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A head or brain injury often leaves individuals and their loved ones overwhelmed by physical pain, emotional strain, and financial concerns. Good & Murray Smith LLP has specialised in litigation since 1895, and we devote our deep experience and determination to securing justice for those who have suffered such profound harm. If a mild concussion or an acquired brain injury has upended your daily life, our solicitors will advocate for you to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are asserted.
An acquired brain injury is one that occurs after birth. It’s unrelated to genetics or any disease present at birth. Frequently, it arises from traumatic events such as road traffic accidents, slips or falls, blunt-force trauma, and, regrettably, instances of abuse. The consequences are distressing and may include cognitive deficits, changes in personality, memory problems, and speech or language impairments.
Traumatic brain injuries occur when an external force, such as a blow to the head or a violent collision, causes the brain to move or twist within the skull. This sudden motion results in damage to brain tissues and nerve connections. TBIs are classified by severity:
This category may involve loss of consciousness, profound confusion, emotional and behavioural changes, brain bleeding, or fluid leaks. Physical symptoms can include paralysis, speech issues, or respiratory complications. In the worst scenarios, it can lead to death.
While the symptoms are sometimes less immediately visible than those of severe TBI, they can still be marked by dizziness, persistent headaches, memory lapses, and bouts of nausea. Some victims lose consciousness for a measurable period.
Although termed “mild,” these injuries must not be underestimated. Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, concentration difficulties, and fatigue can significantly impede daily life if left unmanaged. Concussions often fall within this category, but the resulting effects, especially post-concussion syndrome, are terrible if symptoms endure.
Head injuries do not always manifest obvious signs immediately. Some individuals continue normal activities only to realise later they have sustained significant trauma. Symptoms can include:
Timely medical attention is crucial. If you suspect a head injury, seek immediate care and maintain thorough records of all treatments and diagnoses.
A head or brain injury is harrowing and may impact every facet of your life. In addition to physical challenges such as chronic headaches, confusion, or reduced mobility, many face issues like:
Our team at Good & Murray Smith approaches these claims with compassion. We understand the toll these injuries take not only on individuals but also on families who might need to step in as “Next Friends” when the injured person cannot advocate for themselves.
Under the Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines, head and brain injury claims are evaluated by several factors, including severity, long-term outlook, and impact on lifestyle or earning capacity. Although every case is unique, guidance for some categories includes:
The person may be in a vegetative state, requiring full-time care. Awards can reach up to €550,000.
Claimant is conscious but has significant intellectual or personality impairment and needs consistent care. Potential awards lie between €300,000 and €400,000.
Compensation may range from €25,000 to €350,000, reflecting symptoms such as moderate or serious cognitive deficits, partial independence, or risk of epilepsy.
If brain damage is minimal with recovery within months or a couple of years, compensation figures can range from a few thousand euros to more substantial amounts, based on any ongoing effects.
These guidelines only serve as broad indicators. Experienced legal advice is indispensable to ensure you seek an award reflecting your medical bills, lost income, future therapies, and the toll on your quality of life.
If you’ve sustained any blow to the head, keep copies of all hospital records, test results, GP notes, radiology reports, and rehabilitation assessments.
Head injury claims involve complex medical and legal layers. Our firm collaborates with medical experts, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your condition and how it affects your daily life.
Irish law generally requires you to inform the responsible party (the “respondent”) within one month of the incident.
Except in some medical negligence cases, a personal injury claim must usually be lodged first with the Personal Injuries Resolution Board (often referred to as PIAB). We handle the application, collate your medical proofs, and review the Board’s assessment.
If liability is disputed or the Injuries Board’s determination is insufficient, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
In most situations, you have two years from the date of your head injury, or from when you realised you were injured, to bring a claim in Ireland. For individuals under 18, or cases where the injured party cannot manage their own affairs, unique rules may apply. Our solicitors will clarify all timing considerations so your claim remains valid.
Facing a head or brain injury is overwhelming, not just for the injured individual but also for loved ones. Well-established organisations such as Headway and Acquired Brain Injury Ireland can provide invaluable assistance with rehabilitation, community integration, and coping strategies.
You typically show proof of a head injury through medical evidence that demonstrates the type and extent of the trauma. This may include scans like CTs or MRIs, brain mapping images or diagrams, and records of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring if swelling was involved.
Yes. If your head injury was due to someone else’s negligence, you can usually make a claim for compensation. Even if you think you bear some responsibility for the accident, you may still be able to claim, though the compensation could be adjusted based on your share of fault.
There’s no fixed figure, as the compensation you receive depends on factors like how serious the injury is, how it affects your ability to work, and the costs of medical treatment. Consulting a solicitor can help you get an accurate idea of the payout range for your particular situation.
Yes, delayed symptoms are common in head and brain injuries. You can still claim compensation if medical evidence supports that your symptoms are linked to the original accident. A solicitor will help gather the necessary documentation to strengthen your case.
Seek a second opinion from a medical specialist. Misdiagnosed or untreated head injuries can worsen over time. A solicitor can assist you in pursuing a claim if negligence in your diagnosis or treatment caused further harm.
Yes, children injured due to negligence in schools, playgrounds, or sports settings can bring claims. Since minors cannot file claims themselves, a parent or guardian acts as their “Next Friend” to initiate the legal process.
If a faulty helmet or safety gear contributed to your injury, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or retailer. It’s essential to preserve the defective item as evidence and consult a solicitor experienced in such cases.
Yes, rehabilitation expenses, including physiotherapy, cognitive therapy, and psychological support, can be included in your claim. Your solicitor will ensure that both current and future rehabilitation costs are accounted for when seeking compensation.
If an individual is unable to manage their legal affairs due to a head or brain injury, a family member or trusted person can act as their legal representative. This ensures the claim proceeds without delay while protecting the injured person’s rights.
Yes, contributory negligence does not bar you from claiming compensation. However, the final award may be reduced based on your share of fault. A solicitor can advise on how this might affect your claim.
Over a century of litigation excellence has given our firm the insight and resilience necessary to champion complex, high-stakes cases.
We approach every head or brain injury claim with deep understanding—recognising the emotional toll of injuries that alter personality, independence, or cognitive function.
Our solicitors meticulously evaluate your medical records and personal circumstances, assembling a case strategy that seeks fair and meaningful compensation for both immediate and future needs.
We believe in consistent communication and operate with integrity at all stages of your claim, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to make well-informed decisions.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic head or brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to reach out. For a confidential conversation, contact our dedicated team today. We will stand with you to ensure your voice is heard and your losses are addressed in full.
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If you’ve been injured and believe you may have a claim, don’t wait. Good & Murray Smith LLP is here to help. Contact us to arrange a consultation to review your case and guide you through the next steps.
