falls during a cliff walk after ignoring a guide's verbal warning about unstable ground | Activity provider gave a briefing and verbal warnings | Depends on the evidence. If the court finds the tourist willingly accepted the risk under Section 5A, the claim fails entirely. If the court finds the warning was insufficient for the tourist to fully comprehend the risk, contributory negligence under the Civil Liability Act 1961 applies instead, and compensation is reduced proportionally. |
The 48-Hour Tourist Evidence Protocol: what to secure before your flight
Still in Ireland right now? Do these five things before anything else: (1) Call 112 or 999 if you need an ambulance. (2) Attend A&E or an Injury Unit. (3) Report to the nearest Garda station and get the PULSE number. (4) Email the premises occupier requesting CCTV preservation. (5) Photograph the hazard, the scene, and your injuries.
The strongest tourist claims are built in the hours immediately after the accident, not weeks later from abroad. We call this the 48-Hour Tourist Evidence Protocol: a structured approach to preserving the seven categories of evidence that can't be recovered once you've left Ireland. From handling cross-border cases, the single biggest obstacle is evidence lost because the visitor returned home without preserving key records. CCTV footage at hotels, shops, and attractions is routinely overwritten within 14 to 30 days.
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Attend A&E or a GP. Keep all medical notes and receipts. | Medical records created in Ireland carry more weight with the IRB than retrospective reports from abroad. |
| 2 | Report to the nearest Garda station. Record the station name and PULSE reference number. | A Garda report is essential for IRB applications and critical for evidence in public liability claims. |
| 3 | Send a written CCTV preservation request to the premises occupier by email (with read receipt) or registered post. | Once footage is overwritten, the strongest liability evidence is gone. Request preservation, not copies. |
| 4 | Photograph the scene, the hazard, your injuries, your footwear, and the weather conditions. | Scene conditions change quickly. Photos taken on the day are the most persuasive visual evidence. |
| 5 | Collect witness contact details: names, phone numbers, email addresses. | Other tourists and staff often leave the area within days. Without their details, witness evidence is lost. |
| 6 | Request a copy of the premises incident report (hotels, attractions, and shops are required to maintain accident report books). | The accident report book entry confirms the incident was recorded and provides the occupier's own description. |
| 7 | Keep all financial records: medical bills, pharmacy receipts, transport costs, changed flights, and additional accommodation costs. | These form the basis of your special damages claim. |
Track your 48-Hour Tourist Evidence Protocol progress:
0 of 7 steps completed
Time does not pause when you leave Ireland. The two-year limitation period under the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 runs from the date of the accident. Under Section 50 of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022, an incomplete IRB application doesn't stop the limitation clock. If your two-year deadline passes while you are waiting for documents, your claim becomes statute-barred.
Language rights at the Garda station: Non-English-speaking tourists have a right to translation and interpretation services when reporting a crime or incident to An Garda Siochana. This right is established under the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, which transposed the EU Victims Directive (2012/29/EU) into Irish law. If you need a translator, request one at the station. The Tourist SOS service can also help with practical support and liaison with Gardai across Ireland.
How do tourists access medical treatment in Ireland?
Healthcare access depends on your nationality and insurance status, not on your right to claim compensation. Treatment under a health card covers your immediate medical costs but does not recover your losses from the person who caused the accident. Medical treatment and a compensation claim are two separate processes.
| Visitor category | Healthcare entitlement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA citizen with valid EHIC | Free necessary medical treatment in public hospitals. Must request public patient status. Does not cover private hospitals, repatriation, or ongoing treatment abroad. | HSE EHIC guidance (2025) |
| UK resident | Can access necessary healthcare using a UK-issued GHIC or EHIC, or proof of UK residency (passport plus address documents). Common Travel Area arrangements apply. | Citizens Information (Updated 2025) |
| Non-EU/EEA visitor | Must pay the full cost of treatment unless travel insurance covers it. The HSE may provide urgent necessary treatment at reduced cost in hardship cases. | 3 |
One aspect the official guidance doesn't cover: medical treatment and a compensation claim operate on separate tracks. Your EHIC or travel insurance pays the hospital. A personal injury claim recovers those costs (and more) from the negligent occupier or their insurer. You can pursue both. Your travel insurer may later exercise a right of subrogation to recover their outlay from the at-fault party's insurer.
What does A&E actually cost for a tourist?
