High Court average is skewed by the obstetric negligence awards. One of these was for €15m. the Circuit Court averages are probably truer averages with the caveat that the Circuit Court limit was increased from €38K to €60K, so a few of the awards in excess of €38K would affect this average.
Having said that, the trend in courts seems to be for slightly higher awards in Circuit Court, but the resultant costs are huge and as a percentage of the Award can be over 100%! The costs are often referred to as 'legal' costs and people tend to read this as money for solicitor/barrister. However, the costs include 23% VAT and as well as solicitor and barrister, also include motor assessor, engineer, doctor, and other witness expenses.