Workplace accidents can happen all too easily, and it’s important to be aware of your rights if you’ve been injured in one. The first step is to understand what types of injuries are covered by Irish law and who is entitled to compensation. If you have suffered a workplace injury and are unsure if you are eligible for compensation, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so that they can help you file a Workplace accident claim for any necessary medical treatment expenses or lost wages due to time off work.
What types of workplace accidents happen in Ireland?
Accidents can happen to anyone. Whether you’re an office worker, factory worker or construction worker, it’s important to know that there are many different types of workplace accidents. Some common causes include:
- Negligence (a colleague was careless)
- Equipment failure or malfunctioning equipment (i.e., a machine breaks down)
- Hazardous substances and chemicals (some people are allergic)
- Dangerous animals
Who is entitled to compensation?
In Ireland, there are a number of people who are entitled to compensation if they suffer an injury at work. These include:
- Employees – This means anyone who is hired by an employer to perform work for them, including part-time employees and freelancers.
- Self-employed workers – This includes sole traders or partnerships (i.e., companies) that provide services for others and have no employees of their own but rather hire subcontractors to do the actual work on their behalf.
- Volunteers – Anyone who volunteers at a charity or community organization can claim damages if they sustain an injury while volunteering with that organization; however, it must be proven that this was not due solely to their own negligence in order for them to qualify as having been injured “in the course of employment” under Irish law (which means you cannot sue yourself).
The following groups are not eligible:
How much compensation can I receive?
The most important thing to remember is that you are entitled to compensation for any physical or psychological injuries sustained as a result of an accident at work. This could include medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
The amount of compensation will depend on a number of factors including:
- The severity of your injury – if it’s more serious then it may be harder for you to return to work so this will affect how much money you get awarded in damages
- How long it took before returning back into full employment – If there was no permanent damage then this might not affect anything at all but if there was a significant impact on your ability then this could mean higher payouts from employers
What is the deadline for filing a workplace accident claim in Ireland?
The deadline for filing a workplace accident claim in Ireland is three years from the date of an accident. This is shorter than the six-year deadline for personal injury claims, but it’s still important to keep in mind that it’s not as long as some might think.
The good news is that there are ways you can extend this time limit if need be: if you’re injured on someone else’s property, such as at home or at work, then your employer may have liability insurance coverage which extends beyond their own assets (and therefore your own). In cases like these where there are multiple parties involved with different levels of responsibility for your injuries, making sure everyone gets paid back will take longer than just waiting three years from when they happened!
What should I do if I’ve been injured at work?
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also keep a record of what happened and ask for a copy of the accident report. Afterward, speak with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims in Ireland.
Will my employer’s insurance company oppose my claim?
You may be tempted to think that your employer’s insurance company is on your side, but don’t be fooled. The reality is that they will fight tooth and nail to avoid paying out any compensation at all. They will try to challenge your claim by claiming that:
- You were partly responsible for the accident (this can mean anything from “if only you hadn’t been standing in front of me when I fell over”)
- Your injury isn’t as bad as it seems
- You’re exaggerating the extent of your injuries
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, speak with a lawyer to find out how much you are entitled to as compensation.
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, speak with a lawyer to find out how much you are entitled to as compensation. The amount of compensation that can be awarded will depend on the type of accident and the nature of your injuries.
It is important that you consult with an experienced solicitor as soon as possible after suffering an injury at work so they can begin gathering evidence and making sure that all legal procedures are followed correctly.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, speak with a lawyer to find out how much you are entitled to as compensation. The process can be complicated and it is important that you get legal advice before making any decisions about your case.