WHAT IS A STAIRS ACCIDENT CLAIM?
When someone else let the stairs become unsafe, you shouldn't be the one paying for it.
A stairs accident claim is a personal injury claim against the person or organisation responsible for keeping a staircase safe — a shop, an employer, a car park, a managing agent or a landlord. Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, whoever controls those premises has a legal duty to take reasonable care that visitors are reasonably safe. Worn or broken steps, a missing or wobbly handrail, poor lighting, no anti-slip nosing or a building-regulations failure can all amount to a breach of that duty.
If your fall happened in a public building, a workplace, a shop, a communal stairwell or a rented home and someone else's negligence was to blame, you may be entitled to compensation. Use our personal injury claim calculator for a quick guide to what your claim might be worth, and read more about how an accident in a public place is handled. Most stair-fall claims are funded on a No Win No Fee basis, so there's nothing to pay up front.
What you can claim for
Pain and suffering
Compensation for the injury itself — fractures, sprains, head injuries, soft-tissue damage and the impact on your day-to-day life.
Lost earnings
Wages you've missed while recovering, plus any future loss if your injury affects your ability to work.
Travel and care costs
Travel to medical appointments and the cost of help at home while you couldn't manage stairs or household tasks.
Treatment and rehab
Physiotherapy, private medical treatment, prescriptions and any aids you've needed to recover.
Home adaptations
Temporary or permanent changes to your home, such as a stairlift or extra handrails, where injuries require them.
Psychological harm
Anxiety, loss of confidence or a fear of stairs that follows a serious or frightening fall.
You may have a claim if…
Someone else was legally responsible for keeping the stairs safe — an occupier, employer, managing agent or landlord
There was a fault such as worn or broken steps, a missing or defective handrail, poor lighting or no anti-slip surface
That fault caused your fall and a genuine injury, ideally backed by medical records
Your accident happened within the last 3 years (longer for children and those who lack mental capacity)
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
Tell us what happened in a quick, no-pressure chat. We'll let you know honestly whether you have a claim worth pursuing.
02
Building your case
We gather the evidence — accident reports, photos, witness details, CCTV and maintenance records — and arrange an independent medical report.
03
Negotiating your claim
We deal with the occupier's public liability insurer on your behalf and push for the full compensation you're owed.
04
You're compensated
Most claims settle without court. We secure your settlement and, on No Win No Fee, you keep the bulk of it.
Stairs accident claim FAQs
How much does a stairs accident claim cost me?+
With our No Win No Fee agreement, you pay nothing up front and nothing at all if your claim doesn't succeed. If you win, a success fee is deducted from your compensation — capped by law at 25% of certain damages for personal injury claims. We'll explain the figures in plain English before you sign anything.
How long do I have to make a stairs accident claim?+
In England and Wales you usually have 3 years from the date of your accident to start a claim. There are important exceptions: for children the clock doesn't start until their 18th birthday, and different rules apply for those who lack mental capacity. It's best to get advice early while evidence and witness memories are fresh.
Who is responsible if I fell on stairs in a public place?+
It's normally the occupier — the business or organisation in control of the premises, such as a shop, leisure centre or car park operator. Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 they must take reasonable care for your safety, and they'll usually have public liability insurance to cover a valid claim.
What if I fell on the communal stairs in my rented flat?+
Landlords and managing agents have duties to keep communal areas of rented buildings, including shared stairwells, reasonably safe and in repair. If a worn step, broken handrail or unlit stairwell caused your fall, you may be able to claim against the landlord or the company that manages the block.
What evidence helps a stairs accident claim?+
Photos of the hazard, the accident report or entry in an accident book, names and contact details of witnesses, CCTV footage, and your medical records. Keep receipts for any costs you've had. Don't worry if you don't have everything — we can request a lot of this for you.
Can I claim if I think I was partly at fault?+
Possibly. Even if you were partly to blame — for example, you missed a step — you may still recover reduced compensation under what's called contributory negligence. Speak to us and we'll give you an honest view of your prospects.
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