As September begins, children across Belfast, Newry, Bangor, Lisburn and Derry Londonderry are settling back into the school routine. For some families, it’s the first school run of P1. For others, it’s simply the return to early mornings, traffic queues and packed bags.

The school run is often busy and stressful – and when people are in a hurry, safety can easily be overlooked. Sadly, accidents involving children happen every year in towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

At Lacey Solicitors, we not only support families after accidents but also encourage safer journeys for everyone. Below, we set out key tips for children walking, travelling by bus, or being driven to school – and explain your legal options if something goes wrong.

School Safety When Walking

Many children in Belfast, Armagh and Ballymena walk part or all of their school journey. If your child walks, remind them to:

• Always stop, look both ways and listen before crossing.

• Walk on pavements where possible. If none are available, face oncoming traffic and keep to the side.

• Use zebra crossings, pelican crossings and lollipop patrols where available.

• Avoid distractions like mobile phones or headphones while near traffic.

• Never cross from behind parked vehicles or run into the road suddenly.

Developing these habits early helps children stay safe as they grow more independent.

School Safety on the Bus

For children who take the bus in Omagh, Enniskillen or Coleraine, basic awareness is vital. Teach them to:

• Wait well back from the kerb as the bus approaches.

• Only step onto the bus once it has completely stopped.

• Stay seated while the bus is moving.

• Look carefully in both directions before crossing after getting off.

• Never walk behind the bus, where drivers cannot see them.

Driving Children to School

For parents in Lisburn, Bangor and Derry-Londonderry who drive their children to school, there are simple ways to reduce risks:

• Make sure car seats are age- and size-appropriate, and securely fitted.

• Leave home earlier to avoid the temptation to rush or park carelessly.

• Park away from zigzag lines, corners or blocked driveways, even if it means walking further.

• Obey school crossing patrols immediately – they are there to protect children.

• Keep focused on the road at all times – avoid mobile phones and turn down distractions.

Slow Down in School Zones

Across Northern Ireland, traffic builds quickly at drop-off and collection times. Reducing speed to 20mph or less near schools gives drivers extra time to react if a child runs into the road. Even a few miles per hour slower can make the difference between a near miss and a serious injury.

When Accidents Happen

Despite every precaution, accidents involving children on the school run are still common. At Lacey Solicitors, we regularly advise families dealing with:

• Pedestrian accidents outside schools

• Child passenger injuries in car crashes

• Cycling accidents on the way to school

• Falls in school car parks or near bus stops

If your child has been injured on the journey to or from school in Belfast, Newry, Lisburn, Derry-Londonderry, Bangor, Ballymena, Armagh or elsewhere in Northern Ireland, and it was not their fault, you may be able to claim compensation.

Common Accidents at School

While all schools do their best to follow strict health and safety policies, accidents can still occur during the school day. Some of the most frequent incidents we see include:

• Playground equipment accidents – children may fall or collide while playing.

• Slips, trips, and falls on school premises – wet floors, uneven surfaces or cluttered hallways can cause injuries.

• Science experiment injuries – mishandling equipment or chemicals can result in burns or cuts.

• Accidents on school trips – trips and outings can carry unexpected hazards.

• Fingers or hands caught in doors – heavy doors or lockers can trap children’s fingers.

• Sports injuries – sprains, strains, or impacts during PE classes and extracurricular activities.

Even with excellent supervision, these accidents can have lasting effects. If your child is injured at school due to negligence or unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.

Why Families Across Northern Ireland Trust Lacey Solicitors

Clients across Belfast, Dublin, choose us for our award-nominated expertise, decades of experience, and client-focused service.

• Recognised Leaders: Finalists at the 2025 LEAP Irish Law Awards, including Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year.

• Expert Advice: Specialising in personal injury, insurance, and civil litigation with cross-border support.

• Excellence & Innovation in Client Services
  Our LEXCEL-accredited approach combines technology, responsiveness, and exceptional care—whether we’re handling a strightforward car accident or a devastating catastrophic injury claim.

• APIL Members: Proud members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, ensuring the highest standards of practice.

Talk to Us Today

At Lacey Solicitors, we are committed to protecting children and supporting families across Northern Ireland.

If your child has suffered an injury while walking, travelling by bus or being driven to school, and the accident wasn’t their fault, contact our team today using our online portal. Our specialist solicitors are here to help you every step of the way.

Personal injury claim timelines vary widely based on the accident and injuries involved. Every case is different and various factors will determine how quickly your chosen injury law firm can bring your case to a conclusion.  Key influences include the accident type, injury severity, evidence needed, and whether fault is disputed.

For example, a simple car accident with clear liability can settle much faster than a complex case where fault is denied. Similarly, a straightforward slip-at-work might resolve quickly, whereas a serious workplace injury claim (especially involving multiple employers or chronic conditions) can take longer.

