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40.01 Claim Notice: General Damages Not Exceeding €15,000

Form 40.01 is a Claim Notice used in the Courts Service of Ireland for claiming general damages that do not exceed €15,000. It is filed when you start a civil claim for personal injury, negligence or similar loss within the small‑claims limit.

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Form Overview

40.01 Claim Notice: General Damages Not Exceeding €15,000

Form 40.01 is a Claim Notice used in the Courts Service of Ireland for claiming general damages that do not exceed €15,000. It is filed when you start a civil claim for personal injury, negligence or similar loss within the small‑claims limit.

The form records your name, address, details of the incident, the amount claimed and a brief statement of the facts.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is claiming more than €15,000, which forces you onto a different, higher‑value form.
  • Leaving the damages amount blank or exceeding €15,000
  • Missing the limitation period
  • Incorrect court registry selected
  • Failing to attach required supporting evidence

Plain English

If you have been hurt or suffered loss and the amount you want is under €15,000, you fill out this paper to tell the court what you are claiming. It starts the legal process and lets the other side know the details of your claim.

Submission Date

  • File the Claim Notice within the statutory limitation period – typically two years from the date of injury – or the claim may be barred.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • Use when the total claim for general damages is €15,000 or less.
  • Suitable for personal injury, negligence or breach of duty cases.
  • Applicable in both District Court and Circuit Court small‑claims tracks.
  • Do not use for claims involving property damage or contractual sums over €15,000.
  • If you need to claim interest or costs, a different claim form may be required.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Claim > €15,000Form 40.02 Claim Notice: General Damages Exceeding €15,000Higher value claim requires different fee scheduleVerify amount before filing
Property damage claimForm 40.03 Claim Notice: Property DamageDifferent sections for valuationUse only for property loss
Contract dispute under €2,000Small Claims Form (Form 40.04)Simplified formatCheck if contract dispute qualifies

Deadline or filing window

File the Claim Notice within the statutory limitation period – typically two years from the date of injury – or the claim may be barred.

Before you submit

  • All personal details are correct and up‑to‑date.
  • Damages amount does not exceed €15,000.
  • Incident description is clear and concise.
  • Supporting documents are attached and referenced.
  • Form is signed and dated by the claimant.
  • Correct court registry is selected.
  • Filing fee is paid or evidence of payment attached.
  • Copies made for your records.
  • If filing online, digital certificate is valid.
  • Postage address is correct for paper filing.

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the latest Form 40.01 from the Courts Service website.
  2. 2Complete the form in full, attaching required evidence.
  3. 3Pay the applicable filing fee.
  4. 4Submit the form in person, by post, or via the e‑Filing portal.
  5. 5Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the court.
  6. 6Serve a copy on the defendant as directed by the court.

Known limitations

  • Only for general damages up to €15,000.
  • Does not cover property loss or contractual sums.
  • Limited to civil claims; criminal matters require different forms.
  • Electronic filing requires a valid digital certificate.
  • No provision for multiple defendants on a single form.

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Current Form Status

Form 40.01 is currently the up‑to‑date version for 2024‑2025. No major revisions have been announced recently.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm the form header shows the current year (2024).
  • Check the fee amount listed matches the latest court fee schedule.
  • Verify the electronic filing instructions reflect the latest e‑Filing portal URL.
  • Ensure the limitation period reminder reflects the two‑year rule for personal injury.
  • Look for any new mandatory attachment notes (e.g., medical report).

Quick Facts

Anyone who wants to start a civil claim for general damages of €15,000 or less must complete this form.
The form records your name, address, details of the incident, the amount claimed and a brief statement of the facts.
You must lodge the Claim Notice as soon as possible after the incident, usually within the limitation period (normally two years for personal injury).
Submit the completed form to the appropriate District Court or Circuit Court registry in person, by post, or via the Courts Service e‑Filing portal if you have a digital certificate.
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1. Download Form 40.01 from the Courts Service website or pick up a paper copy at the court registry. 2. Fill in all sections legibly; use black ink for paper copies. 3. Attach any supporting documents such as medical reports or invoices. 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Pay the filing fee (if applicable) and send the package to the court by post, in person, or via e‑Filing.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
23/10/25

40.01 Claim Notice: General Damages Not Exceeding €15,000

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After you file

  • Keep the court receipt for your records.
  • Track the case number assigned by the court.
  • Serve the Claim Notice on the defendant within the timeframe ordered by the court.
  • Monitor any court correspondence for hearing dates.
  • Prepare for a possible settlement conference or trial.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number from user input.
  • General purpose inferred from form name (Claim Notice, General Damages ≤ €15,000).
  • Limitation period assumption based on typical Irish personal injury law (2 years).
  • Filing methods (post, in‑person, e‑Filing) inferred from Courts Service practice.
  • Fee and digital certificate requirements not confirmed in official source.
  • Specific alternate forms (40.02, 40.03, 40.04) not verified; listed as likely based on numbering pattern.

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up the €15,000 limit with the €2,000 small claims limit.

  • 2

    Submitting the form to the wrong court registry.

  • 3

    Leaving the damages amount blank or rounding incorrectly.

  • 4

    Forgetting to attach medical or expert reports.

  • 5

    Using an outdated version of the form.

  • 6

    Not signing the form or using a photocopied signature.

  • 7

    Assuming e‑Filing is free of charge.

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