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Steps to Take if You Suffer A Personal Injury at Work

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Although statistically most accidents occur at home, many people in Northern Ireland spend a significant amount of time at work. If you’re injured on the job, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps if you plan to seek compensation.

Workplace accidents, whether a trip, fall, slip, or serious injury involving equipment, can be devastating and a real source of anxiety. Often, people neglect to address these incidents, even though they can cause lasting damage.

Workplace accidents can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, crushed limbs, or amputations. If this occurs, you have the right to seek legal representation and consider a compensation claim. Taking this step not only supports your recovery but can also help prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

What To Do if You Are Injured At Work

 

After an injury at work, your priority should be recovery. Take the time you need to heal and consult with your doctor and any specialists they recommend.

During this time, keep a detailed record of the incident, photograph your injury and progress, and save all related receipts. This documentation will be valuable if you decide to pursue a compensation claim with your employer’s insurance.

 

What if My Employer Doesn’t Have Insurance?

 

By law, all employers in Northern Ireland must have Employers Liability (EL) insurance and be insured for at least £5 million. Most insurers automatically provide cover of at least £10 million.

Employers’ liability (EL) insurance enables businesses to meet the costs of damages and legal fees for employees who are injured or made ill at work through the fault of the employer. Employees injured due to an employer’s negligence can seek compensation even if the business goes into liquidation or receivership.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is responsible for enforcing the law on EL insurance and have issued guidance for employers. An employer can be fined up to £2,500 for each day that they do not have appropriate insurance.

Lacey Solicitors in Belfast can carry out checks against an employer to establish whether or not they have insurance if you have been injured at work.

 

Steps to Take After an Accident at Work in Northern Ireland

If you’re injured at work, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your interests and strengthen your compensation claim. Here’s what you should do after a workplace accident:

STEP ONE – Seek Medical Attention
If your injury requires hospital care, ensure you take a colleague with you. This helps prevent your employer from denying the accident occurred.

STEP TWO – Report the Injury to Your Employer
It’s important to immediately report the injury to your employer. UK businesses are required to maintain an accident record book. If your employer fails to document the incident, follow up with an email detailing the accident, the time it occurred, and any medical treatment you received.

STEP THREE – Document Your Recovery
Record your recovery journey by taking photographs or videos of your injury and its progress. Keeping a daily log of your healing process helps illustrate the pain and suffering you endured, which can be essential in a legal claim.

STEP FOUR – Collect Witness Statements
Gather contact details and statements from anyone who witnessed the accident, as well as anyone who accompanied you to the hospital. This evidence can strengthen your case when pursuing compensation and can greatly assist your legal team.

By following these steps after a workplace injury, you ensure your rights are protected and can make it easier to pursue a compensation claim for your injuries.

 

Injured at Work? Seek Legal Advice

 

Lacey Solicitors, with offices in Belfast and Dublin, is a leading insurance and injury law firm. We represent both insurers in defending claims and innocent victims of injury. Our unique position, acting for both claimants and defendants across Ireland, gives us valuable insight into each case, enabling us to deliver tailored and effective legal solutions for the best chance of success.

 

If you have been injured at work, contact Lacey Solicitors using our online portal for trusted personal injury legal assistance.



Personal Injury Claims NI: When Is Court Required and How to Start Your Claim

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

From Belfast to Bangor, people in Northern Ireland are involved in incidents that aren’t their fault and are injured as a result. But how do you make a claim for compensation if it happens to you?

If you have been involved in an accident in which you became injured and it wasn’t your fault, seeking compensation could provide you with the financial support to help you recover and move forward after an injury.  Reporting the incident could even prevent that accident from happening to someone else. At Lacey Solicitors Belfast, our lawyers specialise in Insurance and Injury and could help you achieve the maximum possible compensation after a slip and fall, medical treatment gone wrong, or an accident at work.

How do you Make a Personal Injury Claim in Northern Ireland?

 

If you live in Belfast, Antrim, or anywhere else in NI, the process for bringing a compensation claim after an accident is always the same. The first thing you will need is an accident lawyer capable of representing your interests.

