InjuriesBoard.ie Publishes Annual Report
CLAIMS PROCESSED 4 TIMES FASTER
FACILITATES SAVINGS IN EXCESS OF €100M PA
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board 'PIAB' (now trading as InjuriesBoard.ie) today published its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2007. During the period, assessments totaling €181 million were made in respect of 8,208 claims. Claims were assessed 4 times faster, knocking over two years off the average assessment time.
During this period, 30,000 personal injury claims arose in the country; 7,000 were of a non complex nature and resolved between the parties; 23,000 formally registered with the Board, of which 7,000 were found to be outside the Board's remit (e.g. medical negligence, disputed cases, etc). Of the 16,000 cases remaining, 81% were resolved within the InjuriesBoard.ie process, through either settlement - facilitated through the Board's Service Centre (open 6 days, 8am-8pm, and now online 24/7) - or by securing formal awards within 9 months or less.
Since the Board was established it is now clear that two thirds of personal injury cases avoid unnecessary litigation, together with significant associated costs and lengthy timelines. This is further evidenced in the Court Services reports where the combined personal injury figures of the High and Circuit Courts show that Writs nationwide have dropped from on average 30,000 per annum to on average 10,000 per annum (2001 to 2006).
Branded as Injuries Board.ie since year end, personal injury claims can now be submitted online at any time. New services include:
- www.InjuriesBoard.ie accessible all hours
- An online claims Estimator that enables a claimant to view a range of possible compensation values depending on the location and nature of a personal injury and any associated income loss
- Enhanced services to better meet the needs of an increasingly multi-ethnic population
(Polish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin) and Arabic information guides)
- Value added services
- Advice on health and well-being aimed at assisting recovery and rehabilitation
- Designated web pages for the medical community
Commenting, the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, Ms. Mary Coughlan TD said: "I am delighted to welcome the Board's Annual Report and Accounts 2007, which outlines another successful year, with the organisation now at full operative capacity and the savings both in time and in legal costs which ensue for users of the Board's services.
"I note that the Board has launched a public awareness campaign which incorporates enhanced accessibility to their services via their new website www.injuriesboard.ie, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of these service enhancements in the Reports of coming years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board and the staff of the Injuries Board for the hard work and dedication which they have shown in 2007 and which they continue to show, which has given so many benefits to business and to the general public."
Commenting, Ms Patricia Byron, Chief Executive, Injuries Board.ie said: "30,000 victims of personal injury accidents no longer have to be subjected to years of unnecessary litigation, and the exorbitant associated costs to simply access their right to compensation. This is good news for victims of accidents and of course good news for society where these costs were driving the price of insurance through the roof just four years ago. Vigilance is required to ensure there is no slippage as the country endeavours to remain competitive and face other economic challenges over the year ahead".
Ends
Thursday, 17 July 2008
For reference:
InjuriesBoard.ie Annual Report 2007
InjuriesBoard.ie
Neasa O'Flaherty 01 4634526 / 086 0485468
Murray Consultants Limited
Pat Walsh 01 498 0352 / 087 226 9345
Avril Collins 01 498 0340 / 086 396 4368
Note to Editors