If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation through the Injuries Resolution Board. Before most personal injury claims in Ireland can proceed to court, they must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board. Understanding how this process works can help you make informed decisions about your claim. An experienced Galway personal injury solicitor can guide you through each stage, ensuring your application is completed accurately and your rights are protected.
What is the Injuries Resolution Board?
The Injuries Resolution Board (formerly known as PIAB – the Personal Injuries Assessment Board) is the independent statutory body responsible for assessing compensation in most personal injury claims in Ireland. It provides an alternative to lengthy court proceedings by assessing claims and recommending an appropriate level of compensation where liability is not in dispute.
Claims commonly referred to the Injuries Resolution Board include:
- Road traffic accident claims
- Workplace accident claims
- Public liability claims
- Slip and trip accident claims
- Cycling and pedestrian accident claims
While many claims are resolved through the Board, not every case is suitable for assessment. Where liability is denied or the injuries are particularly complex, court proceedings may become necessary.
How Does the Injuries Resolution Board Process Work?
The personal injury claims process begins by submitting an application to the Injuries Resolution Board together with the required medical evidence and supporting documentation. The process generally involves:
- Gathering medical reports and evidence.
- Completing the application accurately.
- Providing details of the accident and injuries.
- Paying the required application fee where applicable.
- Waiting for the respondent to consent to the Board assessing the claim.
- Receiving an assessment of compensation.
If both parties accept the assessment, the claim concludes without the need for court proceedings. If either party rejects the assessment, the Board will issue an authorisation allowing legal proceedings to be commenced.
Why Use a Personal Injury Solicitor?
Although individuals can submit an application themselves, many people choose to instruct a solicitor with experience in personal injury claims. Kerrigan Solicitors advise clients in Galway and throughout Ireland. An experienced personal injury solicitor can ensure that your claim is properly prepared from the outset and that all relevant evidence is obtained.
Your solicitor can:
- Advise whether you have a valid claim.
- Gather medical and financial evidence.
- Ensure all documentation is correctly completed.
- Calculate your financial losses.
- Advise on whether to accept or reject an assessment.
- Represent your interests if court proceedings become necessary.
Professional legal advice can significantly reduce the risk of delays or errors that may affect your claim.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
General Damages
General damages compensate you for the pain, suffering and loss of quality of life resulting from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of amenity and impact on your quality of life.
Special Damages
Special damages compensate you for financial losses and expenses arising from your injury. These may include:
- Medical and treatment expenses.
- Loss of earnings and future financial losses.
- Rehabilitation costs.
- Travel expenses relating to treatment.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses arising from the injury.
The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries together with the financial impact they have had on your daily life.
Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims
Strict time limits apply to personal injury claims in Ireland. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident, or from the date you became aware of your injury, to begin the claims process. Because gathering medical evidence and preparing an application can take time, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.
Why Choose Kerrigan Solicitors?
Our experienced solicitors regularly advise clients in Galway and throughout Ireland on applications to the Injuries Resolution Board involving road traffic accidents, workplace injuries and public liability claims.
We understand that suffering an injury can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging, and we are committed to providing clear, practical legal advice throughout the claims process. From your initial consultation to the conclusion of your claim, we will explain your legal options in straightforward language, keep you informed at every stage and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors
If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, our experienced personal injury solicitors are here to help. We can advise you on making an application to the Injuries Resolution Board, explain your legal rights and guide you through every stage of the personal injury claims process.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors today to arrange a confidential consultation and discuss your legal options.
Telephone: 091 820630
Website: kerrigansolicitors.ie
Email: m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.