Back to postI Had An Accident At Work. What Are My Rights? [Ireland]
Posted in [Blog Personal Injury Litigation ] on Monday, December 12th, 2022
Employers must provide safe working conditions for employees in Ireland, regardless of job type or sector. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, if you have an accident at work your employer may face penalties, if there has been a breach of the Acy. Additionally, you may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim.
What are my rights if I have an accident at work?
Following a workplace accident that leaves you too ill or injured to work, there may be payments you can claim. These include sick pay from your employer, benefit payments for injury/illness, and compensation.
Employer Sick Pay Rights
In 2022, a new law was passed compelling employers to pay up to three days sick leave. You will need a note from your Doctor confirming you are unable to work in order to receive paid sick leave. Sick pay is only available if you have worked for the employer for 13 weeks or more.
Social Welfare Payments
You may be entitled to claim Social Welfare, including Injury Benefit. Employees who are injured and unable to work following a workplace accident can submit a claim for Injury Benefit. Injury Benefit is available after the initial three (working) days following your accident.
Personal Injury Claim
Employees who suffer injuries as a direct result of workplace accidents may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Personal Injury claims are claims for compensation that are made when an accident is not your fault. A claim of this nature can be made against the employer and/or the person responsible for the accident.
How is compensation for a workplace accident assessed?
In 2021, Ireland replaced the Book of Quantum system with a new Personal Injury Guidelines system. The Personal Injury Guidelines were introduced in order to provide consistency to the value of payouts for personal injury claims. The value of a successful claim payout will depend on, among other things, the severity, impact and type of injury suffered. The Guidelines set out ranges of compensations for varies types of injuries.
How long can you claim after an accident at work in Ireland?
Ireland has a set period of 2 years for all workplace accident claims, as determined by the Statute of Limitations. The 2-year period begins on the day of the accident. However, there are instances when the time limits may be shorter or longer. If you have suffered an accident at work and suffered injuries, contact Cantillons Solicitors as soon as possible to speak to a Personal Injuries Solicitor.
Contact Cantillons Solicitors, Workplace Accident Claims Solicitors
At Cantillons Solicitors, we have an unmatched record of expertise in the complex area of Personal Injury Law. If you have experienced an accident at work and are looking for a Solicitor, please contact Cantillons Solicitors using the contact form below, call us on +353 (0)21 4275673 or email us at info@cantillons.com for more information. Our offices are located at 39 South Mall, Cork. We do, however, represent clients from all over Ireland. Should you be unable to attend our offices, we are more than happy to travel to you, or conduct the meeting on Zoom.
Contact us at Cantillons Solicitors at Cork +353 (0)21 4275673 or Dublin +353 (0)1 264 1802 or email info@cantillons.com if you would like more information.
* In contentious business, a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. Many Personal Injury Solicitors portray themselves as “no win no fee Solicitors Cork” or “no win no fee Solicitors Dublin”. This term can be misleading and it is essential that you discuss fees with the Medical Negligence Solicitor you ultimately choose. At Cantillons Solicitors, we are entirely transparent
Partner
Experience
Jody is a Partner in our Litigation Department.
Having graduated from University College Cork in 2009, Jody completed his apprenticeship with a top litigation defence firm in Cork City and qualified as a Solicitor in 2014.
Prior to joining Cantillons Solicitors in 2016, Jody worked for a leading Dublin firm, specialising in the area of commercial litigation and dispute resolution. There he gained valuable experience in defending and prosecuting high end, large scale commercial disputes before the Commercial Court.