Platforms, doors and moving trains all carry a duty of care

Whether it happened on board, on a platform, or getting on or off, rail operators and station managers have a duty to keep passengers reasonably safe.

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Rail accident claims can involve more than one responsible party: the train operating company, Network Rail (which manages most stations and infrastructure), or in some cases a third party like a contractor carrying out station works. Working out which one is actually responsible is part of the claim, not something you need to establish yourself.

These claims range from a fall on a wet platform to more serious incidents involving train doors or gaps between the train and platform.

What kinds of train and rail accident claim do we handle?

  • Falls on platforms

    Including wet or poorly maintained surfaces.

  • Door-related injuries

    Including doors closing on a passenger.

  • Platform gap injuries

    Between the train and the platform edge.

  • Slips, trips and falls at stations

    Including stairs and escalators.

  • Injuries on board

    Including from luggage or sudden braking.

What if I was partly at fault?

Partial responsibility reduces compensation proportionally rather than removing the claim.

What you could receive

Train and rail accident claims cover general damages for the injury and its effect on your life, and special damages for financial losses, including lost earnings and treatment costs.

We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation once we've reviewed the details. We won't overpromise, and we won't quote a figure before we've properly understood your case.

How does a claim actually work?

Four stages, and you always know which one you're in.

  1. 01

    Initial consultation

    You tell us what happened and where. We give you a straight view on whether your claim has merit, free and with no obligation.

  2. 02

    Establishing who's responsible

    We identify whether the claim sits with the train operator, Network Rail, or another party.

  3. 03

    Investigation

    We gather evidence, including CCTV where available, which is common at stations and on many trains.

  4. 04

    Negotiation and resolution

    We'll explain exactly how our fee is calculated before you agree to anything.

Don't leave it late

How long do I have to claim?

Most personal injury claims must be brought within three years of the accident, or three years from the date you first connected your injury to it. For children, that three year clock starts on their eighteenth birthday.

If you're not sure whether you're still within the time limit, contact us. We'll tell you quickly.

The money side

What will it cost me?

Nothing upfront. Where a no win, no fee agreement applies, our fee comes from your compensation only if the claim succeeds, and it's set out in full, in writing, before you agree to anything.

  • We'll explain the funding options available for your claim, which may include a conditional fee (no win, no fee) arrangement, clearly and in full before you decide whether to proceed.
  • Where a conditional fee agreement applies and your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation. The law limits that fee in personal injury claims, and it is never taken from any damages awarded for future care or future loss of earnings. We explain exactly how it is worked out, in writing, before you agree to anything.
  • A cancellation fee may apply if you withdraw outside the 14 day cooling off period. Full details will be provided before you sign anything.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is CCTV usually available for station accidents?

Often yes, both on platforms and increasingly on trains themselves, and we can request this promptly as evidence.

How do I know if it's the train company or Network Rail responsible?

This depends on where the accident happened and what caused it, and it's something we'll establish for you rather than something you need to work out.

Do I need to have reported it to staff at the time?

It helps, and many stations log incidents, but a claim isn't ruled out if you didn't.

What if the accident happened due to a fault with the train doors?

This is a recognised category of claim, and the train operator would generally be responsible for the door mechanism's condition.

Ready to find out where you stand

Tell us what happened. We'll give you a straight answer, and we won't pressure you either way.

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Related claim types

All personal injury claims
Reviewed by Craig Bryan, Legal Services Director, COLP/COFA
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