Introduction
The 5th edition of the Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases in Northern Ireland—commonly known as the Green Book—has now been released by the Judicial Studies Board under the chairmanship of Lord Justice Stephens. The new guidelines are effective immediately.
The Green Book provides judges, solicitors, insurers, and claimants with benchmark figures for assessing general damages in personal injury cases across Northern Ireland.
Updates in the 5th Edition
1. Inflation Adjustment Built In
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Previous editions adjusted figures to the date of publication using the Retail Price Index (RPI).
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The 5th edition instead projects forward to the midpoint of the next five years, applying RPI at its current rate.
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This ensures the guideline figures remain relevant throughout the five-year lifespan of the edition.
2. 20% Increase in Most Figures
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With the exception of extremely minor whiplash injuries, most damages brackets have been increased by around 20% compared with the 4th edition.
3. New Category – Pleural Plaques
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For the first time, the guidelines include pleural plaques, following recent legislation allowing compensation in Northern Ireland.
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Awards for asymptomatic pleural plaques are set at around £3,500.
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Where there is associated psychiatric injury or distress, the range increases to £6,000 – £17,500, depending on severity.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries
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The brackets for extremely minor soft tissue injuries remain unchanged:
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Neck: up to £3,000
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Back: up to £4,000
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However, the next bracket up for both neck and back injuries has changed significantly.
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Previously: £3,000 – £15,000 (with a bottom figure specified).
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Now: up to £18,000, with the lower limit removed.
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This means judges now have wider discretion where symptoms last between several months and two years, without surgery.
Implications for Insurers and Claimants
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Removal of bottom figures: This may create greater uncertainty for insurers, as judges are not constrained by a defined starting point.
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Upward adjustments: Claimants with moderate injuries may now see higher awards, while defendants may face increased exposure in litigation and settlement negotiations.
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Consistency with inflation: The forward-looking adjustment may help avoid outdated figures but could also contribute to higher overall compensation levels.
Accessing the New Edition
The 5th edition of the Green Book is available:
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Online: via the the Judiciary NI website
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In print: from the Law Society Library
Conclusion on General Damages in Northern Ireland
The release of the 5th edition of the Green Book marks a significant update in the assessment of personal injury claims in Northern Ireland. With a general uplift of 20% in awards, the formal recognition of pleural plaques, and the removal of lower brackets for certain injuries, both claimants and insurers must be prepared for a shift in compensation outcomes.
For claimants, the guidelines provide clarity and consistency in the likely value of personal injury claims. For insurers and defence practitioners, the changes highlight the importance of early settlement strategies and careful assessment of litigation risk.
