InjuriesBoard.ie has released details of its work in the first six months of 2012. Data for the period shows a gradual but consistent increase (4.1%) in claims volumes compared to the same period in 2011. The period also saw the emergence of issue-specific claims linked to Thalidomide and De Puy hip replacements.

In the six months to June, Injuries Board.ie received 14,669 claims, an increase of 4.1% on the comparable period in 2011. Awards totaling €109.04 million were made in respect of 5,180 personal injury claimants.

Motor accidents continue to account for 59.4% of personal injury claims with public liability and employer liability accounting for 27.2% and 13.5% respectively. This reflects a slight increase in public liability volumes and a slight reduction in the volume of workplace claims (circa. 1%), consistent with ongoing lower numbers at work.

The average time taken by InjuriesBoard.ie to make an assessment is seven months. The average award made by the Board in the first six months of 2012 was €21,049, marginally down on the average for the same period in 2011 of €21,086.