Whiplash claims in Northern Ireland are assessed differently from England and Wales. If a crash that wasn't your fault left you with neck or back pain, you can usually claim, with no upfront fees.
A whiplash claim is a claim for compensation for a neck or upper back injury caused by a sudden jolt, usually in a road traffic accident that was someone else's fault.
The claim is dealt with and paid by the other driver's insurer. You can usually claim even if the crash happened at low speed.
Since May 2021, whiplash claims in England and Wales have used fixed payments set by law and an online claims portal. Those rules apply only there.
In Northern Ireland, compensation for whiplash is assessed using the Green Book, the judges' guidelines. The sixth edition, in force since 8 April 2024, raised the guideline figures in most injury categories.
A medical report is the key evidence. We arrange an examination with an independent medical expert, who reports on your injury and how long recovery is likely to take.
Keep a record of GP visits, physiotherapy, time off work and any costs. Symptoms can take a day or two to appear, so see your GP even if you felt fine at first.
Three years from the date of the accident in most cases, under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. For a child, the three years usually start on their 18th birthday.
Symptoms might not appear right away. Always seek medical advice and legal help as soon as possible.
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.
Road traffic 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 legal claim for compensation after suffering soft tissue damage in your neck or upper back, usually caused by a sudden jolt in a car accident.
Yes. Even low-speed accidents can cause whiplash. You may be entitled to compensation for pain, medical treatment, and lost income
You typically have 3 years from the date of the accident. If the injured person is under 18, the clock starts on their 18th birthday.
Yes. Medical records, assessments, and treatment reports help confirm your injury. We'll guide you on what's needed.
Most whiplash claims settle outside court. If court is necessary, we'll represent and support you throughout.
As long as it's within the 3-year time limit and you sought medical attention, you may still have a valid claim.
Yes. Seeing your GP or a specialist later still counts. Medical documentation is key.
You can claim for pain and suffering, medical expenses, travel costs, time off work, and ongoing therapy if needed.
Yes. There are no upfront fees. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs. If it doesn't, our legal insurance covers the costs.
Yes. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
Symptoms include neck stiffness, pain, headaches, reduced mobility, fatigue, and sometimes shoulder or back discomfort.
Yes. Children can make a claim through a parent or legal guardian. Time limits for claims begin on their 18th birthday.
We'll help gather evidence, such as witness statements, CCTV and accident reports, to show who was at fault.
Yes. Passengers injured in accidents, even with friends or family driving, have the right to claim compensation.
Not always. Many soft tissue injuries don't appear on scans, but medical assessments and reports can still confirm your injury.
Yes. If the accident made your condition worse, you may still be entitled to compensation. We'll assess the full impact.
Every claim is different. On average, claims are resolved within 4 to 6 months, depending on how complex the case is and the evidence involved. We keep you updated throughout.
Not necessarily. We can handle your claim by phone, by email or through video appointments, whichever suits you.
You can still make a claim. We'll explain your options and handle the process through the proper channels.
Yes. We can help you move your case to us quickly and with no extra cost.
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
