Report finds 44% of injured individuals take no action despite strong satisfaction among those who instruct personal injury lawyers
The personal injury sector is undergoing a period of significant change, with millions of injured individuals failing to pursue compensation, according to new industry insights from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
In a recent update outlining findings from its latest industry report, APIL said an estimated 7.5 million people who suffered injury due to negligence have not brought a claim, underlining a widening gap between those harmed and those accessing justice.
The data also points to widespread claimant inaction, with 44% of injured individuals taking no steps to seek legal redress. APIL suggested this reflects persistent barriers in awareness and access, raising concerns about whether injured people are being adequately supported to enforce their rights.
Despite the decline in engagement, perceptions of legal services remain strong among those who do claim. APIL found that 86% of claimants who used a personal injury lawyer would recommend their services, indicating continued confidence in specialist representation.
The organisation said the findings illustrate a shifting market dynamic, with fewer people pursuing claims even where injury has occurred. This, it noted, is contributing to ongoing consolidation within the sector, as firms respond to reduced volumes and changing claimant behaviour.
APIL said in its update that the disparity between injury incidence and claims activity presents a challenge not only for practitioners but also for access to justice more broadly. Large numbers of individuals may be missing out on compensation and rehabilitation due to a combination of practical, financial and informational barriers.
The report, produced with industry analysts and based on large-scale data analysis, is intended to provide insight into long-term trends shaping the personal injury market. While the full findings have not been made publicly available, APIL’s update highlights the scale of disengagement among potential claimants.
It added that improving access to justice remains a key priority, with the findings expected to inform debate over the future direction of the sector.