Claimants challenge 30% of injury assessments

NEARLY one-third of claimants are challenging decisions issued by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, although the compensation awards are acceptable to insurance companies in over 90% of cases.

It has also emerged that the vast majority of people lodging claims with the PIAB for personal injuries are still engaging solicitors, even though the Board was established for the purpose of helping applicants to avoid legal costs.

PIAB chief executive Patricia Byron said yesterday that 30% of all its assessments were being challenged by claimants.