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

Neck Injury Claim in Ireland

Overview and compensation guidelines

Neck injuries can vary widely in terms of severity and impact on the victim’s life. The following is an overview of different levels of neck injuries and their potential compensation ranges, as outlined in the provided guidelines:

Compensation amount

Source: Personal Injuries Guidelines

1. Most severe neck injuries

(i) Neck injuries associated with incomplete paraplegia, resulting in permanent spastic quadriparesis, or where severe limitations in neck movement persist even after prolonged use of a neck collar. Intractable severe headaches may also be present. Compensation Range: €150,000-€300,000

(ii) Injuries involving serious fractures or damage to discs in the cervical spine, resulting in significant disabilities. This may also include permanent damage to the brachial plexus or substantial loss of movement in the neck combined with loss of function in one or more limbs. Compensation Range: €100,000-€150,000

2. Severe and serious neck injuries

(i) Injuries causing very severe symptoms from fractures, dislocations requiring spinal fusion, or severe damage to soft tissues and/or ruptured tendons leading to chronic conditions and significant permanent disability. Compensation Range: €70,000-€100,000

(ii) Injuries involving less serious fractures and dislocations but causing severe permanent or recurring symptoms and pain. Compensation Range: €50,000-€70,000

(iii) Cases involving soft tissue or wrenching-type injury and disc lesion of the more severe type, resulting in cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent or recurring pain, stiffness, discomfort, and possible need for further surgery. Compensation Range: €35,000-€50,000

3. Moderate neck injuries

Injuries that may have accelerated or exacerbated a pre-existing condition over a shorter period of time, usually less than five years. This category also covers moderate soft tissue injuries with a protracted recovery period and increased vulnerability to further trauma or minimal permanent symptoms. Compensation Range: €12,000-€23,000

4. Minor neck injuries

(i) Injuries with substantial recovery within one to two years, including short-term acceleration or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions. Compensation Range: €6,000-€12,000

(ii) Substantial recovery within six months to one year or short-term acceleration or exacerbation of pre-existing injuries, usually less than one year. Compensation Range: €3,000-€6,000

(iii) Substantial recovery within six months. Compensation Range: €500-€3,000

Causes of neck injury claims

Neck injury claims can arise from various circumstances, including:

1. Car Accidents: Whiplash injuries resulting from rear-end collisions are common causes of neck injuries.
2. Slips and Falls: Falls that result in sudden jerking movements of the neck can lead to various neck injuries.
3. Sports Injuries: High-impact sports or accidents during sports activities can cause neck injuries.
4. Workplace Accidents: Neck injuries can occur in occupations that involve heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or sudden impacts.
5. Assaults: Physical assaults or altercations can lead to neck injuries.
6. Medical Negligence: Improper medical procedures or treatments can result in neck injuries.

Remember, the compensation amounts provided in the guidelines are approximate ranges and can vary based on the specific details of each case.

Claim process

1. Seek assistance from our neck injury solicitor

Our team of experienced neck injury solicitors is available to guide clients through the process of making a neck 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 neck 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