The Book of Quantum - 2016 updates

The first edition of the Book of Quantum was published by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) in 2004. Since then, it has been updated periodically to reflect changes in compensation laws and court decisions.

In 2016 the Book was updated to contain a revised set of guidelines for assessing the appropriate level of compensation for a wider range of personal injuries. 

The new guidelines take into account:

• changes in medical knowledge
• advances in treatment
• updated legal requirements and case law
• wider and more historical case data
• general economic factors 

The updated Book of Quantum contains a number of significant changes, including:

New injury types
The revised guidelines include new injury types such as concussion, partial finger amputations, clavicle injuries, upper limb disorders, Achilles tendon injuries, lung lacerations, food poisoning etc.

New injury categories: 
The revised guidelines include new categories of injury, such as eye Injuries, injuries affecting ears/hearing etc

Increased compensation ranges: 
The updated guidelines generally provide for higher levels of compensation to reflect increases in the cost of living and inflation.

Clearer descriptions of injuries: 
The 2016 guidelines provide both clearer and more descriptive information on the various types of injury, including the severity and duration of the injury, as well as the impact it may have on the individual's life.

There is also more granular information in respect of certain injuries/conditions. EG: cheek and nasal injuries, neck, back and finger injuries, dermatitis, and injuries and conditions affecting the hip, knee, ankle, foot, lung and lower leg.

New tables of compensation: 
The Book of Quantum now includes additional tables of compensation for specific types of injury, such as whiplash and fractures.

Overall, the updated Book of Quantum provides a more comprehensive and detailed framework for assessing compensation for personal injuries in Ireland.