InjuriesBoard.ie, the operating name of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, says there is no evidence in the first six months of this year that the recession is leading to a higher number of personal injury claims. It said growth so far this year was 3%, compared with a 6% rise in the whole of last year.
InjuriesBoard.ie chief executive Patricia Byron said a number of factors were pushing the number of claims down - including a safer 2008 on the roads. She also said fewer people at work and a Health and Safety Authority focus on high-risk occupations should also contribute to fewer claims.
Unveiling its annual report today, the body said it awarded €217m to 8,845 claimants last year. The value of awards was up 20% from 2007, while the number of awards was 8% higher from the previous year.
The PIAB was set up in 2004 with the aim of allowing certain classes of personal injury claim to be settled without the need for the costs associated with the courts.
