How do I submit my claim to the Injuries Resolution Board?

Be cautious of early settlement offers

Before you begin the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) process, it’s not uncommon to receive an early settlement offer from an insurance company or the party responsible for your injury. These offers are often made before you’ve had the opportunity to gather proper medical or legal advice.

While these offers are not unlawful, they are often made in the insurer’s best interest, not yours. A Central Bank of Ireland report found that claimants who rejected early settlement offers and proceeded through the official assessment process frequently received higher compensation awards than those who accepted initial offers.

Early settlements are typically made:

• Before a full medical picture is available.
• Without the injured person having access to legal guidance.
• When the injured party may feel financial pressure or uncertainty.

If you receive such an offer, we strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice before making any decision. Once accepted, these offers are final and binding.

How to submit your claim to the IRB

If you’ve preserved relevant evidence, issued your written letters of claim within one month of the incident, and are still within the two-year limitation period, you can proceed with submitting your claim to the Injuries Resolution Board.

To submit your application, you’ll need:

• Form A – The completed IRB application form
• Form B – A medical report from your GP or specialist
• Copies of your letter(s) of claim
• Application fee – Currently €45 (subject to change)

Applications can be submitted online via the IRB’s portal or by post.

What if you’re near the two-year deadline?

If your claim is approaching the statute of limitations deadline and you do not yet have all your documentation (such as the medical report), you should not delay.

In urgent situations, you can:

• Submit Form A along with the €45 application fee.
• Include a brief cover letter explaining your urgency and your intention to provide the remaining documentation (e.g., Form B) as soon as possible.
• Follow up with a phone call to confirm your application is deemed complete under Section 50 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003.

This may help protect your rights, even if some paperwork is pending.