The Claims Process
Getting started
If you are injured in an accident due to the fault or negligence of another person, it is vital that you seek professional legal advice from an experienced litigation solicitor in order to be properly compensated.
John Griffin Solicitor has twenty five years’ experience dealing with all types of claims and he will advise you as to the following:
- Who to claim against
- The amount of compensation
- What to do next
Common claim scenarios include Motor Accidents, Public Liability, Occupational Injuries, and Accidents Abroad.
The Process
The 2 procedures involved are:
- First, an application to the Injuries Board
- Second, Court Proceedings
All personal injury claims must be submitted to the Injuries Board within 2 years of the date of the accident. The Board has 9 months, extendable to 15 months, to make an assessment of damages. The person responsible for the accident must be placed on notice of the claim within one month.
The Injuries Board make an assessment of damages. If both sides agree with the assessment, then an Order to Pay is issued, which is similar to a Court Order.
The Costs
The Injuries Board do not normally pay costs. Griffin Solicitors will agree the costs in writing with you at the start of the matter.
If either side do not accept the assessment of damages from the Injuries Board, then the next step is to apply to Court. Liability then becomes an issue – the claimant has to prove his case.
If the claimant has refused the assessment of the Injuries Board and a Court awards less than the Injuries Board assessment then the person claiming will not be given the costs of the case.
Most cases settle before the Court hearing date. Some cases proceed to a hearing where the parties cannot agree who is responsible or cannot agree the amount of damages.
Griffin Solicitors will deal with all aspects of your claim, such as representation in Court and advising you as to the appropriate level of compensation, in a thorough and professional manner. We always agree the likely costs in writing with you prior to taking on the claim.