What to Do If Your Employer Denies Liability After an Accident
If you’ve been injured at work and your employer denies liability, that can feel like a second blow, frustrating and unfair, especially when you're already overcoming physical and emotional challenges. Knowing how to respond early and effectively can make a pivotal difference in protecting your rights. At Kearney Law, we specialize in workplace personal injury advocacy, guiding clients through even the most complex liability disputes with precision, empathy, and commitment.
Understand the Legal Duty of Care
Every employer in Ireland has a legal duty to provide a safe work environment under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act. This includes adequate training, a safe work environment, regular maintenance, and clear hazard notifications. Proving negligence often comes down to showing that a failure in any of these areas directly caused your injury.
Kearney Law’s experienced personal injury team knows how to gather and present compelling evidence to support all aspects of your claim, from demonstrating duty of care to establishing causation and quantifying damages.
Steps to Take When an Employer Denies Liability
1. Report the Incident and Keep Records
Ensure your injury is documented officially, report it to management, and request an accident book entry or health and safety log. If none is provided, follow up promptly in writing. Keep your own detailed notes about what happened, including times, witnesses, and how the injury occurred.
2. Gather Supporting Evidence
Photograph the site of your accident, including any unsafe conditions like slippery floors or malfunctioning equipment. Collect witness names and statements, take note of inspections or absence of safety signage, and secure relevant training and maintenance records if possible.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Assessment
Even if symptoms seem minor, a medical assessment creates an essential link between your accident and any resulting injury, especially important when employers deny responsibility or suggest preexisting conditions.
4. Request Documentation
Kearney Law can assist in formally requesting your employer’s safety policies, incident logs, and training records. These documents may be crucial in clarifying liability and revealing systematic failures.
5. Consult a Specialist Workplace Injury Solicitor
At Kearney Law, we help you prepare a Claims Notification Form (CNF) for submission to PIAB and handle all communication with insurers or employer representatives. Our courtroom experience ensures every step is safeguarded, even in the face of denial.
6. Use Expert Analysis
In disputed claims, expert assessments, occupational health, structural, or safety experts can validate your version of events and strengthen your evidence in ways that employer statements alone cannot counter.
7. Proceed to Negotiation or Litigation as Needed
If PIAB concludes that liability is likely, insurers may still contest the outcome. At Kearney Law, we stand by your claim through negotiation or litigation, ensuring your voice remains central and that you pursue fair compensation.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
General Damages: For pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
Special Damages: Covering medical costs, travel, home or vehicle adaptations, lost earnings
Future Needs: Long-term medical treatment, future loss of earnings, or care needs
Kearney Law ensures that every component of your loss is methodically accounted for in your claim.
Internal Kearney Law Resources
Explore Personal Injury Services to see how they assist across injury types.
Find specialized support under Accidents at Work for workplace injury claims.
Learn more about the firm’s values and expertise on the About Us page.
Ready to begin? Visit Contact Us for a free, confidential consultation.
UK-Based External Resource for Further Insight
For additional guidance on what to do if your employer denies liability, the National Accident Helpline offers a clear breakdown of steps claimants can take—including the importance of evidence and legal support. 👉 Employer Denies Liability? What You Should Do
Why Acting Promptly Matters
In Ireland, most workplace injury claims must be submitted to PIAB within two years of becoming aware of the injury. Delaying can result in loss of evidence, forgotten details, and potentially forfeiting your right to claim. Swift action helps protect your case and strengthens your ability to pursue justice.
Final Thoughts
If your employer denies liability after a workplace accident, you don’t have to face that challenge alone. With Kearney Law’s workplace personal injury advocacy, you gain partners who bring legal expertise, strategic evidence gathering, and compassionate support to your claim. Start your path to resolution with confidence—contact Kearney Law today.
















