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Author: Lacey Solicitors

How a Data Breach Claim Works in Belfast & Northern Ireland – Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

In our modern and increasingly digital world, personal data is constantly being collected, stored, and shared. Whether it’s your employer, the NHS, a local authority, a financial institution, or an online retailer — you have the right to expect that your private information will be handled responsibly and securely.

When this doesn’t happen, and your personal information is misused, lost, or unlawfully accessed, you may be entitled to compensation for a data breach under the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

At Lacey Solicitors, with offices in Belfast and Dublin, we help clients across Northern Ireland recover damages for data protection failures — including sensitive NHS data breaches, employer misconduct, email leaks, and cyber-related incidents.

What Is a Data Breach?

 

A data breach occurs when your personal or sensitive information is accessed, shared, destroyed, lost, or altered without your permission. Examples include:

  • Emails or letters sent to the wrong recipient

  • Your medical records accessed or shared without consent

  • Hacking or cyberattacks on organisations holding your data

  • Lost or stolen USBs, files or devices containing your information

  • Former employers mishandling your HR or disciplinary records

Who Can Make a Data Breach Claim in Northern Ireland?

 

You can make a claim if:

  • You are an individual who has had personal or sensitive data breached

  • You’ve suffered emotional distress, financial loss, or reputational harm

  • The breach occurred due to the failings of a Data Controller or Data Processor, such as an employer, public body, school, GP practice, or hospital

 

We’ve helped clients across Belfast, Antrim, Newtownabbey, and surrounding areas claim against:

  • The NHS and Trusts

  • Local councils and public sector bodies

  • Law firms and estate agents

  • Schools and universities

  • Large private employers

How Our Data Breach Solicitors in Belfast Handle Your Claim

 

We follow a clear, proven five-step process to handle your case effectively:

1. Consultation

We start with a confidential consultation to understand the nature and impact of the breach on your life. Whether the breach was recent or you only just discovered it, we will listen and advise.

2. Document Review

We gather and review all relevant evidence including breach notifications, correspondence, screenshots, or financial records that show the impact of the breach.

3. Legal Advice

We issue a Letter of Advice outlining:

  • The legal basis for your claim

  • The strength of your case

  • Options for resolving the matter either informally or through the courts

4. Seeking Resolution

In many cases, we can resolve matters by negotiating with the party at fault. This could involve correspondence with their legal team or insurer, seeking a compensation settlement without the need for formal litigation.

5. Legal Proceedings

If a resolution is not reached, our data breach solicitors will discuss issuing proceedings in the County Court or High Court in Northern Ireland. We guide you throughout, from issuing the claim to attending court if required.

What Can I Claim For After a Data Breach?

 

Under UK law, you may be entitled to claim compensation for:

  • Emotional distress (stress, anxiety, upset, embarrassment)

  • Loss of control over your personal information

  • Actual financial loss (e.g. if your bank account was accessed or your credit score affected)

  • Time and inconvenience spent dealing with the fallout

There is no requirement to prove a financial loss in order to claim — emotional harm alone may be enough.

Why Choose Lacey Solicitors in Belfast?

 

  • We are experienced data breach solicitors based in Belfast city centre

  • We have advised on cases involving NHS Trusts, Police Forces and UK Governments as well as financial institutions

  • We handle claims with sensitivity, professionalism, and discretion

  • We offer clear legal advice, transparent fees, and a no-obligation initial consultation

Is There a Time Limit to Bring a Claim?

 

Yes. In most cases, you must bring your data protection claim within six years of the breach (or one year if it involves a public body and your rights under the Human Rights Act 1998). It’s always best to seek legal advice as early as possible.

Get Help with a Data Protection Claim in Belfast Today

 

If you believe your personal information has been mishandled, leaked, or misused, don’t delay in seeking legal advice. At Lacey Solicitors in Belfast, our dedicated data protection team is here to help you understand your rights and take action. We offer clear, confidential guidance and will support you in pursuing the compensation you are entitled to. Contact our Belfast office today or get in touch through our secure online enquiry form – your consultation is entirely confidential and comes with no obligation.

Liability Disputes in Ireland – How to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident.

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Car accidents can escalate quickly – even when you’re certain the incident wasn’t your fault. Disputes over liability in car accidents are extremely common, and without the right evidence, you could find yourself in a lengthy court battle.

At Lacey Solicitors, with offices in Belfast and Dublin, we are trusted by major insurers to defend policyholders against unfounded or exaggerated claims. From minor bumps to high-value road traffic accidents, our role is to ensure the facts are presented clearly and effectively so you are not held liable for something you didn’t cause.

Why Liability Disputes Are So Common

 

After a collision, drivers often remember events differently. Sometimes this is due to shock or stress but in other cases, it’s because one party is consciously trying to shift blame.

