If you’ve ever been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you’ll know how much hinges on the question: “What’s my claim actually worth?” In Ireland, that figure is largely guided by something called the Personal Injuries Guidelines, an official set of reference figures used by courts, solicitors, and insurers to assess compensation.
Now, we’re seeing a major change for the first time since the Guidelines came into effect in 2021. On 21 January 2025, the Judicial Council voted to approve an increase of around 16.7% on average across the board, though it’s worth noting that before this becomes official, it still needs to go through the Minister for Justice and the Oireachtas.
Let’s break down what the change means, why it’s being implemented, and how it might affect your claim if you’ve been injured – and if you’re unsure where you stand, get in touch with Anthony Joyce & Co Solicitors for tailored advice.
Why Are the Guidelines Being Updated?
The update follows a formal review by the Personal Injuries Guidelines Committee. Two main factors triggered the review:
- Inflation: Since the Guidelines were first introduced in 2021, inflation has soared both nationally and globally. The Committee looked at the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which rose by 15.6% over that period. To keep compensation figures realistic, the Committee decided to align the new values with inflation.
- Court Feedback on Multiple Injuries: Recent case law from the Superior Courts highlighted some of the difficulties judges faced when calculating compensation for claimants who’d suffered more than one injury. The Committee has now offered further guidance on how to assess the overall impact more fairly, moving away from stacking figures or applying arbitrary percentage uplifts.
What Is the HICP, and Why Was It Used?
The HICP tracks how prices change over time for a fixed basket of goods and services. It’s used across the EU and excludes mortgage interest payments, which can skew national figures.
Although Ireland also has its own Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Committee opted for the HICP because it’s more stable and less affected by housing costs. This decision ensures that the updated injury values reflect real-world economic changes, especially in everyday living expenses.
How Much Are Damages Increasing?
If approved, the changes will mean higher compensation across all types of personal injury claims.
- Every category within the Guidelines will be uplifted by around 16.7% on average, from minor soft-tissue injuries to complex, life-altering trauma.
- The most serious injuries, which previously attracted a top-end general damages figure of €550,000, will now carry a maximum of €642,000.
For claimants, that could mean a meaningful difference in the final award. For insurers and defendants, it could affect settlement strategies and case valuation from the outset.
What About Multiple Injuries?
One of the trickiest issues with the original Guidelines was how to deal with multiple injuries in a single claim. Previously, the approach was first to identify the dominant injury, and then add an “uplift” to reflect the secondary injuries. That led to inconsistencies, as the uplift could vary dramatically (anywhere from 10% to 50%) depending on how it was interpreted.
The new guidance encourages a more holistic approach. Judges are now advised to:
- Consider the combined impact of all injuries; and
- Place the claimant on the scale proportionately, not just by adding numbers together.
This new “global discount” method is expected to result in more balanced and just awards, especially in cases where injuries overlap or affect the same area of life (e.g., mobility, pain, or emotional distress).
What If the Injury Doesn’t Fit Any Category?
Not all injuries are easy to classify. For rare or novel injuries that aren’t listed in the Guidelines, judges will continue to assess them by comparing them to similar categories.
The Committee reviewed whether new categories were needed but concluded that no additional ones were required at this time. That said, the guidance still allows flexibility if a unique injury falls outside the existing framework.
Will This Affect My Current or Future Claim?
If you’ve already settled a claim or accepted a PIAB assessment, the update won’t apply retrospectively. However, if you’re in the middle of a case or planning to bring one, this change could impact your compensation amount.
It also signals a broader shift. If the Guidelines continue to be reviewed every three years in line with inflation, we could see more regular updates in future, bringing greater predictability for both claimants and insurers.
Final Thoughts
This proposed uplift marks a significant turning point in how personal injuries are valued in Ireland. For claimants, it offers the potential for fairer awards that better reflect the reality of living with injury in today’s economic climate.
Need advice on a personal injury claim? Contact Anthony Joyce Solicitors today to speak with one of our expert solicitors.
