Navigating the world of personal injury claims in Ireland can be daunting, especially with the myriad of reports, reforms, and statistics published each year. For claimants, understanding how settlements work, where costs arise, and the overall landscape of injury claims is crucial for making informed decisions.
This blog unpacks Ireland’s most recent injury claims data, highlighting key trends, the role of litigation, and the claims-processing challenges affecting both claimants and the wider industry.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- The latest injury claims trends in Ireland
- Insights into settlement channels and associated costs
- How reforms like the Personal Injuries Guidelines have impacted claim settlements
- Steps you can take to ensure your claim is efficiently handled
The Current State of Injury Claims in Ireland
Settling Claims in 2023
Recent reports from the Central Bank’s National Claims Information Database (NCID) offer a detailed look into settlement patterns. Key findings indicate that 68% of injury claims in 2023 were settled through litigation. While litigation often increases costs and delays compared to using the Injuries Board, many claimants still opt for it due to legal advice or dissatisfaction with initial offers.
For claims settled via litigation in 2023, legal fees averaged €23,000 per case, compared to just €1,000 for cases resolved through the Injuries Board. This stark difference highlights the financial burden litigation creates, impacting both claimants and the overall cost of insurance premiums.
Trends in Claim Costs and Settlement Times
The average time to settle an injury claim varies markedly depending on the channel used:
- Direct Settlements (before or after the Injuries Board): ~1.9 years
- Through the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB): ~2.7 years
- Litigation: ~5.1 years
Additionally, while the frequency of injury claims has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, the average settlement costs for claims under €100,000 in the litigated channel have decreased by 38%-39% since adopting 2021’s Personal Injuries Guidelines.
The Role of the Personal Injuries Guidelines
Implemented in 2021, the Personal Injuries Guidelines aimed to reduce the rising costs associated with personal injury claims. These reforms introduced more predictable compensation amounts and adjustments for inflation, shifting away from outdated standards like the Book of Quantum.
Key effects of the guidelines include:
- Lower Average Payouts for claims processed via the Injuries Resolution Board or settled directly (ranging from 22% to 39% reductions, depending on the channel).
- Mixed Impact on Litigated Cases: Only 27% of litigated claims adhered to the guidelines, with the remaining cases referencing older methodologies.
The guidelines have effectively reduced settlement costs in non-litigated cases. Advocates argue that once the guidelines are fully implemented, and older cases initiated before the judicial reforms are resolved, costs will decrease even further.
Why Litigation Still Dominates Injury Settlements
Despite the lower costs and streamlined resolution offered by the Injuries Board, many claimants still find themselves engaged in lengthy litigation. Here’s why:
- Lack of Confidence in Initial Offers
Many claimants feel uncertain about accepting offers made during early settlement stages. The additional legal advice provided during litigation gives claimants a sense of security.
- Complexity of Claims
Multi-faceted claims involving personal injuries and broader financial damages often require deeper investigation, necessitating court intervention.
- Cultural Dependence on Litigation
Ireland has a long-standing reliance on court-mediated resolutions for disputes, contributing to the prominence of this channel for claims..
The Impact on Claimants and Insurance Premiums
According to the OECD’s Economic Survey of Ireland 2025, gathering accurate data on litigation costs remains a challenge due to inadequate digitalisation across courts.
For claimants, these dynamics highlight the importance of finding efficient, cost-effective settlement routes.
What Can Claimants Do?
1. Understand the Channels at Your Disposal
The data makes it clear that not all settlement paths are created equal. Before pursuing litigation, talk to an experienced Personal Injury Solicitor, which tend to offer quicker resolutions at significantly lower legal costs.
2. Familiarise Yourself with the Guidelines
The Personal Injuries Guidelines are designed to streamline compensation. Knowing what to expect based on injury type and severity can increase your confidence in accepting fair settlements.
3. Ensure Accurate Documentation
From medical records to witness statements, ensure all evidence supporting your claim is well-organised and current. This will help at every stage of the settlement process, regardless of the channel you choose.
4. Consult an Expert
Consulting a solicitor ensures you understand your rights, particularly for complex claims or if faced with an unsatisfactory offer. Look for firms like HOMS Assist that specialise in personal injuries to get expert advice tailored to your needs.
Moving Forward with Confidence
While navigating the claims process can feel overwhelming, the trends and data discussed here underscore the importance of making informed choices. By understanding the current claims landscape, you can confidently assess options that minimise costs and maximise outcomes.
If you’re uncertain about your next steps, it may be time to seek professional guidance. With Ireland’s injury claims system evolving rapidly, staying ahead of changes is essential for claimants.