Too often we hear “it’s obvious” or  “the facts speak for themselves,” but courtrooms rely on evidence, not assumptions. If it becomes one driver’s word against another’s, the risk of being found partially or fully at fault increases significantly.

The Actions That Can Make or Break Your Defence

 

Our experience is that the groundwork for a successful defence starts immediately after the accident. Whether it’s a roundabout accident in Dublin city centre or a accident on a country road in rural Ballymena, the steps you take in the hours after an incident can determine whether your case is an open-and-shut defence – or a drawn-out legal battle.

Early preparation can:

  • Shorten the claims process
  • Prevent unfair liability findings
  • Identify the true cause of the accident
  • Reduce the risk of ongoing or repeat incidents

How Technology Can Protect You Before and After an Accident

 

Modern tools like dashcams, GPS telematics, and driver-monitoring systems are game-changers for defending against disputed claims.

Telematics – Hard Data That Wins Cases

Vehicle tracking systems can provide:

  • Exact location and time of impact
  • Vehicle speed before the collision
  • Braking and acceleration patterns showing evasive action
  • Force and direction of impact, clarifying fault

This objective data often carries more weight than witness testimony in court.

Case Study: Amazon Vehicle Crash and Telematics Data

We recently defended a well-known Northern Ireland logistics company delivering Amazon parcels. Their van collided with another vehicle on a narrow country road. Both drivers insisted they had stopped before the collision and blamed the other.

Without independent witnesses, such cases are often settled on a “split liability” basis to avoid risk. However, telematics from our client’s van told a different story – showing the vehicle was completely stationary for several seconds before the impact.

At Laganside Courthouse in Belfast, the judge accepted our telematics evidence, dismissed the claim, and cleared our client of all liability.

Dashcams – Visual Proof That Speaks for Itself

 

While telematics give numerical data, dashcams provide visual confirmation. Useful features include:

  • Front-facing cameras for events ahead
  • Rear-facing units for incidents from behind
  • Driver-facing cameras to show attentiveness
  • AI-enabled alerts for distraction or fatigue

Dual-lens systems that also video the driver can also help us if an allegation was made that our driver indicated misleadingly or flashed another driver out, which might otherwise be difficult to contest.

Taking Photos at the Scene – And Why Geo Data Matters

 

If it’s safe to do so, taking photographs at the scene of an accident is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself in a liability dispute. Photos can capture road layout, positioning, registration numbers, vehicle damage, weather conditions, and even skid marks.

What many people don’t realise is that modern smartphones attach ‘geo data’ to every picture taken. This hidden metadata often includes:

  • Exact GPS location
  • Date and time the image was taken
  • Device information

This embedded information can be as valuable as the image itself in clarifying the circumstances of an accident.

Disputes Over Liability in Car Accidents and Geo Data

In a recent case, our opposition supplied images of their client’s vehicle allegedly taken by their client a day or two after the accident, showing no visible damage. The defendant used these images to deny liability.

However, when we examined the geo data, it revealed the photos had actually been taken eight months after the accident – well after repairs had been carried out. When we inspected the vehicle in person, it was clear that the panels had been replaced.

The court accepted that the photographs had been misleading, and our client’s defence was significantly strengthened.

Reporting the Matter to the Police – Why It May Help Later

 

In  Northern Ireland, the police will generally only attend a road traffic collision where someone is injured or there is a risk to other road users. However, even if the police are not required at the scene, reporting the incident can be invaluable if a legal dispute arises later.

When you report a collision, you will be given a crime or incident reference number. While this may seem a small detail at the time, it can become a crucial piece of evidence in court proceedings or insurance disputes.

There are many situations where police involvement becomes important further down the line.

Having a formal record with the police strengthens your position, showing you acted transparently and responsibly from the outset.

Fast FNOL Reporting – Why Speed Matters

 

First Notification of Loss (FNOL) means informing your insurer as soon as a collision happens. Quick reporting helps:

  • Preserve fresh evidence
  • Stop the other side controlling the narrative
  • Begin cover assessment immediately
  • Launch the claims process without delay

Some telematics systems can automatically alert your insurer within minutes, ensuring they can act before the other party’s allegations gain ground.

Standing Firm Against Fraud

 

False or exaggerated claims are a constant issue for insurers. Clear video, photographic, and tracking data can:

  • Expose fraudulent allegations
  • Speed up dispute resolution
  • Avoid unnecessary payouts

This is why insurers across Ireland turn to Lacey Solicitors when they need an insurance defence solicitor who understands both the law and the latest technology.

Why Choose Lacey Solicitors for Disputes Over Liability in Car Accidents

 

When your reputation, finances, and driving record are on the line, you need more than just legal knowledge – you need decisive action backed by evidence. We:

  • Secure and analyse crucial evidence without delay
  • Use modern technology to strengthen your defence
  • Protect you from legal and financial harm

If you’re facing legal proceedings after a road traffic accident in Ireland or Northern Ireland, contact Lacey Solicitors today using our Online Portal. We’ll ensure the facts are heard and your case is defended appropriately.

