Office Injury Claims

You might not expect to be injured working in an office, but it happens more often than people think. Whether it’s a strain from poor desk setup, a fall caused by loose wiring, or persistent pain from repetitive tasks, the effects can interfere with your work, your home life, and your wellbeing. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand the real impact of these injuries—and we’re here to help.

For over 20 years, we’ve supported individuals and families across Tallaght and Dublin through workplace injury claims with care, clarity, and quiet confidence. We take the time to listen, explain your rights in plain Irish English, and handle everything with the attention it deserves.

You won’t be brushed off or buried in jargon. You’ll speak directly to a local solicitor who knows what matters and stands in your corner every step of the way. If you’ve been injured in an office environment, contact us today for straightforward, practical advice.

Understanding Office Injuries: What They Are and Why They Matter

Office work may seem low-risk, but that doesn’t mean it’s injury-free. In fact, many office workers experience long-term pain or disruption to their health because of injuries that are often misunderstood or ignored. These aren’t “freak accidents”—they’re often caused by preventable conditions like poor desk set-ups, unsafe walkways, or repetitive tasks without support. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve helped clients across Tallaght and Dublin make sense of these injuries and take action.

What counts as an office injury?

An office injury includes any physical or psychological harm that occurs in or around your workplace. It might be sudden—like slipping on a wet floor—or gradual, such as wrist pain from years of typing without support. It could also involve strain caused by working at a desk that’s not properly adjusted, or emotional burnout from a toxic work culture.

What’s important to understand is that office injuries often don’t feel “dramatic,” but they are real. And if your employer failed to provide a safe working environment, you may have grounds to bring a claim.

Office injuries can happen in many ways, including:

  • Straining your neck or lower back from poor chair or desk posture
  • Tripping over loose cables or uneven flooring
  • Being hit by falling objects from overloaded or unstable shelving
  • Developing repetitive strain injury (RSI) from constant mouse or keyboard use
  • Slipping on wet floors with no warning signage
  • Experiencing eye strain or headaches due to poor lighting or screen glare
  • Lifting boxes, supplies, or equipment without proper manual handling training
  • Working in a poorly ventilated or overcrowded space
  • Suffering stress, anxiety, or burnout due to unmanaged workloads or bullying

These injuries affect people in all sorts of roles, including:

  • Administrative and clerical staff
  • HR, payroll, and accounts departments
  • Call centre workers
  • Front desk or reception staff
  • Managers, IT workers, and back-office teams
  • Cleaners, porters, and part-time maintenance staff
  • Remote or hybrid workers with poorly set-up home offices

You don’t need to have suffered a one-time “accident” to have a valid claim. Many office injuries build up over time and only become clear when the pain interferes with your ability to work or enjoy life outside of work.

If something about your workplace setup, routine, or management led to your injury, that’s worth exploring—and we’re here to help.

The Most Common Office Injuries We Handle (And What Causes Them)

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve helped many people across Dublin and Tallaght who were injured in office environments—often without a single fall or visible accident. Office injuries may develop slowly, but they can be just as disruptive as any other workplace injury. Whether caused by poor ergonomics, unsafe conditions, or management failings, the impact can be life-changing.

Physical Injuries

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

One of the most common office-related injuries. RSI typically affects the hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, or neck. It happens from doing the same movement repeatedly—like typing or using a mouse—especially if your desk isn’t properly set up.

Common symptoms include tingling, stiffness, weakness, or throbbing pain. RSI may worsen gradually until daily tasks become difficult or painful. In many cases, this results from:

  • Incorrect keyboard/mouse position
  • Lack of wrist support
  • Prolonged periods without breaks

Back and Neck Pain

Poor seating is a major cause. Office chairs without lumbar support, non-adjustable desks, or incorrect monitor height can all lead to muscle strain or long-term spinal issues.

Many workers sit for eight or more hours per day in positions that put pressure on their lower back and neck. Over time, this can cause herniated discs, sciatica, or permanent posture damage.

Trips, Slips, and Falls

These injuries are often dismissed as clumsy accidents, but they’re usually preventable. Common hazards include:

  • Loose power cables
  • Wet floors with no signage
  • Broken floor tiles or uneven carpets
  • Overcrowded walkways or blocked fire exits

Injuries from falls range from sprained ankles to broken bones or concussions.

