Mr. Stephen Watkins:

If one does not settle one's case directly at the outset, the law is that one must make one's claim through the Injuries Board. The claimant has no choice in the matter. The next step in the process is that we notify the respondent, which is typically an insurer, and it has a decision to make. It decides whether we can assess the case or not. The next decision is when we make an award and both parties have to decide whether they accept it or not.