 

Injured in a Shop or Supermarket in Northern Ireland? Know Your Rights

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Whether you’re doing your weekly shopping or visiting a local retail store, you should be able to move about safely. Unfortunately, many people across Northern Ireland suffer injuries in shops due to unsafe conditions – often through no fault of their own.

Supermarkets and retailers like Tesco, Lidl, Asda, Spar, Iceland, M&S, and Centra have a legal duty to protect their customers and visitors from foreseeable harm. If you’ve been injured as a result of poor maintenance or negligence, you may be entitled to pursue a shop injury claim in Northern Ireland.

The Law: Your Right to Safety as a Visitor

 

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act (Northern Ireland) 1957 and the Occupiers’ Liability (Northern Ireland) Order 1987, those in control of public premises – including shops and supermarkets – are legally required to take reasonable care to ensure that visitors are safe while on the premises.

This means they must:

  • Maintain clean and dry floors
  • Regularly inspect for hazards
  • Stack items safely
  • Fix or warn of dangerous conditions
  • Train staff to follow safety protocols

When this duty is breached and someone is injured, the occupier (such as the shop owner or managing company) can be held liable for compensation and you may bring a shop injury claim in Northern Ireland.

Common Causes of Shop Injuries

 

At Lacey Solicitors, we have acted for clients across Belfast, Newtownabbey, Lisburn, Derry~Londonderry, Craigavon, Omagh, Bangor, and Newry who have suffered injuries in retail settings due to:

  • Slipping on unmarked wet floors
  • Tripping over stock or uneven flooring
  • Being struck by falling goods from shelves
  • Defective shopping trolleys or baskets
  • Accidents in car parks with poor lighting or potholes

In many cases, these injuries are entirely preventable with proper care and attention.

What Should You Do After a Shop Accident?

 

If you’re injured in a retail environment, it’s important to protect your health — and your legal position:

  1. Report the accident to staff and make sure it is written in the store’s accident book
  2. Take photographs of the hazard and your injuries
  3. Request CCTV footage (if available)
  4. Get witness names and contact details
  5. Attend your GP or A&E to have your injuries cared for
  6. Seek advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor

What Can You Claim For?

 

If the store or supermarket was negligent, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Medical expenses
  • Travel costs
  • Future treatment or rehabilitation needs

We act for clients in Belfast, Antrim, Armagh, Ballymena, Coleraine, Enniskillen, and Strabane, and can advise on your specific entitlements.

Why Choose Lacey Solicitors?

 

We are trusted by injured clients across Northern Ireland for our:

  • Proven expertise in retail and occupiers’ liability claims
  • Experienced, professional team of personal injury solicitors
  • Clear, compassionate and confidential legal advice
  • Strong track record in maximising compensation in shop injury claims in Northern Ireland
  • Offices in Belfast and Dublin, serving the whole island of Ireland

We understand how stressful it can be to suffer an injury in a public place — especially when it leads to time off work, medical appointments, or financial strain. Let us support you in making a claim that reflects the true impact on your life.

Start Your Shop Injury Claim Today

 

If you’ve had an accident in a Tesco, Lidl, Asda, M&S, or any other supermarket or shop in Northern Ireland, don’t wait to get the advice you need.

Call our Belfast office today, or use our secure online contact form to leave a message — and one of our experienced solicitors will call you back that same day.

 

Data Breach Claims Solicitors | Lacey Solicitors Dublin & Belfast

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

At Lacey Solicitors, we understand how distressing it can be to learn that your personal information has been mishandled. Whether it’s your financial data, medical records or employment details – your privacy matters.  Our data protection and privacy law solicitors in Dublin and Belfast, help individuals, employees, and professionals across Ireland and Northern Ireland take action when organisations fail to protect their personal data.

With specialist advice in data protection, privacy and GDPR claims and a proven track record of successful outcomes, we are here to help you claim compensation and protect your constitutional rights.

What Is a Data Breach Under GDPR?

 

A data breach occurs when personal data is lost, shared, exposed, or accessed without permission. This could happen due to poor cybersecurity, human error, or even malicious hacking. Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Acts, individuals are entitled to claim compensation if they’ve suffered emotional, psychological, or financial harm due to a breach.

Common examples of GDPR data breaches include:

  • Sending emails or letters containing personal data to the wrong person

  • Files or databases being left unsecured or accessible to unauthorised parties

  • Sensitive health information being shared without consent

  • Data being exposed during a cyberattack due to inadequate IT systems

  • Personal details being leaked online or passed to third parties without your knowledge

Who Is Responsible?