Lacey Solicitors have a proven record of commitment to a high quality service.  Whether we are dealing with a significant fatal accident, to a minor whiplash injury, our approach is always the same and which is why our clients recommend us.  We invest in technology that can speed up your appointment times, court dates and meetings etc.  This frees up our solicitors to speak with you personally and speak with our opposition directly.

After you have chosen a personal injury solicitor, you can begin the process of making your claim for compensation.

Making Your Claim for Compensation

 

To begin your claim for compensation, our personal injury solicitors will arrange a discussion with you to take as much detail as possible.  Some of the details that we might need is;

  • The date of the accident.
  • The location of the accident.
  • Employment details if it was an accident at work.
  • Registration numbers if it was a road traffic accident.
  • Your detailed recollection of how the incident occurred.
  • The names of all parties involved.
  • Any witness details
  • The treatment sought by you.

Once we have this information, we can determine if we think you have a case. If so, we will put together a claim summary for your perusal. Once you sign this and return it to us, we can create a Letter of Claim.

What is a Letter of Claim?

 

A Letter of Claim is the intial letter, written by your Solicitor which summarises the details of the accident and delivers these details to the person/company (or their insurance company) who you believe to be at fault. It will outline what happened, how it affected you, and notify the third party of your intent to bring a compensation claim.

After this letter is sent, the third party has a short timeframe to acknowledge the claim. There is a protocol in Northern Ireland that suggests they are then allowed a few months to fully investigate the matter.   They should later indicate whether they accept liability or deny liability. 

Do you Have to go to Court for Personal Injury Claims in Belfast?

 

While taking your case to court is an excellent way to establish the other party’s fault, it is not the only way to receive compensation.  

Legal fees are higher if a case proceeds to Court.  At Lacey Solicitors Belfast, we believe that bringing a case to court should be the last resort.  We will, throughout all stages of your case try to discuss the matter with our opposition to try and settle the case without going to court.  

Our belief is that settling a case before court, saves time, money and stress for all parties.  

We only bring cases to court for two reasons;

  1. Liability for the accident is in dispute.
  2. We cannot reach an agreement with the otherside on a suitable settlement figure

Finding a Personal Injury Solicitor Near You

 

At Lacey Solicitors, we pride ourselves in our ability to provide assistance to clients across all of Northern Ireland.  With the latest technologies you no longer need to have a solicitor on your doorstep and we can arrange an appointment at a location suitable to you.  In some circumstances our solicitors can even come directly to you.  

Every job has a tool and we recommend using injury lawyers for injury claims.  Our experience in Insurance and Injury Law allows us to make a claim on your behalf against the at fault insurance company.  Whether you are in Enniskillen or Lisburn, the Lacey Solicitors team are here to help.

Enquire Now to Begin Your Personal Injury Claim with Lacey Solicitors.

Winter Pedestrian Safety Tips for Northern Ireland from Lacey Solicitors Belfast

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors
Winter walking brings its own set of challenges, with darker mornings, icy roads, and reduced visibility. Staying safe as a pedestrian is especially crucial during this time of year.
According to the Road Safety Authority, 2023 saw 38 pedestrian fatalities on Irish roads, the highest number in 15 years. To help you stay safe this winter, Lacey Solicitors have compiled a practical guide tailored for pedestrians across Northern Ireland and Ireland.

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN: Essential Road Safety

 

The Green Cross Code—STOP, LOOK, LISTEN—remains one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself when crossing the road. Here are some key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

NEVER:

  • Cross roads at bends or blind spots.
  • Cross between parked cars.
  • Cross while using your phone or when distracted.

ALWAYS:

  • Use pedestrian crossings such as zebra crossings, traffic lights, or traffic islands.
  • Stick to footpaths whenever possible.
  • If no footpath is available, walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, and stay as far off the road as possible.
  • Remove headphones and listen carefully for oncoming vehicles before crossing. Even if you don’t see a vehicle, one could be approaching.

