If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. However, Irish law imposes strict time limits on when a claim can be made. These legal time limits are known as the Statute of Limitations Ireland, and understanding them is crucial to protecting your rights.

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

The Statute of Limitations refers to the period during which a person can legally bring a personal injury claim. Under the Statute of Limitations Act 1957, you generally have two years less one day from the date of knowledge to start your claim.

What Is the Date of Knowledge?

The “date of knowledge” is the day when the injured person becomes aware that:

  • They have suffered an injury.
  • The injury is significant.
  • The injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
  • They know who is responsible.

In many cases, this date is the same as the accident date. However, in cases where injuries develop over time (such as certain illnesses), the date of knowledge might be much later.

Why Are Time Limits Imposed?

Time limits serve to:

  • Help gather reliable evidence while it’s still fresh.
  • Provide certainty for both the claimant and the defendant, avoiding indefinite legal exposure.

Delays in pursuing a claim could result in dismissal by the court if deemed unreasonable.

Time Limits for Children

For personal injury claims involving children (under 18), the two-year period does not begin until the child’s 18th birthday. A parent or guardian may act on the child’s behalf before then as a “next friend.”

It’s often advisable to pursue the claim early to preserve evidence and strengthen the case.

Steps to Calculate the Statute of Limitations Ireland

To ensure your claim is made on time, it’s essential to contact a solicitor as soon as possible. Your solicitor will:

  1. Establish the date of the accident or date of knowledge.
  2. Determine when your time limit expires.
  3. File a Form A with the Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB) for assessment.
  4. Track the acknowledgment date from the Injuries Board.

If the case doesn’t settle through the Injuries Board, your solicitor has six months from the date of authorisation to issue court proceedings.

Medical Negligence Claims: Different Rules Apply

Medical negligence claims are not assessed by the Injuries Board. In these cases, court proceedings must be issued within the two-year time limit. The time limit only stops when proceedings are issued—not when reports are being prepared.

Because medical negligence cases require detailed reports and expert assessments, you should seek advice from a solicitor as early as possible.

Exceptions to the Two-Year Time Limit

There are some exceptions to the general rule:

  • The injured person is mentally impaired due to the injury.
  • The injury is so serious that the person is unable to act.
  • Delayed or incorrect diagnosis—where the clock starts from the correct diagnosis date.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Claim – Talk to Us Today – Make an ENQUIRY NOW

Time is not on your side when it comes to personal injury claims. Whether you’ve been hurt in a road accident, a workplace incident, or through medical negligence, missing the legal deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely.

At Neil Manley Solicitors, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from understanding your time limits to building a strong case. The sooner you get in touch, the stronger your chances of success.

📞 Call us today or 📩 book your consultation online to find out exactly where you stand.

Your injury wasn’t your fault—don’t let time rob you of justice.