7 Injury Claims You Do Not Know About
- 1. "Lost Years" Claims for Children (Medical Negligence)
- 2. Miscarriage Claims Due to Negligence
- 3. Public Liability: Slips, Trips and Council Negligence
- 4. Psychological Injuries Without Physical Harm
- 5. Mixed Injury Claims (Whiplash + More)
- 6. COVID-19 Vaccine Injuries
- 7. Catastrophic Injuries Outside the Whiplash Reforms
- 8. Digital Evidence is Changing Everything
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You might have heard that personal injury claims in the UK are at an all-time low. Fewer people are making claims than ever before, especially for straightforward road traffic accidents.
But the types of claims being made are changing and becoming far more complex.
While simple whiplash claims have declined thanks to government reforms, a new wave of sophisticated, high-value and often misunderstood injury claims is quietly rising.
These are not the cases you see advertised on social media. They are harder to spot and frequently overlooked by claimants who do not realize they have a right to compensation.
At Portway Solicitors, we have been tracking these shifts closely. Here are 7 emerging personal injury claims in 2026
1. “Lost Years” Claims for Children (Medical Negligence)
In February 2026, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that changed everything for families affected by medical negligence.
Children who suffer injuries that reduce their life expectancy can now claim compensation for the earnings they would have made in the future, even if their lives will be tragically shortened.
Previously, these “lost years” claims were difficult to pursue. Now, they represent a significant recognition of the long-term financial impact on families dealing with catastrophic medical errors.
2. Miscarriage Claims Due to Negligence
The loss of a pregnancy is devastating. When it is caused by someone else’s negligence whether through medical error, a workplace accident or a road collision the emotional trauma can be overwhelming.
In April 2026, new legal guidelines were introduced specifically for miscarriage injury claims. For the first time, there is clear guidance on how to value these deeply personal losses.
3. Public Liability: Slips, Trips and Council Negligence
Everyone knows you can claim if you slip in a supermarket. But what about when you trip on a crumbling pavement, fall into an unrepaired pothole or injure yourself in a poorly maintained public park?
These public liability claims against local authorities are surging in 2026 and they are often more complex than shop accidents because councils can be difficult to hold accountable.
4. Psychological Injuries Without Physical Harm
Not all injuries leave visible scars.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety and debilitating depression can be just as life-altering as a broken bone, yet many people do not realise they can claim compensation for purely psychological trauma.
Whether you witnessed a horrific accident, experienced workplace harassment or suffered emotional harm due to someone’s negligence the law increasingly recognizes that mental injuries are real injuries.
5. Mixed Injury Claims (Whiplash + More)
Government reforms have made it harder to claim for whiplash alone. But insurers are now facing a new challenge: mixed injury claims.
These are cases where someone suffers whiplash plus additional injuries such as psychological trauma, minor fractures or nerve damage. Because they do not fit neatly into the simplified claims system, insurers often fight them aggressively using “Low Velocity Impact” (LVI) arguments.
6. COVID-19 Vaccine Injuries
This is one of the most sensitive and emerging areas of personal injury law.
A growing number of claimants are pursuing cases alleging serious side effects or death linked to COVID-19 vaccines. These claims challenge the current government compensation scheme and are being closely watched by legal experts across the UK.
7. Catastrophic Injuries Outside the Whiplash Reforms
While low-value claims have become more automated, life-changing injuries remain outside these simplified systems.
Cases involving long-term chronic pain, occupational diseases like asbestosis or industrial deafness and serious sporting injuries require highly specialised legal expertise to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
8. Digital Evidence is Changing Everything
From e-scooter accidents to dashcam footage, the way we prove personal injury claims is evolving rapidly.
High-definition smartphone videos, CCTV and wearable tech are making it easier to establish liability but they are also introducing new technical and legal challenges.
*This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The law and circumstances surrounding personal injury claims can be complex. If you need advice about a specific situation, please contact a qualified solicitor.
