03/09/2026
Behind every statistic is a person.
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)’s latest “The Justice Gap” report highlights a worrying reality for people affected by clinical negligence: on average, it now takes more than two years for a clinical negligence claim to settle, with those involving the most serious injuries taking even longer.
But behind those statistics are people trying to navigate life after being faced with life-changing circumstances.
For Steph, a Black Country mum of three, a 12-month delay in receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis changed her life forever. After repeated appointments and hospital visits, she was eventually diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer.
Steph was supported by our Clinical Negligence team throughout her claim. While no legal process can undo what has happened, our role is to help take some of the burden away, seeking answers, accountability and the financial support needed to help our clients access the specialist care and support they need for the future.
Steph's story also feels particularly poignant this week, following the NHS announcement that almost four million women will be offered HPV self-testing kits as part of their efforts to increase cervical screening and detect cervical cancer at an earlier stage.
This isn't about blame. It's about people.
When something goes wrong, getting the right support and navigating the road to justice shouldn't add another burden to an already life-changing situation.
Read Steph's story: https://www.talbotslaw.co.uk/site/black-country-mum-calls-for-increased-smear-testing-after-failed-diagnosis-leaves-her-facing-stage-four-cancer-battle/