What was the Book of Quantum – PIAB

Book of Quantum – The Guidelines on Claim Awards

The Book of Quantum is used as a general guideline as to the amount that may be awarded or assessed to a claimant for their Personal Injury Case. This book was introduced by PIAB (The Injuries Board) in 2003 to give clear guidelines on fair amounts to be awarded for pain and suffering which is supported by appropriate medical evidence.

It is important to note that most Personal Injury Cases must first be assessed by PIAB, The Book of Quantum will be used at this point by PIAB as a guide to the level awarded for particular types of injuries. However, if a claimant is not satisfied with an award he/she can reject the PIAB Assessment and have their solicitor negotiate for a higher figure or bring court proceedings.

How does the Book of Quantum work?

As general rule PIAB has 9 months from the date of commencement of the process within which to make their assessment. The Book of Quantum explains that the following steps are followed when PIAB initially value your claim:

• Identify the category of injury (Assessment of claim starts by identifying that part of the body that has suffered the most significant injury although the complete effect of all the injuries will be considered.)
• Understand the severity of the injury (Generally the severity is categorised from Minor to Severe and Permanent Conditions to reflect the degree of disruption to lifestyle, pain and permanency of the condition. However, there are some injuries that by their nature may have more, or less severity categories.)
• Look up the value range (After identifying the category and severity of the injury go to the relevant section (as set out in the Contents page) where the guideline values are detailed. The majority of injuries fall within that range but it is neither a minimum nor a maximum for individual cases.)
• Consider the effect of multiple injuries (If in addition to the most significant injury as outlined above there are other injuries, it is not appropriate to simply add up values for all the different injuries to determine the claim amount due. Where additional injuries arise there is likely to be an adjustment within the value range.)

The PIAB Assessment

The book only reflects injury claims for pain and suffering which is supported by appropriate medical evidence. A claim will be assessed in its entirety including all components appropriate to the case that have been vouched.An assessment has a number of components, covering some or all of the following:

• A sum to compensate for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
• Specific losses such as past loss of earnings and medical bills
• Future cost of medical care
• Loss of earnings into the future caused by the injury

Who are PIAB?

PIAB (“The Injuries Board”) is a statutory body which provides independent assessment of personal injury claim for victims of workplace, motor and public liability accidents. All personal injury claims must go through the Injuries Board process before any court proceedings can be issued. A claimant (or a solicitor on their behalf) must lodge an application with PIAB within 2 years of the accident in question. So to make a Personal Injury Claim in Ireland, an application must be made to PIAB to assess the case. Synnott Lawline will send in the application on your behalf. See also  PIAB Assessments for Personal Injury cases >

Why a solicitor for PIAB The Injuries Resolution Board – What it’s all about Problems with making your own Injuries Resolution Board (PIAB) Application How Long do I Have to Make a Personal Injury Claim? Injuries Board Claims Personal Injury Claims Compensation Guide