The Personal Injuries Board Commission, which was established following the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance in January 2017, has published its First Report.
The key recommendations and proposed implementations dates are as follows:-
1. A standardised approach to the examination of and reporting on soft tissue injuries should be adopted.
To be implemented by mid 2018 this will require use of the Quebec Task Force (QTF) Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) Grading. Also the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to be included going forward as part of personal injury medical reporting examinations.
2. Training and Accreditation of Medical Professionals who complete personal injury medical reports should be promoted. This should become ‘Best Practice’ and training should be introduced at the CPD Level.
To be implemented by the end of 2018. Those involved in commissioning reports should ensure the use of accredited medical professionals when the relevant training and accreditation programmes are in place. It is envisaged that such training could be delivered by medical professional bodies to their members or by independent training providers to medical professional bodies and medical practitioners.
3. Link future publications of the Book of Quantum to the newly standardised examination and reporting injury categories.
The Costs of Insurance Working Group Report 2017 recommends that the next review of the Book of Quantum take account of the work of the Personal Injuries Commission. The new edition Book of Quantum to be published by 2019.
To read the full First Report of the Personal Injuries Commission click here
Should you have any queries in relation to above please contact our Personal Injuries Department on 071-9162032 (Sligo) or 071-9662019 (Boyle) or by email at info@callantansey.ie
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
Caroline McLaughlin is a Senior Associate in the Personal Injury Practice Area of Callan Tansey Solicitors.