A recent evaluation of compensation for minor soft tissue injuries has shown that Ireland’s average assessments were nearly four times higher than those in England and Wales during a three-year span.
The independent analysis on personal injury payouts found that under the Personal Injury Guidelines, average settlements by Irish insurers were 4.9 times more for minor back or neck injuries compared to their UK counterparts, reports RTE.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke is releasing the findings today alongside a new strategic plan for the Injuries Resolution Board.
“The objective of undertaking this research was to provide necessary and relevant information to support a review of the Personal Injuries Guidelines as provided for in the Government’s new Action Plan for Insurance Reform,” he said, reports RTE.
Minister Burke explained that he tasked the Injuries Resolution Board with conducting the research back in July to assess how Irish compensation levels compare to those in the UK.
The review, which was completed in partnership with Deloitte, studied more than 12,000 compensation awards and settlements issued between 2022 and 2024, reports RTE.
It covered evaluations by the Injuries Resolution Board along with settlements from three leading Irish insurance companies.
The report focused on compensation for minor soft tissue injuries to the neck and back resulting from road accidents, comparing data between Ireland and England and Wales during the same period, reports RTE.
The Department of Enterprise stated that the findings confirm Irish compensation levels for such injuries continue to exceed those in England and Wales.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth said: “We can see that reforms delivered by Government have had the positive impact intended, but we now know that further reforms introduced by the UK have widened the difference in compensation levels between both jurisdictions,” reports RTE.
Minister Burke said the new Strategic Plan for the Injuries Resolution Board for 2025 to 2029 is bold in scope and “seeks to enhance the work of the Board to deliver an even greater service for claimants, respondents and society as a whole”, reports RTE.
He said: “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,” reports RTE.
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