Is there a time limit for bringing a claim?
Unless you are under 18 you normally have to commence Court proceedings within 3 years of the accident, or the act of negligence.
In certain limited claims that time limit can be extended.
If you are under 18 when the accident occurred, then you have 3 years from your 18th Birthday. In any event even if a longer time limit applies it is always best to take advice as soon after the accident as possible when as much of the evidence is available, and memories are fresh.
If you fail to issue proceedings within 3 years of your accident you may be unable to pursue that claim at all. The Court does have a discretion in certain cases to allow you to proceed with your claim out of time but you must not assume that permission will be given in your case. There are some exceptions which include:-
- If the accident occurs abroad you may have less than 3 years
- If you are making a claim to The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