Hospital charges vary significantly depending on your status and which hospital you attend. These costs are recoverable as special damages if your claim succeeds, so keep every receipt.
| Visitor status | A&E charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA visitor with EHIC | No charge | Must present EHIC card on arrival and request public patient status |
| Irish resident or ordinarily resident (no EHIC needed) | €100 (without GP referral) | Waived if referred by a GP or admitted as an inpatient |
| Non-EU visitor (no EHIC) | €295 to €506 depending on hospital | Beaumont €446.82, St James's €506, Mater €380, Connolly €100. Source: HSE hospital charges (2025) |
If your injury isn't life-threatening, consider an Injury Unit instead of A&E. Injury Units treat broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, and minor burns. The charge is €75, and waiting times are typically shorter. Check the HSE Injury Units for locations and opening hours.
How does the IRB process work for non-residents?
Non-resident tourists can file an IRB application from abroad using a passport or national ID card instead of a PPS number. The Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), formerly known as the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) until 2023, processes all personal injury claims in Ireland except medical negligence.
| Requirement | Irish resident | Tourist or non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | PPS number (mandatory) | Passport or national ID card accepted |
| Medical report (Form B) | Completed by Irish GP or consultant | Can be completed by a treating doctor abroad, provided it meets IRB causation and prognosis standards |
| Application fee | €45 online, €90 by post | €45 online (international card payments accepted), €90 by post |
| Correspondence address | Home address | Nominated Irish solicitor's address |
| Mediation | Available for public liability claims (from May 2024) | Virtual mediation available, removing the need to travel to Ireland for settlement discussions |
The timing matters more than most guides suggest. Unlike in England and Wales, where formal pre-action protocols govern the claim timeline, Ireland has no equivalent mandatory procedure. Instead, a Section 8 notice under the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 should be sent within one month to protect legal costs. The full timeline a tourist should expect:
| Stage | Timeframe | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Section 8 letter of claim | Within 1 month of accident | Preliminary notification to the at-fault party. Protects future legal costs. |
| IRB application filed | As soon as Form B medical report is ready | Your solicitor submits Form A + Form B + fee (€45 online). Passport used instead of PPSN. |
| Respondent consent period | 90 days from IRB notification | The respondent (or their insurer) has 90 days to agree to the IRB assessing the claim. If they decline, the IRB issues an Authorisation for court proceedings. |
| Virtual mediation (if both agree) | 3 to 6 months | Available for public liability claims since May 2024. Can be conducted entirely by video link from abroad. |
| Formal IRB assessment | Average 11.2 months from consent | IRB assesses your claim under the Personal Injuries Guidelines. 51% of claims resolved within 9 months. You may be asked to attend an independent medical examination in Ireland. |
| Court proceedings (if needed) | 2 to 3 years | If either party rejects the IRB assessment. Personal attendance normally required. |
What types of accidents do tourists commonly claim for?
Tourist injury claims span every premises type covered by the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995. The liable party depends on who controlled the premises where the accident happened. Each scenario below links to the relevant venue-specific guide on this site for detailed liability analysis.
| Scenario | Potential defendant | Key legal basis | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slip or fall at a tourist attraction | Local authority, OPW, or private operator | OLA 1995 Section 3 (duty to visitors) | Local authority claims |
| Injury in a hotel, B&B, or guesthouse | Hotel operator or property owner | OLA 1995 (occupier duty to visitors) | Hotel accident claims |
| Fall in a restaurant or pub | Business occupier | OLA 1995 + inspection and maintenance duty | Restaurant claims · Pub and nightclub claims |
| Injury on a guided tour or adventure activity | Activity provider | OLA 1995 + implied contract + SHWW Act 2005 Section 12 | How to prove a claim |
| Slip on a footpath or public street | Local authority (e.g. Dublin City Council) | Roads Act 1993 Section 13 | Uneven surface claims |
| Injury at a supermarket or shopping centre | Shop occupier | OLA 1995 (constructive knowledge of hazard) | Supermarket claims · Shopping centre claims |
| Injury at a festival or public event | Event organiser, premises occupier | OLA 1995 + SHWW Act 2005 (safety statement) | Event accident claims |
Road traffic accidents involving tourists follow a different claim process. See the car accident claims section for RTA guidance.
Airbnb and short-term lets: who is the occupier?
