APIL Injury Awareness Week 2025 (23–27 June): Raising Awareness of Clinical Negligence

This week marks APIL's Injury Awareness Week (23–27 June 2025), a national initiative led by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) to shine a spotlight on the real lives affected by negligence and injury — and to champion the rights of those seeking justice.

This year's campaign continues APIL's crucial mission: to challenge misconceptions around injury claims and educate the public on the devastating consequences negligence can have. One area of concern that deserves particular focus during this week is clinical negligence — a subject that remains both profoundly personal and widely misunderstood.

What Is Clinical Negligence?

Clinical negligence (or medical negligence) occurs when a healthcare professional breaches their duty of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. This breach of care can happen in hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes, dental clinics, or any healthcare setting.

Examples include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis

• Surgical errors

• Incorrect treatment or medication

• Inadequate aftercare or follow-up

• Injuries during childbirth to mother or baby

It's essential to recognise that not all adverse outcomes constitute negligence — a claim becomes viable only when substandard care directly leads to harm. Still, the consequences for victims can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.

Why Clinical Negligence Deserves the Spotlight

During Injury Awareness Week, APIL encourages us to see beyond the numbers — to focus on the people behind the claims.

Clinical negligence can change lives in an instant. From lifelong disability due to a missed cancer diagnosis to a bereaved family left seeking answers after a preventable surgical error, these are not "minor complaints" or "get-rich-quick" schemes. They are cries for accountability, transparency, and change.

It's also a matter of protecting future patients. A well-founded clinical negligence claim not only compensates the individual — it often forces institutions to reflect, improve, and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Tackling the Stigma Around Injury Claims

One of APIL's key goals this week is to address the negative stereotypes surrounding personal injury claims — often seen as opportunistic or frivolous. In reality, most people bring claims out of necessity: to cover medical costs, adapt their homes, or secure financial stability after being unable to work.

In the context of clinical negligence, the stakes are often even higher. These are people who trusted the healthcare system and were let down — who now face uphill battles, both in recovery and in seeking redress.

What Can You Do During Injury Awareness Week?

Whether you're a legal professional, a healthcare worker, or a member of the public, here are a few ways you can engage:

• Educate yourself on patients' rights and what constitutes clinical negligence.

• Listen to real stories from those affected — APIL's campaign often shares powerful case studies.

• Challenge misconceptions when you hear dismissive talk about "compensation culture."

• Support organisations that advocate for patient safety and legal fairness.

• Share APIL's resources on social media using hashtags like #InjuryAware or #APILIAW2025.

Final Thoughts

Clinical negligence is a complex topic — but it deserves empathy, understanding, and visibility. Injury Awareness Week is not about blame. It's about accountability, improving safety, and supporting those whose lives have been altered through no fault of their own.

Let's use this week as an opportunity to listen, learn, and advocate — and ensure that when mistakes happen, justice and compassion are not far behind.