Personal Injury Claims in Ireland Still Well Below Pre-Pandemic Levels, According to IRB

Experts say changing attitudes, safer workplaces and claims reforms may all be contributing to the decline—but injured people should still understand their legal rights

For years, personal injury claims were a regular feature of Ireland’s legal landscape, covering everything from road traffic collisions and workplace accidents to slips, trips and public liability incidents. However, the latest figures from the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) indicate that the number of claims being made remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels, with applications still around one-third lower than they were before COVID-19.

The figures have prompted discussion among legal professionals and insurers alike, with many asking why claim numbers have fallen so dramatically despite traffic volumes, economic activity and public life largely returning to normal.

While there is no single explanation, experts believe a combination of social, economic and legal factors has reshaped the personal injury landscape in Ireland.

At the same time, solicitors are reminding the public that a fall in claim numbers does not mean fewer people are entitled to compensation. Many people who suffer injuries through no fault of their own may simply be unaware of their legal rights or may choose not to pursue a claim.

Why Have Personal Injury Claims Fallen?

The pandemic itself played a significant role in reducing claims.

During lockdowns, fewer vehicles were on Irish roads, many employees worked remotely, and public venues operated at reduced capacity. Naturally, this led to fewer opportunities for road traffic accidents, workplace injuries and public liability incidents.

However, even after restrictions were lifted, claim volumes did not return to previous levels.

Legal professionals point to several possible reasons.

One factor may be increased health and safety awareness. Many employers introduced stricter workplace safety procedures during the pandemic, while businesses became more conscious of managing risks for both staff and customers.

Road safety initiatives may also be having an impact. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane assist technology and improved collision protection, which can reduce both the frequency and severity of accidents.

Changes to the Claims Process

Another significant development has been changes to how personal injury claims are handled in Ireland.

The establishment of the Injuries Resolution Board as the first step for most personal injury claims, alongside updated personal injury guidelines, has altered how compensation cases progress.

The intention behind these reforms was to provide a faster, more efficient and less adversarial system for resolving claims.

Some commentators believe the reforms have encouraged earlier settlements, while others argue that lower compensation awards in certain categories may have reduced the number of people choosing to pursue claims.

Whatever the explanation, legal experts caution against assuming that a reduction in claims means accidents are no longer occurring.

Financial Pressures May Be Discouraging Claims

Ireland’s ongoing cost-of-living pressures may also be influencing people’s decisions.

Many injured individuals worry that making a claim could involve lengthy legal processes, uncertainty or additional stress at a time when they are already dealing with medical treatment or lost income.

Others mistakenly believe that pursuing compensation will automatically result in expensive legal fees or conflict with employers, neighbours or local businesses.

Solicitors say these misconceptions can discourage legitimate claims from being pursued.

In reality, every case depends on its own facts, and obtaining legal advice does not automatically mean legal proceedings will follow.

Understanding When You May Be Eligible

One of the recurring concerns among legal professionals is that many people simply do not realise when they may be entitled to compensation.

Generally speaking, a personal injury claim may arise where someone suffers an injury because another person or organisation failed in their duty of care.

Examples may include:

• Road traffic accidents caused by another driver.
• Workplace accidents resulting from unsafe conditions or inadequate training.
• Slips, trips and falls caused by hazards in public places.
• Injuries sustained because of defective products.
• Accidents occurring in shops, restaurants or other public premises where reasonable safety measures were not in place.

Every situation is different, and not every accident gives rise to a legal claim. Establishing liability depends on the specific circumstances and available evidence.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

One message consistently emphasised by solicitors is the importance of obtaining legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.

Evidence can become more difficult to obtain over time. CCTV footage may be deleted, witnesses’ memories can fade, and accident scenes often change quickly.

A solicitor can explain whether there may be grounds for a claim, outline the claims process and advise on what documentation should be gathered, including medical reports, photographs and witness details.

Seeking advice early also helps ensure important legal time limits are not missed.

Importantly, speaking to a solicitor does not oblige someone to proceed with a claim. It simply allows an injured person to understand their legal position before making any decisions.

Compensation Is About Financial Recovery

Public discussion around personal injury claims often focuses on compensation figures, but legal practitioners emphasise that compensation is intended to help restore someone, as far as possible, to the position they were in before an injury occurred.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may take account of factors such as:

• Pain and suffering.
• Medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation costs.
• Loss of earnings.
• Future care requirements.
• Other financial losses directly arising from the injury.

The amount awarded depends on the facts of each individual case, including the nature and severity of the injury. There is no fixed payment that applies to every claim.

Community Awareness Remains Important

While fewer personal injury claims may suggest improvements in safety, legal experts say it is equally important that people do not overlook their rights after an accident.

Someone injured because of another person’s negligence should not assume they simply have to bear the financial consequences themselves.

Medical bills, time away from work and ongoing rehabilitation can place considerable pressure on individuals and families.

Understanding the claims process and obtaining professional advice allows people to make informed decisions based on their own circumstances rather than misconceptions or hearsay.

Final Thought: Fewer Claims Do Not Mean Fewer Rights

The latest Injuries Resolution Board figures show that personal injury claims remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a changing legal and social landscape in Ireland.

Whether that decline is driven by improved safety, legal reforms, changing public attitudes or economic pressures remains open to debate.

What is clear, however, is that the legal right to seek compensation where an injury has been caused by someone else’s negligence has not changed.

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, at work or in a public place through no fault of your own, speaking with an experienced solicitor can help you understand your options and whether you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

Knowing your rights is often the first step towards protecting your financial future and ensuring that the costs of someone else’s negligence do not become your burden alone.