 

Under GDPR, organisations that collect and process personal data – called Data Controllers – are legally required to protect it. The law requires data controllers to demonstrate ‘accountability.’ The business should establish clear, documented procedures to continuously review and monitor the data they collect.   This includes employers, public sector bodies, healthcare providers, insurers, financial institutions, and online service platforms.

If they fail to uphold these duties, and your data is breached as a result, they may be liable to compensate you.

Real-World Data Breach Cases at Lacey Solicitors

 

At Lacey Solicitors, we have acted in a number of high-profile and sensitive data breach matters, including:

  • The PSNI Data Breach (2023): We represent several PSNI officers whose personal and employment data, including names, ranks and work locations, were mistakenly published online. Many clients expressed genuine concerns for their safety and are now pursuing claims for distress and loss of privacy.

  • NHS Medical Records Misuse: We acted for a Antrim-based client whose confidential medical notes were inappropriately accessed by a third party following a poorly handled subject access request. The breach resulted in considerable emotional distress and embarrassment and we ultimately secured a settlement of several thousand pounds.

  • Banking and Financial Data Breaches: We have pursued claims for clients whose financial data was exposed due to outdated cyber security practices or internal processing errors at financial institutions.

Each case is handled with care, discretion, and strategic legal insight to maximise your entitlement and hold organisations accountable.

What Can You Claim For?

 

As outlined in our previous article You may be entitled to claim for:

  • Emotional distress or anxiety

  • Damage to your reputation or professional standing

  • Financial loss, fraud or identity theft

  • Loss of control over personal information

  • Breach of confidence

 

Compensation for Data Breach Claims in Ireland:

 

Type of Breach Estimated Range
Basic contact data breach €1,000 – €2,500
Confidential health or HR records €3,000 – €6,500
Financial or identity theft breach €5,000 – €15,000+
High-risk exposure (e.g. PSNI) €8,500 – €25,000+

Each case is assessed individually. The more serious the impact, the higher the potential award.

What Are My Rights Under GDPR?

 

You have strong legal rights under GDPR, including the right to:

  • Be informed how your data is being used

  • Access your personal information on request

  • Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Erase data in certain circumstances (“right to be forgotten”)

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Claim compensation for unlawful processing or data loss

If you’re not satisfied with an organisation’s response, you also have the right to make a complaint to the Data Protection Commission in Ireland or the Information Commissioner’s Office in Northern Ireland — or to take legal action with our help.

How Lacey Solicitors Can Help

 

At Lacey Solicitors, we combine legal precision with compassionate client service. Whether the breach involves public bodies, employers, medical organisations, or private companies, our dedicated data protection team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Us?

 

  • Proven Track record in GDPR and Privacy Law Claims in both Ireland and Northern Ireland

  • Offices in Dublin and Belfast – Local knowledge with cross-border capability

  • Discreet, strategic approach tailored to your needs

  • Free initial advice and transparent fees

 

Take Action Today

 

If your personal data has been exposed, mishandled or used without your consent, you do not have to accept it. At Lacey Solicitors, we are here to help you hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. With offices in Dublin and Belfast, our experienced data protection solicitors offer clear, confidential advice tailored to your situation. Contact us today by phone or through our secure online enquiry form to begin your data breach claim.

Injuries on Building Sites in Northern Ireland: Guidance from Experienced Personal Injury Solicitors

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

The construction industry is a vital part of Northern Ireland’s economy, employing thousands across key cities such as Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Lisburn, Newry, and beyond. Unfortunately, construction work remains one of the most hazardous occupations. Over the past decade, 46 workers have tragically lost their lives in workplace accidents on building sites. This stark reality underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety standards and the need for workers to understand their legal rights when injuries occur.

As the construction sector shows promising growth heading into 2025 – with increased investment in public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and industrial projects – there is a renewed focus on protecting workers and preventing accidents.

Common Causes and Risks of Building Site Injuries in Northern Ireland

 

Building and construction sites present numerous risks that can lead to serious injury or even death. Based on our extensive experience handling workplace injury claims, the most frequent causes include:

  • Falls from height, scaffolding, or ladders
  • Being struck by falling objects or machinery
  • Slips, trips, and falls on uneven or cluttered surfaces
  • Injuries from manual handling of heavy materials or machinery
  • Electrocution and exposure to hazardous substances

Recognising these risks helps workers stay vigilant and empowers injured individuals to pursue their legal rights confidently.

Your Legal Rights and Compensation for Construction Injuries

 

If you have been injured on a building site anywhere in Northern Ireland-whether in Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Craigavon, or Newry-you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our personal injury solicitors are recognised as experts in construction injury cases and offer trusted advice based on years of professional experience and a deep understanding of workplace health and safety laws across the entire Island of Ireland.

