Personal Injury Solicitors Case Study 9th July 2006 – 10th September 2008.

Peter, a newly qualified professional, was a passenger in a vehicle which was involved in an accident in July 2006.

Peter sustained personal injuries to his neck which necessitated him attending a local hospital and subsequently was admitted to the Mater Hospital in Dublin where he underwent surgery for his neck injury.

Around this time Peter was approached by the insurance company, who had called to his house, and offered a cheque which he accepted in the amount of €27,000.00. However Peter was advised by his family to contact Greg Nolan solicitor to discuss his claim and whether he should accept the money.

Following our initial consultation Peter was advised to reject the offer made by the insurance company and the cheque was returned to them. It was obvious that us that Peter would be unable to take up his new employment and that he would suffer a loss of earnings for a period of time. It was also anticipated that Peter might have difficulty in returning to work in his previous role.

A plan of action was then drafted by Greg Nolan solicitor and agreed with Peter to address all aspects of his claim to include but not limited to attending to the following matters:-

  1. Obtain Garda report on accident and issue letters of claim;
  2. Obtain General Practitioners report;
  3. Obtain Consultant Orthopaedic report(s);
  4. Consider an Engineer’s report in the event that liability for the accident was an issue;
  5. Obtain Vocational Assessor’s report to address possible employment issues and possible need for work redeployment on account of physical limitations;
  6. Consider need for Ergonomist report on any necessary changes required for work and home environment;
  7. Obtain Accountant’s Report for past loss of earnings suffered by Peter;
  8. Obtain Actuary Report for future financial loss which may be incurred by Peter;
  9. Brief experienced Junior and Senior Counsel;
  10. Issue proceedings;
  11. Comply with all other directions as directed by Counsel.

Obligatory proceedings were issued through the Injuries Board on the 10th November 2006 and ultimately High Court proceedings were issued on the 10th April 2007. The case was set down for hearing for July 2008 upon completion of matters 1-11. In the days leading up to the hearing the Defendants Insurer’s solicitors made contact with Greg Nolan solicitor and requested to meet for settlement discussions. On Wednesday afternoon the case was settled for €190,000.00 together with payment of Peter’s legal costs and other related costs and expenses.

Peter says:-

“Greg’s professionalism and thoroughness throughout my case was fantastic. From the offset he handled the case with integrity and efficiency, which was much appreciated considering the extent of my injuries. Greg’s foresight was instrumental in my decision to reject the initial offer from the insurance company. The insurance company placed me under immense pressure to accept payment from them, before I had fully realised the effect my injuries have had and will continue to have on my future. Thankfully Greg wasn’t as blasé about the long term consequences as I was at the time. He undertook my case, and proceeded it through to high court proceedings, while leaving me to recover from the serious injuries I incurred. Greg’s complete thoroughness and efficiency in his handling of my case ensured that I received the appropriate compensation while I was allowed the time needed to recover without having to worry”