Office Injury Claims: What should I do after an accident in a Dublin workplace?

4 minute read

Dublin today has more office buildings and workspace than ever before, driven by the city’s role as a European hub for finance, technology and professional services. This growth brings economic opportunity, but it also means that more people spend large parts of their week in office environments where accidents and injuries can occur.

Injuries sustained in an office environment are more common than you might think

Modern office buildings may appear controlled and professional, but they are still workplaces subject to the same health and safety standards as any other setting. The absence of heavy machinery does not eliminate risk.

Large, modern office buildings involve multiple moving parts. High footfall, shared facilities, external contractors, cleaning staff and maintenance schedules all create potential exposure if systems are not properly implemented and monitored.

Common types of workplace accidents in Dublin’s office buildings

A number of accident types arise regularly in office settings. These incidents often result from everyday workplace activities and building management issues.

Common examples include:

• Slips and falls on wet floors, recently cleaned surfaces or in entrance areas during wet weather
• Trips caused by loose flooring, uneven surfaces or trailing cables
• Falls on stairs in multi-storey office buildings
• Injuries from defective furniture, including unstable chairs or damaged desks
• Manual handling injuries arising from lifting boxes, files or office equipment
• Repetitive strain injuries linked to prolonged keyboard or desk-based work

Some accidents occur suddenly and cause immediate injury. Others develop gradually, particularly where workstation design or safety standards are not properly managed.

In each case, the central question is whether the employer took reasonable steps to reduce or eliminate foreseeable risks.

Your employer owes you a duty of care

An employer’s duties are set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Employers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the safety, health and welfare of their employees.

This includes identifying risks, maintaining safe premises and providing suitable equipment and systems of work. If an employer fails in that duty and an employee is injured as a result, they may be legally liable.

Whether a claim succeeds will depend on whether the risk was foreseeable and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent it.

The role of the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), formerly the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), in work accidents

Most workplace accident claims must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), formerly the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. IRB is an independent body that assesses personal injury claims without the need for court proceedings.

If you wish to claim compensation for a workplace injury, your solicitor will usually prepare and submit your application to IRB. The employer or their insurer can agree to have the claim assessed by IRB, which will then make an award based on the evidence provided.

If either party rejects the award, or if IRB declines to assess the claim, you may then bring the case before the courts.

How office injury compensation is assessed in Ireland

Compensation for a workplace accident is intended to place the injured person, so far as money can do so, in the position they would have been in had the accident not occurred.

Awards are typically divided into general damages for pain and suffering, and special damages for financial losses such as loss of earnings or medical expenses.

The value of a claim will depend on the severity of the injury, the impact on work and daily life and whether there are ongoing symptoms.

Is there a work accident claims time limit?

You have a two-year window from the date of the accident to begin legal proceedings. However, there are certain circumstances that may alter the start date and we can advise you on these.

Unfortunately, some people are not aware that there are time restrictions for filing a personal injury claim, and as a result, some cases may become ineligible for compensation.

To learn more about the limitation period and the exceptions, visit: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim in Ireland?

Have you been injured at your office workplace? Speak with a personal injury solicitor

If you have been injured through no fault of your own and need advice, Contact Us to speak with a solicitor. Or, visit Accidents at Work Claims to learn more about how we can help you.

In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

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