All too often clients involved in personal injury claims seek urgent legal assistance in relation to their claims. When I ask why they left it so late to come to a solicitor the answer is all too familiar – “they said I don’t need a solicitor”. Oftentimes clients feel that they are put under pressure to accept a fast settlement offer from an insurance company to avoid the “huge” legal fees if they involve the solicitors!

Solicitors, like myself, who specialise in personal injury are well placed to advise you if a settlement offer is fair and to let you know what options are available to you if it isn’t. Your solicitor represents your interests and will make every effort to get the best possible outcome for your case.

In Ireland the majority of claims must now be taken to the Injuries Board. The most common pitfalls encountered in this process are as follows:-

– Failing to submit the claim within the timeframe allowed

– Failing to submit sufficient detail on the claim form

– Sending in a report from a consultant or GP that is not up-to date or fails to address your injuries and how they affect you.

– Accepting the Injuries Board claim only to realise your injuries did not improve as had anticipated by your doctors report

– Submitting documentation that may be considered misleading resulting in your claim being dismissed and even criminal prosecution.

This is just a small number of common pitfalls. Sometimes it may not always be necessary to instruct a solicitor however more often than not it is in your best interests to proceed with an experienced solicitor.

If you have been involved in a car accident, accident at work or slipped, tripped and fell through no fault of your own, then please do not hesitate to contact me at laura@thefastnetgroup.com