We can assist you with claims that cover:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
  • Compensation for lost wages due to absence from work
  • Damages for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
  • Support for long-term care or retraining if needed

Our team works closely with health and safety authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), to build robust claims and hold negligent employers or contractors accountable.

Why Entrust Your Case to Our Personal Injury Solicitors?

 

Choosing the right legal representation is crucial for securing fair compensation and navigating complex legal processes. Here’s why Northern Ireland workers consistently rely on our firm:

  • Proven Expertise: Years of dedicated focus on workplace injury law, with a strong track record in construction-related claims.  Read about how we secured over £700,000.00 for a Belfast worker who was injured on the site.
  • Local Authority: Serving clients across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Armagh, Bangor, Omagh, and Newry
  • Authoritative Knowledge: Up-to-date expertise on evolving workplace safety regulations and legal precedents
  • Trusted Support: Compassionate client care with clear communication and personalised guidance throughout your claim

The Importance of Safety in a Growing Construction Market

 

The Northern Ireland construction industry is projected to expand significantly in the coming years. This growth presents exciting opportunities but also demands stringent enforcement of health and safety practices to prevent avoidable accidents.

We continuously monitor sector developments and regulatory changes to offer our clients authoritative advice and effective legal representation.

What Steps Should You Take If Suffering from Building Site Injuries in Northern Ireland

 

If you experience an injury while working on a construction site in Belfast, Lisburn, Craigavon, Bangor, or elsewhere in Northern Ireland, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal interests:

  1. Seek immediate medical care to ensure your wellbeing.
  2. Report the incident to your employer and ensure an official record is made.
  3. Collect evidence such as photographs of the accident scene and contact details of witnesses.
  4. Keep thorough documentation of all medical treatments and time off work.
  5. Consult with a specialist personal injury solicitor promptly to evaluate your case.

Contact Experienced Northern Ireland Personal Injury Solicitors Today

 

If you or a family member has been injured in a building or construction site accident anywhere in Northern Ireland, our experienced solicitors are ready to provide authoritative legal support. We proudly serve clients across Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Newry, Lisburn, Craigavon, Bangor, Armagh, Omagh, and surrounding areas.

Don’t delay – contact us today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

You can also leave us a message via our secure online contact page – an experienced solicitor will call you back the same day.

Case Study – Joanne’s £45,000.00 Settlement Following Road Traffic Accident in Bangor

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Client: Joanne K. H.

Settlement: £45,000.00

Location: Bangor, County Down

Claim Type: Road Traffic Accident – Disputed Liability

Background: A Legal Professional Seeks Trusted Representation

 

Joanne, a legal secretary working in a different law firm in Belfast City Centre, was involved in a serious road traffic accident near Seahill, Bangor, as she was driving home from work.

Joanne was in the left-hand lane of the dual carriageway when the Defendant, travelling in the right-hand lane, clipped the rear of her vehicle. This initial contact led to a secondary impact along the entire driver’s side, forcing her car up onto the kerb. The third party did not remain at the scene, though Joanne promptly contacted the police.

Why Joanne Chose Lacey Solicitors

 

Despite working within the legal industry herself, Joanne deliberately sought out Lacey Solicitors to handle her claim. She instructed Damian McGeady because of his reputation as a go-to expert in disputed liability claims across Ireland.

Joanne wanted the reassurance that her case would be handled by a solicitor known for his precision, legal insight, and successful outcomes—especially given the complex liability issues in her case.

The Liability Dispute and Insurers’ Denial

 

From the outset, the third party and their insurers denied liability, alleging Joanne had pulled out from a parked position into moving traffic. Joanne firmly denied this, insisting she had been driving in the left-hand lane at the time of impact.

Lacey Solicitors’ Legal Strategy and Expert Evidence

 

Lacey Solicitors, led by Damian McGeady, immediately obtained expert medical reports who documented Joanne’s physical symptoms and ongoing psychological distress resulting from the incident.

Although Joanne did not require hospital admission or physiotherapy and took no time off work, she experienced considerable anxiety and disruption following the accident. These factors were carefully and thoroughly addressed in the medical evidence prepared on her behalf.

Successful Outcome: £45,000 Settlement Secured

 

Lacey Solicitors negotiated directly with the third party’s insurers nad ultimately, the case was settled out of court for £45,000 in general damages. Payment was arranged directly with the insurer and the agreement was confirmed in writing—avoiding the need for Joanne to attend court.

Why Client Trust Lacey Solicitors

 

Joanne’s case demonstrates that even legal professionals turn to Lacey Solicitors when it matters most. Our reputation for handling road traffic accident claims with complex liability disputes is recognised across Belfast, Dublin and beyond.

With offices in both jurisdictions, we offer:

  • Free initial consultations

  • Proven expertise in road traffic accident litigation

  • Clear, strategic legal advice

  • Personal attention from leading specialists like Damian McGeady, Partner.