If a client asks us for a timeline, we often consider the following factors:

• Accident type and injury severity. Road traffic collisions, factory accidents, or other incidents differ in how complicated they are. The more severe or complex the injuries (e.g. multiple fractures, brain injury, chronic conditions), the longer doctors and courts may need to assess them.
• Liability and evidence. If the at-fault party admits responsibility quickly, settlement can be swift. But if fault is disputed or the insurers delays(or if multiple parties are involved), the case may require investigations, witness statements, and possibly court action.
• Medical recovery time. Some injuries (like minor soft-tissue injuries) heal in days or weeks, whereas others (like spinal injuries) take months or years to stabilize. Often we might advise waiting until an injured person’s condition plateaus, so all future care needs and pain are documented.
• Legal procedures. In Northern Ireland, most claims begin with solicitors negotiating with insurers. If no agreement is reached, formal court proceedings can add many months. The necessity of court proceedings can significantly lengthen any given timeline.

Typical Timelines: Road Traffic Accidents and Workplace Injuries

While every claim is unique, some general patterns are clear. In road traffic accident claims (car, motorcycle, pedestrian accidents), our office will often cite 12–18 months as a common duration.  We often find that whilst a functional recovery for standard soft tissue injuries may take place in a few months, a full recovery does not take place until approximately a year.

Our office is however able to quickly conclude striaghtforward road traffic accident cases – sometimes within 4–9 months – especially if liability is admitted quickly. Some insurers are extremely pro-active where fault is clear, admitting liability and making fair proposals within months.

Similarly, workplace injury claims in Northern Ireland vary. A minor work accident (e.g. a trip or fall without dispute) might be resolved in 6–9 months.  Major industrial disease or complex occupational injury cases usually take longer (often over a year). In general practice, many NI firms aim to settle most workplace injury cases within a year or two, but it can be in your interests to allow more time if injuries are severe or worsening.

Even if it means a longer wait, it can be prudent of a solicitor to defer the conclusion of your case to ensure that a full picture of your symptoms and prognosis is obtained.

Why Some Cases Take Longer

Beyond accident specifics, our clients can sometimes benefit from a slower approach. If you have injuries that might worsen or require future treatment, waiting ensures all consequences are captured in your compensation.

For instance, if a back injury from a crash progressively worsens, settling too early could short-change you leaving you undercompensated. Delaying settlement allows your solicitors the opportunity to ensure that you are completely and rightfully compensated by covering all pain, suffering and future care.

In practice, solicitors will keep you updated and only finalise your claim when all medical evidence is in. It’s a trade-off: a longer timeline (often 12–18 months) for a more accurate award, versus a faster payout that might not cover future needs.

Statutory Time Limits in Northern Ireland

It’s important to start your claim promptly, since NI law sets strict deadlines. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident (or from when you became aware of the injury) to sue.

Northern Ireland’s limit is longer than ROI’s two-year limit.

These limits can sometimes be extended in unusual cases, but the safer approach is to contact a solicitor early. Acting promptly also helps gather fresh evidence. As a rule of thumb, personal injury specialists advise contacting a solicitor as soon as possible after an accident to discuss your case and limitation dates.

Choosing the Best Personal Injury Solicitors

Because timelines and procedures can be complex, having an experienced local lawyer is crucial. In Northern Ireland, reputable firms provide personal-injury expertise and understand local courts and insurers.

Ruaidhrí Austin of Lacey Solicitors is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.  The firm has a panel of experts across Ireland and Northern Ireland to assist claims, and proudly are Lexcel-accredited (a Law Society quality mark).  Lacey Solicitors were finalists in the Irish Legal Awards 2025 for both Personal Injury Law Firm of the year and Civil Litigation Law firm of the year.  These credentials reflect high standards of client care and legal excellence.

An experienced solicitor will manage your case efficiently, keeping you informed at each stage. They can advise whether it makes sense to aim for a quicker settlement or to wait, based on your injuries. They will also handle negotiations with insurers or courts on your behalf, ensuring you meet NI’s legal deadlines. For credible NI advice on accident claims, Lacey Solicitors’ Belfast team can review your situation, explain the expected timeline, and strive to recover your compensation as fully and quickly as possible.

Contact Lacey Solicitors Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or workplace incident in Northern Ireland, speak to our experienced personal injury team at Lacey Solicitors. We are here to guide you through every step of the claims process – from initial advice to securing the compensation you deserve. Our solicitors are accessible, responsive, and committed to achieving the best outcome for you. Contact our Belfast office today by phone or use our secure online portal to start your claim. All enquiries are 100% confidential, and there’s no obligation to proceed.

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.

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.

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.