If you’ve been involved in an accident and are considering a personal injury claim in Ireland, the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) – previously known as the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) – is your first port of call. Established in 2004, the Board has now celebrated 20 years of managing personal injury claims.
Here are 8 key things worth knowing about how the process works and why it matters for claimants.
1. All personal injury claims start with the Board
With very limited exceptions, all personal injuries claims must first be lodged with the Injuries Resolution Board. Your application should include:
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Full details of the accident or incident, and
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A medical report prepared by your doctor.
This ensures the Board has the evidence it needs from the outset.
2. Respondents and insurers are put on notice
Once your application is lodged, the Board notifies the respondent (usually the person or organisation you hold responsible) and/or their insurer.
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They then have 90 days to state whether they consent to the Board assessing the claim.
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If consent is refused, the Board issues an Authorisation allowing you to take your case to the courts.
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Even if consent is given, the Board can decide a case is too complex (for example, where injuries are serious) and issue an Authorisation.
3. The Board values claims but does not decide liability
If the case proceeds, the Board typically has nine months to assess the value of your claim. It is important to note:
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The IRB does not decide who is at fault.
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Its role is to assess the compensation value for the injuries and losses.
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Independent medical assessments are often commissioned in addition to your doctor’s report.
4. Both sides must accept the assessment
When the Board makes its Assessment, it is sent to both you and the respondent/insurer.
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If both sides accept, the Assessment becomes an Order to Pay, enforceable like a court order.
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The respondent must then pay within a fixed timeframe.
5. Rejection means the case can go to court
If either party rejects the Board’s Assessment, an Authorisation is issued, allowing you to proceed with a court claim. This ensures you are not locked into a decision that you feel undervalues your claim.
6. Acceptance can save time, stress and money
Where the assessment is reasonable, acceptance by both parties is often the best outcome. It:
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Avoids lengthy litigation,
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Reduces legal costs, and
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Provides quicker closure for the injured party.
7. The Board’s 2024 Annual Report shows positive trends
The Injuries Resolution Board’s latest report highlights some important developments:
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Applications: up by around 1% on 2023, though still about one-third below pre-pandemic levels.
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Consent rates: above 70% for the third year running, showing strong cooperation from insurers.
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Acceptance rates: up 2% to 50%, meaning half of all assessments are accepted by both sides.
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Mediation service: now available across all liability categories, with many claims resolved in an average of three months.
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Garda Compensation Scheme: now handled by the IRB (previously the High Court), with average claims resolved in six months.
8. Early resolution benefits everyone
The clear trend is that more personal injuries cases are being resolved at an earlier stage. This benefits all sides by:
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Ensuring claimants receive fair and timely compensation,
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Reducing legal costs for both sides, and
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Potentially supporting lower insurance premiums where insurers save on costs.
Making Personal Injury Claim
Understanding how the Injuries Resolution Board works is essential if you are thinking about making a personal injury claim in Ireland. Early, well-prepared applications with clear medical evidence can speed up the process and improve your chances of achieving a fair outcome – without the need for stressful and expensive court proceedings.
If you have a query about a personal injuries matter or any other litigation issue, please contact Donna Phelan of Dillon Solicitors LLP on 01 296 0666 or by email at info@dillon.ie.