Manual Handling Injuries

Even in offices, staff are often expected to move boxes, chairs, printers, or archive files. Without training or the right equipment, this can result in:

  • Muscle tears
  • Back strain
  • Shoulder and arm injuries
  • Hernias

Often, these injuries occur because the job was seen as “quick” or “low risk,” and no one considered safe lifting procedures.

Head Injuries and Bruising

Poorly stacked shelves, unsecured storage units, or open filing drawers can cause injuries when items fall unexpectedly or workers bump into them. These may seem minor at first, but can lead to neck injuries, facial cuts, or even concussion.

Psychological and Stress-Related Injuries

Work-Related Stress and Anxiety

Modern office life often comes with intense pressure—tight deadlines, unrealistic workloads, or being constantly on call. When employers don’t manage this properly, it can lead to:

  • Chronic stress
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Sleep disruption
  • Reduced concentration and memory

Left unaddressed, this can cause long-term mental health issues and burnout.

Bullying, Isolation, and Harassment

Hostile or toxic office environments can do real psychological harm. Some clients experience anxiety, depression, or loss of confidence after:

  • Persistent bullying by colleagues or managers
  • Being excluded from meetings or work events
  • Being denied reasonable accommodations for a disability
  • Being blamed or punish

Remote and Hybrid Working Injuries

Many Irish workers now work from home at least part of the week. But not all employers provide guidance or support to ensure that home office setups are safe.

  • Dining chairs, coffee tables, or beds are not ergonomic workstations
  • Repetitive tasks in poor postures can worsen pain or cause new injuries
  • Lack of social contact or structure may contribute to anxiety or burnout

If you’ve been injured physically or psychologically while working in any office context—on-site or remotely—you don’t need to suffer in silence. We’re here to help you understand your rights and take the next step.

How Office Injuries Disrupt Everyday Life

Office injuries often seem small at first—a nagging ache, a pulled muscle, a few nights of poor sleep. But over time, even “minor” injuries can cause major disruption to your routine, health, and peace of mind. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve spoken with countless clients across Tallaght and Dublin who’ve quietly suffered for weeks or months before seeking help. If that sounds familiar, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s not something you just have to live with.

At Work

Pain can make it harder to concentrate, sit still, or complete your duties. You may need to:

  • Take more breaks to stretch or manage discomfort
  • Stop typing or using a mouse after short periods
  • Take time off for GP visits or physio sessions
  • Avoid certain tasks entirely—like lifting files or reaching for supplies

In some cases, clients find themselves moved off certain responsibilities or made to feel like a burden. This can damage confidence, strain relationships with colleagues, and leave you worried about your job security.

If your injury is psychological—such as stress, burnout, or anxiety—you may be afraid to speak up or feel ashamed. But these experiences are real, valid, and deserve to be addressed.

At Home

Many people don’t realise how much they rely on their bodies throughout the day—until an injury limits what they can do.

You might struggle to:

  • Drive or sit for long periods
  • Carry your children, groceries, or household items
  • Sleep comfortably without pain
  • Enjoy your hobbies or take part in normal family life

For some, the mental toll is just as difficult. Constant discomfort, financial strain from time off, or feelings of isolation can chip away at your wellbeing over time.

We’ve worked with clients who delayed seeking advice because they didn’t want to cause trouble. But if your office injury is affecting your life—at work or at home—it’s not too late to do something about it.

Who Can Claim and Who Might Be Liable for an Office Injury?

One of the most common reasons people delay taking action after an office injury is uncertainty. They’re unsure if they “qualify,” if they’re “entitled,” or if it’s even worth pursuing. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we help cut through that doubt with clear, grounded advice—especially for workers in Tallaght and Dublin who may never have had to deal with a claim before.

If your injury happened at or because of work—and it could have been prevented—you may have a case. Here’s how that works.

Who Can Bring a Claim?