Stay Aware, Stay Alert, Stay Visible this Winter

 

Winter months bring poor weather and limited daylight, which can make pedestrians harder to spot. Follow these tips to ensure visibility:

  • Stick to well-lit, public roads with clear footpaths during early mornings or evenings.
  • Wear fluorescent, reflective clothing to make yourself easily identifiable. Reflective gear is essential for children and pets, ensuring they can be seen from a distance.

Additional Tips from Lacey Solicitors Belfast:

  • Most of the claims we see in winter relate in some way to the road conditions.  Take extra cautious during fog, rain, or icy conditions, as drivers may have reduced stopping times.  If possible, work from home when the conditions are treacherous.
  • Thankfully we see fewer and fewer children injured at winter and we are proud to support various road safety inititives in various schools across NI.  Teach children the importance of wearing bright clothing and practicing road safety.

Alcohol Awareness During Festive Celebrations

 

With the festive season fast approaching, it’s vital to remember how alcohol impacts decision-making as a pedestrian.

  • We appreciate the difficulty in securing taxis during the Christmas period, especially around Belfast City Centre but our advice is to avoid walking home after drinking—use public transport, pre-book that taxi, or rely on a designated driver.  Uber is a quickly growing app in NI with more and more drivers every day.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and look out for others who may be distracted or impaired.

Step into Safety: Protecting Children

 

Whilst we see fewer and fewer children injured, pedestrian accidents peak among children aged 12, often when they start traveling independently. As parents and guardians, teaching children about pedestrian safety can have a lasting impact.

Practical Steps for Parents:

  • Help children map out the safest routes to school or frequently visited places.
  • Emphasize the importance of using crossings and being cautious around busy roads.
  • Encourage responsible pedestrian habits, which pave the way for safer future drivers.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

 

Walking during the winter months is a fantastic way to maintain physical and mental well-being. However, safety should always come first. By staying alert, visible, and mindful of the rules, you can enjoy the benefits of walking while minimising risks.

For more expert advice on personal safety and legal support in Northern Ireland and Ireland, get in touch with Lacey Solicitors using our secure Online Portal. We’re here to help.

Stay safe, and step into the winter season with confidence.

How to Make a Car Accident Claim in Northern Ireland?

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

A step-by-step guide from Lacey Solicitors Belfast to bringing a claim for compensation after a car accident for those in NI.

Car accidents are neither rare nor easy to deal with. Every year in Northern Ireland the PSNI reports around 5,000 collisions, with casualties in 2023 alone reaching 7,985 people. These extraordinary numbers reflect an ongoing problem with road safety – a problem which could impact you if you have a road traffic accident (RTA).

RTAs leave you in physical and emotional pain. Understanding the steps you can take to make a car accident claim for compensation can help you recover some of the losses you experienced due to your accident. Whether you were a passenger in a collision in Newry, rear ended in Lisburn, or injured as a pedestrian in Armagh, let Lacey Solicitors firm guide you through the challenges of claiming compensation after your accident.

What is a Car Accident Claim?

 

If you become injured in a car accident and it was not your fault, then you could claim compensation against the at-fault party. Speeding, lack of care, dangerous driving, and driving while under the influence of alcohol are all common causes of car accidents. No matter the cause, though, car accidents are costly both in terms of health and recovery.

How to Make a Claim for Compensation After a Car Accident in NI?

There are simple steps to making a claim for compensation after your accident. Follow the advice outlined below for the best chance at receiving the maximum possible compensation for your injuries.

At the Time of the Accident

Immediately after the accident has happened, follow these steps:

  •       Make yourself safe
  •       Get medical attention
  •       Speak to the police and report the accident
  •       Gather witness details and driver contact details
  •       Take photos

This will give you the best evidence to support your claim from the get go.

Following the Accident

After your accident has occurred, make sure that you get in touch with the best car accident solicitors near you. Lacey Solicitors Belfast are known and respected as car accident experts and will be able to guide you safely through the legal quagmire of motor accident compensation claims.

