Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors specializes in assisting individuals who have suffered injuries in public places due to negligence. If you’ve been involved in an accident at a public event, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and other related costs.  

Understanding Public Event Accidents

Public event accidents fall under the broader category of public place accidents. These incidents can occur in various settings where the public has access, such as parks, shopping centres, public buildings, and event venues. To successfully claim compensation, several conditions must be met:

• Duty of Care: The entity responsible for the public place or event (e.g., event organizers, venue owners, local councils) must have a legal obligation to ensure the area is safe for visitors.
• Breach of Duty: There must be evidence that this duty of care was violated, such as failing to address a known hazard or implement adequate safety measures.
• Causation: It must be demonstrated that this breach directly led to the accident and your resulting injuries.
• Damages: The accident must have caused measurable damages, including physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost wages.

 

Common Types of Public Event Accidents

Public event accidents can encompass a wide range of incidents. Some common examples include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: These often occur due to hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting at event venues.
• Being Struck by Falling Objects: This could involve inadequate securing of equipment, decorations, or other items at an event.
• Injuries from Faulty Equipment: This might include defective rides at a fair, unstable seating, or malfunctioning stage equipment.
• Crowd-Related Injuries: Accidents can happen in crowded environments due to stampedes, inadequate crowd control, or structural failures.
• Food Poisoning: If food is served at a public event, claims can arise from consuming contaminated or improperly prepared food.
• Inadequate Security or Supervision: Injuries resulting from altercations or other incidents due to a lack of appropriate security personnel or supervision.

 

Steps to Take After a Public Event Accident

If you experience an accident at a public event, taking immediate action can significantly strengthen your claim:

1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check yourself and others for injuries. Call emergency services if necessary.
2. Document the Scene: Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including any hazards, your injuries, and any property damage. Note the exact time, date, and location of the accident.
3. Collect Information and Identify Witnesses: Gather contact details from any witnesses and involved parties. This includes names, phone numbers, and insurance information if applicable.
4. File a Report: Report the accident to the event organizers, venue management, or relevant authorities. Obtain a copy of the official report for your records.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a healthcare professional. Some symptoms may appear later. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments related to the accident.
6. Contact a Solicitor at Sherwin O’Riordan: It is highly recommended to speak with an experienced personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. They can guide you through the claims process, help gather evidence, and negotiate with liable parties.

 

The Claims* Process in Ireland

Personal injury claims, including those for public event accidents, are typically initiated through the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), formerly known as PIAB. Your solicitor will assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary application and evidence. The IRB will then assess your claim and propose a compensation amount, which may involve an independent medical examination. You have the option to accept or reject the IRB’s offer. If accepted, the process concludes. If rejected, or if the defendant does not consent to the IRB’s assessment, the case may proceed to court.  

 

Compensation for Public Event Accidents

The compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the extent of the defendant’s negligence. Compensation can cover:

• General Damages: For non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Special Damages: For economic losses, including past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, rehabilitation costs, and travel expenses related to treatment.

 

Statute of Limitations

In Ireland, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to initiate a personal injury claim. It is crucial to seek legal advice promptly to ensure this deadline is met, although exceptions exist for minors or cases where injuries were not immediately apparent.  

 

Why Choose Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors?

Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors offers experienced personal injury professionals dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal solutions. They aim to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, guiding you through every step of the legal process . For more information or to discuss your public event accident claim, you can contact Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors today.

Speak with a Solicitor Today – Call 01 663 2000

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