A committee of judges proposed a nearly 17% hike in personal injury award guidelines, alarming insurance companies who warned of rising premiums. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan indicated that although the proposal would be presented to the Oireachtas, no legislative change would be pursued, effectively rejecting the increase. This decision is viewed as a setback for the legal field, while being welcomed by various business and consumer groups who believe it prevents rising costs and incentivizes litigation over settlements in injury claims.
Insurance companies warned that a proposed increase in personal injury award guidelines by nearly 17% would result in further premium rises, affecting overall costs for consumers.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will present a memo stating that the Government will not pursue legislative changes to increase injury award levels, effectively rejecting the Judicial Council's proposal.
Business and consumer groups expressed concerns that higher injury award guidelines would encourage more litigation, as lawyers benefit from larger legal fees associated with litigated cases compared to those settled through the Injuries Resolution Board.
The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council emphasized the lack of consultation with the Injuries Resolution Board before the judges proposed higher award levels, raising questions about the decision-making process.
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