Useful information

• Personal Injury Claim
• Road Accident Claim
• Serious Injury Claim
• Medical Negligence Claim
• Birth Injury Claim
• PIAB Application Guide
• Statute of Limitation
• No Win No Fee Guide

Arm Injury & Amputation claim

Suffering an arm injury or the traumatic amputation of an arm can profoundly impact an individual’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. In Ireland, personal injury claims arising from arm injuries and amputations adhere to the guidelines established in the Personal Injuries Guidelines, providing a structured framework for determining compensation.

Considerations affecting compensation

Source: The Personal Injuries Guidelines

• Age: The victim’s age is crucial, acknowledging that the impact of such injuries can vary based on life stage.
• Pain intensity: The ongoing intensity of pain is assessed, recognising its debilitating effect on the victim’s quality of life.
• Level of amputation: The level of required amputation is considered, acknowledging its profound impact on functionality and independence.
• Dominant arm: Whether the amputation affects the dominant arm is factored in, recognising the added challenges this poses.
• Prosthetics potential: The potential for prosthetics to restore function is considered, reflecting the extent to which quality of life can be improved.
• Treatment requirements: The nature, extent, and duration of treatment, including surgeries, physiotherapy, and medication, play a role in determining compensation.
• Cosmetic impact: The guidelines acknowledge the psychological impact of cosmetic changes, recognising the importance of self-image.
• Impact on work: Compensation accounts for the effect of the injury on the individual’s ability to work and earn a living.
• Quality of life and leisure activities: The interference with everyday life and leisure activities is considered, emphasising the holistic impact.
• Independence and self-care: The injury’s impact on the victim’s ability to care for themselves and maintain independence is acknowledged.
• Psychological effects: Psychological effects, including depression stemming from the injury, are recognised as part of the compensation assessment.

Compensation amount

Source: The Personal Injuries Guidelines

The personal injuries guidelines in Ireland provide a comprehensive framework for determining compensation levels for amputation and other severe arm injuries. A multitude of factors are taken into consideration, each contributing to the final compensation awarded. The guidelines recognise that the impact of such injuries extends beyond the physical, encompassing various aspects of an individual’s life.

Amputation of arm

1. Loss of both arms (€300,000-€475,000)

2. Loss of one arm

• Amputation at shoulder (€140,000-€230,000)
• Above elbow amputation (€120,000-€175,000)
• Below elbow amputation (€100,000-€150,000)

Other severe arm injuries

1. Injuries with limited arm use (€100,000-€150,000)

2. Injuries with permanent substantial disablement (€50,000-€100,000)

• Serious forearm fractures with residual disability

3. Moderate arm injuries (€20,000-€50,000)

• Significant disabilities with recovery

4. Minor arm injuries (€5,000-€20,000)

• Straightforward fractures without long-term effects
• Cases with delayed recovery and significant treatment – Upper end of bracket

The personal injury guidelines in Ireland encompass a range of factors to ensure that compensation for amputation and severe arm injuries is just and reflective of the multifaceted impact on an individual’s life. By addressing physical, psychological, and practical implications, these guidelines provide a structured approach to delivering fair compensation for the challenges faced by victims of such injuries.

Claim process

1. Seek assistance from arm injury claim solicitor

Our team of experienced arm injury solicitors is available to guide clients through the process of making a hand injury claim. Utilising a solicitor can simplify the paperwork and filing required for this process.

2. Apply to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB)

The next step is to make an application to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). If your personal injury claim concerns anything other than medical negligence, some assaults, and some cases of entirely psychological injury, then your claim can be brought through PIAB. Examples of claims that PIAB covers include:

• Workplace injury
• Road traffic accidents
• Catastrophic injury
• Accidents in public places

3. Provide necessary information and documents

Your solicitor will gather evidence, medical reports, and other expert reports, and submit them to PIAB for assessment.

4. Obtain consent for claim assessment

Once the application is made, PIAB will notify the defendant(s) and they must indicate within 90 days if they consent to the assessment of the claim. If consent is given, PIAB will proceed with the assessment. If denied, PIAB will grant authorisation for court proceedings.

5. Claim assessment

The assessment process usually takes about 9 months. If both parties accept PIAB’s assessment, an order to pay will be issued and must be discharged by the defendant(s) within 10 days. If rejected, an authorisation for court proceedings will be granted.

Statute of Limitations

You have two years from the date of the accident within which to issue proceedings. If you are under 18, a separate set of rules apply, and we would recommend you contact our solicitors to discuss these. To learn more about the statute of limitation for a wrist injury claim, click here.

Our team

At Coleman Legal LLP, we understand our client’s circumstances. We understand that because you are reading this part of our website, you have likely been involved in an accident and perhaps have been injured. It’s at times like this that you need the support of an experienced firm that can assist you with the practical issues that now confront you as a result of the fault of another.

For example, you may need to understand your Social Welfare entitlements should you be out of work.  Also, it’s important for you to know that your legal advisers will obtain all of the important Reports that may be required to ensure that you get the best outcome in your case.

We provide a national service and can meet you locally to ensure that you have a voice and access to the best advice and resources that may be needed in your particular case. Our service is about you, the client and we speak plain English with no unnecessary legal jargon. Our teams have dealt with thousands of claims over many years and pride ourselves in our respectful and concerned approach to al of our clients.

Coleman Legal LLP

Solicitors
84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
D01 YX60

Contact Details

Free Phone: (1800)844104
Fax: (01) 5312727
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.colemanlegalpartners.ie
Online Enquiry Form: Apply