NHS Resolution (NHSR)’s latest Annual Report for 2024/25 has landed - and there’s a wealth of intelligence that both claimant and defendant solicitors must take note of. From rising claim volumes and shifting specialties to investment in in-house capabilities and early resolution strategies, this report offers a roadmap for navigating the evolving clinical negligence landscape.

View the full NHS Resolution Annual Report here.

1. Claim Volumes Are Back – Up 4.7%

NHSR reports a 4.7% increase in Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) claims - amounting to 14,428 new claims filed in 2024/25. Claims have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reinforcing the idea that earlier years reflected COVID-related delays, not actual declines.

Importantly, 83% of claims are resolved via mediation or negotiation - up from 81% last year - showing NHSR is doubling down on dispute avoidance.

Takeaway:

Solicitors should prepare for higher caseloads again and position themselves for increased early engagement strategies. Expert witness readiness and efficient evidence gathering have never been more crucial.

2. Surge in Other Specialties: Emergency, Paediatrics & More

Maternity claims still dominate (53% of notified claim value), but this is down from 57% last year. Areas experiencing real growth by claim value include:

· Emergency Medicine (7.1%)

· Paediatrics (6.0%) & Neonatology (4.5%)

· Orthopaedic Surgery (3.9%)

· Radiology (2.9%)

The shift reflects a diversification of high-value claims across specialties beyond maternity.

Takeaway:

Solicitors and expert panels must broaden their expertise — the landscape is no longer maternity-centric. Rising complexity in emergency and paediatric cases demands fresh specialisms, techniques, and strategies.

3. Why Maternity’s Share Is Falling

There’s no sign of numerical reclassification - maternity claims remain a large absolute value. Instead, the growth in other high-value specialties has diluted maternity’s share. Reporting pattern normalization post-pandemic is also contributing to this rebalancing.

Takeaway:

This isn’t a numbers game - it’s a reflection of a true shift in litigation focus. Be ready to chase opportunities - and risks - in new clinical territories.

4. Admin Expenditure Up 21.7%, But Real Defence Costs Up 11.2%

Admin costs rose 21.7%, in part due to NHSR bringing more claims handling in-house. However, combining Clinical Schemes Admin + NHS Legal Costs, we see an 11.2% total increase — a more accurate measure of defence-oriented investment.

Takeaway:

NHSR is internalizing capabilities. Claims teams may now find themselves negotiating more directly with NHSR case-workers, not panel firms - which could alter settlement dynamics profoundly.

5. Producing In-House Capability: The CaseHub Effect

NHSR’s investment in CaseHub and the broader Claims Evolution Programme signals a structural transformation. Solicitors should anticipate:

· New processes, deadlines, and points of contact

· Reduced dependence on panel firms

· Potential change in approach to disclosure and case progression

Takeaway:

Solicitors need to learn the new playbook - aligning with NHSR’s internal workflows, not just traditional panel methodologies.

6. Emphasis on Early Resolution Continues

With 83% of claims resolving before litigation, NHSR is delivering on its commitment to justice, cost-saving, and reduced stress for claimants. The report highlights improvements in:

· Mediation referral rates

· Structured negotiation processes

· Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) effectiveness

Takeaway:

Solicitors should incorporate early expert engagement and ADR strategies into case planning at the outset - shaping timelines and fee structures accordingly.

7. Maternity’s Continued Dominance - And What’s Next

While maternity remains the largest exposure area, its share is dropping - but the absolute claim value remains high. NHSR continues to invest heavily in maternity quality and safety initiatives - to nip future cases in the bud.

Takeaway:

Expect continued prominence in maternity claims - but not to the exclusion of other specialties. Balancing resourcing, both as claimant and defendant, will be key.

8. A Modern Claims Environment: What Solicitors Should Do Now

By embracing these trends and making them central to case strategy, firms can stay ahead in an environment of change.

How INNEG Can Help

At INNEG, we support solicitors navigating exactly these challenges. Our panel of rigorously vetted experts spans all key disciplines - maternity, emergency medicine, orthopaedics, paediatrics, radiology, and beyond - ensuring that as NHSR’s case profile diversifies, your access to specialist evidence remains seamless.

We also help accelerate your claim lifecycle by coordinating record management, diagnostics, and expert scheduling so you can meet tighter early-resolution timeframes. As NHSR brings more work in-house and alters traditional claims handling routes, INNEG offers continuity, efficiency, and tailored support that adapts with the sector.

Final Thoughts

NHS Resolution’s 2024/25 report is more than a summary of numbers - it offers strategic insight. From rising claim volumes and shifting specialty focus, to deeper in-house claims-management infrastructure, the clinical negligence terrain is evolving fast.

Solicitors must adapt: broaden expertise, embed early-resolution planning, anticipate new workflows - and see this as an opportunity, not a disruption.

View the full NHS Resolution Annual Report here.