Dear Claudine,

I was involved in an accident in work in April 2013. I hurt my left arm and shoulder. My employers gave me time off work to attend medical appointments and they paid all my medical expenses. At the time I did not want to take a claim against them. I believed that I had not suffered a serious injury and that I had made a full recovery. I have been experiencing pains in my left shoulder for the last two months and my GP referred me to a Consultant. The Consultant told me that the injury to my shoulder is significant and I will require an operation. He also told me that there is no guarantee that I will make a full recovery. I work in a factory and my job is very physical. I would like your advice as to how I may proceed.

Can you please advise me.

Thanks

Declan

Dear Declan,

Thank you very much for your email. A person who suffers a personal injury has only two years from the date of the accident to pursue a claim for compensation under the Statute of Limitations Act, 1957 as amended by the Civil Liability and Court Act, 2004. It is very important that you now instruct a solicitor as the two year time limit is fast approaching. You should have your claim submitted to The Injuries Board as soon as possible to stop the time in respect of the Statute of Limitations. Once your claim is deemed as accepted by the Injuries Board pursuant to Section 50 of the Personal Injuries Board Assessment Act, 2003 the statutory time limit is stopped and does not begin to run again unless and until six months after an Authorisation has been issued by the Injuries Board. It is very important that you now instruct a solicitor to advise you further.

I hope that the above is helpful to you.

Claudine