Last year accident victims received over €115 million under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), 600 per cent more than in 2005, according to figures released today.
The PIAB said it delivered awards at the same level as the courts, however, it found that they were processed three times faster and almost 70 per cent cheaper than through litigation.
The board's annual report for 2006 found that the average accepted award was €19,610 with the highest award €408,415. Awards for workplace accidents were slightly higher with the average standing at just over €23,000.
The report also estimates the board to make up to 9,000 awards worth more than €170 million this year.
PIAB Chief Executive, Ms Patricia Byron said the organisation had delivered a reduction of €45 million in processing costs.
"We continue to focus on making the PIAB process user-friendly, reducing stress and trauma for accident victims," Ms Byron said.
She said the board plans to introduce a 24/7 online system which would allow customers to complete and track their applications electronically.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin commended the board on it achievements.
The minister said that the PIAB had reduced the overhead costs of delivering compensation which "contributes to lower insurance costs for everybody".
The organisation was set up in 2004 as an independent statutory body which assesses the amount of compensation due to a person who has suffered a personal injury.
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