Public liability claims have decreased by 40% between 2019 and 2023, according to the latest report from the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), which is responsible for resolving personal injury claims. The report, which analyzed 30,000 claims, attributes the drop to changes in legal guidelines and enhanced anti-fraud measures introduced in 2021.
The report highlights that the most common cause of accidents remains falls on the same level, which accounted for 15,000 claims and €90 million in compensation payouts. Close to half of these accidents occurred on roads and footpaths, with pedestrian injuries from unsafe walking environments making up over 6,000 claims during the period.
Among the leading causes of these accidents were uneven footpaths, potholes, broken footpaths, and defective manhole covers and drains. The report underscores the significant personal and economic costs of unsafe walking environments. Interestingly, collisions with motor vehicles accounted for far fewer claims, with 3,412 reported during the same period.
The IRB, formerly known as the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, notes that more than half of all claims came from incidents involving roadways, footpaths, shops, stores, cafés, hotels, and restaurants. The board also reveals that the 40% drop in claims has continued into 2024, with preliminary figures showing no rebound from the pandemic. In addition, the average value of public liability awards, excluding fatalities, fell by 22% from €26,000 to €20,000 between 2020 and 2023.
While the overall trend points to a reduction in claims, there was a notable increase in public liability claims in residential institutions, which saw a 22% rise. This spike is largely attributed to fatalities in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assault claims also increased by 10% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with three-quarters of these claims filed by males. Cafés, bars, and restaurants were the most common locations for assault claims, often due to inadequate security measures.
The IRB report also highlights that falls resulting in public liability accidents are not equally distributed across age groups, with older individuals more likely to suffer severe injuries. In terms of location, Dublin and Limerick have a disproportionately high number of claims relative to their populations.
Reacting to the report, the Alliance for Insurance Reform criticized the increase in insurance company profits despite the drop in claims, calling for action from the incoming government to address the impact on businesses, sports, and voluntary groups.
Insurance Ireland’s CEO, Moyagh Murdock, welcomed the report but expressed caution, noting that the period covered coincided with COVID-19 lockdowns, which restricted business activity and reduced foot traffic. Dr. Lauren Swan, Head of Research and Policy at the IRB, emphasized that the 2024 data is crucial as it shows no expected “bounce back” in claims after the pandemic’s impact on business operations.