Once you have chosen the Best Injury Solicitor in NI, proceed with the following:

  1. Act quickly – you have three years to make your claim but do not delay.  
  2. Assist your solicitor by providing a full statement along with any images to allow them to determine who was at fault and gather evidence.
  3. Carefully document your injuries and recovery time so that you can relay them to the medical examiner arranged by your solicitor. 
  4. Provide your solicitor with any ‘special damages‘ or out of pocket expenses such as loss of earnings, hire car costs, medical expenses so that they can add them to your claim.
  5. Approve the medical report with your solicitor as soon as you receive it so that there are no delays.

Your Solicitor and The Settlement Process

Your solicitor will seek to negotiate a settlement from the insurance company on your behalf.

All you must do is trust them to perform. If your claim needs to go to court then your car accident solicitor in NI will help you with the process. At Lacey Solicitors, our own experience is that less than 10% of car accident claims dealt with by our solicitors ever see the the inside of a courtroom. 

The very vast amount of our claims are settled outside of the courtroom which speaks to the reputation and negotation skills of our solicitors.

Trusted Car Accident Solicitors in Northern Ireland

 

Lacey Solicitors are a trusted law firm operating across Northern Ireland. Contact us today using our online portal to discuss the details of your car accident so that we may begin working on your compensation claim together.

Injured at Work in Northern Ireland? Legal Fees and Starting a Work Accident Claim Explained.

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

NI work accidents occur when your employer fails to make your workplace a safe working environment. Work accidents can have serious repercussions, leaving you unable to work, losing income and in pain.

Making a claim for compensation will help you recover your losses after a trip, fall, fall from height, manual handling accident, or any other form of accident at work. Lacey Solicitors are an experienced team able to provide you with representation to guide you through your work accident claim.

Here is what you need to know about NI work accident compensation claims before you begin.

Eligibility: Are You Eligible for a Work Accident Claim?

 

Before you can bring a claim for compensation after an accident at work, you must meet the conditions which make you eligible. Firstly, you must make the claim within three years of the date of the workplace accident. Next, you must prove that your accident happened due to a third party’s negligence.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Work Accident in Belfast?

 

Medical expenses, any lost income, and the price allocated to your pain and suffering are all considered when you make a claim for compensation after an accident at work. The level of compensation awarded to you in respect to your pain and suffering varies but is designed to measure the hardships you have endured thanks to your NI/Belfast accident.

How Do You Start a Claim for a Work Accident in NI?

 

From Antrim to Fermanagh the process for making a claim for compensation after a workplace accident in NI is the same. The process for making a claim is as follows:

  •       Make yourself safe and ensure the safety of others.
  •       Seek medical attention to address your immediate injuries.
  •       Report your accident, including using an accident book to record it within the workplace.  This should stop the accident happening to one of your colleagues.
  •       Contact a work accident claims solicitor near you.
  •       The solicitor will investigate the accident and give you some preliminary advice.
  •       Your solicitor will need a medical report on your injuries and will send you to a Consultant for an examination and prognosis.
  •       Your solicitor will obtain an admission of liabilty and will enter into negotiations with the third party.
  •       If negotiations are sucessful, the claim will resolve and you will receive the compensation.
  •       If negotiations are unsucessful your solicitor will advise you on the next steps.

No Win, No Fee Solicitors for Work Accident Claims in NI?

 

Many people are unaware that no win, no fee agreements are prohibited within Northern Ireland. While no win, no fee compensation claims might be the norm in England and Wales, they do not apply in Northern Ireland.

Any solicitor in NI acting on a no win no fee basis may be doing so unlawfully.

If you are successful in your claim, then your court or solicitor costs will be covered by the other party involved.

Experienced Work Accident Claim Solicitors Near You

 

Whether you live in Armagh or Derry or Cork you can find the help you need through Lacey Solicitors. We can give you expert guidance and insider knowledge on how to proceed after an accident at work. If you have been injured by a work vehicle, have mishandled hazardous substances due to lack of training, or are injured using poorly maintained equipment, you may be eligible to make a claim.

