Injury Awareness Week 2025 to shed light on the emotional impacts of negligence.

This year, APIL are focusing their awareness efforts on those that are ‘needlessly injured’: such as those who have injuries caused by other people’s carelessness or even recklessness. Knowing that your body has changed severely and irreversibly can sometimes have long lasting negative effects on mental health and enjoyment of your life, even if you have physically recovered.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, preventable accidents in the UK are rising, and deaths are at an all-time high– making them the second biggest killer of people under 40. There were 604,000 non-fatal injuries at work between 2023-2024, and 29,537 people were killed or seriously injured in a road traffic accident last year. Injuries could happen to anyone, anytime, so it’s useful to know who you can turn to.

Someone who has been seriously injured, be that in a road traffic accident, in the workplace or otherwise, is at the most vulnerable time of their life. They may not be able to work, or even make themselves a cup of tea. They may lose their independence and require extensive medical care, and may become socially isolated as they take time off (or may not ever be able to return to) their career or social groups. It’s an extreme disruption of their life through no fault of their own.

Victoria Smithyman, Partner in our Clinical Negligence and Serious Injury team and the head of our Personal Injury practice, is well aware of how people suffer following an accident: “I see time and time again the devastating impact and accident can have on an individual.  Their injuries leave them in an incredibly vulnerable state not only physically, but more often than not financially and emotionally.  Whilst compensation certainly helps in the long term, it is the short term and most critical period for recovery that my clients feel the real impact.  To suddenly be in a position, through no fault of their own, where they have no or limited income and are unable to pay their rent or mortgage, as well as other bills, causes an unbelievable amount of distress.”

How can we help?

If you or a loved one has had a serious injury that was due to someone else’s carelessness, you may be entitled to make a claim.

Our expert solicitors will be able to advise you of your options, please contact us today to discuss your circumstances.