Anxiety Claims
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety after an accident or traumatic event, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone either. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand how overwhelming things can feel when your peace of mind has been shaken. For over 20 years, we’ve been helping people right here in Tallaght and throughout Dublin get the support and compensation they deserve.
We’re a local firm, not a distant office or a faceless service. When you come to us, you’ll speak directly with an experienced solicitor who takes the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and guide you step by step. We work with you—not around you—ensuring you’re never left in the dark.
Our team has handled all types of personal injury claims, including those involving anxiety, stress, and emotional trauma. We know these cases need care, not just paperwork. That’s why we take a hands-on approach—always personal, always professional, and always on your side. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen and act.
Understanding Anxiety as a Psychological Injury
After an accident or traumatic incident, the emotional toll can sometimes run deeper than physical wounds. Anxiety is one of the most common psychological injuries people experience after a stressful event—and unlike a broken bone, its effects are often hidden from view. You may find yourself unable to concentrate, struggling to sleep, avoiding places or situations, or constantly feeling on edge. For some, these symptoms pass in time. But for others, they become part of daily life, interfering with work, relationships, and basic routines.
In Irish personal injury law, psychological injuries like anxiety are treated with the same seriousness as physical ones—provided they’re clearly linked to a triggering event and supported by medical evidence. You don’t have to have suffered broken bones or visible trauma to deserve support. If you’ve experienced anxiety after an incident that wasn’t your fault, and that anxiety has affected your quality of life, you may be entitled to make a claim.
This isn’t about exaggeration—it’s about recognising real suffering. Many people delay seeking help for psychological injuries, feeling they should just “get over it.” But if your mental health has taken a hit, it’s okay to say so—and to ask for help.
When Can You Claim for Anxiety?
Not every upsetting event gives rise to a legal claim—but many do. If you’ve developed anxiety as a result of something that happened to you or that you witnessed, and someone else was at fault, then you may have grounds to bring a case. This includes incidents where you were physically harmed, emotionally shaken, or placed in a situation that left lasting psychological scars.
Some common scenarios include being involved in a car accident, whether as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Even if you weren’t physically injured, the experience itself can cause serious anxiety—especially if you now feel fearful of driving or even being near roads. Similarly, if you were assaulted or threatened, whether in a public place or in your workplace, the emotional aftermath can be profound. You may feel unsafe, develop panic attacks, or avoid going back to the scene altogether.
People also suffer anxiety after slips or falls in public places, especially if the incident was sudden and embarrassing. And in some cases, anxiety arises from witnessing something traumatic—such as seeing someone else seriously injured. Every situation is unique, but the key factor is whether your anxiety can be linked to a particular event that could have been avoided.
The Impact of Anxiety on Daily Life
Anxiety isn’t just nervousness or worry—it can take over your life. Many people dealing with anxiety after an incident find that simple everyday tasks become overwhelming. Going to the shops, commuting, attending social events, or returning to work may suddenly feel impossible. You might find yourself cancelling plans, losing interest in hobbies, or feeling disconnected from family and friends.
For others, anxiety shows up at night—interfering with sleep and leaving them exhausted and irritable during the day. In some cases, it may lead to physical symptoms like chest tightness, nausea, or headaches. Over time, the pressure to “keep going” while struggling inside can lead to burnout, depression, or breakdown.
This isn’t just hard emotionally—it’s hard practically. Some people need time off work or even long-term leave. Others may need to change careers or adjust their routines to manage the condition. Medication, counselling, and ongoing therapy may become part of your life, along with the associated costs. When anxiety stems from an incident caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s only fair that you should be supported in managing those consequences.
What You’ll Need to Support an Anxiety Claim
Making a claim for anxiety isn’t just about telling your story—it’s about backing it up with the right evidence. One of the most important steps is having your symptoms properly documented. This usually starts with your GP, who may refer you to a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. A formal diagnosis from a mental health professional can carry significant weight in a legal claim. Whether it’s generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, or a related condition, it’s important that the diagnosis is recorded and clearly connected to the incident.
You’ll also want to keep a record of the treatment you’ve received. This might include prescriptions for medication, notes from counselling sessions, or referrals to HSE mental health services. If you’ve paid out-of-pocket for therapy or private care, those receipts and invoices can be included in your claim.
Beyond medical reports, your own voice matters too. Keeping a written account—a simple diary, for instance—can help to show how anxiety has affected your routine. You might jot down when you’ve had panic attacks, sleepless nights, or days where you’ve avoided leaving the house. It can also help to note how the condition has affected your ability to work, study, or care for others.
If your anxiety has been noticed by family, colleagues, or friends, their observations can also support your case. A short statement describing what they’ve seen—changes in your behaviour, mood, or capabilities—can help illustrate how the condition has disrupted your daily life.
Putting all this together can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At John O’Leary Solicitors, we help clients gather the right evidence from the start, making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Psychological Claims vs Physical Injury Claims – What’s Different?
