As a member of An Garda Síochána you have a right to a fair and safe work environment, just like any other employee within any organisation. Those serving in the Garda often find themselves in highly dangerous situations, whilst protecting the public. However, there are also many scenarios where avoidable accidents have not been safeguarded against properly. In these scenarios, it may be possible to bring a claim against your employer for compensation.
With close to twenty thousand employees in Ireland, An Garda Síochána operations are diverse and cover, among other things, Special Crime Operations, Security & Intelligence, Road Policing & Community Relations. In any of these areas and more, it is possible to sustain avoidable injuries due to Health & Safety violations. If you have been injured on duty and you think this applies to you, you may be able to instigate a claim against your employer for compensation.
Bringing a claim for negligence against An Garda Síochána
Members of An Garda Síochána are the same as many other emergency service workers, such as firefighters and paramedics, in that they place their lives on the line to help keep others safe. It goes without saying that entering this profession means accepting that there will be many unpredictable scenarios where it is impossible for an employer to safeguard individuals from harm’s way. Firefighters, for example, must accept the possibility that building infrastructure may fall onto them whilst tackling the fire.
However, just because emergency service staff deal with dangerous situations every day, that does not mean they do not have the same rights as everyone else to a work environment that protects their safety to a high standard. Should an accident occur that could have reasonably been prevented, whilst on duty in the Garda, the injured party may be eligible to instigate a claim for negligence.
Scenarios, where you may have a basis to instigate a Garda injury claim, include:
- Injuries sustained during training
- An injury caused by faulty or dangerous equipment provided to you
- A lack of adequate equipment or training, directly causing the injury
- Failure by your employer to recognise symptoms of PTSD resulting from an extreme experience on the job
- An injury caused by being placed unnecessarily in a dangerous situation
- Failure to properly deal with harassment or bullying claims.
There will, of course, be many other legitimate situations where it is possible to make a claim against your employer for compensation. Speak to one of our specialist solicitors today for further advice.
About McCarthy + Co
With more than 30 years of experience in dealing with personal injury claims, McCarthy + Co. have helped to bring many successful cases against emergency services employers including Garda injured on duty claims. We are a family-run business, and we pride ourselves on offering honest, impartial, and helpful advice.
Our offices are based in Dublin and Cork, but we work with clients throughout Ireland in locations ranging from Galway to Waterford. You can count on us for legal advice, guidance, and assistance on any form of personal injury.
Testimonials for McCarthy + Co. Solicitors LLP
I have every reason to thank all in the office of McCarthy + Co. They dealt with a difficult case and made the process as simple and easy as possible. Special thanks to Anne Marie in the office for her courtesy and efficiency. Should I ever need to I wouldn’t hesitate to use the company again.
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Garda Injury Claims
If you work within any division of An Garda Síochána, and you have suffered an avoidable injury whilst in the line of duty, get in contact with our specialist Garda injury claims solicitors today to make a start on your claim or gather more information. Call us on 1800 390 555 and an experienced member of staff will discuss your situation and potential next steps. You can also email on info@mccarthy.ie and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
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