Contact Lacey Solicitors using our Online Portal and a Solicitor will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your claim.

What is a Workplace Accident Claim in NI: Guidance from Lacey Solicitors Belfast

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Have you had an accident while you were at work? Did it seriously impact your health or your ability to earn? Has an industrial accident changed your life? Making a work accident claim could help you secure the financial resources you need during your recovery.

Having an accident in the workplace can leave you with health concerns that you do not know how to deal with. If you feel you do not know where to turn in the event of a workplace accident, then seeking legal advice could be your best course of action.

Forewarned is forearmed. If you understand the process of making a work accident claim in Northern Ireland, then you are better equipped if it happens to you.

What is A Work Accident Claim?

 

When you are injured in the workplace through negligence or a breach in the duty of care your employer has towards you, then you may make a claim for compensation for your injuries. Your employer has a statutory duty towards you while you are in the workplace. This duty, broadly speaking, is to protect you from any harm the tasks they hire you to complete might cause.

Can You Make a Workplace Accident Claim in NI?

 

To make a claim for compensation after an accident at work in NI, you must make the claim within three years of the date of your accident taking place. If you meet this criteria, then you must also prove that your employer broke their statutory duty towards you. This breach of their duty to care for you while on their premises or conducting work-related activities must have resulted in an accident.

What is a Statutory Duty of Care?

 

The Statutory Duty of Care is part of your employer’s responsibilities towards you while you are working for them. Your employer has a duty to ensure your health and safety while you conduct work related activities. Your employer must take all possible reasonable actions to protect your safety. An example is making machinery safe, implementing risk assessments, and ensuring that you have the correct safety gear for the job.

Failing to protect you from harm while you are performing tasks on your employer’s behalf is a breach of this duty. If you make a claim for compensation after a work accident in Belfast or the surrounding areas then you must prove that your employer breached this duty.

Types of Workplace Accident in NI

 

There are many different kinds of workplace accident. If you experience any of the following, then you should seek legal advice:

  •       Slips, trips, and falls which could have been avoided
  •       Falling from heights and injuring yourself, for example by falling from scaffolding.
  •       Lack of protective equipment can cause injuries, disease, or worse.
  •       Failure to implement appropriate safety measures, particularly in regard to machinery and safe operation.
  •       Lack of training – those expected to operate heavy equipment without appropriate training cannot be blamed should something go wrong.
  •       Old or ineffective equipment such as blunt tools
  •       Contact with toxic or hazardous chemicals
  •       Lifting and carrying incorrectly
  •       Fleet or vehicular incidents

What To Do If You are Injured at Work?

 

If you encounter an accident at work and you live in Northern Ireland, then there are steps you should take after your accident to legally protect your interests.

First, seek medical help and ensure your safety. Next, report the accident to the appropriate managers. Make sure you fill in an accident report form. Afterwards, begin the process of evidence gathering to back up your claim.

Finally, reach out to Lacey Solicitors using our secure Online Portal. Our law firm can offer expert legal advice which could help you achieve the compensation you deserve.

How Much is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Thinking of making a claim for compensation for a personal injury in Northern Ireland? How much is your personal injury claim worth and how much compensation should you receive?

 

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault in Northern Ireland, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the specifics of your case, including the type of injury and the impact it has had on your life. Whether you’ve suffered an injury in a road traffic accident, at work, or elsewhere, it’s important to understand how much compensation you might be entitled to.

What is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

 

The value of a personal injury claim is influenced by multiple factors. While there’s no set amount, experienced solicitors can give you an estimate based on your situation.

 

Factors which impact the worth of a personal injury claim include:

 

  1. A person’s age and pre-accident health
  2. The type and severity of injury sustained
  3. Any long-term prognosis
  4. The medical care provided to date and any future medical expenses
  5. The impact on a person’s life and career
  6. Whether your own actions contributed to any of the injuries sustained

 

More severe injuries, such as catastrophic injury claims like quadriplegia, can attract substantial compensation, with awards from the courts reaching up to £870,000.00 for the injury alone.  That doesn’t include the future care that will be needed.