One detail that surprises many visitors: the "occupier" under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995 is the person who controls the premises, not necessarily the person who owns it. For a traditional hotel, the operator is clearly the occupier. For an Airbnb or short-term rental, the position is less obvious. If the host manages the property directly (meets guests, handles maintenance, sets house rules), the host is the occupier. If a property management company controls the day-to-day running, that company may be the occupier instead. Airbnb itself is a platform, not an occupier of the physical premises. The practical consequence for an injured tourist: your claim runs against whoever controlled the property and its hazards, not against the booking platform. Identifying the correct defendant early prevents wasted time and missed limitation deadlines.
Do activity waivers prevent a tourist from claiming?
No. Under Irish law, you can't contractually exclude liability for personal injury caused by negligence. Many adventure activity providers in Ireland (kayaking, horse riding, cliff walks, surf schools) ask participants to sign liability waivers before the activity. These waivers may limit claims for the inherent risks of the activity itself, but they don't protect the provider against negligence.
If the provider failed to maintain equipment, employed unqualified instructors, ignored weather warnings, or failed to brief participants on known hazards, the waiver won't prevent a valid claim. Irish courts assess whether the provider met the standard of care expected under the circumstances, regardless of what the participant signed. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Section 12 imposes a cross-duty on those providing activities to non-employees.
What compensation can a tourist expect in Ireland?
All personal injury awards in Ireland are assessed under the Personal Injuries Guidelines (2021), published by the Judicial Council. These guidelines replaced the Book of Quantum in April 2021. A proposed 16.7% uplift to the guidelines was considered in 2025 but wasn't brought forward. The 2021 figures remain in force.
According to the IRB Annual Report (Published July 2025), the IRB processed over 20,000 personal injury claims in 2024, including public liability claims. The overall median award was €13,000 in 2024. Total compensation awarded was €168 million. The average assessment duration was 11.2 months, with 51% of claims resolved within 9 months. All awards are assessed under the Personal Injuries Guidelines, and amounts vary significantly based on injury type and severity.
Tourist claims may include special damages that domestic claimants wouldn't typically have. Changed flight costs, additional accommodation for a delayed departure, emergency medical treatment paid out of pocket, pharmacy costs abroad for ongoing medication, and the cost of returning to Ireland for an independent medical examination are all recoverable as special damages if the claim succeeds. Keep all receipts. See special damages in public liability claims.
Loss of holiday enjoyment: Tourists on package holidays may also claim for the value of the holiday they couldn't enjoy because of the injury. Loss of enjoyment is a separate head of damage from pain and suffering. Under the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995, the tour operator is liable for loss of enjoyment caused by failures in the package. Even outside a package holiday, Irish courts can include disrupted travel plans and lost holiday time within general damages where the injury directly caused the loss. Keep your original itinerary and any evidence of activities you couldn't complete.
What if a tourist is a victim of crime in Ireland?
Tourists injured by violent crime in Ireland can pursue two separate routes for compensation. A civil negligence claim (if the premises occupier failed in their security duty) runs through the IRB. A separate application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal covers out-of-pocket expenses and loss of earnings.
The Tribunal accepts applications from any visitor to Ireland, not only Irish residents. The application must be made within three months of the incident (a much shorter window than the two-year personal injury limitation). The incident must be reported to An Garda Siochana without delay. The Tribunal doesn't award compensation for pain and suffering, except in fatal cases.
EU citizens injured by crime in Ireland can also apply through their home country's compensating authority under EU Directive 2004/80/EC. The Tourist SOS service provides free practical support to visitors who are victims of crime in Ireland, including help with Garda reports and embassy contact.
Can you manage an Irish injury claim from overseas?
Yes. A solicitor with a signed authority letter can file your IRB application, attend mediations, negotiate with insurers, and instruct barristers on your behalf. You don't need to be physically present in Ireland for most stages of the claim. If you followed the 48-Hour Tourist Evidence Protocol before leaving, your solicitor already has the foundation to build a strong case.
There are two points where you may need to return. First, the respondent or IRB may request an independent medical examination (IME) by an Irish-based specialist. This assessment can't be conducted overseas. Second, if your case proceeds to a court hearing (Circuit Court for claims up to €60,000, High Court above that threshold), personal attendance is normally required.
