Severe Head Injury Claims
A severe head injury can change everything in an instant. Whether it was caused by a fall, a road accident, or a workplace incident, the impact can run deep—physically, emotionally, and financially. You may be dealing with intense pain, visible scarring, dizziness, or long-term discomfort. It might be difficult to sleep, hard to return to work, or simply impossible to get through the day without help. And all the while, you’re trying to make sense of what happened—while the world keeps moving around you.
At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we know how isolating that can feel. For over 20 years, we’ve stood beside individuals and families in Tallaght and across Dublin during some of their hardest moments. We understand that head injuries aren’t just medical—they’re personal. They affect your confidence, your independence, and your ability to take part in everyday life the way you once did.
When you contact us, you speak directly with solicitors who knows your area, understands what you’re going through, and will work hard to get the outcome you deserve.
If you’re ready to take the next step, or even if you’re just looking for some honest advice, contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today—we’re here when you need us.
What Counts as a Severe Head Injury (Excluding Brain Trauma)
Not every serious head injury involves damage to the brain—but that doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we support individuals across Tallaght and Dublin who have suffered painful, life-disrupting head injuries that don’t fall under the category of traumatic brain injury. These injuries often involve visible trauma, deep discomfort, and long recovery periods, even without neurological damage.
A severe head injury without brain involvement typically affects the outer structures of the head—your skull, scalp, face, or jaw. Common examples include:
- Fractured skull without underlying brain injury
- Facial fractures affecting the cheekbone, jaw, or eye socket
- Severe lacerations or cuts to the scalp or forehead
- Soft tissue damage leading to persistent swelling or bruising
- Dental trauma caused by blunt force to the jaw or mouth
These injuries often result in extensive bleeding, visible disfigurement, pain when eating or speaking, and a higher risk of infection. Some people require surgery, stitches, or facial reconstruction, while others must manage long-term sensitivity or scarring. And yet, because these injuries don’t involve memory loss or cognitive issues, they’re sometimes misunderstood or underappreciated.
It’s important to understand that even when the brain is unharmed, the effects of a head injury can be just as real and life-altering. Whether you’ve suffered a fractured eye socket in a fall, or deep scalp wounds from a road collision, you may be entitled to seek compensation if negligence was involved.
At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we listen to the full picture—not just what’s in your medical file. Your pain, your experience, and your recovery matter to us. And we’re here to help you take the next step, when you’re ready.
Common Causes: How These Injuries Happen in the Real World
We’ve helped countless individuals across Tallaght and wider Dublin who’ve suffered severe head injuries in everyday situations—moments that started like any other and ended in emergency care. These are not far-off or rare events. They happen on local roads, in busy shops, on work sites, and even on footpaths just around the corner from home.
Road Traffic Accidents
One of the most common causes we see involves road users—cyclists thrown from bikes, pedestrians hit at low speed, or passengers jolted forward in a sudden stop. Even with a helmet, it’s not unusual to suffer facial fractures, a broken jaw, or deep scalp wounds from hitting tarmac or glass. In many of these cases, drivers failed to check blind spots, obey speed limits, or give adequate space.
Workplace Incidents
Construction sites, warehouses, and even retail environments can pose serious head injury risks when safety measures fall short. We’ve supported clients who were struck by falling tools, injured by collapsing shelves, or hurt when protective gear wasn’t provided or properly maintained. These injuries often leave visible scarring and may require surgery or time off work to heal.
Public Places and Premises
Slips and falls caused by wet floors, broken paving, or poorly maintained stairwells can lead to heavy blows to the face or head. We’ve handled cases where clients tripped on uneven kerbs or slipped outside a shop without any warning signs in place. The injuries may not involve brain damage, but the physical and emotional effects can still be severe.
Assaults and Sporting Incidents
While some head injuries occur accidentally, others happen in more confrontational settings. Blunt force trauma from an assault or a mistimed hit in a GAA match can lead to broken cheekbones, deep facial bruising, or cracked jawbones. These cases often involve strong emotional trauma alongside physical pain.
Whatever the cause, if someone else’s negligence contributed to your injury, you have a right to explore your legal options. We’re here to help you do just that—with clarity, care, and practical advice.
The Day-to-day Impact of a Severe Head Injury
A serious head injury doesn’t end when the stitches are removed or the swelling goes down. For many people, it marks the start of an exhausting road—filled with discomfort, uncertainty, and emotional strain. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how these injuries affect daily life, and we make it our priority to understand the full impact you’re facing.
