If your work has caused a mental illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, and your employer should have seen the risk, you may be able to claim, with no upfront fees.
It's a claim for compensation when your job causes a recognised psychiatric illness, such as depression, an anxiety disorder or PTSD. Ordinary work pressure, on its own, isn't enough.
Northern Ireland courts apply the same tests as England and Wales, followed in McCotter v McNally (2004). The main question is whether your employer knew, or should have known, that you were at risk of harm.
An employer is usually entitled to assume you can cope unless there are signs that you can't. Complaints, sick notes and an unrealistic workload can all count. Then the question is whether they did enough.
A diagnosis from your GP or a specialist, emails raising concerns, grievance records and sick notes all help. Keep copies of anything you sent to your employer.
Usually three years from when you first knew your illness was serious and linked to your work, under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. Employment tribunal claims have much shorter time limits.
See your GP if you notice any of these. A claim needs a diagnosed illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
You pay nothing to start your claim and nothing while it runs.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims, from first advice through to court if it comes to that.
If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
Our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed.
We'll look at what happened and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. There's no pressure to go ahead.
Workplace claims are run by Paul Kearney, a solicitor advocate and former barrister, with trainee solicitor John Deeney.
We help clients across Northern Ireland, in person or by phone, email or video.
It's a claim for compensation when your work causes a recognised psychiatric illness, such as depression, an anxiety disorder or PTSD, because your employer didn't take reasonable care.
Yes, if your work caused a recognised psychiatric illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, and your employer should have seen the risk.
Excessive workload, bullying or harassment, lack of support, unsafe work environments, discrimination, or sudden role changes without proper training are all common causes.
Yes. A diagnosis from your GP, therapist, or psychiatrist strengthens your case and helps prove that your mental health has been affected by your work.
It can be harder. The courts usually ask whether your employer knew, or should have known, you were at risk. Sick notes or an obvious overload can count, so we look at the whole picture.
Yes. If your employer failed to address complaints of bullying, harassment, or unfair treatment by another employee, they may be held legally responsible.
You can claim for pain and suffering, counselling costs, lost earnings, future loss of income, and other related expenses.
Usually three years from when you first knew your illness was serious and linked to your work. If you're unsure, we can check this in your free first conversation.
You can still make a claim. The claim is dealt with by your employer's insurer.
Most claims settle out of court. If your case does go to court, we'll represent you fully and guide you through every step.
Yes. In fact, proof of time off work due to stress or mental health issues can help support your claim.
You may still be able to claim for the illness itself. Resigning raises separate employment law questions, such as constructive dismissal, which have much shorter time limits, so get advice quickly.
Yes. The same tests apply in any job: whether your employer knew, or should have known, you were at risk, and whether they did enough to protect you.
The claim is dealt with by your employer's insurer.
Yes, in some cases. For example, if the person affected lacks mental capacity, a family member may be able to bring the claim for them.
Every claim is different. On average, claims are resolved within 4 to 6 months, but stress claims often need specialist medical evidence and can take longer.
Yes. If you're not happy with your current legal support, we make the transfer process smooth and cost-free.
Yes. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
No win, no fee agreements aren't permitted in Northern Ireland. Instead there are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims. There are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.
Kearney Law Group Ltd is a solicitors' practice regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Registered in Northern Ireland, company number NI663222. Registered office: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR.
Kearney Law Group only handles personal injury and clinical negligence claims.
We act for clients across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Craigavon and Bangor. See all the areas we cover.
Contact us to arrange your free first conversation.
Belfast: Scottish Provident Building, 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH
02890 912 938
Derry: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR
02871 362 299
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
