Despite the many improvements that have been made by employers in the last number of years and many new Irish and European health and safety regulations, accidents in the workplace remain commonplace.
Despite the many improvements that have been made by employers in the last number of years and many new Irish and European health and safety regulations, accidents in the workplace remain commonplace.
Although some jobs will always carry some element of risk, every employer has a duty to ensure that their workplace is kept safe, free from potential hazards, and that risks are kept to a minimum. If an employer fails in any of these responsibilities, and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Crimmins Howard, our team of dedicated *personal injuries solicitors provide a full suite of legal services to those in all professions who have suffered a workplace injury – whether you’re a construction worker or office worker. We’re here to provide practical legal advice, making sure the experience as straight forward as possible.
However, if you have been the victim of an accident at work, it’s important that you act quickly and initiate your claim as soon as possible. Generally speaking, you must initiate your claim within 2 years from the date of your accident.
Workplace assaults are more common than many realise, particularly in high-pressure or public-facing roles. If you were physically attacked by a colleague, customer, or member of the public while carrying out your duties, you may have a right to bring a claim. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable risks, including violent incidents. This applies to inadequate security, lack of protocols, or failure to act on previous warnings. We handle such claims with confidentiality and care.
Back injuries can arise from lifting, bending, poor posture or repetitive strain. Whether the injury happened suddenly or developed over time, we examine if your employer failed to provide proper training, mechanical assistance or a safe system of work. Back injuries can limit mobility, affect quality of life and result in long-term absences. Our team ensures that both the cause and the consequences are fully documented so your claim reflects the true impact.
Construction sites carry inherent risks, but that does not excuse preventable accidents. Falls from height, unguarded machinery, collapsing structures or falling objects can all lead to serious harm. Site managers and employers have strict obligations to enforce safety regulations, conduct risk assessments and provide proper PPE. If these duties were breached and you were injured as a result, we will help you pursue a claim that holds the responsible party to account.
Farms are workplaces with heavy machinery, livestock, vehicles and hazardous chemicals. Workers and visitors alike face risks from faulty equipment, unsafe buildings or poorly managed animals. Farm injuries often lead to serious, lasting harm. Whether you were injured as a worker, contractor or visitor, we assess the safety measures in place and investigate whether the accident could and should have been prevented. We understand farming communities and handle these cases with local knowledge and sensitivity.
Warehouse environments often involve manual handling, forklift use, loading bays and high racking systems. A failure in training, supervision or floor maintenance can lead to injuries such as crushes, slips, falls or strains. Employers must enforce clear safety procedures and minimise hazards in high-traffic areas. We assist workers who have been injured due to poor layout, unsafe stacking, rushed deadlines or inadequate health and safety protocols.
Forklifts must be operated with care and only by trained individuals. Accidents may involve collisions, rollovers, crush injuries or pedestrians being struck. If you were hurt by a forklift while working, loading or passing through a warehouse or construction site, we investigate whether training, supervision or maintenance failed. These incidents can cause life-changing injuries, and we work to ensure all factors are explored to secure appropriate compensation.
RSI develops gradually from repeated movements such as typing, scanning, lifting or using tools. Employers must adjust workloads, provide ergonomic equipment and rotate duties to reduce repetitive strain. If you experience ongoing pain, numbness or reduced function in your hands, arms or shoulders, you may have a claim. Early medical assessment and proper documentation are necessary. We help clients secure support before symptoms worsen or working becomes unsustainable.
A needlestick injury can expose workers to serious infection risks, including hepatitis or HIV. These injuries are most common in healthcare, cleaning and waste sectors. Employers are required to provide training, disposal systems and protective equipment to prevent such incidents. If you suffered a needlestick injury due to poor procedures or unsafe working conditions, we can help you pursue a claim that reflects both physical and emotional effects.
Lifting, pulling or carrying items at work without proper support or technique can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Employers must assess manual handling risks and provide training, trolleys or lifting aids where needed. If your injury was caused by unsafe loads, lack of help or poor instruction, we can help you bring a claim. Many such injuries are preventable, and your employer may be liable for failing to reduce that risk.
Factories are busy environments with moving machinery, hazardous materials, production lines and shift work. Injuries may arise from machinery entrapment, burns, slips or overexertion. If safety measures were inadequate, guards were removed, or equipment was poorly maintained, we can investigate liability. We handle factory claims with detailed attention to shift patterns, risk assessments and maintenance logs to ensure your case is built on solid ground.
Asbestosis is a serious respiratory condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibres. If you worked in construction, shipbuilding or similar trades where asbestos was present and developed breathing difficulties years later, you may have a claim. Even if the exposure happened decades ago, the employer—or their insurer—may still be liable. We help trace responsibility and medical evidence to support asbestosis claims with care and professionalism.
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer linked directly to asbestos exposure. Often diagnosed years after the original contact, it affects the lungs or abdomen. We represent workers and families affected by this devastating condition. If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma and had past exposure to asbestos at work, we can build a case for compensation that recognises the seriousness of the diagnosis and the loss it brings.
