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Holiday Accidents

Holidays are often the highlight of the year, so holiday accidents can be especially distressing. You’ve been injured—don’t let time take away your rights. Talk to our experienced personal injury team for advice about what to do next.

Holiday Accidents Solicitors

Specialist personal injury advice for holiday accidents and injuries

Thousands of travellers suffer injuries each year while abroad, often facing unfamiliar healthcare systems and complex legal challenges.

Holiday accidents and injuries can have lasting emotional, physical and financial impacts.

At Gibson & Associates LLP, our experienced personal injury solicitors will help you understand your options and what to do next.

Speak to our legal team now about your case. Call us
Freephone on:
+353 (0)1 264 5555

Did you know?

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs handled over 2,000 consular cases in 2023. Among these:

There were also 136 incidents involving Irish citizens as victims of crime.

There were 296 medical emergencies.

Injured while on holiday? Here’s what you should do next

  • Document the Hoiliday Accident:s Carefully record the details, including names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses, along with the time and place.
  • Take Photos: Clear pictures of the accident scene will help support your case.
    Keep Receipts: Hold on to all receipts for any expenses related to the accident or injury.
  • Keep Medical Records: Create a file of all your medical reports and receipts from any treatment or examinations, whether paid for personally or through insurance.
  • Report the Accident: Let your travel agency or accommodation provider know, so they can help you file an accident report with the local authorities.
  • Obtain Copies: Make sure you get copies of all reports for your peace of mind.

Common causes of holiday accidents and injuries

We love holidays for relaxation and new adventures, but unfamiliar surroundings and different road rules can increase the chance of accidents and injuries while abroad.

 

→ Road accidents, often caused by unfamiliar traffic rules and conditions

→ Slips and falls, particularly on slippery surfaces around swimming pools

→ Water sports accidents during activities like boating, diving, or jet skiing

 

→ Injuries during day trips and excursions

→ Food poisoning due to poor hygiene

→ Accidents caused by defective equipment in hotel gyms or playgrounds

 

Because your story matters-just like theirs ..

Very helpful and always on hand to help, from my first email I was very impressed with the level of service provided, Jessica and Sinead where always very helpful and kept me updated on progress, I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending Gibson & Associates to Family and Friends.
Anthony Kimmins

Highly recommend Gibson & Associates. Professional, helpful, friendly staff. Jessica is a pleasure to deal with. Thanks for everything.

Rachel Mulrooney

Recommendation for Gibson and Associates
The company was alway responsive throughout the process and clear with regard to the guidance they provided me. The staff was knowledgeable and courteous.
Kathleen Ohalloran

We used Gibson and Associates, which provided an excellent service. They were extremely professional and very personable, clearly explaining the process every step of the way. I would highly recommend this firm.
Michelle Sheehan

Things you need to know about Personal Injury

For a Personal Injury claim to be eligible the claimant must have either been physically or psychologically injured in the accident.

You have two years to start a personal injury claim* from the date of injury or from when you became aware of the injury (“date of knowledge”). For children, a claim can be made any time before they turn 18, after which they have two years to claim themselves. If the injury isn’t discovered immediately, the time limit may begin from the date it was identified by a doctor or medical expert.

If you have previously instructed a solicitor, we unfortunately do not instruct on other legal firms' cases.

Our Personal Injury Solicitors Specialise in Holiday Accidents Abroad

Turn to our personal injury solicitors for personalised advice about the holiday accident or injury you experienced while overseas.
  • We take the time to listen carefully to your situation and the challenges you face abroad.
  • We explain your legal options in plain, easy-to-understand language—no confusing legal terms.
  • No matter where your accident happened, we are here to support you throughout the process.
  • We offer the strength and resources of a large firm with the personal attention of a smaller team.
Speak with our trusted personal injury solicitors today on +353 (0)1 264 5555.

How to Access Medical Treatment While on Holiday Abroad

If you are travelling in Europe and eligible for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can access public healthcare abroad either free of charge or at a reduced cost.

You can use your EHIC if you are:

• On holiday
• Staying abroad for up to three months
• Studying abroad for the academic year

Where the EHIC is accepted:
• EU Member States – including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Portugal
• EEA Countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
• Switzerland

Always keep your EHIC with you when travelling. For more details, visit the EHIC website.

How We Support You Through Your Recovery

At Gibson & Associates LLP, our personal injury team handles all the practical steps of the injury resolution process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Our team handles all the aspects of the process for you. This means you don’t have to worry about dealing with paperwork, calls, or attending hearings alone – we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Medical Assessment

Arranging medical assessment to identify your needs.

