LIMERICK had the second highest number of personal injury claims of any county in Ireland between 2019 and 2023.
That’s according to a new report compiled by the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) in collaboration with EY Economic Advisory, based on data by population.
Despite making up just four per cent of the Irish population, Limerick had 6.2 per cent of all personal injury claims across the period, the report found.
However, the report also found that claims overall were down 40 per cent from 2019 to 2023, despite a three per cent increase on claims in 2023.
Dr Lauren Swan, head of research and policy at the IRB, said that the report paints a picture of what demographics are at higher risk of sustaining injuries in public.
“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. Further research is required, however, to understand these disparities,” Dr Swan suggested.
She added that “the report highlights the significant impact of outdoor falls on older adults, with more than half of this age group sustaining moderate to severe injuries”.
The median value of a personal injury claim in 2023 was €12,414, down 40 per cent on 2020, and the rate of awards being accepted stood at 57 per cent.
The report also found that adults over 65 made up 21 per cent of public liability cases, despite accounting for just 15 per cent of the population.
