In today’s environment, CCTV cameras are everywhere — from shops and car parks to public streets and workplaces. If you’ve been injured in an accident, there’s a strong chance that your incident may have been captured on camera.

At Martin A. Harvey & Co. Solicitors, we regularly see how powerful CCTV footage can be in personal injury claims. In many cases, it provides clear, objective evidence that supports a client’s version of events and strengthens their case significantly.

So how exactly does CCTV help, and what should you do if you believe your accident was recorded?

Why CCTV Footage Is So Important

Unlike witness statements, which can sometimes be inconsistent or incomplete, CCTV provides real-time, unbiased visual evidence of what actually happened.

It can:

• Show exactly how the accident occurred
• Identify the hazard that caused the injury
• Confirm the presence or absence of warning signs
• Demonstrate whether reasonable safety measures were in place
• Support your account if liability is disputed

In many cases, CCTV can quickly establish fault — or, just as importantly, disprove inaccurate claims made by the other party.

Common Situations Where CCTV Is Used

CCTV evidence is particularly useful in:

• Slip and fall accidents in supermarkets, shops, or shopping centres
• Workplace accidents where safety procedures are in question
• Road traffic accidents at junctions, car parks, or urban areas
• Public liability claims involving footpaths, entrances, or public buildings
• Gym, hotel, or leisure facility injuries

Because cameras are so widespread, many incidents are recorded — but the key is acting quickly to secure the footage.

How CCTV Helps Prove Negligence

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must show that another party was negligent. CCTV footage can help establish:

• That a hazard existed (e.g. a spill, obstruction, or unsafe surface)
• That the hazard was present for a sufficient period of time
• That the responsible party failed to take reasonable steps to address it
• That your injury occurred as a direct result of that hazard

For example, footage may show that a shop floor was wet for a prolonged period without being cleaned or signposted — a key factor in proving liability.

Act Quickly: CCTV Footage Is Often Deleted

One of the most important things to understand is that CCTV footage is not kept indefinitely.

In many businesses, footage is automatically deleted within:

• 24 to 72 hours
• Up to 30 days (in some cases)

If no request is made within that timeframe, the footage may be permanently lost.

What You Should Do:

• Report the incident immediately to the premises or responsible party
• Request that CCTV footage is preserved
• Contact a solicitor as soon as possible

At Martin A. Harvey & Co., we can issue a formal request to secure the footage before it is erased.

Can You Access CCTV Footage Yourself?

Yes — under data protection law, you may request footage of yourself through a Subject Access Request (SAR).

However, there are some limitations:

• Other individuals in the footage may need to be blurred
• The business may refuse access if it affects third-party privacy
• The process can take time, and delays may risk deletion

For this reason, it is often more effective for a solicitor to request the footage as part of a legal claim.

You can learn more about your data rights at dataprotection.ie.

What If There Is No CCTV Footage?

While CCTV can be extremely valuable, not all claims rely on it. A strong case can still be built using:

• Medical reports
• Photographs of the scene
• Witness statements
• Incident reports
• Expert evidence

That said, where CCTV is available, it can significantly strengthen your position — particularly where liability is disputed.

How a Solicitor Helps Secure and Use CCTV Evidence

At Martin A. Harvey & Co., we take proactive steps to ensure CCTV evidence is obtained and used effectively:

• Identifying whether CCTV is likely to exist
• Requesting immediate preservation of footage
• Reviewing footage in detail to support your claim
• Using video evidence in PIAB applications or court proceedings
• Challenging opposing claims with objective visual proof

This level of detail can make a meaningful difference to the outcome of your case.

Injured in an Accident? Don’t Lose Crucial Evidence

If you’ve been involved in an accident in a public place, workplace, or on the road, CCTV footage could be one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim.

But timing is critical. Once footage is deleted, it cannot be recovered.

Contact Martin A. Harvey & Co. Solicitors as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and all available evidence is secured.

📞 +353 (0)21 4963400
📧 maharvey@martinharvey.ie

We’re here to guide you through your personal injury claim with experience, clarity, and a strong focus on results.

 Not All Injuries Are Visible 

When people think of personal injury claims, they often picture broken bones, whiplash, or physical trauma. But the reality is, many accidents leave behind invisible wounds—such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression. 

