Noreen Honan, a survivor of prolonged sexual abuse by her father, is urging other victims to file civil claims against their attackers. Honan’s father was sentenced to 13 years for the abuse, and she has now initiated a civil lawsuit against him. She hopes her actions inspire others to seek justice and reduce the incidence of abuse in Ireland.
A long-time SVP volunteer has been suspended after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman seeking aid. The incident occurred during a coffee meeting, leading to a Garda investigation.
Derry O’Rourke, a former Irish swim coach, has been convicted of child sexual abuse for the fourth time. The 78-year-old was found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl 35 years ago.
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If you or a member of your family have suffered a back or spinal injury, it can be devastatingly life-changing. The injury can increase healthcare costs, require new home adaptions, and possibly cause the inability to work.
Spinal injuries can be described as complete or incomplete.
Complete spinal cord injuries are rare, but they are more serious. A Complete injury results in total Paralysis below the primary level of the injury. Complete spinal cord injuries fall into four categories:
C1 – C7 Spinal Injury Head, hands, shoulder, arms, neck, and diaphragm.
T1 – T12 Spinal Injury Chest muscles, abdomen, and muscles in the back.
L1 – L5 Spinal Injury Hip, thigh, feet, and knee muscles.
S1 – S5 Spinal Injury Bladder and Bowel.
More than 60% of all spinal cord injuries are incomplete. Medical experts are trained to respond appropriately to this damage to avoid further complications. Incomplete spinal injuries are classified into three categories:
Many types of accidents can lead to spinal injuries, including:
There are several grounds on which a spinal injury claim can be made
How much compensation you receive for a spinal injury claim is dictated by two legally binding documents known as:
The “Book of Quantum” and
The recently published Personal Injuries Guidelines by the Judicial Council of Ireland. The Book of Quantum dictates how much compensation you are owed if your authorisation was received from PIAB before the 21st of April 2021. In all other cases, compensation for general damages is assessed with the Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines.
The Book of Quantum sets general guidelines for the amounts that may be awarded or assessed in spinal injury claims. The guidelines are divided into sections depending on the injury category, e.g., head injuries, neck injuries, back injuries and spinal fractures, upper limb injuries, lower limb injuries, and body and internal organs. The Book of Quantum identifies four steps to assess appropriate compensation for the suffered injury. These steps are as follows:
The Judicial Council adopted the Personal Injuries Guidelines on the 6th of March 2021. Similar to the Book of Quantum, this legal document sets out guidelines for assessing compensation regarding general damages. The general principles for this assessment centre on three criteria:
One of the most substantial differences brought about by this update is that the average level of damages awarded has been reduced. However, the new guidelines have provided more details and explanations for claimants, which is a welcomed change in making a personal injury claim.
Generally, the time limit to bring legal proceedings for a spinal injury claim is two years from the date you first become aware you were injured due to an accident/negligent act done to you. There are, however, exceptions to the application for a spinal injury claim. If someone is under 18, the two-year period does not commence until their 18th birthday. Also, in cases where a person does not know they have been injured at first and have taken all steps to determine if they are injured, the two-year period may begin once they have established that they are injured in some way.
SII is the only support and service agency for people who have sustained spinal cord injuries and their families. They provide a nationwide person-centred service to assist people in engaging fully in society following their injury.
The highly experienced team at Coleman Legal LLP will talk about your case with you and let you know whether you may have a potential spinal injury claim against another party. If you have a potential spinal injury claim, we will, on your instructions:
If you want to take legal action over a personal injury, consult our spinal injury solicitors, who are members of the Law Society’s injury accreditation scheme. Contacted us at:
84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
D01 YX60
DX 112002
Free Phone: 1800-844-104
Fax: (01) 5312727
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.colemanlegalpartners.ie
Online Enquiry Form: Apply
Head of Client Services
P: 1800-844-104
E: [email protected]
”At Coleman Legal, excellence in customer care is paramount. We aim to meet both prospective and existing client’s needs in a professional, engaging, and friendly manner with a clear objective to give quality legal advice and reach a positive outcome.”