Personal Injury Compensation Breakdown in Northern Ireland

 

Here’s a closer look at compensation estimates for various types of injuries in Northern Ireland:

  1. Severe Brain Injury Claims
    Compensation for severe brain injuries typically ranges from £500,000 to £850,000.

  2. Road Traffic Accident Claims

    • Minor injuries like whiplash can yield £5,000 if recovery occurs within six months.
    • For more prolonged recovery (up to 24 months), compensation can be as much as £22,500.
      Road traffic accidents can also result in lost earnings and vehicle repairs, all of which are compensable under special damages.

  3. Industrial Disease Claims

    • Ireland’s rich industrial heritage particularly in relation to its shipbuilding has meant that asbestos claims are particularly prevalent in this jurisdiction in comparison to other European countries
    • Pleural plaques (common in asbestos exposure cases) can lead to compensation of up to £22,000.
    • More severe cases, such as Asbestosis, can attract pay-outs of up to £125,000.

What Are Special Damages?

 

In addition to compensation for pain and suffering, you may also claim for financial losses directly resulting from your injury. These are called special damages and can cover:

  • Damaged property or items
  • Loss of earnings (past and future)
  • Car repairs or hire
  • Medical care
  • Travel expenses
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Specialist equipment (e.g., prosthetics, hearing aids)

Special damages are essential for covering out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of the accident. If, for example, you are injured in a car accident, you could claim for vehicle repairs, hire car costs, lost income, and medical treatment expenses.

Compensation for a Minor Back Injury in Northern Ireland

 

For a minor back injury where full recovery occurs within 6 to 24 months, the typical compensation amount is up to £22,500. If the injury requires longer recovery or causes lasting effects, the compensation amount may increase.

Whiplash Compensation in Northern Ireland

 

Whiplash injuries to the neck are fairly common injuries in road traffic accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Compensation for whiplash varies:

  • For a full recovery within 6-12 months, compensation can range up to £7,500.

Average Personal Injury Compensation in Northern Ireland

 

Because personal injuries vary greatly, it’s difficult to pinpoint an average pay-out. The compensation you receive will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.  Contact our office so that we may provide you with an idea of the average compensation in claims similar to yours.

Get Expert Legal Help for Your Personal Injury Claim

 

If you’ve been injured and need help navigating your personal injury claim, Lacey Solicitors is here to assist you. Our legal team specialises in personal injury and liability claims, and we’ll work to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today using our online form for a consultation on your case and let us guide you through the legal process.

What Are The Most Common Personal Injury Claims In Northern Ireland?

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

Personal Injury Claims in Northern Ireland – Get Expert Legal Help from Lacey Solicitors in Belfast

If you’ve suffered a personal injury that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At Lacey Solicitors, we specialize in handling all types of personal injury claims in Northern Ireland, providing expert legal advice and support to help you recover the compensation you deserve. In this article, we’ll explore the most common personal injury claims in Northern Ireland and how our team in Belfast can assist you.

Common Personal Injury Claims in Northern Ireland

 

Injuries and accidents are a part of life, but many of them are preventable. If you’ve experienced an accident in Northern Ireland that was not your fault and resulted in injury, you could be eligible for compensation. Whether you’re dealing with an accident on the road in Belfast or a workplace injury in Ballymena, Lacey Solicitors can help you through the claims process.

Many accidents lead to physical injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and travel costs. If you’re dealing with any of these, a personal injury solicitor can support you in seeking compensation from the responsible party.

How Lacey Solicitors Can Help You with Your Personal Injury Claim

 

With over 15 years of experience, Lacey Solicitors has helped countless clients across Northern Ireland claim compensation for their injuries. Our team provides exceptional legal advice and is committed to guiding you through the claim process. Whether your accident was on the road, at work, or in a public place, we’re here to ensure you get the financial compensation you’re entitled to.

What are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims in Northern Ireland?

