Robert Pierse consultant to Pierse & Fitzgibbon is the author of the text book Quantum of Damages for Personal Injury in Ireland.

What is a Personal Injury?

The Civil Liability Act, 1961 defines a “personal injury” as “including any disease and any impairment of a person’s physical and mental condition.”

This is a very broad definition and can include injuries to any part of the body, including psychiatric or psychological injuries. A common type of psychiatric injury is depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In addition to common injuries like whiplash and depression, there has also been a surge of claims including Garda Compensation Claims, Army Deafness cases, sexual abuse cases, and asbestos claims.

A personal injury can arise from road traffic accidents, accidents at work (employer’s liability), accidents in public (public liability), injuries from defective products, bullying, assault and medical negligence. Please note this list is not purporting to be complete and personal injuries may arise from circumstances not falling within this list. In order to assess whether your case falls within this remit, please visit your solicitor.

It is important to note that there is a strict time limit within which you must bring your personal injury claim. It is therefore important that you consult with your solicitor immediately after the personal injury occurs.