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Preliminary Merit Assessment — Medical Negligence

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Guide only — nothing on this page is for sale. Preliminary Merit Assessment — Medical Negligence: how it works in Ireland, when you need a solicitor and how to find one through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Operated by Plus Promotions Limited (not a solicitor’s practice)
OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. Documents sold here are self-complete templates and the guides are general information only. If your matter needs a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Information only — not sold online

Read the guide below, then instruct a regulated Irish solicitor. Our self-complete templates can help you prepare before you do.

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This matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. This page is a guide to what is involved. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. To instruct a regulated practice, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
Quality assurance — Templates are prepared for use in Ireland and updated when the law changes. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. If you have any concerns about your template, contact us and we will put it right or refund you.

Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.

OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. To instruct a regulated practice, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. A solicitor would review your account and available records, assesses the matter against the applicable legal standard, advises on limitation dates and set out whether the matter merits further investigation, including guidance on independent professional review. If your matter proceeds, the engagement and fee basis are agreed in writing first.

The price shown is the full professional fee for the service as described, and any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. If your matter needs more than this service covers, a solicitor would explain the options before any further work is done.

What’s included

  • Review of your documentation
  • Written preliminary opinion
  • Limitation date advice
  • A call to discuss the assessment
  • Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
  • Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
  • A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards

Who this is for

  • Patients concerned about their treatment
  • Families after a loved one’s death following care
  • People with an injury from a medical procedure
  • People unsure whether they have a claim

How it works

  1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
  2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
  3. A solicitor would then review your account and records and prepares a written preliminary opinion.
  4. You receive the written opinion by email and a call to discuss it.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a medical negligence assessment cost in Ireland?

Fees for work of this kind are typically set on application: a solicitor would typically confirm the fee once the matter has been reviewed and before any work begins. Any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. You request an assessment, and costs are confirmed in writing before any work begins.

What must be proved in a medical negligence claim?

Generally, that the care fell below the standard expected and that this caused the injury. Independent expert evidence is usually needed.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. Claims generally must be brought within two years of the date of knowledge.

For more on personal injury and negligence claims, see our Personal Injury in Ireland guide.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

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OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited (CRO 670635).
Plus Promotions Limited is not a solicitor’s practice and is not regulated by the Law Society of Ireland or the Legal Services Regulatory Authority. We publish legal information and sell self-complete document templates. We do not give legal advice and do not prepare documents for you. Where your matter needs a solicitor, instruct a regulated practice through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. About this site and regulation · Solicitors: work with us

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OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited (CRO 670635), which is not a solicitor’s practice and is not regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. Documents are self-complete templates and general information, not legal advice.