Best Brain Injury Lawyers in Longford

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Longford, Ireland

Founded in 1988
English
Fergus A Feeney Solicitors is a Longford based law firm established in 1988 by Fergus A Feeney. Based at the Legal Centre on Ballinalee Road, the practice delivers practical and results oriented legal services across civil, commercial and personal matters. The firm is known for its plain speaking,...
AS SEEN ON

About Brain Injury Law in Longford, Ireland

Brain injury claims in Ireland are treated as serious personal injury cases with both medical and legal dimensions. In Longford, as in the rest of the country, you may pursue compensation for loss of quality of life, medical costs, and ongoing care needs stemming from a brain injury. Most non fatal brain injury claims involve a potential choice between a PIAB assessment and a traditional court action, depending on the case specifics.

Legal professionals in Longford help you navigate complex medical evidence, insurance policy language, and court procedures. A solicitor or attorney will translate medical records into a damages claim, plan a strategy for settlement or litigation, and ensure you meet all statutory requirements. The local courts and the Injuries Board process work together to determine liability and the value of damages in many cases.

Constituents of Longford dealing with brain injuries should understand how the Irish civil justice system interfaces with health care providers, rehabilitation services, and social supports. A qualified solicitor can coordinate with neuro-psychologists, clinical teams, and rehabilitation specialists to build a comprehensive damages case. For families, the legal process also intersects with carers, social welfare, and long term financial planning.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • You sustain a brain injury in a road traffic crash in Longford and insurers issue a low initial settlement offer. A lawyer can assess whether the offer reflects future care costs, rehabilitation needs, and cognitive impairments. They can negotiate to ensure long term expenses are covered.

  • Your injury is severe and requires ongoing medical treatment and 24/7 care. A solicitor can value future care costs and arrange expert reports to support the damages claim. This often involves neuropsychologists and rehabilitation specialists.

Local Laws Overview

Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 - This Act established the Injuries Board (PIAB) to assess most personal injury claims, including brain injuries, before pursuing court action in many cases. It commenced in 2004 and governs the initial stage of many injury claims in Ireland.

Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 - This legislation reformed civil procedures for personal injury claims and influences how damages are pursued and settled in the courts. It shapes the filing process, costs, and procedural steps for brain injury cases that proceed to court.

Judicial Council Act 2019 - This Act created a framework for issuing general damages guidelines for personal injuries. The Judicial Council began publishing these guidelines in 2022-2023 to promote consistency across jurisdictions including Longford.

Statute of Limitations - Irish law generally requires personal injury claims to be brought within two years of the date of injury or from when the injury first becomes known. There are exceptions for minors and for several types of special circumstances.

For official texts and further details, see Irish legislation and government portals. You can access the legal texts at legislation.gov.ie and official government guidance at gov.ie. For court procedures and venues in Longford, see courts.ie.

Official texts of Irish law, including Acts governing personal injury and the Injuries Board, are published on legislation.gov.ie.
The gov.ie portal provides authoritative information on public services, including civil liability and personal injury guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is brain injury and how is it treated legally in Longford?

A brain injury is any injury to the brain that can affect thinking, memory, movement or personality. Legally, it is treated as a personal injury claim for compensation, including medical costs, care, and loss of earnings. Most cases involve medical reports and expert opinions to establish liability and damages.

How do I start a brain injury claim in Longford?

Begin by consulting a solicitor who specializes in brain injury. They will assess liability, gather medical records, and determine whether PIAB is appropriate or if the case should proceed directly to court. A lawyer can prepare inputs for PIAB or file in the Circuit Court, depending on the case value.

When should I hire a brain injury lawyer after an accident in Longford?

Contact a solicitor as soon as possible after the injury, especially if there are ongoing medical needs or disputed liability. Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and ensures timely action within limitation periods. Delays can affect the strength of your claim.

Where do I file a brain injury claim in Longford?

Civil claims are typically filed in the appropriate local court (Circuit Court or High Court, depending on the damages). If using PIAB, the initial assessment is completed before any court action in many cases. Your solicitor will guide you to the correct venue.

Why might PIAB be unsuitable for my brain injury case?

PIAB is suitable for many standard injuries, but it may not cover complex or high value losses, future care costs, or non economic damages. Your solicitor can advise whether direct court action is more appropriate for your situation.

Can I claim future care costs for a brain injury?

Yes. Future care costs are a key element in brain injury claims. A solicitor will gather expert reports to quantify ongoing needs, such as specialist care, rehabilitation, and equipment. These figures influence both settlement offers and court awards.

Should I settle through PIAB or go to court for a brain injury?

Settlement through PIAB can be faster and less costly, but it may not capture all future costs or non economic damages. Court action may be necessary for complex issues or disputed liability. Your lawyer will help you weigh risks and benefits.

Do I need medical evidence from a specialist for a brain injury claim?

Yes. You will usually need reports from neurologists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation specialists. A lawyer can coordinate these reports and ensure they address both present and future needs for damages assessment.

Is there a time limit to bring a brain injury claim in Longford?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury or discovery of the injury. There are exceptions for minors and certain circumstances. Your solicitor can assess your specific timeline and any extensions.

How much compensation might I receive for a brain injury in Ireland?

Damages depend on disability severity, ongoing care needs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Damages are calculated using medical evidence, evidence of care costs, and guidelines set by the Judicial Council. A solicitor provides a tailored estimate.

What is the difference between a solicitor and a barrister in these cases?

A solicitor handles case management, document preparation, and direct client communication. A barrister represents you in court or in complex negotiations when advocacy is required. Most brain injury cases involve both professionals at different stages.

Do I need to pay upfront for a brain injury lawyer in Longford?

Many brain injury solicitors offer a conditional fee arrangement or no win, no fee options, depending on the firm’s policy. Discuss costs, retainers, and possible success fees during the initial consultation.

Additional Resources

  • Legislation and official texts: Legislation.gov.ie provides access to Irish Acts and statutory instruments relevant to personal injury and PIAB matters. This is useful for understanding the exact wording and commencement dates of acts that govern brain injury cases.

  • Official government guidance: Gov.ie centralizes public information on civil liability, personal injury processes, and related public services. It is a reliable starting point for basic procedural questions.

  • Court procedures and venues: Courts.ie offers information on court locations, procedures, and how to progress a civil claim in Ireland. Useful for planning steps if your case proceeds to trial.

Next Steps

  1. Gather key documents immediately after the incident: accident report, medical records, imaging results, rehabilitation notes, and any correspondence with insurers.
  2. Make a list of names and contact details for doctors, therapists, and witnesses who can support your claim in Longford.
  3. Search for a brain injury solicitor in Longford with documented experience in motor negligence, medical negligence, or accident injury claims.
  4. Book a consultation to discuss liability, timing, and the options between PIAB and direct court action.
  5. Ask about costs, fee structures, and potential funding options such as no win, no fee arrangements or fixed fees for certain stages.
  6. Choose to proceed with PIAB or file a court action, depending on your case specifics and your lawyer’s advice.
  7. Prepare for the process by arranging medical experts, obtaining medical records, and confirming your capacity to pursue ongoing rehabilitation and care.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Longford through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Brain Injury, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Longford, Ireland — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.