What is a Accidents at Work Claim?
A workplace injury claim is brought when an employee is hurt during the course of their employment because of the employer’s negligence or breach of statutory duty. Employers must provide safe premises, safe equipment, safe systems of work, and competent supervision under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Am I Entitled to Claim?
You can claim if your employer failed in its duty of care and you were injured as a result. Typical failures include inadequate training, unsafe equipment, unguarded machinery, poor housekeeping, unsafe lifting, insufficient staffing, or unsafe premises. You do not need to resign or lose your job to bring a claim. Many Keans clients continue in their roles throughout the process.
Step-by-Step Process
Report Immediately
Record the accident in your employer’s accident book the same day. Keep a copy.
Medical Attention
Attend A&E or your GP. Tell them this was a workplace accident.
Preserve Evidence
Photograph the scene, the equipment, and your injuries. Keep damaged PPE.
Contact Keans
Free consultation. We review the safety systems and identify where they failed.
Safe Pass & Risk Docs
We request your training records, risk assessments, and Health and Safety Authority filings.
IRB and Beyond
Workplace claims go through the IRB first. Complex or disputed cases proceed to court.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
The stronger the evidence, the more straightforward the claim. Where possible, gather the following:
- Your employer’s accident report book entry
- Names of colleagues who witnessed the accident
- Photos of the unsafe equipment, surface, or condition
- Copies of relevant risk assessments and safe systems of work
- Your training records and any inductions received
- Medical records and certificates from GP, A&E, or consultants
- Payslips showing lost earnings during your recovery
Compensation Ranges
Based on the Judicial Council’s Personal Injury Guidelines 2021. Awards may also include special damages for lost earnings, medical costs, and future care needs. Exact value depends on your specific injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dismissing you for bringing a genuine personal injury claim would be penalisation under the Safety Act and grounds for a separate unfair dismissal claim. The claim is handled through your employer’s liability insurance, not their pocket, and is a normal business matter.
Employers are generally held to a high standard and employee error rarely absolves them entirely. Your compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence, but the claim can still succeed. We assess this honestly at consultation.
Yes. Irish law effectively requires employer liability insurance through the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act framework. The claim is paid by the insurer, not your employer personally.
Yes. Contractors, agency workers, and self-employed people on site all have protection. The responsible party may be the principal contractor, the site occupier, or the equipment supplier depending on the circumstances.
Two years from the date of the accident or the date you first became aware of the injury. Miss it and your claim is statute barred, so contact a solicitor early.
No. The initial consultation at Keans is free. For personal injury cases we discuss all fees in writing before work begins. In contentious business, Irish law prevents solicitors from calculating fees as a percentage of your award or settlement.
Specific Claim Types
Explore the specific claim type most relevant to your situation.
Construction Site Accidents
Falls from height, scaffold failure, and machinery injuries on sites.
Read more →Warehouse Accidents
Forklift injuries, falling stock, and manual handling claims.
Read more →Office Accidents
Slips, falls, display screen injuries and office environment claims.
Read more →Retail Accidents
Staff injuries in shops, cafes and customer-facing environments.
Read more →