Speak to a Road Traffic Accident Solicitor in Belfast or Bangor Today

 

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland, and the other driver is denying fault, contact Lacey Solicitors today. Whether you work in law or not, you’ll benefit from expert legal representation tailored to your situation.

Use our secure online contact form or call our Belfast office to arrange a confidential consultation.

Our team is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the 5 Factors that Contribute to Vehicle Collisions

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Road Traffic Accidents are a constant worry every time you get into your vehicle. Whether you live in Saintfield or Galbally, the factors which contribute to NI car collisions remain the same.

This article seeks to summarise the 5 factors which can cause car accidents. Prevention is, as always, better than a cure.

 

The 5 Factors which Cause Vehicle Collisions

 

According to Research Gate (Bayam et al), there are five main contributory factors which can cause a road traffic collision. The five factors include the following.

 

1 – The Driver of the Vehicle

 

When you have a crash and you are driving, it could be driver error which is to blame. Drivers might brake check the person behind them, leading to a rear-end collision. They might be rubbernecking (i.e. admiring a view) instead of paying attention to the road.

A collision can even occur if the driver has used drugs, alcohol, or has fallen asleep. Mobile phones are also a huge problem on NI roads. Speeding could potentially cause you to jackknife if you are driving a long vehicle.

 

2 – The Vehicle

 

A road traffic accident could occur because a vehicle is in poor condition. Tires without enough tread are prone to skid. Brakes can fail, causing you to overshoot, resulting in a fatal accident or head-on collision. Steering systems can seize up and clutches can jam.

 

3 – Any Environmental or Geographical conditions

 

The current weather conditions can play havoc with both your vehicle and your ability to drive it. For example, even the best driver can lose control on the ice. High winds frequently derail high trucks.

Furthermore, steep hills and prolonged periods of braking can put extra stress on your vehicle, meaning that geographical conditions can have an adverse effect on the functionality of your car.

 

4 – The Road Itself

 

Ever hit a pothole while travelling at speed? Have you ever entered a skid while driving on loose chips? Road surfaces can cause accidents in perfectly dry weather through way of lacking in grip. Petrol or diesel on the road from a leaking tank is a common example of the road causing drivers to skid.

 

5 – Other Road Users or Passengers in a Vehicle.

 

Passengers are a distraction just as surely as tuning the radio or operating the sat-nav is. Similarly, you can never account for what other road users are going to do. They represent arguably the biggest threat to you as you drive Northern Ireland’s roads.

 

Further Risk Factors Which Cause Road Traffic Accidents

 

There are obvious risk factors – such as wet weather, ice, or drunk driving – and there are less obvious risk factors for RTAs in Northern Ireland – such as sunny weather blinding drivers or pedestrians in the road.

Risk perception is also a common issue which can influence an accident’s outcome. Drivers who have taken drugs or have consumed alcohol are much less likely to perceive threats than sober drivers are.

Lesser known causes of car accidents in Ballymena, Larne, or Lisburn include:

  •       Aquaplaning in severely wet weather
  •       Blowing out a tire
  •       Mechanical failure of your vehicle
  •       Motorcyclists and cyclists in unexpected places
  •       Animal collisions
  •       Skidding or spinning out

Mobile phone use is also a huge contributory factor to car crashes in Northern Ireland.

 

What to do post-accident?

 

After your accident, when you are safe and recovering, you ought to contact a car crash solicitor in the Northern Ireland area. Lacey solicitors in Belfast and in Dublin offer the ability to represent you during a car crash compensation claim and live in ROI or NI.

Speak to our professionals today to discuss your car accident and your eligibility to bring a compensation claim against those at fault. Finding a good car accident lawyer is just an easy online contact form away.

 

Irish Government’s Insurance Reform Action Plan Targets Legal Costs and Injuries Resolution Board

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

The Government continues to address Insurance Reform in Ireland and has now published its latest Action Plan, covering the period 2025–2029. Building on what the Government will portray as the success of the previous plan, this new programme sets out targeted legal reforms aimed at strengthening the role of the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), continuing to monitor personal injury awards, and introducing greater structure and transparency in legal costs.

 

The plan comes barely a fortnight after Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan bowed to pressure on a plan by the Judicial Council to hike personal injury award guidelines by almost 17 per cent, confirming that he will not ask the Oireachtas to rubber stamp the judiciary’s proposed tweak to payouts.

According to Minister of State Robert Troy, “Insurance is a cornerstone of a well-functioning economy. This Action Plan is about levelling the playing field and restoring confidence for consumers and businesses alike.”

While this announcement signals a continuation of reform efforts, it also highlights renewed focus on legal costs and the IRB’s evolving remit, prompting varied responses.