Between assessment and settlement, the sticking point is usually the medical evidence. A Form B report from a foreign GP who isn't familiar with Irish reporting standards can cause delays or undervaluation. A solicitor in Ireland can liaise with your treating doctor abroad to ensure the report meets IRB requirements for causation, treatment, and prognosis. Electronic signatures are accepted for IRB online applications.
Package holiday alternative: If you booked a package holiday (flights plus accommodation or excursions from one provider), the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 may allow you to pursue the tour operator in your home country, avoiding the need to litigate in Ireland entirely.
How does travel insurance interact with a compensation claim?
Travel insurance and a personal injury claim are separate processes that can run in parallel. Your travel insurance is a contractual benefit you paid for. It covers your immediate expenses: medical treatment, repatriation, trip cancellation. A personal injury claim is against the negligent party (or their insurer) and covers all losses including pain and suffering.
You can claim on both. If your travel insurer pays medical costs and you later recover those same costs in a compensation claim, you may need to reimburse the travel insurer under their right of subrogation. Keep separate records of what your travel insurance covered and what you paid out of pocket.
The limitation period trap for international visitors
Ireland's limitation period is two years from the date of the accident, which is shorter than many tourists expect. UK visitors, accustomed to a three-year limitation under the Limitation Act 1980, risk missing the Irish deadline by a full year. US visitors from states with three-year or longer statutes face the same trap.
The two-year period is set by Section 7 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004. A preliminary letter of claim should be sent to the at-fault party within one month of the accident, as required by Section 8 of the same Act, to protect future legal costs. See time limits for public liability claims for the full rules, including exceptions for children and delayed knowledge.
| Country | Personal injury limitation period | Risk for tourists in Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 2 years from date of accident | This is the deadline that applies to your claim, regardless of your home country. |
| United Kingdom | 3 years | UK visitors relying on domestic assumptions risk missing the Irish deadline by 12 months. |
| United States | 1 to 6 years (varies by state) | Visitors from states with 3+ year statutes may assume they have more time than they do. |
| Germany | 3 years | Same 12-month risk as UK visitors. |
| France | 10 years | French visitors may assume an extremely generous window that doesn't apply in Ireland. |
| Spain | 1 year | Spanish visitors may actually have more time in Ireland than at home. |
Check your deadline: Enter the date of your accident to see how much time remains.
This calculator shows the standard two-year limitation period. Exceptions may apply for children and delayed knowledge cases. This is general guidance only.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PPS number to make a claim in Ireland?
No. The IRB accepts a valid passport or national ID card from non-residents who were never issued a PPS number.
- Online applications accept passport numbers.
- Your solicitor's Dublin address can serve as the correspondence address.
- Electronic signatures are accepted for online applications.
Can I still claim if I have already returned home?
Yes. You don't need to be in Ireland to file or pursue a personal injury claim. Your solicitor handles IRB applications, correspondence, and negotiations from Dublin.
- Medical reports from your home country are accepted if they meet IRB standards.
- You may need to return for an independent medical examination.
- Virtual mediation is available for public liability claims.
Good to know: Many tourists wrongly believe leaving Ireland forfeits their rights.
Next step: Contact a Dublin solicitor · IRB public liability process
Does my EHIC cover everything if I am injured in Ireland?
No. An EHIC covers necessary medical treatment in public hospitals only. It doesn't cover private healthcare, repatriation, medico-legal reports, or the compensation claim itself.
- Tell the hospital you want to be treated as a public patient.
- Private hospital treatment is not covered under EHIC.
- Medical reports for the IRB are a separate cost (typically €250 to €400).
I signed a waiver before a tour. Can I still claim?
Yes, if the injury was caused by the provider's negligence. Irish law does not allow businesses to exclude liability for personal injury caused by negligence through a waiver or contract term.
- Waivers may address inherent activity risks, not provider negligence.
- Faulty equipment, unqualified staff, or ignored safety protocols override a waiver.
- Keep a copy of the waiver for your solicitor.
Tourists often assume a signed waiver means no claim is possible, but that is not the position under Irish law.
Next step: Proving a public liability claim · Evidence guide
I was assaulted while visiting Ireland. What are my options?
You have two parallel routes. A civil claim if the premises occupier failed in their security duty, and a separate application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal.
- Report to An Garda Siochana immediately.
- The Tribunal application deadline is three months (much shorter than two years).
- EU citizens can apply through their home country's compensating authority.
Why it matters: The three-month Tribunal deadline catches many visitors off guard.
