PIAB faster and cheaper than courts

PURSUING compensation claims through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is four times faster and 70% cheaper than going to court, according to the PIAB.

In addition, compensation paid through the PIAB was at the same level of awards made in court because both systems use the Book of Quantum as a guide to compensation levels for particular injuries, the PIAB has claimed.

A total of 8,200 personal injury claimants benefited from €181 million in PIAB awards last year, a 47% increase on 2006. According to the PIAB, the speed of delivery — more than two years quicker than going to court — and the reduced legal costs resulted in savings of €40 million last year.

PIAB chief executive Patricia Byron said the figures clearly showed “the sustainable benefits of the non-adversarial model”.

“PIAB is not just faster and more efficient, but claimants benefit from awards at the same level as the courts while avoiding the stress of a court appearance, this is not to be underestimated,” said Ms Byron.

However, Stuart Gilhooly, chair of the Law Society’s litigation committee, said approximately half of the claims lodged with PIAB were not processed by the board because either the person against whom the claim was made chose instead to go to court or because the insurance company settled with the claimant.

“Of the remaining 50% of claims that do go through, two in five are turned down by one of the two parties to the claim and it can then go to court. This adds another layer to the claim process and cost,” said Mr Gilhooly.

He said up to 95% of claimants that go to the PIAB use a solicitor.

Mr Gilhooly also disputed the claim that PIAB awards were on a par with court awards. “The majority who turn down the PIAB award, which is not binding, and opt to go to court, get higher awards in court,” he said.

The number of claimants who go to court is likely to reduce further this year following a legislative change that makes claimants who reject PIAB awards, but subsequently fail to secure higher awards in court,liable for the legal costs arising.

* PIAB can be contacted directly at its Helpline, Lo-Call 1890 829121 between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday or by post to PIAB, PO Box 8, Clonakilty, Co Cork.