Most injury victims still in pain years later, local law firm finds

Why it matters: For many people, an injury does not end when the wound heals. The research, commissioned by law firm Ellisons, indicates that pain, lost mobility, and mental health effects can persist for months or years, shaping people's independence, family life and ability to work.

By the numbers: Among the 102 respondents who said they had suffered an injury caused wholly or partly by someone else within the past five years:

• 62% reported ongoing pain or discomfort
• 60% reported reduced mobility or difficulty carrying out day-to-day activities
• 52% said their mental wellbeing had been affected
• 73% required medical treatment
• 48% had taken time off work
• 31% reported a loss of earnings

What they're saying: Steve Stratton, partner and head of Ellisons' injury services team, said: "Many people think about an injury in terms of the accident itself. What these findings highlight is what happens afterwards. Ongoing pain, reduced mobility and impacts on mental wellbeing can continue for months or years and affect almost every aspect of daily life.

"We regularly see the effect serious and life-changing injuries have on individuals and families. Recovery is rarely just about physical healing. It may affect confidence, independence, family life, employment and overall quality of life. These findings are a reminder that the consequences of an injury are often far wider and longer-lasting than people initially expect."

The other side: Despite the reported impacts, many people did not pursue legal advice. Of those surveyed who had experienced an injury, 39% said they had sought legal advice or pursued a claim, while 35% said they had not, and a further 21% said they had considered it but decided not to proceed.

Stratton said there could be many reasons for this: "Not everybody who suffers an injury will seek legal advice, and there can be many reasons for that. In some situations, legal advice may not be necessary. In others, people may be unsure what their options are, while some are understandably focused on their recovery and returning to normal life. What is important is that people understand the options available to them and are able to access the information, support and guidance they need to make informed decisions based on their own circumstances."

For context: The findings are based on an independently administered survey of 4,711 adults across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, conducted between 8 and 14 June 2026. The figures relate specifically to the 102 respondents, or 2.17% of the total sample, who said they had experienced an injury in the past five years caused wholly or partly by somebody else.

The bottom line: The survey suggests that for a significant proportion of people injured through no fault of their own, the physical, financial and emotional effects can linger long after the initial incident — yet many never seek advice on the options available to them.

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