You don’t need to be a permanent, full-time employee to have rights. Irish workplace safety law applies to all individuals in the workplace, including:

  • Full-time and part-time employees
  • Temporary or agency staff, even if contracted through a third party
  • Interns, apprentices, or students on placement
  • Contractors and self-employed people, if working under someone else’s direction
  • Cleaners, porters, maintenance staff, even if outsourced
  • Remote or hybrid workers, where the employer failed to provide guidance or equipment for a home setup
  • Visitors or third-party workers injured while attending a business premises

If your injury arose out of poor conditions, faulty equipment, a lack of training, or unsafe practices, you have every right to seek legal advice—regardless of job title or contract type.

Who Might Be Legally Liable?

In many cases, your direct employer will carry legal responsibility for the injury. Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe workplace, appropriate training, and reasonable protection from harm. When that duty is breached, and someone gets injured as a result, they may be held liable.

But employers aren’t the only ones who can be responsible. Other liable parties may include:

  • Facilities management companies (e.g., responsible for lighting, maintenance, floor care)
  • Cleaning or building services providers, especially where wet floors, exposed cables, or unsafe setups caused a fall
  • Landlords or property management firms, particularly for communal spaces in shared buildings (stairs, toilets, reception areas)
  • Other companies operating in the building, where a hazard created by a different team caused your injury
  • Coworkers or managers, if their negligence—such as failing to act on a report or providing unsafe instructions—directly caused the accident

In some hybrid setups, liability may be split between your employer and another party, such as a co-working provider or IT contractor. We’ll help you untangle who had responsibility and why.

Where Employers Often Fall Short

Legal responsibility comes down to whether the injury could have been prevented through reasonable care. Here are some of the most common workplace breaches we encounter:

  • Failing to carry out ergonomic assessments for office desks, especially for remote workers
  • Not providing manual handling training, even where workers are expected to move equipment or boxes
  • Ignoring hazards, such as repeated reports of frayed carpets, overloaded shelving, or poor lighting
  • Lack of proper workstation equipment, such as adjustable chairs, monitor stands, or wrist supports
  • Unrealistic workloads and ignoring signs of burnout or psychological distress
  • Failing to act on complaints of bullying or harassment that contributed to psychological harm

If your workplace failed in one or more of these areas, and you’ve been left injured or unwell because of it, you may have a claim. It doesn’t need to be confrontational or dramatic. It’s about getting the support—and the fairness—you deserve.

What to Do After an Office Injury

If you’ve suffered an injury at work—whether sudden or slow to develop—it’s important to act promptly and sensibly. Taking the right steps early can help protect your health, your job, and your potential claim. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we guide clients through this process every day, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Don’t downplay your symptoms. Even if the injury seems minor, get it checked by your GP or another healthcare professional. This creates a medical record that links the injury to your work and may uncover issues that worsen over time, like repetitive strain injuries or spinal problems.

2. Report It to Your Employer

Tell your manager or HR department about the injury as soon as possible. Ask for the incident to be logged in writing—ideally in an accident report form or email trail. Include what happened, where it occurred, and what you were doing at the time.

3. Keep Records

Start a simple diary. Note your symptoms, pain levels, medication, medical visits, and time off work. Keep copies of prescriptions, receipts, and any emails or texts discussing the incident. If your workplace has CCTV or photos of the scene, request a copy or take your own if possible.

4. Avoid Signing Anything

If your employer asks you to sign a disclaimer or internal resolution document, don’t rush. Some forms may limit your rights. Get legal advice first—it doesn’t cost anything to check your position.

Most importantly, don’t wait until things get worse. The sooner you get advice, the easier it is to take the right next step—with clarity and confidence.

Time Limits for Making a Claim in Ireland

In most office injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident—or from when you first became aware the injury was work-related—to begin a claim. This time limit is strict and applies to both physical and psychological injuries.

For gradual conditions like repetitive strain or work-related stress, the clock often starts from the date of diagnosis or when you reasonably linked your symptoms to your job.

It’s always best to seek advice early. Even if you’re unsure about claiming, speaking to a solicitor now can help you protect your rights and avoid running out of time.

Speak to a Solicitor

If you’ve been injured in an office, contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today. We’ve supported workers across Tallaght and Dublin for over 20 years. You’ll speak directly to a solicitor who’ll explain your options clearly and help you take the next step.