According to a new independent report commissioned by the government comparing compensation for minor soft tissue injuries sustained in road traffic collisions in Ireland to the UK, the average settlement for a minor neck or back injury is 4.9 times higher in Ireland than in England and Wales.The report analysed over 12,000 awards and settlements made under the Personal Injuries Guidelines between 2022 and 2024. The Personal Injuries Guidelines set guideline compensation levels for personal injury compensation awards in Ireland.
In July the first task of the Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform was the development of the new Action Plan, to reflect the commitments made in the Programme for Government, the relevant government departments and agencies/bodies, and the associated timeframes for delivery of the commitments.
The Action Plan highlights a number of priority actions across six key themes:
- Transparency & Affordability
- Competitiveness & Availability
- Fraud
- Innovation & Skills
- Climate Protection Gap
- Legal Reform
This Report was prepared by the Injuries Resolution Board and Deloitte Ireland LLP following receipt of a request from Minister Peter Burke, T.D., for the Board, using its enhanced research and analysis function provided under the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022. It’s task was to undertake a high-level body of research on personal injury awards both within and outside the State, to include the United Kingdom. The objective of the research is to provide information to support the review of the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
It found that the average assessment made by the IRB was 3.9 times higher than the British equivalent, while the average settlement from Irish insurers was 4.9 times higher.
The average compensation awarded for minor soft tissue injuries through the IRB was €7,377, whereas data indicates an average compensation amount of €9,106 for insurer settlements.
Mr Burke said the new Injuries Resolution Board Strategic Plan 2025-2029 is ambitious and “seeks to enhance the work of the Board to deliver an even greater service for claimants, respondents and society as a whole.
“By delivering a fair, prompt, and cost-effective outcomes for personal injury claims the Injuries Resolution Board contributes strongly to the objectives of the new Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
“In 2024 alone, €76 million was saved through the work of the Injuries Resolution Board in the avoidance of legal costs associated with litigation.”
NB – This is a guide for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have an issue requiring legal advice, please contact any of the team at Nolan Farrell & Goff LLP, whose numbers can be found on our website www.nfg.ie, or email info@nfg.ie.
