Press Release 11 December 2008
InjuriesBoard.ie welcomes Publication of new Law Society Guidance on Attendance at Medical Examinations for Personal Injury Claimants
The Chief Executive of InjuriesBoard.ie, Patricia Byron, today (Thursday, 11th December 2008) welcomed the publication by the Law Society of a Practice Note for solicitors which recognises the obligations on their clients to attend medical assessments for all personal injury claims.
Commenting, Ms. Byron said: "Failure to attend for medical examinations can have a significant impact on personal injury awards and increases the likelihood of artificially low awards being rejected by claimants in favour of unnecessary and very costly Court proceedings.
"Having identified this as a potentially serious public interest and consumer issue I am very pleased with the Law Society's response in the form of a Practice Note to its members. I am especially pleased that the Practice Note has stated unequivocally that attendance at medical appointments is in the claimant's best interests. This is an important outcome for consumers and reflects a very positive and collaborative approach by both our organisations on this matter" Ms. Byron added.
Context:
Medical appointments are arranged by InjuriesBoard.ie as part of its personal injury claim assessment process and are vital to ensuring the appropriate compensation award is made by the Board, based on all available medical information. In the case of claimants with legal representation, medical examination attendance requirements are communicated via their solicitors.
ENDS
For reference:
InjuriesBoard.ie
Sorcha Coady 01 4634551
About InjuriesBoard.ie
InjuriesBoard.ie is an independent statutory body, which assesses the amount of compensation due to a person who has suffered a personal injury.
Claims can be made direct via:
- Phone: Lo-Call helpline - 1890 829 121 between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday
- Online at www.injuriesboard.ie , 24 hours per day, every day
- By Post to: InjuriesBoard.ie, P.O. Box 8, Clonakilty, County Cork.
In 2007, InjuriesBoard.ie (then known as PIAB) made assessments totalling €181million. Awards were made at the same level as the Courts but four times faster (more than two years quicker) and at a 70% less delivery cost. InjuriesBoard.ie levies fees against the responsible party/their insurer and thus operates on a self funding basis. The InjuriesBoard.ie model delivers annual savings of over €100m relative to the old (adversarial) model.