Saturdays in July are most dangerous time for accidents

Saturdays in July are statistically the most dangerous time for accidents in public places.

Analysis of 2014 figures released by the Injuries Board - the Government body which makes personal injury awards - shows that “slips, trips and falls” were the most common cause of injury, resulting in average public liability payouts of €24,700.

The vast majority of such awards are under €38,000, while women were twice as likely to sustain injuries in public places as men, accounting for seven out of 10 cases.

And the summer months, especially today and other July Saturdays, are likely to be the busiest time for slip-ups this year.

"This stands to reason as this is a time when children are on school holiday, people take holidays from work, and there are greatly increased numbers of people out and about enjoying the huge range of festivals, sporting events and outdoor activities taking place throughout the country," said Stephen Watkins, director of corporate services at the Injuries Board, the independent State body that assesses personal injury claims and makes awards.

Personal injury cases in general apply to motor, employer and public liability incidents and where injuries are not settled between the two parties involved.

Last year, according to a breakdown released by the board, €281 million was paid out for a total of 12,420 cases.

Of those, 2,151 were public liability payments - relating specifically to injuries suffered in public places - totalling €53 million, up from €44 million the previous year.

Motor accidents accounted for the majority of payments at 75 per cent with employer liability claims at just 8 per cent.

Last year, there were only 10 awards that crossed the €100,000 mark.

Evenly distributed

Generally compensation is fairly evenly distributed among the age categories and while Saturday had the understandably higher propensity for accidents, Monday had the least.

Not surprisingly on the basis of population centres, Dublin had the highest proportion of public liability awards (€17.7 million) followed by Cork (€5.2 million) and Limerick (€3.7 million). Leitrim recorded the lowest level of payments at just €327,618.

“While our figures show an increase in the number of public liability awards last year, it is clear that the majority of these are relatively low value claims,” said Mr Watkins.

“By being safe this summer, we can all take some simple steps to avoid the all too common slips, trips and falls that make up the majority of public liability awards.”