Psychological injuries like anxiety are every bit as serious as physical ones—but they’re not always treated the same. That’s because anxiety can’t be seen on an X-ray, and it doesn’t leave visible scars. For that reason, insurance companies and defendants may be more inclined to question or challenge these claims.
This is why documentation is so important. Unlike a broken arm, which can be measured in scans and plaster casts, anxiety must be shown through professional reports and consistent accounts. The law does recognise emotional trauma as a legitimate injury, but it often takes more time and care to build the right evidence. Reports from a GP or psychologist, a personal diary, and even supporting letters from people close to you can all play a role in showing the full impact of what you’ve been through.
Another difference lies in how recovery is viewed. With physical injuries, there’s often a predictable healing time. But anxiety doesn’t follow a fixed path. Some people see gradual improvement; others face setbacks and relapses. It’s not unusual for psychological symptoms to persist for months or even years, especially if they’re untreated.
Because of this, anxiety claims may involve longer timelines and more careful planning. We take this into account from the start, so your case reflects not just how you’re feeling today, but how this experience could continue affecting your life going forward.
Common Worries About Claiming for Anxiety
Many people hesitate before starting a claim for anxiety. One of the most common doubts is whether their condition is “serious enough.” The truth is, you don’t need a dramatic diagnosis to deserve support. If your life has been noticeably affected—if you’ve had trouble sleeping, missed work, avoided places, or felt persistently on edge—then it’s worth exploring your options.
Others worry about having to relive what happened. That’s completely understandable. Talking about traumatic events can be difficult, and no one wants to feel exposed or overwhelmed. When you work with our team, we make the process as gentle and steady as possible. You set the pace, and we explain everything clearly. You’re never pushed to go further than you’re ready for.
A third concern is whether the process itself will make your anxiety worse. That’s why our approach is grounded in personal support. You’ll work directly with a solicitor who listens, checks in, and keeps things manageable—no surprises, no confusing jargon.
You don’t need to have all the answers today. Just knowing that there’s someone here to listen—and to act when you’re ready—can make all the difference.
Local Examples of Anxiety Claims (Anonymised Scenarios)
Anxiety claims can feel hard to imagine until you see how they play out in real life. Below are two anonymised examples based on cases similar to those we’ve helped with in Tallaght and surrounding areas.
A local woman slipped on a wet floor in a supermarket where no warning signs had been placed. While her physical injuries were minor, she developed ongoing anxiety about going into shops or crowded places. She began avoiding essential errands and relied on others for basic tasks. With medical documentation from her GP and therapist, we helped her secure compensation that covered therapy costs and the impact on her daily life.
In another case, a man working in retail was verbally abused and physically threatened by a customer. His employer failed to intervene or support him afterward. The incident triggered panic attacks and left him unable to return to that job. We gathered medical reports, workplace records, and a statement from a colleague to build his case. A settlement was reached that acknowledged the psychological harm caused and helped cover lost earnings.
These cases show that even when the harm is invisible, its effects are real, and the law does provide a way forward.
Is There a Time Limit for Anxiety Claims in Ireland?
Yes—there’s a time limit for bringing any personal injury claim in Ireland, including those involving anxiety. The general rule is that you have two years from the date of the incident, or from when you first became aware that your anxiety was linked to that event. This is known as the “date of knowledge.”
In some cases, people don’t realise until months later that their anxiety isn’t going away. If you’ve only recently received a formal diagnosis, the two-year period may start from that point. But even then, it’s best not to wait. The sooner you speak to a solicitor, the easier it is to gather records, secure medical opinions, and move things forward while the details are still fresh.
Delays can make things harder—not just legally, but emotionally too. Early advice doesn’t mean early pressure. It means you’re protecting your position while deciding what’s best for you.
What to Expect When You Speak to Our Team
Getting legal advice doesn’t have to feel intimidating. At John O’Leary Solicitors, your first conversation is exactly that—a conversation. We sit down with you, listen to what’s been going on, and offer simple, honest advice in plain English. There’s no hard sell, no forms thrown at you, and no need to have everything figured out.
You’ll speak directly with an experienced solicitor—not passed around or made to repeat yourself. We understand that anxiety is personal, and every story is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your situation fully before outlining any next steps.
If you decide to go ahead, you’ll deal with the same solicitor throughout. We’ll keep you updated, explain things clearly as they happen, and always check in to see how you’re doing. You’ll never be left wondering what’s going on or where your case stands.
We know these conversations can be hard. But they’re also the first step towards being heard, supported, and taken seriously. When you’re ready, we’re here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If anxiety has taken hold after an incident that wasn’t your fault, you don’t have to face it alone. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve been helping people in Tallaght and across Dublin in these situations for over 20 years with care, experience, and plain-spoken support you can trust.
You won’t find impersonal systems or rushed advice here. We work closely with every client, taking the time to understand what’s happened and what’s needed next. Whether you’re still figuring out your symptoms, just received a diagnosis, or have been living with anxiety for some time, we can help you explore your options with no pressure.
Your first step is simply to reach out. Call us, email us, or visit our office in Tallaght Village. We’re here to listen, guide, and act when you’re ready, and always on your terms. Contact us to discuss your case.