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Public-liability claims down 40% – IRB study

Research published by the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) has found that the number of public-liability claims linked to accidents in businesses and public spaces fell by 40% between 2019 and 2023.

This was despite a 3% increase in claims in 2023 compared with 2022.

The study, caried out with EY Economic Advisory, reviewed more than 30,000 claim applications in Ireland over the last five years (2019 to 2023).

‘Low’ childcare figure

According to the research, claims in cafés, hotels, and restaurants more than halved in the five-year period.

Shops and stores saw a 44% decrease, and sports and athletic areas experienced a 38% reduction.

IRB said that the report found 256 personal-injury claims in childcare settings over the five years – a figure it describes as “low” when compared with nearly 170,000 children enrolled in 2020/2021.

Claims in residential institutions, however, rose by 22%, largely due to fatal incidents in long-term care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The total value of public-liability awards made between 2019 and 2023 was almost €130 million, with the total value of awards made in 2023 almost €20 million – 37% lower than 2019.

The median value of an award in 2023 for a public-liability claim (excluding fatalities) was €12,414 – down 40% on 2020, the year before the introduction of the Personal Injuries Guidelines.

Outdoor falls

Accidents at roadways or footpaths were responsible for almost 8,000 of the 30,000 claims applications during the period.

The research found that uneven footpaths were the leading cause of injury in such settings, accounting for almost €4 million in claims in 2023.

The research found that outdoor falls, caused by hazards such as uneven or broken footpaths and potholes, were responsible for more pedestrian injuries than motor-vehicle collisions.

IRB pointed out that, although these injuries tended to be less severe, their frequency was nearly double, equating to over €9 million in compensation in 2023.

Dr Lauren Swan (IRB head of research and policy) said that the report provided a better understanding of which demographic groups were at higher risk of sustaining injuries in business and public spaces.

Older adults

“The report highlights the significant impact of outdoor falls on older adults, with more than half of this age group sustaining moderate to severe injuries. 

“Our research contributes to a growing body of evidence showing that not all accidents are experienced equally, underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures to mitigate the risk of accidents,” she stated.

While adults over 65 account for 15% of the population, according to the 2022 Census, this age group represented 21% of all public-liability claims and 31% of claims related to outdoor falls from 2019 to 2023.