The legal landscape in Ireland is shifting. For many years, the path to justice for personal injury claims has been viewed by some as complex, costly, and occasionally slow. However, the introduction of the Civil Reform Bill 2025 marks a significant step towards streamlining civil justice, reducing legal costs, and making the courts more accessible to everyone.
At HOMS Assist, we understand that suffering an injury due to negligence is already a traumatic experience. The prospect of a legal battle often adds a layer of anxiety that no one needs. That is why these proposed changes are so relevant. By adjusting the monetary limits of the District and Circuit Courts, the Government aims to ease the burden on the High Court and, crucially, on claimants like you.
In this post, we will explore exactly what these jurisdiction changes involve, how they affect potential compensation awards, and what the implications are for legal costs and judicial reviews.
Understanding the Shift in Court Jurisdiction
To understand the impact of the Civil Reform Bill, we first need to look at how the Irish court system handles civil claims. Generally, which court hears your case depends on the estimated value of your claim—essentially, how much compensation you are seeking for your injuries and losses.
Currently, cases of lower value are heard in the District Court, mid-range values in the Circuit Court, and high-value cases in the High Court. The Bill proposes a substantial increase in the financial limits (jurisdiction) of the lower courts.
Changes to the District Court
For the first time since 2013, the monetary jurisdiction of the District Court is set to increase. Currently, the District Court handles claims up to €15,000. Under the new legislation, this limit will rise to €20,000.
This change means that minor injury claims, which slightly exceed the current €15,000 cap, will no longer be pushed up to the Circuit Court. The District Court is generally faster and less formal, which can be less intimidating for claimants.
Changes to the Circuit Court
The most significant change for personal injury claimants concerns the Circuit Court. Historically, the limit for personal injury awards in this court was €60,000 (while other civil actions were capped at €75,000).
The Civil Reform Bill proposes raising the award ceiling in the Circuit Court to €100,000.
This is a major adjustment. It means that a personal injury case valued at €80,000 or €90,000, which would previously have been forced into the High Court, can now be dealt with at the Circuit Court level. By keeping these substantial claims out of the High Court, the system becomes less clogged, allowing for potentially quicker hearing dates.
The Goal: Reducing Legal Costs
One of the primary drivers behind these reforms is the reduction of legal costs. In Ireland, the cost of litigation has been a topic of debate for decades. High Court cases are notoriously expensive. They often involve Senior Counsel, more complex procedural requirements, and higher fees for all parties involved.
By increasing the jurisdiction of the lower courts, the Government is effectively moving a large volume of cases “down the ladder.”
Why Lower Courts Mean Lower Costs
When a case is heard in the Circuit Court rather than the High Court, the associated costs generally drop. The procedures are slightly more streamlined, and the scale of legal fees is typically lower.
For a claimant, this is positive news. While the “loser pays” principle usually applies in Irish law (meaning the losing side pays the legal costs), the risk of litigation is always a factor. A system that encourages resolution in lower courts reduces the overall financial risk and makes the pursuit of justice less daunting for the average person.
Furthermore, if a case is settled before it even reaches a judge—which happens in the vast majority of personal injury actions—the legal costs incurred up to that point are likely to be lower if the case was prepared for the Circuit Court rather than the High Court.
Implications for Personal Injury Claimants
If you have been injured in an accident—whether on the road, at work, or in a public place—you might be wondering how these technical changes affect you directly.
1. The Role of the Injuries Resolution Board
It is important to remember that most personal injury claims in Ireland must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly PIAB). The Board assesses the value of the claim based on medical evidence and the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
If both you and the respondent (the person or company you are claiming against) accept the Board’s assessment, the matter is settled without ever going to court. The new court jurisdictions do not change this initial process. However, if the assessment is rejected and the case proceeds to litigation, the new limits dictate which court you will enter.
2. A Less Intimidating Environment
The High Court can be a daunting place. It is formal, rigorous, and often associated with very high-stakes litigation. By allowing claims up to €100,000 to be heard in the Circuit Court, the legal process becomes more accessible. Circuit Courts sit in various venues across the country, often making them more geographically convenient for claimants than the High Court, which sits primarily in Dublin for personal injury actions (though High Court judges do travel to provincial venues for certain sessions).
3. Faster Resolution
The High Court has a significant backlog of cases. By diverting a chunk of its workload to the Circuit Court and District Court, the waiting times for a trial date should theoretically decrease. For a claimant waiting for compensation to cover medical bills or lost wages, a faster resolution is invaluable.
4. The Importance of Professional Guidance
Despite these streamlining measures, the legal system remains intricate. Determining the value of your claim is not guesswork; it requires a deep understanding of the Personal Injuries Guidelines and medical prognosis.
If you initiate a claim in the wrong court—for example, bringing a case in the Circuit Court that is eventually valued at over €100,000, or conversely, bringing a case in the High Court that falls well within the Circuit Court jurisdiction—there can be severe cost penalties.
This is why having an experienced solicitor is more important than ever. At HOMS Assist, we analyse medical reports and evidence to ensure your proceedings are issued in the correct jurisdiction, protecting you from unnecessary cost risks.
Navigating the Future of Civil Justice
The Civil Reform Bill 2025 represents a modernisation of the Irish courts. By raising the monetary limits to €20,000 for the District Court and €100,000 for the Circuit Court, the legislation acknowledges that the cost of living—and the cost of injury—has changed.
These reforms are designed to facilitate access to justice. They aim to strip away unnecessary expense and delay, ensuring that if you have been wronged, the path to restitution is clear. However, legislative changes can also bring uncertainty during the transition period.
Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a road traffic accident, a workplace injury, or a fall in a public place, you do not have to navigate these legal shifts alone. Understanding your rights, the value of your claim, and the correct venue for your case is vital for a successful outcome.
Contact HOMS Assist for Legal Advice
If you have been injured and are unsure how these new changes affect your potential claim, we are here to help. Our team at HOMS Assist has over 55 years of experience in personal injury law. We focus on protecting your interests and managing the legal process, so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today to discuss your case with our expert team.
This article is written by John Ringrose, Partner. John has extensive experience in personal injury law, holds an MSc in Regulation from the London School of Economics, an LLM and a BCL from University College Cork, a B.E.D. from Mary Immaculate College together with a Diploma in Healthcare Law from the Law Society of Ireland.
