The Injuries Board

What is the Injuries Board?

The Injuries Resolution Board is the independent State body that deals with many personal injury claims in Ireland before court proceedings are considered. Its role is to assess suitable claims and make an award of compensation where appropriate.

The process is designed to resolve personal injury claims without every case having to go through the courts. However, that does not mean the process is always straightforward. The strength of your application, the quality of your medical evidence, the details of your losses, and the way your injuries affect your everyday life can all influence how your claim is assessed.

When do you need to apply to the Injuries Board?

In most personal injury cases, an application must be made to the Injuries Resolution Board before court proceedings can be issued. This usually applies to claims involving injuries from road traffic accidents, accidents at work, public liability accidents and other personal injury matters.

There are exceptions, and some cases may move outside the Board process depending on liability, medical complexity or other legal issues. If the claim is not resolved through the Board, an authorisation may be issued allowing the matter to proceed through the courts.

How we can help with an Injuries Board application

A personal injury claim is not only about filling in a form. The application should properly explain what happened, who is responsible, what injuries were suffered, and what financial losses or ongoing effects have resulted.

We can help with:

• Reviewing the circumstances of your accident

• Advising whether your claim should be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board

• Preparing and submitting the application

• Gathering medical reports and supporting documentation

• Identifying loss of earnings and out-of-pocket expenses

• Reviewing any assessment made by the Board

• Advising whether an award should be accepted or rejected

• Taking the next step if the claim cannot be resolved through the Board process

The Board may assess compensation for your injuries, loss of earnings and certain expenses. The key issue is whether the assessment properly reflects the effect the injury has had on you. That is where legal advice can be important.

Should you accept an Injuries Board assessment?

If the Injuries Resolution Board makes an assessment, you will need to decide whether to accept or reject it. This is an important decision.

An assessment may appear reasonable at first glance, but it needs to be considered carefully in light of your medical evidence, your recovery, your financial losses and any long-term impact. In some cases, an award may be fair and accepting it may bring the matter to a close. In other cases, it may not properly reflect the seriousness of the injury or the effect it has had on your life.

We can review the assessment with you and explain the practical options before you make a decision.

Why choose David Walley & Co Solicitors?

David Walley & Co Solicitors has many years’ experience advising clients in personal injury claims, including claims submitted through the Injuries Board process. We understand that clients often come to us at a stressful stage, when they are dealing with injury, medical appointments, time off work, financial pressure and uncertainty about what happens next.

Our role is to make the process clearer. We will explain what information is needed, what steps are involved, and what your options are as the claim progresses. You do not need to know in advance whether your claim will be straightforward or complex. We can listen to what happened, review the position, and advise you on the best way forward.