Overview of the 2025–2029 Action Plan for Insurance Reform in Ireland

 

The Action Plan outlines a series of measures staged over 2026 and 2027, including:

Measures Planned for 2026

 

  • Benchmarking Irish Personal Injury Awards
    A comparative exercise will benchmark Irish personal injury awards against those in the UK and other European jurisdictions to ensure consistency and fairness.

  • Amendments to the Judicial Council Act 2019
    These amendments will adjust the review cycle of the Personal Injuries Guidelines (PIGs), mandate consultation between the Judicial Council and the IRB, and clarify the Oireachtas’s role in future guideline reviews.

  • Research into IRB Award Acceptance Rates
    The Government will examine why some IRB awards are rejected by claimants to inform future policy.

  • Examination of Award Caps
    The feasibility of introducing caps on awards for certain minor or moderate injuries will be explored.

  • Development of a Model for Minor Soft Tissue Injuries
    Consideration will be given to a dedicated resolution process for these common claims.

 

Measures Planned for 2027

 

  • Strengthening the IRB’s Powers and Remit
    The plan proposes making mediation the default resolution process, remitting claims back to the IRB when new evidence arises (though the practicality of this remains to be seen where medical evidence from both Claimant and Defence often evolves as cases progress, and repeatedly returning claims to the Board could cause procedural delays), and allowing legal fees to be awarded in IRB-resolved claims.

  • Developing New Guidelines for Legal Fees
    The Government intends to set clear rates and scales for legal fees in civil litigation, particularly personal injury cases – akin to the County Court Scale used in Northern Ireland Personal Injury Cases.

Legal Costs: The Final Frontier in Insurance Reform in Ireland

 

The renewed focus on legal costs reflects their status as the last major variable yet to be comprehensively addressed. Over the past four to five years, inflation in party-party legal costs has been substantial, as affirmed by decisions of County Registrars and the Legal Costs Adjudicator.

Insurers view these escalating legal fees as an urgent problem to be tackled. Once general damages were controlled through the Judicial Guidelines, it became inevitable that attention would shift to these escalating costs. The proposed reforms to legal fee structures and transparency are intended to reduce unpredictability and overall claims expenditure.

Strengthening the Injuries Resolution Board: A Contested Approach

 

The IRB reforms are central to the Action Plan. Expanding the Board’s powers, including default mediation, remittal of claims with new evidence, and awarding legal fees for Board-resolved claims, aim to reduce litigation and improve efficiency.

Responses from Claimant Advocates and Victims’ Campaigners 

 

While the Government emphasises transparency and efficiency, victims’ campaigners warn that the reforms risk diminishing access to justice and pushing claimants toward self-representation in an increasingly complex legal system.

The main points raised are:

  • The IRB’s increasing powers, aim to reduce litigation, but it is also to steer more claimants towards self-representation in what many Claimant Advocates will say is a govenment body set up by insurers and staffed by insurers.  Ultimately it fringes on jeapordising access to Justice.  Data from the Irish Central Bank, they say, underscores that claimants with legal representation receive substantially higher awards than those who self-represent.

  • Benchmarking personal injury awards against UK and European standards risks a “race to the bottom” which undermines the integrity of our entire legal system by prioritising profit over justice.

  • Whilst the goal of these reforms is “a balanced, predictable, and just system – one that protects rights while enabling a sustainable and affordable insurance market” the propose introduction of a ‘cap‘ for certain categories of damages particularly in minor/moderate personal injuries, they say, is a step too far.

  • Critically, they say that the entire document refers to ‘key-stakeholders‘ repeatedly but Ireland is lacking in a unified claimant voice in policy debates, unlike advocacy groups seen in the UK such as APIL.

“The submissions highlighted recurring themes including concerns about the cost and
availability of insurance, the impact of legal fees on premiums, the challenges faced by
sectors and the need for greater transparency in pricing and claims handling. Respondents
also emphasised the importance of cultural and behavioural change, particularly in relation
to claims practices and litigation trends.”

There is no input here from a unified claimant voice on the rights of the Claimants and this, say Claimant advocates, is a problem that needs addressed.

Conclusion: Balancing Cost Control and Access to Justice

 

The Government’s 2025–2029 Action Plan marks an important stage in Ireland’s insurance reform journey, particularly through its focus on legal costs and the IRB. While the aim of reducing insurance premiums is clear, the impact on claimants’ access to justice, compensation levels, and legal representation must be carefully monitored.

Use our online portal to discuss the future landscape of insurance in Ireland with one of our Solicitors.

Tips for Proving Negligence in Personal Injury Cases

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Negligence can cause accidents. When you become injured because the correct safety procedures were not in place, you may bring a claim for compensation against the guilty party. To do this, you will need to prove the other party was negligent towards you.

Personal injury cases depend on your ability to prove that someone else’s negligence is the reason that you became hurt. Although your personal injury lawyer can help you with this, there are parts of proving negligence that you can – and should – do yourself.

