The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB, operating as InjuriesBoard.ie) is Ireland's mandatory pre-litigation assessment body for personal injury claims. Most claims — motor accidents, workplace injuries, public liability — must be submitted to PIAB before court proceedings can be issued. PIAB assesses the claim on the papers (no oral hearing), issues an award, and both parties choose to accept or reject. If either side rejects, the claimant receives an authorisation to proceed to court.
PIAB is mandatory for most Irish PI claims. Apply (€45), submit medical evidence, wait ~9 months for assessment. Awards are based on the Personal Injuries Guidelines. Both sides can accept or reject. If rejected, PIAB issues an authorisation and you can proceed to court. The limitation period is suspended during the PIAB process.
When PIAB is mandatory
PIAB assessment is required for:
- Motor accident injuries
- Workplace injuries
- Public liability injuries (slips, trips, falls)
PIAB does not apply to:
- Medical negligence claims
- Claims where the respondent does not consent to assessment
- Claims involving minors (court approval required)
- Claims against the State under certain provisions
The step-by-step process
- Application. Submit Form A to PIAB with the €45 fee. Include details of the accident, injury, and respondent.
- Respondent notification. PIAB notifies the respondent, who has 90 days to confirm consent to the PIAB process.
- Medical evidence. Submit medical reports, treatment records, and any specialist assessments. PIAB may commission an independent medical examination.
- Assessment. PIAB assesses the claim on the papers — no oral hearing, no cross-examination, no legal argument. The assessment is based on the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
- Award issued. PIAB issues a Book of Assessments setting out the award amount.
- Accept or reject. Both parties have 28 days to accept or reject. If both accept, the award is binding and enforceable as a court order.
- Authorisation. If either side rejects, PIAB issues an authorisation permitting the claimant to commence court proceedings.
Timeline
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Application to respondent consent | 1–3 months |
| Medical evidence gathering | 2–6 months |
| PIAB assessment | 1–3 months |
| Decision period (28 days) | 1 month |
| Total (if accepted) | 6–12 months |
| If rejected → court | Add 12–36 months |
Personal Injuries Guidelines and award basis
PIAB assessments are based on the Personal Injuries Guidelines (adopted by the Judicial Council in 2021, replacing the Book of Quantum). The Guidelines set bracket ranges by injury type and severity — similar in structure to the UK's Judicial College Guidelines but with different values. The Guidelines generally reduced award levels compared to the previous Book of Quantum.
When to accept or reject
| Consider accepting if | Consider rejecting if |
|---|---|
| The award falls within the expected Guidelines range | The award significantly undervalues your injuries |
| You want to avoid litigation costs and delay | You have complex injuries requiring more detailed assessment |
| Liability is clear and undisputed | Liability is contested and you believe a court would find in your favour |
| You need the funds sooner | You have future care needs not adequately reflected |
What happens after rejection
If either party rejects, PIAB issues an authorisation. The claimant can then instruct a solicitor and commence court proceedings in the appropriate court (District Court for claims up to €15,000, Circuit Court up to €60,000, High Court above €60,000). The PIAB assessment is not admissible in court — the case starts fresh.
Frequently asked questions
What is PIAB?
Is PIAB mandatory?
How long does a PIAB assessment take?
Should I accept or reject a PIAB assessment?
What are PIAB fees?
Sources
- Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003
- PIAB Act 2003, s.50 — suspension of limitation period
- Personal Injuries Guidelines (Judicial Council, 2021)
- InjuriesBoard.ie — official guidance and application forms