Seanad debates
Thursday, 20 November 2003
Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill 2003: Second Stage.
The Bill is comprehensive and worthwhile. Once it is found to work well in its first year it will attract additional business. A major publicity drive will be required to inform the public that this is the best route to take in terms of getting the earliest possible compensation for legitimate claims. The Law Society and the Bar Council should not discourage claimants. Ultimately, if claimants are not satisfied with the level of compensation they will continue to have a right to go before the courts. The majority of claimants will find they will get a speedy settlement. Legal costs are estimated to constitute approximately 40% of the overall settlement amount. Ultimately, this must be paid by the policyholders.
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