IrelandIs there a cap on damages in personal injury cases?
No, there is no statutory cap on damages in personal injury cases in Ireland.
What the Law Says
Irish law does not set a maximum limit (cap) on the amount of compensation that can be awarded for personal injury. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 establishes the PIAB as an independent body to assess claims, but it does not prescribe or restrict the level of damages.
Damages in personal injury cases are assessed based on the nature and extent of the injury, financial losses (e.g., lost earnings, medical costs), and non-financial harm (e.g., pain and suffering). Courts and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) determine awards by reference to established guidelines and previous similar cases — not a fixed ceiling.
Section 22 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 outlines the Board’s power to assess claims but contains no provision limiting the amount of compensation. Instead, it focuses on process, fairness, and efficiency.
Statutory TextThe Board may assess a claim for personal injuries and determine the amount of compensation payable in respect of the claim.
— Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, s. 22 — Assessment of claims
What to Do
Seek medical attention and keep all records of treatment and expenses.
Report the incident (e.g., to employer, Gardaí, or relevant authority) where applicable.
Submit your claim to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) within 2 years of the injury date.
If dissatisfied with PIAB’s assessment, you may issue court proceedings — but only after PIAB has issued an authorisation.
Consult a solicitor experienced in personal injury law to advise on valuation and procedure.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.