Serious Leg Injury Claims

A serious leg injury can stop everything. Whether you’re struggling to walk, facing surgery, or unable to return to work, it’s not just the injury itself that takes a toll—it’s the worry, the disruption, and the impact on your day-to-day life. We understand how hard that can be, and we’re here to help you through it.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve been supporting people across Tallaght and Dublin for over 20 years. We know the local hospitals, the rehab clinics, and the day-to-day realities people face after an accident. We also know how to help you move forward with confidence, care, and clarity.

If your injury was caused by someone else’s actions—or a failure to keep you safe—you may be entitled to make a claim. That process doesn’t need to be overwhelming. You’ll speak directly with a solicitor who listens, takes your situation seriously, and works hard to get the support and compensation you deserve.

We’re proud to be a firm that local families turn to in difficult times—dependable, thorough, and always on your side.

If your leg injury has left you unsure of what to do next, contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today. We’re ready to help, and we’re ready to listen.

What Makes a Leg Injury Serious?

Not all leg injuries are the same. Some heal in a matter of weeks with rest and support. Others stay with you for months—or even for life—affecting how you move, work, sleep, and live.

A serious leg injury is one that goes beyond a simple sprain or bruise. These are the types of injuries that result in long-term pain, reduced mobility, or permanent changes in how you get through the day. If your injury has led to surgery, time off work, rehabilitation, or a noticeable change in how you live your life, it may fall into the category of “serious”—and it may be worth exploring a claim.

Here are examples of leg injuries that are often classed as serious:

  • Fractures of the femur, tibia, fibula, or kneecap—particularly if the break was complex or required surgical repair with rods, screws, or plates
  • Multiple fractures or injuries affecting more than one part of the leg (e.g. ankle and shinbone)
  • Crush injuries involving heavy machinery or vehicles
  • Ligament tears or ruptures, especially in the knee or ankle, that require reconstruction
  • Dislocations or joint instability that affect mobility or cause recurring issues
  • Traumatic amputation or injuries requiring surgical removal of part of the limb
  • Injuries causing nerve damage, chronic pain, or reduced function

It’s not just the injury itself that matters—it’s what the injury has done to you. If you now walk differently, need supports to get around, can’t return to the same job, or live with constant pain or stiffness, then it’s serious in every sense that counts.

You don’t need to have a medical background to know something isn’t right. If your life has changed since the accident—if everyday things feel harder or you’re still not back to yourself—then it’s worth speaking with someone who can help you understand your options.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve helped many people in Tallaght and beyond recover compensation for serious leg injuries. If you’re unsure whether your injury qualifies, we’re happy to have that conversation.

Common Causes of Leg Injuries That May Justify a Claim

Leg injuries can happen in an instant—but their effects can last a lifetime. If your injury was caused by someone else’s actions, or because proper safety measures weren’t in place, you may be entitled to compensation.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve helped clients across Tallaght and Dublin who’ve suffered leg injuries in many different settings. Below are some of the most common causes we see—and how negligence often plays a part.

Workplace Accidents

Injuries at work are a frequent cause of serious leg trauma, especially in industries like construction, warehousing, manufacturing, and hospitality.

You might be able to bring a claim if your injury was caused by:

  • A fall from a ladder or scaffolding due to poor maintenance or lack of training
  • A slip or trip on an unsafe surface (wet floor, trailing wires, broken tiles)
  • A crush injury from machinery or falling stock
  • Poor manual handling practices without proper instruction or equipment

Employers in Ireland have a duty to provide a safe working environment. If they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent your injury, they may be held responsible.

Road Traffic Collisions

Serious leg injuries are common in road accidents—whether you were a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, or car passenger.

Examples include:

  • Being struck as a pedestrian or cyclist, resulting in fractures or dislocations
  • Motorbike crashes, where the legs are exposed and often take the brunt of the impact
  • Car accidents, where knees can be damaged from hitting the dashboard or legs crushed in side-impact collisions

If another driver’s actions caused the crash—even partly—you may be eligible to claim.

Accidents in Public Places

Poorly maintained public areas can pose a real risk to pedestrians, particularly the elderly or those with limited mobility. Common hazards include:

  • Broken or uneven footpaths
  • Loose paving stones
  • Slippery floors in supermarkets, pubs or cafés
  • Damaged steps with no handrail
  • Poor lighting or hidden hazards in car parks or stairwells

Local councils, retailers, and venue operators all have a responsibility to keep public spaces reasonably safe. If they failed to act on a known hazard—or didn’t inspect regularly—they may be liable.