Handling Communications

Handling all communication throughout the process

Exploring Legal Options

Exploring options to help you decide what is best for you

Court Representation

Representing you in court if this is needed

Why you can trust Gibson & Associates LLP

Client-Focused Results

If your case qualifies, we’ll pursue it with determination and diligence to get the best possible result for you

Clear & Honest Guidance

We offer transparent, straightforward advice on the strength of your case and the likely outcomes—no legal jargon.

Accredited & Trusted

We are proud members of the Law Society of
Ireland, delivering expert legal services with
integrity and care.

Client-Focused Results

If your case qualifies, we’ll pursue it with determination and diligence to get the best possible result for you

Our Dedicated Litigation Team

Daireann Gibson
Managing Partner

Amanda Walsh
Partner

Aisling Wyer
Solicitor

Anna O’Donoghue
Senior Solicitor

Blaithin Cassidy
Soilcitor

Eoin O'Riordan
Solicitor

Jessica McGrath
Senior Legal Executive

Sinead Shaw
Legal Manager

Taofik Asubiaro
Legal Support

Thomas Scally
Senior Case Manager

Sarah McDaid
Senior Legal Executive

Sinead Ivory
Legal Executive

FAQs about Holiday Accidents and Injuries Abroad

1. What should I do immediately after a motorbike accident?

If it is a minor accident, take photos, exchange information with the other party, and note the position of all vehicles before moving them. Also, keep your hazard lights on to warn other drivers nearby.

2. Can my travel agent help if I have an accident overseas?

Yes. Your travel agent should support you by providing information about local healthcare, authorities, and consular services. They can also help with practical needs like making long-distance calls or changing travel plans if needed.

3. Do I need travel insurance if I am injured abroad?

Travel insurance can help cover immediate medical expenses and emergency assistance. If you have been injured in a holiday accident, you can explore your legal options, whether you have travel insurance or not. Speak to our personal injury solicitors to find out more.

4. What if I was partly responsible for the accident?

Even if you believe you were partially at fault, it is still important to speak to an experienced personal injury solicitor. Our team can help you understand your rights based on the specific details of the incident.

5. What if my trip was not part of a package holiday?

If you arranged your travel and accommodation, different legal protections may apply. You may still be entitled to support, depending on where and how the incident occurred.

6. Is there a time limit for taking legal action?

Yes. Time limits vary depending on the country and the nature of the incident. It is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you meet the deadlines.

7. Will I need to return to the country where the accident happened?

Not necessarily. Many cases can be managed from Ireland, particularly if your trip was arranged through an Irish or European Union-based provider. Talk to our personal injury solicitors for advice.

8. Can I take explore legal options on behalf of someone else?

Yes. If a person close to you has been seriously injured or is unable to act on their own behalf, such as a child or someone who is incapacitated, you may be able to act for them.

You can trust us for personal injury expertise in the following areas

Road Traffic
Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident, whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, or while at work, our expert personal injury solicitors can help.

We specialise in car accident claims, bus accident claims, and workplace road accident claims, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Accidents in the Workplace

A workplace accident can happen to anyone, but it shouldn’t mean you have to suffer financially.

Our expert personal injury solicitors specialise in helping you claim compensation for workplace injuries and other losses. Whether you’ve suffered from a slip, trip, or fall, manual handling injury, or accidents at work, we are here to support you.

Accidents in Public Places

Accidents in public places can happen unexpectedly, and if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

These accidents can occur in a wide range of locations, including parks, shopping centres, pavements, public transport, museums, and sports venues.

Medical Negligence

Medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below the accepted standard, resulting in harm or injury.

This can happen in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ surgeries, dental practices, and other medical settings. If you have suffered due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused.

Childbirth Injury

Childbirth injuries are devastating for both the mother and child. These injuries can occur during pregnancy, labour, or delivery, and may be the result of medical negligence or improper care.

If you or your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical errors or neglect, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional distress.

Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries are severe, life-altering injuries that can have a profound impact on your life. These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and significant adjustments to daily life.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to an accident or medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover the immense costs of care and to support your ongoing recovery.

Personal Injury

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After an accident—whether on the road, at work, or in public—your actions matter. Prioritise safety, call emergency services, and seek medical attention immediately. Document the scene, report the incident to the relevant authority, and notify your insurer. Legal advice from experienced solicitors like Gibson & Associates LLP can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation if needed.

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