Lawford Kidd's Blog

The summer months are the most dangerous period for public place accidents that result in a personal injury claim, according to new analysis by Ireland’s Injuries Board.

Last year, July was the month that recorded the highest frequency of accidents resulting in compensation awards, while Saturday proved to be the most dangerous day of the week for public place personal injury accidents.

Public liability (PL) awards are made in respect of injuries suffered as a result of an accident in a public place. In 2014, the Injuries Board made 2,151 PL awards with corresponding compensation totalling €53 million, compared to €44 million in 2013 in respect of 1,768 awards.

Slips, trips and falls were by far the main cause of public liability accidents in Ireland in 2013, according to recent figures from the Irish Injuries Board. Over 1,700 public liability awards were made during the year, with total compensation awarded amounting to €44 million.

The average public liability award rose year on year by almost 11% to €25,120. In addition, over a two year period, the number of awards of over €100,000 increased from two in 2011 to 18 in 2013. In previous years, females accounted for a far higher proportion of public liability awards made than men. This trend continued in 2013, with females now accounting for 71.4% of total awards made.

Slips, trips and falls accounted for over two-thirds of personal injuries in public places and included accidents on wet floors/surfaces, uneven/broken pavements, drains and manholes.