 

In Northern Ireland, personal injury claims are most frequently initiated for road traffic accidents and workplace injuries. Belfast sees the highest number of personal injury claims each year, with road traffic accidents making up the majority of claims, accounting for approximately 7,000 cases annually.

Workplace injuries come in second place, with around 2,000 claims issued each year. These can result from various accidents, such as slips, trips, falls, or injuries caused by faulty machinery.

Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle

 

At Lacey Solicitors, we assist clients with all types of personal injury claims. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Often caused by improper use of office equipment or inadequate protective gear.
  • Back Injuries: These can be the result of lifting incorrectly, poor posture, or improper seating at work.
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: Injuries caused by unsafe premises, such as wet floors, uneven pavements, or obstacles blocking the way.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: These include muscle, ligament, or tendon injuries, which can occur in a variety of accidents.
  • Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Often caused by exposure to high noise levels in the workplace.
  • Burns and Scarring: Injuries resulting from accidents involving chemicals, fire, or electrical hazards.
  • Whiplash Injuries: Commonly associated with road traffic accidents.
  • Serious Injuries: These may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, asbestos-related illnesses, electrical injuries, or broken bones.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take in Northern Ireland?

 

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of all involved parties. Generally, most straightforward cases are completed within 6 to 12 months. More complex claims, however, may take longer to resolve, especially if medical evidence or an admission of liability is required from the third party’s insurance company.

You typically have three years from the date of the injury or from when you became aware of the injury to issue proceedings, as outlined by the Limitation Order in Northern Ireland. However, it’s always best to contact a solicitor as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome.

Why Choose Lacey Solicitors for Your Personal Injury Claim?

 

At Lacey Solicitors, we pride ourselves on offering professional and personalised service to help you navigate the claims process. With extensive experience handling personal injury claims throughout Northern Ireland, including Belfast, we ensure that our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to.

We offer free consultations, and our dedicated team is ready to answer any questions you may have about your personal injury claim. Whether you’ve been in a road traffic accident, suffered a workplace injury, or experienced another type of accident, our legal team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Contact Lacey Solicitors for Your Personal Injury Claim in Belfast

 

If you’ve suffered a personal injury in Northern Ireland and need expert legal advice, Lacey Solicitors in Belfast is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation using our online firm, and let us help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Steps To Take After an Accident in NI for a Successful Personal Injury Claim

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

If you wish to give yourself the best chance at a successful personal injury claim after a trip, fall, traffic accident or pedestrian accident in NI, then there are steps you ought to take immediately following the incident.

Whether you have been injured from a fall, an accident at work, a faulty appliance, or a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Often injuries are preventable and should have been addressed before the accident happened. Choosing a solicitor that has the skill and experience to act on your behalf is one of the most important steps. 

Here are the other steps you can take to maximise your chances of a successful personal injury claim.

Had an Accident in NI? Take These Steps to Protect Your Interests

 

You should start this sequence of events immediately following your accident or injury. The sooner you can start the process, the better the evidence you can gather.

1 – Ensure Your Own Safety

Your primary responsibility is to make yourself safe, then make any dependants safe. In the case of a pedestrian accident or road traffic accident this includes not rushing back into danger to help others. 

Call 999 and get medical assistance. You can only start to help others when you are safe yourself. 

2 – Seek Medical Treatment

If you were injured, concentrate on your recovery and becoming well again. Take the initial time to focus on what your own doctors advise you to do. If you do not require a hospital visit, speak to your GP for advice about your recovery.

3 – Report the Accident

Reporting the accident to the relevant authority is an important step in the process. If the accident happened at work, report it to your employer. If the accident happened in a road traffic collision, report it to the police. 

5 – Speak to Witnesses

As soon as it is safe to do so, try to speak to anyone who witnessed your accident. Taking note of their contact details means you can later pass these details on to your personal injury solicitor. They will contact them for a statement, helping to form an accurate picture of how your accident went down. 

All this acts as evidence for when your lawyer is dealing with the insurance companies responsible for your potential pay-out. 

