What Is the Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB)?

The Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB) (formerly known as the Personal Injuries Assessment Board – PIAB) is an independent government body responsible for assessing most personal injury claims in Ireland. 

What Types of Claims Does the PIRB Handle?

 The PIRB handles claims related to:

1. Road traffic accidents account for the majority of claims assessed by PIRB. These accidents include:

• • Car accidents
  • Truck and bus accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents –
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents

In 2023, 68% of all PIAB awards were for road traffic accident claims.

2. Workplace Accidents (Employer’s Liability Claims)

Accidents at work can result in serious injuries due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence. Common workplace injury claims include:

• • Slips, trips, and falls at work – Wet floors, poor lighting, or unsecured cables causing falls.
  • Manual handling injuries – Back, neck, or shoulder injuries from lifting heavy objects.
  • Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) – Long-term injuries due to repetitive motions or poor ergonomics.
  • Exposure to hazardous environments – Injuries caused by chemicals, machinery, or workplace hazards.

In 2023, 14% of PIRB awards were related to workplace injury claims.

   3. Public Liability Claims (Accidents in a Public Place)

Public liability accidents occur when a person is injured in a public area due to unsafe conditions. Common examples include:

• • Slips, trips, and falls in public places
  • Injuries on private property
  •  Footpath and pavement accidents

In 2023, 18% of PIRB awards were for public liability claims.

How a Personal Injury Solicitor Can Help with Your Injuries Board Application in Ireland

If you have been injured in an accident and are unsure where to start, speaking with a personal injury solicitor can help you understand your rights and guide you through the PIRB application process. A solicitor with expertise in personal injury claims will ensure that all necessary information is collected, organized, and submitted correctly to support your claim.

Certain aspects of the Injuries Board application can be complex.  Additionally, the PIRB does not assist applicants in completing their forms. Seeking legal advice ensures your application is accurate and complete.

 What Information Do You Need for Your Injuries Board Application?

 When preparing your personal injury claim, you will need to provide your solicitor with the following details:

• Accident details – Date, time, location, and how the accident occurred.
•  Injury details
• Previous injuries or conditions – Any pre-existing medical conditions or previous accidents that may be relevant.
• Expenses incurred – Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings, and any other financial losses.
• Details of the responsible party – The person or company you believe to be at fault for your injury.

Medical Reports – Essential Evidence for Your Personal Injury Claim

A medical report is a crucial piece of evidence in your personal injury claim. Your personal injury solicitor will request this report from the medical professional who treated you to ensure that your claim is properly supported.

Since your solicitor does not have direct knowledge of your medical condition, the report should include:

• Details of your injury – Diagnosis and severity.
•  Prognosis – Expected recovery time and any long-term effects.
• Treatment plan – Any ongoing or future medical care needed.

 Form A – Submitting Your Application

Once all necessary evidence and medical reports have been gathered, your solicitor will prepare and submit Form A to the Injuries Board.

 What Happens After Submission?

• The PIRB  acknowledges receipt of your application.
• A reference number is issued for tracking your case.
• The at-fault party (person or company) is notified of your claim.
• A copy of your application and medical report is sent to the responsible party.

How long does it take?

Once your application is submitted, the PIRB notifies the respondent (the person or organisation you are claiming against). They have 90 days to accept or reject the PIRB’s involvement. If they accept, the PIRB proceeds with an assessment of your claim. The PIRB then have a period of nine months to assess your claim. Recent legislation now allows this time frame to be extended by a further 6 months.  

Assessment of Your Claim by the Injuries Board

If the at fault party agrees to allow the PIRB to assess your claim, the PIRB will propose a compensation amount based on their assessment of your injuries and financial losses.

✔ You must decide within 28 days whether to accept or decline the offer.

What Happens After the PIRBs Decision?

1. Order to Pay (Settlement Agreed)

If both parties agree to the Injuries Board’s suggested compensation amount, an Order to Pay is issued. This legally requires the at-fault party to pay the agreed compensation.

   2. Authorisation for Court Proceedings

If either party rejects the compensation offer, the Injuries Board will issue an Authorisation to Move to Court Proceedings. This allows you to escalate your claim through the legal system to seek a resolution.