What is the Injuries Resolution Board?
The Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), formerly the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), is the independent statutory body that assesses most personal injury claims in Ireland. It was established under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 and rebranded in 2024.
The IRB operates as a mandatory first step for most claims. Before a personal injury court action can be issued, the case must be submitted to the IRB. The Board then either makes an assessment of the value of the claim, which both parties can accept or reject, or it issues an Authorisation that allows the matter to proceed to court.
When does the IRB apply?
The IRB process applies to most road traffic, workplace, and public liability personal injury claims. There are exceptions, including most medical negligence claims and certain psychological injury claims, which proceed directly to court. We confirm at consultation whether the IRB applies to your case.
The IRB process step by step
Application submitted
We file Form A on your behalf along with the medical report, evidence pack, and your statement of facts. There is a small statutory application fee.
Notice to respondent
The IRB notifies the at-fault party (the respondent), usually their motor insurer or employer’s liability insurer. The respondent has 90 days to consent to assessment.
Consent or release
If the respondent consents, the IRB proceeds to assess the claim. If they refuse to consent or do not respond, the IRB issues an Authorisation and the matter can be litigated in court.
Medical assessment
The IRB may arrange independent medical examinations to confirm the nature and severity of your injuries. We brief their assessors with all relevant information.
Award notice
The IRB issues a written assessment proposing a sum it considers appropriate. Both parties have 28 days to accept or reject.
Acceptance or court
If both parties accept, the IRB issues an Order to Pay and the matter is resolved. If either side rejects, an Authorisation issues and we proceed to court proceedings.
How long does the IRB process take?
A standard IRB application takes nine to fifteen months from filing to assessment. Complicated cases involving disputed liability or contested medical evidence can take longer. Cases that proceed to court after IRB release typically take an additional twelve to twenty-four months. We keep you updated at every stage and never let claims drift unnecessarily.
How the assessment is calculated
The IRB applies the Judicial Council’s Personal Injury Guidelines 2021 to value general damages (the pain, suffering and loss of amenity component). It also calculates special damages: lost earnings, medical costs, future care, and other quantifiable financial losses. The total assessment combines both. The Guidelines are applied consistently to ensure fairness and predictability across the system.
Common questions about the IRB
No. The IRB process is paper-based. You may need to attend medical examinations they arrange, but there is no in-person hearing or testimony required.
Yes. If you believe the assessment undervalues your claim, you can reject it within 28 days. The IRB then issues an Authorisation and we proceed to court. Most rejections happen because medical or financial evidence supports a higher figure.
If the respondent refuses or does not respond within 90 days, the IRB issues an Authorisation and we can litigate. This is common in disputed liability cases.
It exists to resolve straightforward claims efficiently and reduce the burden on the courts. Where the facts are clear and liability is admitted, IRB assessment is faster and cheaper than litigation for both sides.
No. Medical negligence claims and certain psychological injury claims are exempt and proceed directly to court. We advise on this at consultation.
There is a small statutory application fee paid at submission. There is no charge from the IRB to receive an assessment. Solicitor fees are handled separately under your fee agreement.
Need help with an IRB application?
We handle dozens of IRB submissions each month. Free consultation, full management of the process, no fee unless your claim succeeds.