Can I Bring a Claim Without a Solicitor?

The short answer is yes, but you probably shouldn't. You're entitled to bring a personal injury claim yourself: submit your own IRB application, pay the fee, and handle the paperwork. The trouble is that there are plenty of pitfalls along the way, and any one of them can sink your claim.

Reality of Doing It Yourself

The Injuries Resolution Board was set up so that ordinary people could use it without a solicitor. In practice, it isn't as simple as ticking a few boxes.

The Paperwork Burden: You are responsible for gathering medical reports from the right doctors, documenting any loss of earnings or other expenses, and ensuring every form is filled out perfectly. What might seem like simple mistakes or missed deadlines can end up costing you a lot of money.

Valuing Your Injury: How do you know if the offer you're given is fair? Without having seen how similar cases have been settled, it's hard to judge whether the figure really covers the long-term cost of your injury.

The Statute of Limitations: You generally have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim. If you miss that window because of a technicality or a delay in your paperwork, you lose the right to claim entirely.

Knowing Who to Sue: Most importantly, you need to sue the right person or company. If you get it wrong, you will be left with nothing.

The Benefits of a Solicitor

A solicitor helps by:

Taking the Stress Away: They handle the letters, the phone calls, and the filings. They know who to sue and how to deal with the IRB and the insurance companies.

Expert Assessment: They ensure any offer you receive actually reflects the maximum value of your pain and suffering.

Legal Proceedings: If the Injuries Resolution Board process doesn't resolve things — say, the other side denies liability — you'll probably end up in court. At that point, you'll want a solicitor who already knows your case inside out.

You Against the Insurer

Bear in mind that you're usually up against a large insurance company with its own legal team. Their job is to get out of the claim for as little as possible. They will never offer you full value for your injuries if they think there is a chance you will accept anything less.

If you're not sure what your claim is worth, a confidential discussion with a solicitor will usually give you a clear picture.

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This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.