Tag: a minor claiming

If you’ve been injured in a public place – what are your options?

Often the subject of rumour, speculation and light-hearted banter, public liability injury law is a complex matter. If you have been injured in a public place and feel that it was something that could have been avoided, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether it’s on a public footpath or in a shop or even if you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should not have to suffer due to the actions or inaction of others.

Every year in Ireland, many thousands of people are injured as a result of accidents in public and private places. The largest proportion of claims relate to accidents occurring in places such as playgrounds, leisure centres, shops and supermarkets. It is the responsibility of shop owner to ensure that they operate an environment that is safe for the public to go about their daily business, The vast, vast majority of store owners work very hard to make sure theirs is a safe place to shop in. But if for example, you slipped on a poorly maintained surface like a wet floor, talk to us about your options.

Similarly, public places like footpaths or pavements must also be fit for use by those that use them. Many others fall victim to falling masonry and the results of poorly maintained properties. Other common queries we get concern dogs and particularly dog bites. While no one keeps their dog for such purposes, occasionally animal instincts take over and a well behaved family dog can bite an innocent person. If this has happened to you, the dog should not have been allowed behave in such a manner and you may be entitled to compensation.

If you have been involved in an accident in a public place,

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Going to Court: the reality.

Going to court – the very thought of it conjures up nerves for many people. From watching court on our TV screens and cinemas, we think we have a real picture of what goes on there every day.

We’re glad to report that most personal injury claims are settled without setting foot inside a court. But if it turns out that court is the preferred option, we can assure you there is nothing to be concerned about and we’ll be at your side from day one. How does it work?

Which Court?

First of all, it depends where your case is being heard. In Circuit Court cases, your case will be presented in Court by your Barrister. In High Court cases, you will be represented by a Senior Counsel as well as a Barrister (Junior Counsel). A pre-trial consultation takes place with your Counsel either on the day of the trial or within a day or two previously. It’s important to remember that first impressions are important in every walk of life and the courts are no different. You should dress in an appropriate manner for your court appearances.

Where do I get a barrister?

At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we’ll source only the best people to work with and our experienced Barrister will lead you through your evidence. Make sure that you answer all questions as best you can. Try to avoid giving hasty or confused replies. If you are not sure of the answer of any question, you should say so. After the examination by your own Barrister, the Defendant’s Barrister will cross-examine, in an attempt to illicit details from you which may be favourable to the Defendant’s case. You should also expect some questions from the judge but sometimes this may not be the case.

What happens after my court date?

Once your evidence is completed, the evidence of any other witnesses is taken in the same way. In regard to medical evidence, medical practitioners may be in attendance in Court but more usually, their evidence is admitted in the form of medical reports handed into the Judge. When all the witnesses have been heard, and Counsel has made any relevant points to the Court, the Judge usually makes his/her decision there and then, or s/he may adjourn for a short time for consideration or, on occasions, postpone his/her judgement to another day. The judge delivers a decision on liability, and if deciding in favour of the Plaintiff, will make an award of damages as compensation.

Like any working environment, certain procedures and protocol must follow and it’s important that you have an understanding of these. This means there’ll be no surprises for you on the day. We have over 20 years’ experience in personal injury law and if you do go to court, you’ll be in safe hands with Gary Matthews Solicitors.

Click on this link here to call the office for a no obligation enquiry and speak directly to Mr Matthews.

Complete our no obligation online enquiry form by clicking this link www.gary.ie

Enquiry Form

To discuss your claim complete the form below & a member of our team will get back to you.

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Case Study: Girl (5) awarded €55k after she fell and struck her head against wall in creche

A five-year-old girl, who will be scarred for life after she struck her head against a wall in a creche, was today awarded €55,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Barrister Robert Crowley told the court that Ruth Reilly had been left unattended at Giraffe Childcare Creche, Athlumney Wood, Johnstown, Navan, Co Meath, in October 2013 when she fell and struck her head.
Circuit Court President Mr. Justice Raymond Groarke heard that Ruth, who was two-years-old at the time, suffered a deep laceration and had been bleeding heavily.
The court was told an ambulance was called and after her wound was dressed on site, Ruth was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth, where it was stitched.

Judge Groarke, awarding Ruth €55,000 damages, said her scar was nasty and noticeable at a conversational distance.

He said that although he was not criticising the way the defendant had handled the case, in his view the €40,000 settlement offer did not meet the full value of the case.

Have you or someone you know been injured in an accident that was not your fault? Start your claim today with Gary Matthews Solicitors.