New law to lower number of refused compo awards

THE number of compensation awards refused by claimants against the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is expected to drop significantly following the introduction of new legislation, it was predicted yesterday.

PIAB chief executive Patricia Byron expressed confidence that the passing of the Personal Injuries Assessment (Amendment) Act last month would further help to push down legal costs associated with claims for personal injuries.

Almost 40% of more than 5,500 awards made by the PIAB last year were rejected by claimants. However, Ms Byron said new laws should close off a number of loopholes that were capable of being used to add legal costs to compensation levels.