Emergency Service Worker Claims

Emergency service workers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the rest of us, and they are entitled to a safe place and system of work just like any other employee. If you have been injured, whether physically or psychologically, in the course of your duties, you may be able to claim compensation.

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Emergency service worker treating an injured person

Supporting Emergency Service Workers in Bringing Injury Claims

With more than 30 years of experience in personal injury, McCarthy + Co Solicitors LLP has helped fire, ambulance, military, and Garda personnel bring successful personal injury claims.

Emergency workers are, by the nature of their roles, exposed to high-risk situations, including working at height, in adverse conditions, and lifting or moving people and heavy equipment at speed. The law recognises this, but it does not remove your employer’s duty to protect you. Where an employer fails to provide proper training, equipment, or support, and you are injured as a result, that failure can give rise to a claim. Much of the work is also routine, and accidents during everyday tasks are just as actionable as those during emergencies.

Emergency service workers commonly bring claims after being injured by:

inadequate manual handling training or equipment when lifting patients, casualties, or heavy loads;
a lack of suitable personal protective equipment for the task;
unsafe premises, vehicles, or equipment that were not properly maintained;
being asked to carry out a task without the training the role required; and
a failure to provide support after exposure to traumatic incidents.

Every role and every incident is different, so the best first step is to talk to us. Arrange a time to speak with a solicitor by completing our quick and confidential online form.

Workers we support

We advise emergency service personnel across Ireland, including:

Military injury claims – For members of the Defence Forces injured in the line of duty.
Garda injury claims – For members of An Garda Síochána injured while on duty.
Ambulance and paramedic claims – For paramedics and ambulance staff injured while responding to emergencies.
Firefighter claims – For firefighters injured on duty.

Psychological injury and trauma

Emergency workers are far more likely than most to witness distressing and traumatic events, so the risk of psychological injury is high and, importantly, foreseeable. Employers are expected to put appropriate support in place, such as counselling, follow-up care, and leave. Where an employer fails to provide that support, and a worker develops a recognised psychiatric condition, such as work-related PTSD, as a result, this can form the basis of a claim in the same way as a physical injury.

“I couldn’t recommend this firm enough, they were so helpful and made the process easy. The staff were very helpful and quick to respond to any of my queries. I’d highly recommend this solicitors’ firm to anyone. Thank you for all of your help.“

Catherine Johnston

Call us Freephone to Discuss Your Case:

1800 390 555

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Meet Liam Crowley

Liam Crowley is a partner at McCarthy + Co Solicitors LLP and leads our personal injury department. He has worked in litigation for almost 20 years, and in recent years he has acted almost exclusively for personal injury plaintiffs before the Circuit and High Courts, attending court venues throughout Ireland. He has handled many complex High Court actions involving multiple defendants and high-value loss of earnings claims, and he has managed investigations and claims in many wrongful death cases for families who have lost loved ones in road traffic and workplace accidents.

If you have been injured while working in the emergency services and would like trusted, attentive advice, you can contact Liam directly at liam@mccarthy.ie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions we are often asked about emergency service worker claims.

Who can make an emergency service worker claim?

Anyone employed in the emergency services who has been injured because their employer failed to keep them safe may have a claim. This includes members of An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, the fire service, and ambulance and paramedic staff, as well as control room and support staff. The key question is whether the employer was negligent or in breach of its health and safety duties, and whether that caused your injury.

I work in a high-risk role. Does that affect my right to claim?

Not in the way people often assume. Taking on a demanding or dangerous role does not mean giving up your right to a safe system of work. Your employer must still assess the risks, provide proper training and equipment, and put reasonable safeguards in place. If they fail to do so, and you are injured as a result, the fact that your job is inherently risky does not prevent a claim. What matters is whether the specific injury could reasonably have been avoided.

How does the Garda Compensation Scheme work?

For members of An Garda Síochána who are maliciously injured in the course of, or because of, their duties, there is a dedicated statutory scheme. It was reformed by the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022, which came into force in April 2023 and now includes trainee and reserve members. You apply to the Garda Commissioner within six months of the injury, or of becoming aware of it. Once eligibility and malice are confirmed, the claim is submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board, which assesses the compensation, with the State Claims Agency acting for the Commissioner. If the assessment is not accepted, the matter can proceed to court. The scheme was designed to be faster than the previous High Court process, and we can guide you through it.

Can I claim for psychological injury or PTSD?

Yes. Psychological injury is treated seriously, particularly in the emergency services, where exposure to trauma is foreseeable. To claim, you generally need a recognised psychiatric condition, such as diagnosed PTSD, rather than ordinary stress, and evidence that your employer failed to provide reasonable support. A medical diagnosis is central to this kind of claim.

How long do I have to make a claim?

For most personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident, or from when you became aware of your injury. The Garda Compensation Scheme is different, requiring an application to the Garda Commissioner within six months, though this can be extended in certain circumstances. Because the deadlines vary and can be short, it is important to take advice as soon as you can.

Do I need a solicitor?

You are not required to use a solicitor, but these claims can be complex, particularly where a specific scheme applies or where psychological injury is involved. An experienced solicitor makes sure you use the correct process and meet the deadlines, gathers the medical and other evidence to value your claim properly, and deals with the relevant bodies, such as the Injuries Resolution Board and the State Claims Agency, on your behalf.