Awards season is over as injury payouts drop

THERE was a massive drop in awards given to personal injury cases in the last year, according to the Courts Service's annual report for 2024.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

The levels of personal injury awards reduced by around 45% compared to the year before.

Just €135million was awarded in the high court in these cases, compared to €256m in 2023.

At district court level, awards decreased from €1.5m to €2.2m in a year.

However, there were slightly fewer personal injury cases brought before the courts last year, down to 12,989 from 13,434.

Payouts also dramatically decreased for medical negligence awards, falling from €167.2m in 2023 to €93.4m last year.

While the courts saw an increase in cases across the board, planning and environment saw the biggest rise.

In the High Court, the number of cases finalised increased by 96% in the past year.

There are now three judges in the area, as it aims to clear planning disputes amid the housing crisis.

The report also highlighted a rise in sexual offences.