Test challenge by Waterford woman against personal injury award guidelines dismissed

Bridget Delaney from Dungarvan in Co. Waterford claimed the appropriate award for her injury was between €18,000 and €34,000. She was awarded €3,000 last year

Mr Justice Meenan on Thursday rejected Ms Delaney's claims her rights had been breached, and he also found that PIAB had acted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the 2003 PIAB Act when it assessed her personal injuries claim. File picture

A High Court judge has dismissed a test challenge aimed at setting aside guidelines on personal injuries awards that have seen payouts for minor claims slashed almost in half.

Mr Justice Charles Meenan rejected all grounds of the challenge including claims that the new guidelines were unconstitutional and amounted to encroachment on judicial independence. The judgement has major implications for the assessment of personal injury claims.