Limerick found to be second-highest county with personal injury claims per population

LIMERICK has the second-highest proportion of personal injury claims per population and is reportedly an “outlier”, as per new data.

With 6.2% of claims, despite only 4% of population, Limerick has come second to Dublin in terms of quantity of personal injury claims as report findings state by The Injuries Resolution Board, in collaboration with EY Economic Advisory. 

The latest research report reviews public liability accidents and claims in Ireland from 2019 to 2023.

Data from over 30,000 claim applications for injuries were utilised to gather information. There was a 40% reduction in claim volumes during those five years. 

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Dr Lauren Swan, head of research and policy at the Injuries Resolution Board, said: “This report allows us to better understand which demographic groups are at higher risk of sustaining injuries in business and public spaces.   

“One potential explanation for the higher ratio of Public Liability claims in Limerick could be due to the high population density and public spaces with increased footfall, which could increase the likelihood of accidents in these settings.”

Dr Swan did say, however, that “further research is required to understand these disparities”.

Adults aged over 65 account for 15% of the population according to the 2022 Irish Census and this age group represented 21% of all public liability claims and 31% of claims related to outdoor falls from 2019 to 2023.

Falls were the most common cause of public liability accidents, accounting for nearly 15,000 claims and just under €90 million in compensation.  

“Our research contributes to a growing body of evidence showing that not all accidents are experienced equally, underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures to mitigate the risk of accidents,” Dr Swan continued.

“Additionally, the data presented within the report provides greater transparency on the claims environment for the public liability area and provides important insights on the costs and frequency of claims which should be helpful to both policy makers and insurance companies alike,” she concluded.