Physical Struggles That Don’t Just Go Away
You might be dealing with constant headaches, throbbing in your jaw, or nerve pain around the injury site. Facial fractures can make it difficult to chew or speak properly. Scalp wounds may remain sensitive to the touch for months. And even if the brain is unaffected, the physical trauma can make everyday activities—like brushing your hair or sleeping on a pillow—feel impossible. Many of our clients also face visible scarring or facial disfigurement. For some, surgery may be required to repair fractures or minimise cosmetic damage. For others, it’s about learning to live with long-term changes to their appearance.
Emotional and Psychological Weight
Physical pain is only part of the story. Many people feel self-conscious about going out in public, especially if their injury is visible. It’s not uncommon to experience anxiety, low mood, or flashbacks—particularly if the accident was traumatic or sudden. There’s also the quiet toll of not feeling like yourself. You might be more withdrawn, more irritable, or just exhausted from trying to “get back to normal.” And all of this can happen without ever showing up in a medical scan.
Work, Home and Social Life Disruption
Severe head injuries can interrupt every part of life. You may have had to take time off work or stop working entirely. Tasks you once did without thinking—cooking, driving, collecting the kids—might now feel too demanding or unsafe. Family members may have to step in to help with everyday things, which can change relationships and put extra pressure on everyone. We understand that the impact of a head injury is not just about pain—it’s about loss of independence, altered routines, and the emotional knock-on effects. That’s why your story deserves to be heard in full, not just summed up in a doctor’s note.
When Is It Considered Negligence Under Irish Law?
After a serious head injury, many people are left wondering whether they have a valid claim—or if what happened was simply an unfortunate accident. The truth is, not all injuries are caused by negligence. But when someone had a duty to keep you safe and failed to meet it, the law may support your right to seek compensation.
In Ireland, negligence means that another person, company, or authority failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused your injury. In real terms, this could mean:
- A driver failing to yield or speeding through a junction
- A shop owner not cleaning up a spill or warning about a wet floor
- An employer providing faulty safety equipment or ignoring hazard reports
- A sports coach allowing unsafe play or failing to follow protocol after a knock to the head
The key question is whether the injury could have been prevented if proper care had been taken. If the answer is yes, you may have grounds to bring a claim.
Many clients worry that they might have been partly at fault—for example, not wearing a helmet or stepping into a busy road. But even if you share some responsibility, you could still be entitled to partial compensation under what’s known as “contributory negligence.” These cases are rarely black and white, which is why it helps to speak with a solicitor who understands how Irish courts view personal responsibility in real-world settings.
At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we look at the facts with you—not just through paperwork, but through your lived experience. If there’s a case to be made, we’ll make it clearly, fairly, and with your best interests front and centre.
What to Do After a Severe Head Injury
In the aftermath of a serious head injury, things can feel chaotic—between medical appointments, time off work, and trying to make sense of what happened, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there are a few simple, practical steps you can take to protect both your health and your legal rights. Even if you’re unsure about making a claim, these steps can help you keep your options open.
Prioritise Medical Care
Your health comes first. Always seek immediate medical attention, whether it’s through A&E, your GP, or a specialist clinic. Even if your injury seems minor at first, complications can develop later. Follow through with recommended treatment, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep a clear record of what care you’ve received.
Report the Incident
Where the injury happened matters. If it occurred at work, report it to your employer and make sure it’s logged. If it happened in a public place, notify the owner or manager on site. If Gardaí were called, request a copy of their report. Having an official record strengthens your position and ensures the details aren’t lost with time.
Gather What You Can
Photos, witness names, and basic details from the scene can go a long way. If possible, take pictures of your injuries, the place where it happened, or anything that may have contributed—like a broken footpath or missing signage. If someone saw the incident, ask for their contact information.
Keep a Recovery Diary
In the days and weeks that follow, take note of how the injury affects you. This could include missed work, pain levels, sleep disruption, or difficulties with things like eating, washing, or socialising. These records help build a clear picture of how your life has changed.
Talk to a Local Solicitor Early
Even if you’re not ready to make a claim, getting early advice can make a real difference. A short conversation can help you understand your rights and avoid missed deadlines. And if you do choose to move forward, you’ll already have someone on your side who knows the full story.
Time Limits: How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
In Ireland, the law places time limits on personal injury claims—including those involving severe head injuries. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to begin legal proceedings. This period is known as the statute of limitations.
