Personal Injury Awards in Ireland – Understanding Your Rights
Suffering a personal injury can be overwhelming. Whether it happens at work, in a public place, at home, or in a road traffic accident, the consequences can be lifechanging. On top of the physical and emotional impact, many people are left worrying about their financial security and their right to fair personal injury compensation in Ireland.
How Personal Injury Claims Have Changed
In recent years, there has been a noticeable pushback against personal injury claims by insurance companies and other industry bodies. This has shaped how compensation is awarded and led to the creation of the Injuries Resolution Board (previously known as the Injuries Board/PIAB). Since the Board was introduced, overall personal injury awards in Ireland have decreased compared with what the courts might once have granted.
The Problem of Inflation and Compensation
At present, neither the Injuries Resolution Board nor the courts adjust personal injury compensation to account for inflation. As a result, the real value of awards has fallen over time, leaving injured people with less financial support than they genuinely need.
There has been a recent proposal to increase awards by 16.7% to reflect inflation. However, the necessary legislation has not yet been put in place, meaning that injured parties are still losing out.
Are Insurance Companies’ Interests Taking Priority?
Many believe that this delay highlights a wider issue: the interests of insurance companies are being prioritised over the rights of individuals who have suffered serious injuries through no fault of their own.
What This Means If You’ve Been Injured
If you are considering making a personal injury claim in Ireland, it is important to understand how these rules may affect the amount of compensation you receive. While the legal landscape continues to evolve, working with an experienced personal injury solicitor gives you the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
At Dobbyn McCoy Solicitors, we specialise in guiding clients through the personal injury claims process with clear, expert advice at every stage. If you have suffered an accident and would like to discuss your options, contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Awards in Ireland
Do personal injury awards in Ireland take inflation into account?
At present, neither the Injuries Resolution Board nor the courts adjust personal injury awards for inflation. This means that the real value of compensation has reduced over time. A proposal to increase awards by 16.7% to reflect inflation has been made, but it has not yet been implemented.
What is the Injuries Resolution Board?
The Injuries Resolution Board (formerly known as the Injuries Board or PIAB) is a body that assesses most personal injury claims in Ireland. Its purpose is to provide a quicker and less costly alternative to going to court. However, awards from the Board are generally lower than those historically granted by the courts.
How much compensation can I get for a personal injury in Ireland?
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injury, the impact on your daily life, and any financial losses you have suffered. Each case is different. An experienced personal injury solicitor can help you understand the likely value of your claim.
Do I need a solicitor to make a personal injury claim?
While you can submit a claim directly to the Injuries Resolution Board, working with a solicitor ensures your case is properly prepared, all evidence is included, and your rights are fully protected. A solicitor can also advise you on whether to accept the award offered or to take your case to court.
What types of personal injury claims are common in Ireland?
Common claims include workplace injury claims, road traffic accident claims, and public liability claims (such as slips and falls in public places). Each has its own legal requirements and deadlines, so early legal advice is essential.