6 – Take Pictures

Creating a timeline of events is far easier if the insurer and your attorney have a visual aid which allows them to picture the event. Look for dash cam or CCTV footage. Take pictures of tyre marks on the road or damaged equipment caused by your accident. 

7 – Seek Legal Advice

Before starting the claims process, you should research the best local firms in Belfast. You should look for a firm that specialises in Injury and Insurance claims. Lacey solicitors in Belfast have the skill and experience to act on your behalf.They will give you unprecedented guidance towards seeking compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and any future loss of earnings. They are also skilled in the complex laws regarding psychiatric injuries and medical negligence suits. 

Lacey solicitors could be the legal representatives you need to make a successful personal injury claim in Belfast or Dublin. We are known for our accessibility and straightforward approach. We avoid complicated legal terms and, with solicitors specialising in a wide range of claims, contact us today to discuss your options.

Expert Personal Injury Lawyer are Irreplaceable after an Accident in NI

 

One thing is certain: after an accident there is no substitute for expert legal advice. A personal injury lawyer will work with you to achieve the maximum possible compensation that you can claim… no matter how many of the steps above you manage to work through.



Falls, Slips, and Accidental Trips in Belfast – How Soon Should You Start Your Claim for Compensation?

Posted on by Lacey Solicitors

If you have been the victim of slipping on a wet floor, tripping on a hazardous object, or falling in a public place, then this could lead to major changes in your life… A legal professional could help you make a personal injury claim in Northern Ireland and seek the compensation you deserve.

When slips, trips, or falls happen in Northern Ireland, and it was someone else’s fault, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. A personal injury solicitor will help you to make a claim, giving you the best chance at receiving optimal compensation. Often, your actions could prevent the same accident from happening to someone else.

Whether caused by hazards like uneven pavements, poor lighting, or wet surfaces, falling accidents happen all the time. Here at Lacey Solicitors we are often asked for guidance on how to claim for a slip, trip, or fall injury that was someone else’s fault.

Slips, Trips, and Falls in Belfast

 

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland notes slips and trips as the most commonly reported accident within the workplace. Altogether, this single branch of personal injuries in Belfast accounts for a full third of all major injuries at work. In 2023, as many as 10,000 Belfast workers suffered serious injuries caused by tripping and falling. Over 95% of those reported broken bones as a result.

What Injuries Can Slips, Trips, and Falls Cause?

 

Whether it is slipping on a spilled drink, tripping over a broken kerb or falling over an unmarked manhole, the result can be a variety of injuries and serious harm. In the past 12 months, our Belfast office has dealt with injuries involving:

  •       Broken bones
  •       Head injuries or significant brain trauma
  •       Muscular injuries such as strains or sprains
  •       Cuts, bruises and other lacerations

Last year, our personal injury solicitors dealt with a case in Belfast involving serious permanent facial disability and secured for him compensation for the pain and suffering, as well as reimbursement of his medical bills and lost income.

When Should You Make a Claim for your Slip, Trip, or Fall Claim in NI?

 

It is always best to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your claim as soon as possible after a slip, trip, or fall. There is a statute of limitations on when you can file a claim for compensation in Northern Ireland. There is a legal time limit during which you are allowed to make a claim.

What is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Cases in NI?

 

The statute of limitations upon personal injury claims in Northern Ireland is 3 years. This means that you will need to file your claim for compensation after a trip, slip, or fall in Northern Ireland within three years of the date of your accident. Remember, for childhood personal injury claims you must file within 3 years of turning 18. Time limits can be extended in exceptional circumstances but it is always best to speak to a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible.

Personal Injury Experts Will Enhance Your Case

 

To give yourself the best chance of receiving the maximum possible compensation you could be owed, legal representation is a must-have. Lacey Solicitors have a proven track record in providing expert legal guidance.. With our specialist knowledge of personal injury law there is no one to better represent you within the greater Northern Ireland area.

 

Contact our legal team today to start your claim for compensation after a slip, trip, or fall, in Belfast.

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