Injuries Board – What/Who is it?
The Injuries Board is an independent body set up by law which assesses personal injuries claims (such as falls or motor accidents).
An injured party must put their claim before the injuries board before taking a claim to Court.
Gillian O’Mahony of Lynch Solicitors was on Tipp FM on January 19th, 2016 talking about the process and you can listen to her interview here…
[soundcloud id=’242746849′]Type of claims assessed by the Injuries Board
The Board doesn’t have the ability to deal with certain types of claims. For example, claims involving medical negligence or where the injury is wholly or partly psychological such as post-traumatic stress are outside of their remit.
They also cannot assess complex injuries where somebody may have had a pre-existing injury that has been made worse. They can’t asses a claim where there is no medical prognosis within a fifteen month period.
The importance of legal representation when making a claim
A solicitor is essential for guidance as to what claims can and cannot be brought before the Board.
This helps avoiding unnecessary costs and time-wastage. Your solicitor will also be able to put your claim before the relevant body in the most appropriate manner in the context of pre-existing injuries.
A solicitor will also make sure relevant details, commonly over-looked, are addressed to prevent a situation where red-tape difficulties could see the time-limit to bring your claim expire.
The Injury Board will assess the claim on the paperwork before them and it is crucial that this paperwork is in order and presents your claim fully.
Subsequent injuries/manifestations
Any assessment for damages accepted by you and the defendant from the Board is full and final for the incident in question.
This makes it essential that your case is presented properly when it is put before the Board and that adequate prognoses from medical professionals are submitted as appropriate.
