Personal Injuries Guidelines to come into effect in Ireland
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed that the Personal Injuries Guidelines (“the Guidelines”) which represents part of the Government’s action plan in reducing insurance costs in Ireland will take legal effect on Saturday 24 April 2021. Read more
Business as Usual – Covid-19 Measures
In light of the government guidelines in relation Covid-19, F V Harty & Co Solicitors are taking steps to ensure uninterrupted service whilst preserving the safety of our clients and colleagues. During this period, where possible, we would ask that all correspondence is sent electronically. Read more
You may have read about the high profile case in England recently, where a judge found a cyclist partially to blame for a collision after a pedestrian stepped on to the road whilst looking at her mobile phone. Read more
Injury reforms to be fast tracked by the Irish Government
The government has announced plans for a panel of seven judges to be appointed to recalibrate personal injury awards in Ireland, with one judge from each court elected to the committee along with two others. It is anticipated that a new book of quantum will be prepared before the end of the year and this will be reviewed every three years thereafter. Read more
Changes to the PIAB Act commence on 3rd April 2019
Amendments to the PIAB Act commence on 3rd April 2019 to make it more difficult for claimants to sidestep the Injuries Board. These amendments are particularly targeted at those who refuse to co-operate with the Injuries Board, for example by refusing to attend medical appointments arranged by the Injuries Board or failing to submit a full schedule of special damages. Read more
Qudos Insurance Declared Bankrupt
Just as the dust settles on the Setanta debacle we learn that Danish owned Qudos Insurance, which operates in the Irish market, has been declared bankrupt.
In the short term what does this mean?
If you have a policy with Qudos, the Central Bank recommends that you should obtain alternative cover as soon as possible. Read more
Head lad awarded damages in injury claim against racehorse trainer.
A man who suffered serious injuries after being thrown off a horse while he was working at a farm in Cork has been awarded €77,345 in the High Court by Mr Justice Barton.
His employer was found to have been negligent due to his decision to park his tractor in a location which was likely to spook the horses as they passed. Read more
Setanta Insurance –end of the line?
It has been reported that 21 millon euro is to be paid to motorists caught up in the collapse of Setanta Insurance.
The Maltese based company collapsed in 2014 with the company unable to pay for claims made against their policyholders causing chaos for claimants and Setanta policyholders alike. Read more
Trials and tribulations
There are many tactics employed in personal injuries litigation by both sides for the benefit of their clients. The tender offer, or lodgement is one of the most common defence litigation tactics and it can have serious consequences for the Plaintiff. Read more
Live to work?
In the Republic of Ireland a business executive was awarded €7,500 by the Labour Court against her employers, Kepak Convenience Foods Unlimited, after being expected to deal with out of hours emails, which led to her working in excess of 48 hours per week in breach of Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 The decision was on foot of an appeal of the Adjudication Officer’s award of €6,240. Read more
Up and away!
A small but hardy team from FVH/MTB took part in the Aqua Challenge on Friday afternoon at Lets go Hydro in aid of the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
The event was organised by M B McGrady & Co. Read more