This short guide can help you learn how to gather evidence for your own case.

Establishing Negligence in Personal Injury Cases is Vital

 

Negligence is a vital component of your personal injury case. There are four things you must prove beyond all reasonable doubt in any personal injury compensation claim.

The first thing you must prove evidentially is that the defendant had a duty of care towards you. The second is that they somehow failed in this duty of care or were negligent in those duties. The third is that the defendant’s negligence towards this duty of care is what caused you to become injured. Lastly, you must prove how out of pocket your accident has left you.

In the UK, the court system likes you to prove that the injury you received could have been avoided, if reasonable measures to avoid it were in place.

What are the Four Elements Necessary to Establish Negligence?

 

There are four main elements in proving negligence. These are establishing a duty of care, showing it has been breached, proving that the injured party was injured due to that breach, and establishing what the damages are.

A solicitor who has knowledge in this area is key, since they have the background experience of relevant personal injury cases to draw from. Contact Lacey Solicitors firm now to speak to an expert personal injury solicitor in Northern Ireland.

Tips for Gathering Evidence That Negligence Caused an Accident

 

In personal injury cases in Northern Ireland the burden of proof lies with the Plaintiff. To prove you were injured, gather as much evidence as you can.

You can gather evidence of negligence through:

  •       Producing any contracts you had with the responsible party
  •       Taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred
  •       Taking pictures of any other relevant areas
  •       Speaking to witnesses through public appeals
  •       Keeping a video diary of your injuries and recovery
  •       Taking pictures of your injuries and recovery
  •       Keeping a written journal will also help prove your level of pain and suffering

Further Help and Advice to Start a Negligence Claim

 

The best thing you can do to begin your claim after an injury at work, in public, or in a private location, is to hire a personal injury solicitor. You can call Lacey Solicitors firm to deal with industrial disease claims, catastrophic injury cases, and any potential claims surrounding personal injury law in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the UK. You can also read this article about Medical Negligence Claims in Northern Ireland for more key information.

 

Dispelling Myths Around Whiplash Injury Claims in NI

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Car accidents are a daily occurrence across Northern Ireland and the UK. Whiplash is a common side effect of those car accidents, leading to high volumes of personal injury claims involving whiplash every year.

Have you become injured in a car crash? Have you endured the pain, discomfort, and distress whiplash injuries can cause? Turn your attention towards the following whiplash compensation claim myths and legends and allow Lacey Solicitors Belfast and Northern Ireland to reveal the truth.

 

5 Myths About Whiplash in NI Explained

 

If you are suffering from whiplash after an accident, you ought to seek out legal help. Contact Lacey Solicitors Belfast and Dublin to speak to our expert legal advisors, discuss your eligibility to claim compensation, and to pursue a personal injury case.

Otherwise, the following whiplash myths, explained, might give you pause for thought after a whiplash injury.

 

Myth: Whiplash is not a Serious Injury

 

The NHS defines whiplash as a sudden movement of the head. This is usually a back and forth movement, caused by the sudden, unexpected jerking motion. This makes it synonymous with car accidents. And car accidents are synonymous with serious injuries.

Whiplash is an injury to the neck and spinal cord. These can cause long-lasting and even permanent damage. Whiplash can impair your mobility, cause frequent pain, and hinder your quality of life.

 

Myth: Whiplash Happens to Everyone so I Should Just Forget About it

 

Yes – whiplash is a common post-car-accident injury. However, just because it happens often does not mean that it isn’t debilitating. It can cause permanent disability. No matter if you have just a mild case or a severe case, you should seek whiplash compensation if you are eligible.

 

Myth: Whiplash Claims Always Go To Court

 

If you seek out the help of an expert personal injury solicitor dealing with whiplash cases across Northern Ireland, then you have a high chance of avoiding court altogether. It takes skill to negotiate a settlement which suits everyone, but our agents are experts in whiplash compensation claims. Put your trust in us.

 

Myth: Whiplash is Just a Pain in the Neck

 

As discussed, whiplash is far more than just a pain in the neck. It can also cause stiffness, immobility, headaches, numbness, tingling, and worse. Although you may not need to rush to hospital to become eligible for a whiplash compensation claim, you should definitely see your GP. Pain management may be the least of your problems.

 

Myth: Your whiplash injury was your own fault

 

Even if you are partially the cause of the accident which injured your neck, you might still receive a reduced amount of compensation. In severe whiplash cases, it is more than worth your time to seek personal injury compensation.

 

Seeking Further Advice on Whiplash Compensation

 

You can get in touch with Lacey Solicitors by calling +44 28 9089 6540. You can also find further advice on personal injury compensation claims through our website as below:

 

Speak to an Expert at Lacey Solicitors today.

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