Next step: Criminal Injuries Tribunal · Tourist SOS
How long does a tourist injury claim take to resolve?
The IRB typically completes an assessment within nine months from the date the respondent consents. If the claim proceeds to court, two to three years is common for resolution.
- Virtual mediation (from May 2024) may resolve claims in three to six months.
- Medical report delays from abroad are the most common cause of slippage.
- The process continues whether you're in Ireland or abroad.
Can I sue the tour operator in my home country instead?
If you booked a package holiday, you may be able to. Under the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 (updated by EU Regulations 2019), the tour operator is liable for injuries caused by suppliers' negligence in Ireland.
- A "package" means at least two elements (flights plus accommodation) at an inclusive price.
- Independent bookings don't qualify for this route.
- Check your booking confirmation to determine if it's a package.
Why it matters: This route lets you avoid Irish court proceedings entirely.
Next step: Package holidays, Citizens Information (2025) · Dublin solicitor
What if my child was injured while we were visiting Ireland?
A parent or guardian brings the claim as "next friend" on behalf of the child. The two-year limitation period doesn't begin until the child turns 18, giving significantly more time. Court approval is required for any settlement involving a minor.
- The extended limitation applies regardless of the child's nationality.
- All settlement funds are held in court until the child reaches 18.
- Medical evidence from any country is accepted.
Why it matters: Parents often don't realise the extended timeline for children's claims.
See also: Child public liability claims · Time limits
Can a tourist use no-win-no-fee in Ireland?
Yes. Irish solicitors can offer no-win-no-fee representation to non-residents. The solicitor funds the case and recovers costs from the respondent's insurer if the claim succeeds.
- You pay nothing upfront to start the claim.
- If the claim is unsuccessful, you aren't liable for the solicitor's fees (though third-party costs may apply in rare cases).
- Solicitors can't calculate fees as a percentage of the award under Irish regulations.
Why it matters: Cost is the main barrier stopping tourists from pursuing valid claims.
Next step: Dublin solicitor · How to start a claim
What can my embassy do if I'm injured in Ireland?
Your embassy can provide practical support but can't pay bills or give legal advice. They can contact your family at home, help you find English-speaking doctors, assist with emergency travel documents, and liaise with Gardai if needed.
- They can't pay medical or legal expenses on your behalf.
- They can't intervene in legal proceedings or investigate your accident.
- Tourist SOS provides free, practical on-the-ground support that embassies can't always offer.
What to consider next
If I was partly at fault, can I still claim? Yes. Ireland applies contributory negligence under Section 34 of the Civil Liability Act 1961. Your compensation is reduced by the percentage you were at fault, but it isn't eliminated. For example, a tourist who slipped on a wet hotel floor while wearing inappropriate footwear might have a 20% to 30% reduction applied. A tourist who tripped on an unmarked hazard with no warning signs would typically face no reduction at all.
What if the business has closed since my accident? The claim is against the occupier's insurer, not the business itself. If the business had public liability insurance at the time of the accident, the insurer remains liable. Your solicitor can identify the insurer through standard discovery channels.
Do I need to return to Ireland at any point? You may need to attend one independent medical examination in Ireland. If the claim goes to court, personal attendance is normally required. Virtual mediation doesn't require travel.
References
- Occupiers' Liability Act 1995, Irish Statute Book
- Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, Irish Statute Book
- Health services for visitors to Ireland, Citizens Information (Updated 2025)
- Injuries Resolution Board, Citizens Information (Updated 2025)
- Personal Injuries Guidelines, Judicial Council of Ireland (2021)
- IRB Annual Report 2024, Injuries Resolution Board
- Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022, Irish Statute Book
- Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, Irish Statute Book
- Regulation (EC) No 864/2007 (Rome II), EUR-Lex
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, Department of Justice
- EHIC: Visitors to Ireland, HSE (2025)
- Tourist SOS (2025)
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Section 12
- Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017, Irish Statute Book
- Hospital charges, HSE (2025)
- Injury Units, HSE (2025)
- Embassies in Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs
Related guides: Public liability claims in Ireland · How to make a claim · Evidence guide · Time limits · Compensation · Dublin solicitor
This is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its specific facts. Consult a solicitor for advice on your situation.
We help people every day of the week (weekends and bank holidays included) who have been injured as a result of an accident or have suffered from negligence. If you have been injured as a tourist in Ireland, call 01 903 6408 for a free case assessment.
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
