Generally, if you have been injured and it was someone else’s fault then you will be entitled to compensation. Donaldson McConnell aim to resolve your case as quickly as possible but also to maximise the level of compensation you recover. Our experience and skill in this area means that the majority of our cases settle without the stress or potential expense of court proceedings. We have the expertise to litigate cases in both the County Court and the High Court if the other side will not admit liability or their offer does not meet your expectations.

As there are strict time limits within which to bring a claim you should contact Donaldson McConnell, Lisburn today to discuss.

Click on the links below for more information on all types of claims including-

We know that it a car accidents is a frightening, painful and traumatic event. Experience tells us that it our clients need to be properly advised to not only recover damages for their physical injuries but also in relation to:-

All employers have a duty imposed on them by legislation to ensure that they take proper care to prevent injury to their employees or visitors. Employers must:-

• Provide and update training suitable to your job;
• Eensure that you are not required to lift or manoeuvre heavy, dangerous or awkward load or objects;
• Provide and maintain a safe working area and system of working;
• Ensure that you are not asked to operate machinery or plant without proper training;
• Provide appropriate tools and equipment, clothing and personal protection equipment;
• Carry out risk assessments to identify and deal with potential risks;
• Keep your work place clean, safe and ensure that there are no hazards or obstructions present;
• Clean up spillages and leaks;
• Provide, maintain and regularly test plant and machinery;
• Ensure that all safety guards are fitted and working on machinery;
• Identify and remove any tripping or slipping hazards.

If you can prove that your employer has breached their duty to you and you have been injured then you will be entitled to claim compensation. We understand that the inability to work can have serious financial repercussions on you and your family and are aware that employers will often put pressure on employees to abandon their claim or to return to work early. We have the experience and expertise to advise you on how best to proceed and to protect your interest throughout.

If you are injured at work you should:-

• inform your employer or manager of the accident
• fill out the accident book or ensure that it is completed on your return to work
• gather details of anyone who witnessed the accident
• gather details of any other employee who caused the accident;
• ascertain whether there is CCTV coverage of the accident location

Public bodies and private property owners are under a duty to take reasonable care to look prevent visitors and members of the public from tripping or slipping on their property. Accidents can occur as a result of:

• Damaged roads or footpaths;
• Defective or damaged steps or stairs;
• Obstructions left in walkways or pedestrian routes;
• Loose or damaged carpets and rugs;
• Poor or non-existent lighting;
• Steps or changes in level not being properly designated, coloured or warning signs not in place;
• Spillages or breakages not being attended to;
• Floors being cleaned during business hours and being left wet without appropriate “Wet Floor” warning signs

Claims like these can be difficult to prove as the proposed defendant may have a defence if they can demonstrate that they had taken reasonable care. A court does not require a perfect system and a defendant can defend a claim if they demonstrate that:

• They have a regular and adequate system of inspection;
• Reasonable steps were in hand to repair with the defect;
• The defect was of minor dimensions and did not represent a hazard;
• They have an adequate system of inspection and cleaning.

We have the ability to make the proposed defendant produce any documentation they intend to rely on to prove their system of inspection or maintenance. We will be able to guide your through the strengths and weaknesses of their defence and advise your of the best route forward. We will provide you with a clear fee estimate for this investigation and will not incur significant costs on your behalf only to inform you later that your case is not viable.

If you are injured at you should:-

• report the accident as soon as possible
• fill out the accident book if available
• gather details of anyone who witnessed the accident
• take photographs of the cause of the accident
• ascertain whether there is CCTV coverage of the accident location

The Occupier’s Liability Act (NI) 1957 states that an occupier of premises must “take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that the visitor will be reasonably safe in using the premises for the purposes for which he is invited or permitted by the occupier to be there.”

You will have a claim for compensation if you have sustained an injury in a public place such as a hotel, restaurant, bar, school, shop, leisure centre or when visiting office or factory premises which has occurred as a result of the act or omission of the owner or occupier of those premises. Injuries can be caused by faulty fixtures or fittings, defective doors, faulty electrical appliances, sharp or protruding items or edges or from slips or trips in public places.

If you are injured at you should:-

• report the accident as soon as possible and if possible have the owner of the premises agree the cause of the accident (i.e. spillage, loose flooring, defective fixtures etc)
• fill out the accident book if available
• gather details of anyone who witnessed the accident
• take photographs of the cause of the accident
• ascertain whether there is CCTV coverage of the accident location

If you have concerns about the outcome of medical treatment or advice from a doctor, dentist or other medical professional under whose care you or a family member have been placed, then you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Medical negligence is an emotive subject, our aim is to put clients at ease and provide them with the right legal advice to create a suitable outcome. Typical claims include: surgery, post-operative care, misdiagnosis and lack of informed consent.

If you are dissatisfied with the level of care you have received during medical treatment or the outcome of a medical procedure then you may have a claim for professional negligence against the care provider such as a consultant, doctor or dentist.

These cases are often complex as they involve the careful study of your notes and records and require the involvement of an independent consultant to assess the standard of your treatment.

We will retain an appropriate consultant to address whether the treatment you received was adequate or whether it feel below the expected standard. We will also instruct a medical expert to prove that this failure to provide proper care has resulted in you suffering loss and damage and will have them prepare a report on your symptoms and prognosis for recovery.

We work closely with a carefully selected panel of consultants who provide quality reports and who are able to confidently articulate your position should the case proceed to trial.

Classified as ‘Vulnerable Road Users’ by the Department of Transport recent studies show the increase of traffic on our roads coupled with increasing numbers of pedestrians and cyclists has led to more people and riders being struck by cars. We will assist you in demonstrating if a driver has been driving in a careless or negligent way so as to help you obtain compensation. If you are involved in an accident with a car you should:

• Take details of any witnesses;
• Take photos of the accident scene and the location of the car involved;
• Obtain details of the driver, especially their registration number;

Retain any route data or video footage recorded during your ride.