IrelandMust I go through PIAB before taking a case to court?
Yes, in most personal injury cases in Ireland, you must apply to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) before going to court — unless an exception applies.
What the Law Says
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 sets out the legal requirement to go through PIAB before starting court proceedings for most personal injury claims in Ireland.
Under the law, if you're making a claim for personal injury (excluding certain exceptions), you cannot issue court proceedings unless you have first applied to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) and either received an assessment or obtained PIAB’s written consent to proceed to court.
PIAB’s role is to assess the value of your claim independently — not to determine fault. If both you and the respondent accept the assessment, it becomes legally binding. If either party rejects it, PIAB issues an 'authorisation' allowing you to take the case to court.
You must apply to PIAB within two years of the date of the injury — otherwise, you lose the right to pursue the claim at all, unless a court grants an extension in limited circumstances.
Statutory TextNo person shall institute proceedings in respect of a personal injury without the prior consent in writing of the Board.
— Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, s. 11 — Restriction on instituting proceedings
What to Do
Check if your case falls under a statutory exception (e.g., medical negligence claims involving complex causation may sometimes bypass PIAB, but legal advice is essential).
Submit a completed application form and fee (€45 as of 2024) to PIAB within 2 years of the injury.
Cooperate with PIAB’s process — they will seek medical reports and notify the respondent.
If PIAB issues an assessment you or the respondent reject, wait for their formal authorisation letter before issuing court proceedings.
If PIAB refuses to assess your claim (e.g., because it falls outside its remit), request written confirmation — this may allow you to proceed directly to court.
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.