subject: Reasons For Appointing A Solicitor For An Injury Claim [print this page] If you have sustained injuries in an accident at the workplace or suffered from a prolonged illness due to hazardous work conditions, you may apply for compensation to the Injuries Board Ireland. The task of the Board is to assess the damages you suffer and order your employer to pay the right amount of compensation to you.
The Injuries Board does not hear cases; it is an independent statutory body that aims to resolve personal injury claims, with a document-based assessment process, before they reach the Court. The goal is to save time and money wasted on litigation proceedings. In case of legal disputes associated with the matter, the Injuries Board does not take up the task of assessment.
You may handle the task of applying to the Injuries Board on your own or you may appoint a legal professional for this task. It is not mandatory to appoint a solicitor. However, it is a better idea to seek professional help. You would need the advice and guidance of the solicitor if you need to make the claim to the Court. Here are the reasons that make appointing a solicitor a good idea.
Without legal knowledge and expertise it may not be possible for you to understand whether applying to the Injuries Board is the right thing to do. The Injuries Board only handles the assessment of those injury claims that do not involve any legal disputes regarding liability. A solicitor would be able to determine whether any such issues are involved in your case.
Without legal knowledge and expertise it may not be possible for you to complete and submit the paperwork necessary for the assessment. You need to complete the application form, Form A; you need to get the medical assessment form, Form B, to be filled in by your treating physician. Any mistake or omission in this may result in a delay or the dismissal of the assessment.
Without legal knowledge and expertise it may not be possible for you to understand whether the assessment of damages is adequate. At times, the assessment of damages completed by the Injuries Board may not be adequate for compensating your injuries. Only a solicitor is capable of understanding whether the assessment is adequate for you and able to advise you whether to accept or reject it.
It is, therefore, a good idea to consult a solicitor before you apply to the Injuries Board. This would ensure that you take the right steps at the right time, complete and submit the appropriate paperwork and go through the entire assessment process without any hindrance. Choosing a qualified and experienced solicitor specialising in claims involving an injury at work is essential for this.
The question is where do you look for such a solicitor? Ask your family and friends if they can recommend a solicitor they have worked with. You may also utilise online resources to find a solicitor. Before you appoint him/her as your legal representative, get an initial consultation to determine whether he/she would be suitable for the task.