Sporting and Recreational Injuries

While many sports come with risk, some injuries are caused by poor management or unsafe facilities.

You may have a case if:

  • You were injured due to unsafe playing surfaces or poorly maintained grounds
  • A club, coach, or organiser failed to follow proper safety procedures
  • Equipment was faulty, dangerous, or not fit for purpose

Even leisure activities—like fitness classes or group hikes—can give rise to a claim if the organiser didn’t take adequate precautions.

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, and you’re left dealing with a painful or life-changing leg injury, it’s worth having a conversation with a solicitor. We’ll help you understand if you have a case—and what the next step could look like.

Living With a Serious Leg Injury

A serious leg injury doesn’t just leave you with pain—it changes how you move, how you work, and how you live. Many of our clients in Tallaght and across Dublin have told us the same thing: the hardest part isn’t always the accident itself—it’s the long road that follows.

Whether it’s a shattered kneecap, a compound fracture, or a crush injury, the journey from injury to recovery can be overwhelming. The day-to-day reality often involves more than just hospital visits—it’s the disruption to every aspect of life that truly takes its toll.

Physical Impact

  • Mobility can be reduced for weeks or months, and in some cases permanently. You may need crutches, a walking frame, or a wheelchair just to get around the house.
  • Surgery and rehabilitation are often required, and not always just once. Recovery can mean multiple procedures, ongoing physiotherapy, and daily pain management.
  • Even after recovery, many people are left with permanent stiffness, weakness, or pain, especially in the knees, ankles, or hips. Some experience complications like nerve damage or post-traumatic arthritis, which can worsen with time.
  • Daily tasks—walking, dressing, driving, climbing stairs—can become frustratingly difficult.

Emotional and Mental Health Consequences

What often surprises people is the emotional toll of a serious injury:

  • Loss of independence can be one of the most difficult adjustments—particularly for those used to being active, mobile, and self-sufficient.
  • Anxiety or low mood is common, especially if the injury has caused a major life change (e.g. being unable to return to work or participate in sports or hobbies).
  • Frustration and anger may surface when recovery feels slow or when simple things—like going to the shop—become a major effort.
  • Feelings of isolation can set in, especially for those unable to socialise or care for others as they once did.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand that these feelings are real—and they matter. Emotional hardship may not always be visible, but it forms part of your overall experience and deserves to be recognised in your claim.

Impact on Work and Finances

  • For those in physical jobs—plumbers, carers, tradespeople—a serious leg injury can put them out of work entirely.
  • Even office-based workers may struggle with long hours at a desk or frequent travel.
  • Time off work often leads to lost income, missed promotions, or career disruption. In some cases, people are forced to change careers altogether or retrain for new roles.
  • Self-employed workers face particular challenges when they can’t work but still need to pay bills and keep their business afloat.

If your injury has changed your routine, your confidence, or your ability to earn a living, you are not alone. And you don’t have to carry the burden alone either.

How Compensation for Leg Injuries Is Calculated in Ireland

One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much will I get?” The honest answer is that every case is different. No two people experience an injury the same way—and compensation is meant to reflect that.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we always begin with you: your injury, your life, your loss. Compensation isn’t just about the broken bone or diagnosis—it’s about what that injury has taken away from you.

What Affects the Value of a Leg Injury Claim?

Compensation for a serious leg injury is based on several factors, including:

  • The severity of the injury – Was it a simple fracture, or did it require surgery? Did you experience multiple breaks, nerve damage, or permanent loss of function?
  • How long recovery takes – Injuries that heal in weeks are treated very differently from those that take months or years to recover—or never fully heal at all.
  • Your ability to return to work – If your injury affects your job, your income, or your long-term career prospects, this will be reflected in the claim.
  • Daily life impact – Can you still walk comfortably? Drive? Climb stairs? Exercise? Care for others? The more an injury interferes with your everyday life, the more it matters.
  • Ongoing or future medical needs – If you’re likely to need further surgeries, physio, or even joint replacements, this future cost can be included.
  • Emotional and psychological effects – Long-term pain, anxiety, and loss of independence can be considered when supported by medical evidence.