Crush injuries can result from machinery entrapment, vehicle accidents, or being struck by heavy loads. These incidents often occur in factories, warehouses and construction sites. Employers must ensure moving parts are guarded, workers are visible and safe systems of work are enforced. Crush injuries can cause severe trauma, amputation or long recovery times. We pursue claims that uncover failings in safety practices and secure support for long-term care needs.
Overexposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals or radiation can lead to both immediate and long-term harm. If your employer failed to provide protective gear, rotate shifts, or install proper ventilation, they may be liable for the harm caused. We handle claims involving lung damage, chemical burns, heatstroke and other conditions resulting from prolonged or intense workplace exposure to hazardous elements.
The loss of a limb is life-changing. These injuries may be caused by machinery malfunctions, crush incidents or severe trauma in high-risk workplaces. Employers must ensure workers are protected with appropriate safety systems, emergency procedures and machine guarding. We support clients in navigating complex rehabilitation, prosthetic costs, housing adaptation and the psychological toll of limb loss. Our claims are structured around the full, long-term impact.
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels in industrial, construction or manufacturing settings can lead to permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. Employers are required to monitor noise, provide ear protection and limit exposure. If these steps were ignored and you now suffer hearing damage, we can help you bring a claim. Early detection and proper audiology reports are important, and we work with specialists to support your case.
Building sites involve scaffolding, heavy machinery, ladders and trades working side by side. Without strict safety rules, the risk of falls, equipment accidents or material handling injuries rises sharply. We act for labourers, apprentices and subcontractors injured due to poor site supervision, inadequate gear or missing safety barriers. We work to determine site responsibility and ensure all contractors are properly assessed for their role.
Improper use of workplace machinery can result in lacerations, fractures, entrapment or worse. Employers must train staff, install guards and schedule regular maintenance. We help clients injured by forklifts, drills, presses or conveyor systems. We examine incident reports, staff training records and service logs to establish where safety standards fell short and how the incident could have been avoided.
Burns can occur from exposed welding arcs, hot metal, or corrosive chemicals used without proper protection. Employers must issue face shields, gloves and appropriate clothing, and provide clear handling procedures. We act for welders, laboratory staff and industrial workers hurt in avoidable burn accidents, helping them claim for medical care, pain, scarring and future work limitations.
Electric shocks and burns may result from faulty wiring, exposed connections or lack of lockout procedures. These injuries can lead to heart complications, nerve damage and lasting pain. Electrical safety is non-negotiable. We investigate whether systems were tested, staff trained and risks clearly marked. If not, the employer may be held accountable for the resulting harm.
Prison officers face a unique set of workplace hazards, from physical assault to understaffing and overexposure to stressful conditions. The State has a duty to ensure protective protocols, emergency backup and appropriate training are in place. If you were injured in the course of duty due to a breakdown in these systems, we can help you pursue a claim with discretion and determination.
Exposure to harmful substances over time can cause long-term occupational illnesses—respiratory conditions, skin disorders or cancers. We assist workers in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture and construction who have developed disease from routine chemical, dust or fume exposure. These claims require detailed medical history and expert input, and we guide clients through each step.
The prospect of taking any *personal injuries case can be a daunting one – especially when that claim is against your employer. Our experience has shown that many who have been injured in the workplace are concerned that taking any such case can result in dismissal, bullying or curtailment of promotional prospects.
We fully understand these concerns. That’s why we’ll take the time to listen to your story, provide you with practical legal advice and ensure that any concerns you have are addressed. In any event, you can rest assured that there are strict laws protecting those who do take a claim from receiving unfair workplace sanctions and that, in most cases, your claim will be dealt with directly by your employer’s insurance company – meaning you don’t have to worry about it being interpreted as personal slight by your employer.
At Crimmins Howard, we’ll take care of everything. From gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to negotiating settlements and representing your interests in court – we’ll handle every aspect of your claim. Our vast experience in dealing with the various steps in the process and our excellent relationship with other lawyers and insurance companies, will also ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Whether it’s a minor accident or a serious one, your first step should always be to seek medical assistance. We would advise that you do so as soon as possible following an accident to ensure that there are no threats to your health or wellbeing.
The next step in any workplace accidents is to report the incident to your immediate superior as soon as possible. You should provide them with details of the accident such as a statement, the date and time of the accident, where the accident occurred, what you were doing at the time and whether or not there were any witnesses. If possible, you should insist on receiving a written acknowledgement from your employer that you reported the incident.
Seeking the advice of a professional and experienced *personal injuries solicitor is in your best interests. Our experience has shown that, after an injury, victims are regularly pressured into accepting a fast and often unjust settlement. A solicitor will make sure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to
With Crimmins Howard, you can be certain that we have the knowledge, experience, and drive to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We have the expertise required to determine if your employer is likely to be found liable and advise on the level of damages you are likely to receive.
So, if you’ve been involved in an accident at work, contact Crimmins Howard for a free, no obligation consultation.
