State facing compensation claims for €440m

THE State is facing claims for almost €440 million in compensation from members of the public.

The State Claims Agency, which manages legal actions involving personal injuries, property damage and clinical negligence cases against the State, said there was a slight increase in the number of outstanding claims in 2007 to 3,970 from 3,900 in 2006.

Around three-quarters of claims by value are in relation to clinical negligence actions which could cost the State 323m in damages and compensation. The SCA is currently managing 1,500 clinical negligence cases. During 2007 it received 473 claims of negligence and resolved 279.