Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with a brain injury. Behind this stark statistic lies a much greater reality—thousands of people in Northern Ireland are living with the long-term effects of catastrophic injuries that disrupt lives in an instant.
At Lacey Solicitors, we specialise in insurance law and claims with a significant amount of experience in dealing with serious and catastrophic personal injury claims. Whether your injury occurred in a road traffic accident, at work, or in a public place, if it was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. We’re here to help you secure the support and justice you deserve.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury refers to any serious injury that leads to permanent or long-lasting physical or psychological effects. These include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns or chemical exposure
- Facial trauma and sensory loss
- Crushing injuries
- Chronic pain and ongoing psychological trauma
Such injuries often result in disability, ongoing care needs, and major lifestyle changes. Victims may lose their ability to work, require mobility aids, or need support for daily tasks. The impact isn’t limited to the individual—families are often deeply affected as well.
Brain Injury and ABI Week: “It Only Takes a Second”
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a leading cause of catastrophic injury in the UK. This year, ABI Week (15–21 May 2025) focuses on the theme “It only takes a second”—highlighting how quickly life can be changed by a stroke, fall, accident, or illness such as meningitis or a brain tumour.
To mark this important week, a collective of Northern Ireland charities—including Brain Injury Matters, Cedar Foundation, Child Brain Injury Trust, and Headway UK—are urging the public to become ABI Aware. They’ve come together through the ABI Working Group and newly launched Northern Ireland Acquired Brain Injury Forum, a collaboration supported by the Department of Health and Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).
The goal is to raise awareness about the prevalence of brain injury and the support needs of survivors and their families.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
In Northern Ireland, the most common causes of serious injury include:
- Road traffic accidents (RTAs)
- Falls from height
- Workplace incidents
- Trips, slips, and poor public infrastructure
- Assaults and violent crimes
- Exposure to hazardous materials
According to UK government data, over 70 factors contribute to RTAs alone—including speeding, driver distraction, and impaired driving. Many of these incidents are entirely preventable and legally actionable.
How Lacey Solicitors Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious or catastrophic injury through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation. At Lacey Solicitors, we understand the emotional and financial stress involved. Our expert legal team will:
- Investigate your case thoroughly
- Connect you with medical and rehabilitation experts
- Secure interim payments where needed
- Maximise your compensation to cover past, present and future losses.
- Support you and your family every step of the way
With offices in Belfast and Dublin, we proudly serve clients across the entire Island of Ireland.
The Importance of Legal Support After ABI
Charities involved in ABI Week emphasise that ongoing legal and emotional support is vital. Melanie Bowden of Headway NI says:
“The support our charities offer is vital to re-able survivors, with both physical and hidden disabilities and their family members, to manage their daily and future lives.”
Ann Marie Fox of SPPG added:
“This partnership has raised the profile of Acquired Brain Injury in Northern Ireland for over a decade. It reflects a partnership approach to support those who are living with brain injury whilst raising much-needed awareness with the public.”
Take Action: Protect Your Rights and Your Future
If a catastrophic injury has changed your life, don’t face the legal battle alone. Lacey Solicitors is here to help you recover compensation, secure your future, and begin your journey toward healing.
Call us today at +44 28 9089 6540 or visit our website to arrange a confidential consultation with an expert personal injury solicitor.
