Navigating a personal injury claim in Ireland often begins with a process through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). For many, this is the first official step after an accident—whether it occurred on the road, in the workplace, or in a public space.

As experienced personal injury solicitors, we at Martin A. Harvey & Co. understand that the PIAB process can seem unclear or even intimidating to first-time claimants. This blog breaks down exactly how the system works, what timelines to expect, and how to prepare for a smooth and successful claim.

What Is PIAB and Why Is It Required?

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is an independent statutory body set up to assess personal injury claims in Ireland without the need for lengthy and costly court proceedings. Established under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, PIAB aims to resolve claims in a timely, efficient, and fair manner.

Submitting a claim through PIAB is mandatory for most types of personal injuries, such as:

• Road traffic accidents
• Workplace injuries
• Public place accidents (e.g. slips, trips, and falls)

Medical negligence claims, however, are excluded from PIAB and must go directly through the courts.

The process is designed to be less adversarial, and where both parties accept the PIAB’s assessment, the case can be resolved without court involvement.

The PIAB Process Step by Step

Here’s a clear overview of what happens once your case is submitted to PIAB:

1. Submitting Your Application (Form A)

The first step in the process is preparing and submitting Form A to PIAB. This form sets out the details of your claim and must be accompanied by:

• A medical report prepared by your treating doctor
• Any receipts or documentation for expenses incurred (e.g. prescriptions, physio, loss of earnings)
• Payment of the PIAB application fee (€45 if submitted online)

Your solicitor plays a vital role here. We ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and submitted within the statutory two-year limitation period from the date of the accident. Incomplete or incorrect forms can delay the process or result in rejection.

2. Notification to the Respondent

Once your application is received, PIAB notifies the respondent (the person, business, or entity you are holding responsible for the injury). The respondent then has 90 days to decide whether to consent to PIAB assessing the claim.

• If they consent, the process continues and PIAB begins its assessment.
• If they decline, PIAB issues an Authorisation allowing you to bring the case before the courts.

Respondents often consent because it’s faster and more cost-effective than going through litigation.

3. Medical Assessment (If Required)

PIAB may require you to attend an independent medical examination to verify the extent of your injuries. This is usually arranged near your home and is conducted by a medical professional who is not involved in your treatment.

This report provides PIAB with an objective view of your injury and recovery prospects. The severity of your injury, the recovery timeline, and any long-term consequences all influence the compensation amount.

We review this report carefully and challenge inaccuracies where necessary to ensure your claim reflects the true extent of your injuries.

4. The Assessment of Compensation

Once all documentation is in place, PIAB carries out a detailed assessment using the Personal Injuries Guidelinespublished by the Judicial Council. These guidelines replaced the old “Book of Quantum” and set standardised compensation levels for specific injuries.

The compensation amount will be broken down into:

• General Damages: Pain, suffering, and impact on quality of life
• Special Damages: Financial losses, including medical bills, loss of income, travel costs, and future care needs

You won’t be required to attend a hearing or provide oral evidence—everything is done in writing, making the process less stressful for the claimant.

5. Accepting or Rejecting the Award

Once PIAB completes its assessment, both you and the respondent have 28 days to accept or reject the proposed compensation figure.

• If both parties accept, PIAB issues an Order to Pay, legally obliging the respondent to pay the agreed amount.
• If either party rejects the assessment, PIAB issues an Authorisation, and you may proceed with a personal injury claim through the courts.

We provide tailored advice at this stage to help you decide whether the PIAB award reflects the true value of your claim or whether litigation may be the better route.

How Long Does the PIAB Process Take?

On average, the PIAB process takes 7 to 9 months from the date the respondent consents to assessment. However, this timeline can vary depending on:

• The speed at which medical reports are received
• The complexity of the injury
• The availability of additional information or clarification
• Whether additional medical exams are required

At Martin A. Harvey & Co., we proactively manage every stage of the process to keep your case moving forward and avoid unnecessary delays.

What Can You Expect in Terms of Outcome?

Your compensation award will depend on several key factors:

• Type and severity of injury (based on Personal Injuries Guidelines)
• Length of time for recovery or any ongoing symptoms
• Medical treatment received and future care required
• Financial losses suffered—both immediate and long-term

A well-prepared claim, supported by clear medical and financial evidence, increases your chances of receiving a fair and appropriate settlement.

Do You Need a Solicitor for a PIAB Claim?

While you can submit a PIAB claim on your own, having a specialist personal injury solicitor makes a significant difference in terms of:

• Gathering and presenting strong supporting evidence
• Ensuring your injuries and expenses are properly documented
• Advising whether to accept or challenge PIAB’s award
• Representing you in court if the claim progresses beyond PIAB

Our role is to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible result.

Key PIAB Claim Tips

• Keep detailed records: Document all medical appointments, receipts, and symptoms.
• Act quickly: You generally have two years to start a claim.
• Report the accident: Whether to Gardaí, an employer, or a premises owner, ensure there’s a formal record.
• Seek legal advice early: Involving a solicitor early reduces mistakes and improves outcomes.

Need Help with a PIAB Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve been injured and are unsure about how to start your claim, or are currently going through the PIAB process, we’re here to help.

Contact Martin A. Harvey & Co. Solicitors today for expert legal advice on your personal injury claim. We’ll ensure your case is handled with care, efficiency, and the legal expertise it deserves.

Get in touch today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

+353-(0)21-4963400

maharvey@martinharvey.ie