When choosing a personal injury solicitor in Ireland, begin by defining the assistance you need and then compare solicitors using verifiable criteria. Professional status, relevant experience, communication, case-management arrangements and written costs information matter more than “best solicitor” labels or promises about results.
1. Build a shortlist from reliable sources
The Law Society of Ireland provides a Find a Solicitor facility for checking solicitors and firms. Recommendations from people you trust and independent reviews may help expand a shortlist, but they should not replace your own enquiries.
Advertising prominence does not establish that a firm is suitable for a particular matter. Check the identity of the firm and ask who would actually be responsible for the work.
2. Compare experience relevant to the matter
Personal injury practice covers different accident types and disputed issues. Consider whether the solicitor has relevant experience of the circumstances involved, such as:
- Road traffic collisions.
- Workplace accidents.
- Slip, trip and public-place accidents.
- Injuries involving children.
- Uninsured or unidentified drivers.
- Disputed liability or medical causation.
Ask how the solicitor would identify the proposed respondent, preserve evidence and address any weaknesses in the available information. No experience claim should be treated as a guarantee of success.
3. Assess the proposed scope of work
Find out what the solicitor would be responsible for and what information you must provide. The work may include reviewing evidence, obtaining records, advising on an Injuries Resolution Board application, communicating with the respondent or insurer and considering settlement or court proceedings.
Ask whether another professional might be required and whether that could create an outlay. Depending on the matter, this might include a medical practitioner, engineer, barrister or other specialist.
4. Decide whether the service arrangements suit you
A person is not generally required to choose a solicitor in the same county. Modern communication and document exchange can make distance less important, although some people prefer a nearby office or in-person meetings.
Ask:
- How documents will be exchanged securely.
- Whether discussions can take place remotely where appropriate.
- Who will provide updates.
- How quickly important communications are normally acknowledged.
- Who will act if the principal solicitor is unavailable.
5. Compare legal-costs information
Section 150 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 generally requires written costs information after instructions are received. The notice must disclose the legal costs or, where that is not yet reasonably practicable, explain how they will be calculated.
Compare the basis of professional fees, VAT, anticipated outlays, possible third-party costs and how material increases will be communicated. Legal costs in contentious business cannot be calculated as a specified percentage or proportion of an award or settlement.
Read our general explanation of legal costs in personal injury matters.
6. Prepare for the first discussion
Give each solicitor the same accurate summary so that comparisons are meaningful. Include the accident date, location, people or organisations involved, reporting information, injury and treatment.
Available photographs, witness details, correspondence, medical information and financial records may also be relevant. Our personal injury evidence guide explains how to organise this material.
Do not conceal a previous injury, accident or claim. The solicitor needs accurate information to assess causation, disclosure obligations and the evidence required.
7. Evaluate recommendations and claims critically
Recommendations and reviews can provide useful information about communication and organisation. They do not prove that a future claim will have the same result.
Treat guarantees, unexplained success percentages and predictions of a particular award with caution. The outcome and value of a personal injury claim depend on its individual facts and evidence.
National comparison checklist
- Verify the solicitor or firm through an appropriate professional source.
- Identify the experience relevant to your accident and disputed issues.
- Confirm who will manage the work.
- Ask how communication and document exchange will operate.
- Clarify the evidence required from you.
- Ask which claim process is likely to apply.
- Obtain the written section 150 costs notice.
- Clarify professional fees, VAT, outlays and potential third-party costs.
- Ask how settlement proposals and important decisions will be explained.
- Do not rely on guarantees or predictions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a personal injury solicitor need to be near me?
Not necessarily. Location is one practical factor. Relevant experience, communication, case management, secure document exchange and costs information may be equally or more important.
How can I check whether someone is a practising solicitor?
The Law Society’s Find a Solicitor facility can be used as part of checking practising status and firm details. Contact the Law Society if further regulatory confirmation is required.
Can I apply to the Injuries Resolution Board without a solicitor?
Yes. The Board confirms that a claimant may apply directly. A person may nevertheless choose to obtain advice about evidence, the correct respondent, limitation periods, an assessment or any proposed resolution.
Does the most experienced solicitor guarantee the best outcome?
No. Relevant experience may help a solicitor identify issues and manage the procedure, but no solicitor can guarantee liability, settlement or the amount of an award.
Where can I find Dublin-specific guidance?
Read our guide to choosing a personal injury solicitor in Dublin. Information about Lalloo Solicitors’ service is available on the personal injury solicitors in Dublin page.
Official information
- Law Society of Ireland — Find a Solicitor
- Law Society — directory information and limitations
- Irish Statute Book — section 150 legal-costs notice
- Injuries Resolution Board — making a claim
Reviewed by Lalloo Solicitors.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice concerning a particular matter. No solicitor-and-client relationship arises until Lalloo Solicitors confirms its appointment in writing.