Compensation Brackets Under the Judicial Council Guidelines

Here’s what the Guidelines say for leg injuries:

  • Most Severe Leg Injuries (Not Involving Amputation): €100,000–€160,000
     Examples: severe de-gloving, gross shortening of the leg, fractures that failed to heal despite extensive surgery and bone grafting.
  • Severe Leg Injuries: €90,000–€130,000
     Permanent mobility problems, lifelong use of crutches, multiple fractures with lasting deformity, limited movement, or arthritis requiring further surgery.
  • Serious Leg Injuries: €75,000–€100,000
     Compound fractures, major joint or ligament damage, arthritis is almost certain, extensive scarring, restricted walking, or hip replacement required.
  • Moderate Leg Injuries: €50,000–€75,000
     Multiple or complicated fractures, or a severe crush injury to one leg.
  • Less Serious Leg Injuries: €25,000–€50,000
     Incomplete recovery, permanent metal implants, limp, nerve damage, soft tissue injuries with cosmetic or functional issues.
  • Minor Leg Injuries:
    • €12,000–€20,000: Simple fractures with ongoing minor symptoms
    • €7,500–€15,000: Simple fractures with near full recovery
    • €3,000–€7,500: Cuts, bruises or soft tissue injuries with minor lasting effects
    • €500–€3,000: Injuries that healed fully within six months

It’s important to remember that these are guidelines—not guaranteed payouts. Two people with similar injuries can receive different amounts depending on their age, job, recovery, and how the injury has changed their life.

Our job is to make sure that your claim reflects your experience—not just what’s on a medical chart.

What Can Be Included in Your Claim?

When most people think of compensation, they think about money for pain and suffering. And while that’s certainly part of it, there’s much more that can be included in a serious leg injury claim—especially when the injury has disrupted your life in very real, very practical ways.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we build every claim around the full picture of your losses—not just what’s visible on a scan, but what it has cost you to live with this injury.

Your claim can include medical expenses, both past and future. This may cover surgery, physiotherapy, specialist appointments, prescription medication, and any ongoing treatment needs. If you’ve paid out of pocket or face further medical costs down the line, these can be factored into the total.

You can also claim for loss of earnings and future earning potential. If you’ve had to take extended time off work, change roles, reduce hours, or if you’re self-employed and unable to meet existing commitments, this income loss may be included. Future limitations on your ability to earn may also be taken into account.

Travel and transport costs often add up quickly—taxis to hospital, mileage to rehab, or help getting to and from appointments.

Many people also need mobility aids or home adaptations, such as crutches, stairlifts, rails, or wheelchair access. These items can be expensive and are frequently overlooked unless properly documented.

Finally, you may need help at home, whether from family or paid carers. Support with cleaning, cooking, shopping, or childcare can be included in your claim especially if it’s something you can no longer manage alone.

No two claims are the same. We’ll take the time to understand exactly how your injury has affected you so that nothing important is missed.

How Early Advice Helps

If you’re recovering from a serious leg injury, the idea of starting a legal process might feel like too much too soon. That’s completely understandable. But it’s important to know that there are time limits for bringing a claim—and taking early steps can make the process smoother down the line.

In Ireland, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to begin your claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. In some cases, the clock starts from the date you first became aware that your injury was linked to the accident—known legally as the date of knowledge.

That might sound like plenty of time, but waiting too long can make it harder to gather the evidence you need. For example:

  • CCTV footage may be deleted after a few weeks or months
  • Witnesses can be difficult to track down, or memories may fade
  • Medical records may take time to collect and review
  • You could receive an early offer from an insurer that doesn’t reflect the true impact of your injury

Speaking to a solicitor early doesn’t mean you’re committing to anything. It simply means you’ll have the information you need—when you need it. We’ll help you understand your position, what’s involved in making a claim, and whether it’s something you want to pursue.

Early advice is about protecting your options, not rushing your decision.

Contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP Today

If a serious leg injury has left you in pain, out of work, or unsure of what to do next, we’re here to help. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, you’ll speak directly with someone who listens, understands, and knows how to guide you forward. Call or email us today for a calm, confidential conversation—no pressure, just honest advice from a team that’s been by Tallaght’s side for over 20 years.