Whether you were involved in a serious road traffic accident, injured at work, or experienced a traumatic event in a public place, the emotional toll can be just as damaging as any physical injury. At Martin A. Harvey & Co., we frequently help clients pursue compensation for psychological injuries resulting from someone else’s negligence. 

In this blog, we break down when and how psychological injuries can form the basis of a personal injury claim in Ireland—and how to protect your rights if you’ve been affected. 

What Are Psychological Injuries in Legal Terms? 

Psychological or psychiatric injuries refer to mental and emotional harm suffered as a result of an accident or incident. These may include: 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 
• Anxiety or panic attacks 
• Depression 
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares 
• Emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life 

These conditions can severely impact your ability to work, maintain relationships, and carry out everyday tasks. Like physical injuries, they may be short-term or long-lasting. 

Can You Claim for Psychological Injuries in Ireland? 

Yes, you can make a personal injury claim for psychological injuries in Ireland—provided you can demonstrate that: 

1. The injury was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, and
2. The injury has been diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, such as a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist. 

These types of claims are recognised by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), and the courts, although they are often more complex to prove than physical injuries. 

Common Scenarios That Lead to Psychological Injury Claims 

1. Serious car accidents, even where physical injuries were minor. 
2. Workplace accidents, especially in high-risk industries. 
3. Witnessing a traumatic event, such as a colleague being injured or killed. 
4. Being the victim of a violent act, such as an assault at work or in a public place. 
5. Bullying or harassment in the workplace, leading to stress, anxiety, or burnout. 
6. Medical negligence, where emotional trauma follows a misdiagnosis or poor treatment outcome. 
7. What Evidence Do You Need to Support a Claim? 

Because psychological injuries are not always outwardly visible, strong medical and supporting evidence is key. 

Essential evidence includes: 

1. Medical reports from your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist detailing your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. 
2. A personal injury assessment submitted to PIAB (usually supported by Form B from your medical practitioner). 
3. Proof of the incident, such as accident reports, Garda records, or CCTV footage. 
4. Witness statements, if others observed the event or its impact on you. 
5. A personal journal or record detailing how the condition affects your daily life, work, sleep, and relationships. 
6. Receipts or invoices for therapy, medication, or related medical expenses. 

How Compensation Is Calculated for Psychological Injuries 

Compensation is generally broken down into two categories: 

1. General Damages – for pain, suffering, and impact on quality of life.
2. Special Damages – for out-of-pocket expenses such as therapy, prescriptions, or loss of income due to time off work. 

The Judicial Council’s Personal Injury Guidelines provide benchmark compensation ranges based on the severity of the psychological injury—from minor anxiety to severe PTSD. 

Do You Need a Physical Injury to Claim? 

Not necessarily. However, it is often easier to claim psychological injury alongside a physical one, as the link to the incident may be more straightforward. 

In some cases—such as workplace bullying or psychological trauma from witnessing a tragic event—you can claim for emotional or psychiatric injuries without physical harm, but these claims tend to be more complex and require strong, independent medical evidence. 

How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim? 

The standard time limit for bringing a personal injury claim in Ireland is two years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge (when you first became aware of the injury). It’s important to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible to avoid running out of time. 

Why Legal Advice Is Essential in Psychological Injury Claims 

Psychological injury claims can be more challenging to prove than those involving physical harm. Insurance companies may downplay or question the seriousness of emotional trauma, and additional medical opinions may be required. 

At Martin A. Harvey & Co., we will: 

1. Help you collect and present strong medical evidence 
2. File your PIAB application correctly and on time 
3. Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf 
4. Represent you in court if necessary 

We approach these sensitive cases with discretion, care, and professionalism always putting your well-being first. 

Conclusion: Don’t Suffer in Silence 

If you’ve suffered psychological trauma after an accident, you don’t have to carry that burden alone. Emotional injuries are real, and the law recognises your right to seek compensation. 

At Martin A. Harvey & Co., we’re here to guide you through the claims process with empathy and expertise. We’ll listen to your story, assess your case, and help you take the next steps towards justice and recovery. 

Get in touch today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. 

+353-(0)21-4963400 

maharvey@martinharvey.ie