It’s important to understand that this clock starts ticking from either:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you became awarethat the injury was linked to someone else’s negligence (known as the “date of knowledge”)
For adults, missing this two-year window usually means you won’t be able to bring a claim. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak to a solicitor early—even if you’re still healing or uncertain about whether to go ahead.
There are exceptions. For minors (under 18s), the two-year time limit doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday. And in some cases involving delayed medical diagnosis or late-discovered complications, the timeframe can shift.
Even if you think you might be close to the deadline, don’t assume it’s too late. We’re here to listen, check the facts, and give you clear advice on what can be done.
What a Head Injury Claim Can Help Cover
When you’ve suffered a serious head injury, the costs—both visible and hidden—can quickly add up. A successful claim can help you recover those losses and access the support you need to move forward. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we take time to understand the full impact your injury has had, so that nothing important gets overlooked.
Medical and Rehabilitation Costs
These might include hospital fees, GP visits, prescription costs, physiotherapy, dental work, or reconstructive surgery. Even non-emergency care—like private consultations or scar reduction treatment—may be included if they’re tied to the injury.
Loss of Income
If you’ve had to take time off work, work reduced hours, or change roles because of your injury, your lost earnings may be included in the claim. We’ll also consider any future loss if your injury affects your ability to continue in your chosen field.
Support With Daily Life
Some clients need help with transport, childcare, or simple daily tasks while recovering. Others may require long-term adjustments—such as speech therapy, diet changes, or support with grooming due to facial sensitivity.
Psychological and Emotional Distress
Visible injuries, chronic pain, or the trauma of the event itself can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. While more difficult to measure, these effects are real and recognised under Irish law. They’re not “extras”—they’re part of the injury.
A claim isn’t about assigning blame for the sake of it. It’s about recognising what’s been lost, what’s been endured, and making sure you’re not left to carry that burden alone. We’ll help you document your needs clearly and make a fair case for the full support you deserve.
Real Questions Clients Ask About Severe Head Injury Claims
Do I still have a claim if I didn’t lose consciousness?
Yes. You don’t have to be knocked out or suffer brain damage to have a valid claim. Facial fractures, lacerations, and jaw trauma are all serious in their own right. What matters is the injury, the recovery time, and whether someone else’s negligence caused it.
Can I claim if the person or business responsible hasn’t admitted fault?
You can. Most claims are contested at first. We’ll gather evidence—like CCTV, witness statements, or safety reports—to help prove what happened and who was responsible. The other party’s silence doesn’t stop you from pursuing your rights.
I didn’t wear a helmet. Does that mean it’s my fault?
Not necessarily. While wearing a helmet might reduce your injury risk, failing to wear one doesn’t automatically prevent a claim. The key issue is whether someone else’s action or inaction directly caused the injury. If so, we may still be able to recover compensation—possibly with a reduction if contributory negligence applies.
What if I’m already starting to feel better?
That’s great—but healing doesn’t mean you weren’t hurt. Many people improve physically while still dealing with hidden costs: missed work, emotional trauma, or medical expenses. We’ll look at the full picture and help you decide if pursuing a claim is still in your best interest
Do I have to go to court?
Not usually. The vast majority of claims settle outside court. If your case does proceed to a hearing, we’ll support you at every stage, explaining what to expect and representing your side fully. You won’t be left facing it alone.
How do I prove how serious the injury was?
Medical reports, photographs, and a personal diary of your symptoms can all help. We’ll also work with specialists—where needed—to confirm the lasting impact of your injury. The goal is to build a clear and honest account of your experience.
Will I need to pay for medical reports or expert assessments?
In most cases, these costs can be included as part of your claim. We’ll guide you through what’s needed and ensure it’s all handled correctly from a legal perspective.
How long will a claim take?
Every case is different. Straightforward claims may settle in a few months. More complex ones can take longer, especially if the injury’s long-term impact is still unfolding. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe based on your circumstances.
Can I claim for scarring or disfigurement?
Yes. Scars—particularly to the face or scalp—can have a major psychological impact. Irish law recognises this. You can seek compensation not only for the physical mark, but also the emotional toll it may take on your confidence and quality of life.
What if the accident happened months ago?
You may still have time. The standard limit is two years, but there are exceptions. The sooner you speak to us, the better we can advise you on your options—and preserve evidence while it’s still fresh.
Speak to a Solicitor Who’ll Take the Time to Listen
If you’ve suffered a serious head injury, you deserve to speak to someone who understands—not just the legal steps, but the personal toll it’s taken. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, you’ll talk directly with a solicitor who’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you without pressure or jargon. Contact us today to speak with a solicitor who truly cares.