Do I have to go through PIAB before I can sue for personal injury in Ireland?
Yes. Under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 (as amended), almost all personal injury claims in Ireland must be submitted to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) before court proceedings can be issued. PIAB assesses your claim and makes an award. You or the respondent can then accept or reject it.
What types of personal injury claims can be submitted to PIAB in Ireland?
PIAB handles claims arising from workplace accidents, road traffic accidents, and public liability incidents (such as slips and falls in shops or on public property). Claims relating to medical negligence are excluded and must go directly to court. Psychological injuries are covered if they result from a physical injury.
How do I apply to PIAB in Ireland?
Apply online at piab.ie. You will need to complete the PIAB application form, submit details of your injury and how it occurred, provide a medical report from your GP or treating doctor, and pay the application fee (currently €45 for most claims). The respondent (your employer, driver, or property owner) is then notified.
What is the time limit for filing a personal injury claim in Ireland?
The Statute of Limitations Act 1957 (as amended) gives you 2 years from the date of the accident or the date you became aware of the injury to make a claim. For children, time runs from their 18th birthday. Missing this deadline means you are statute-barred from bringing a claim. Do not delay.
What documents do I need for a PIAB personal injury claim in Ireland?
You will need a medical report from your treating doctor or GP describing your injuries, your diagnosis, and your prognosis. You should also gather evidence of loss of earnings (payslips, employer letter), receipts for medical expenses, photographs of the accident scene and injuries, and any witness contact details.
What happens after PIAB assesses my claim in Ireland?
PIAB will issue a formal assessment of the compensation amount. Both you and the respondent must decide whether to accept it. If both parties accept, PIAB issues an order to pay and the process is complete. If either party rejects the assessment, PIAB issues an authorisation allowing you to proceed to court.
What are the costs if I reject a PIAB award and go to court in Ireland?
If you reject a PIAB award and go to court but are awarded less than the PIAB figure, you may be ordered to pay the respondent's legal costs from the date of the PIAB assessment. This is a significant risk. Always obtain legal advice before rejecting a PIAB award, even if you do not intend to use a solicitor for the PIAB process itself.
Can I represent myself at PIAB and in court for a personal injury claim in Ireland?
Yes. The PIAB process is designed to be accessible without legal representation — you simply submit your application, medical evidence, and loss of earnings documentation. If you proceed to court after a PIAB rejection, self-representation is more complex, particularly in the Circuit Court or High Court where the stakes are higher.
What if the respondent does not consent to PIAB assessment in Ireland?
If the respondent does not consent to PIAB assessment within 90 days, PIAB issues an authorisation allowing you to go directly to court. This often happens in cases where liability is disputed. The PIAB process is then effectively bypassed and you can issue court proceedings.
How does uplaw.ai help with personal injury claims in Ireland?
Tell uplaw.ai how you were injured, where it happened, and what medical treatment you have had. We help you understand the PIAB process, what documentation to prepare, and whether your claim falls within the mandatory PIAB jurisdiction or is exempt and can go directly to court.
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Injured in Ireland? Tell uplaw.ai what happened.
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