Train & Train Station
Accident Claims

Key advice when making an injury on a train claim

• Train and station operators must take reasonable steps to keep people safe.
• Injury claims are often linked to slips, faulty equipment, overcrowding, or falling luggage.
• A claim can be started within 3 years of your injury date.
• You can check how much you could claim with our compensation calculator.
• Your claim can proceed on a no win, no fee basis.

Helping you get back on track after an injury on a train journey or at a station

f you’ve been hurt in a train accident, whether as a passenger, worker, or commuter, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost income, and medical expenses. A personal injury solicitor can guide you through the process, helping you pursue a No Win, No Fee claim to support your recovery and get the compensation you deserve.

With over 9,000 injuries on trains and in stations each year, you are not alone

Train journeys are generally safe, but accidents do happen, leading to injuries that can disrupt lives.

In 2022-23, there were 9,526 injuries to passengers and members of the public in stations or on trains(dataportal.orr.gov.uk).

Slips, trips and falls accounted for most of these injuries, with platform edge incidents and assaults also being common.

If you have been injured, either as a passenger or an employee, you may be able to make a train accident claim.

If you decide to make an injury claim, your personal injury solicitor will take you through every step of the claims process. Your solicitor will be with you until you win your claim and get the compensation you need to move on with your life.

Do I have a train injury claim?

Yes, you can claim compensation for an injury on a train, if:

• you were injured in the last 3 years, and;
• another person was responsible, and;
• that person owed you a legal duty of care.

Find out online if you can claim with our injury claim calculator. Alternatively, you can speak to a claims advisor on 0800 376 1001 and find out if you have a claim in minutes.

What happens if I share some of the blame?

Figuring out who is legally at fault for an accident can sometimes be complex and nuanced.

According to our recent 2025 Public Liability Injury Claimant Survey, 17.45% of respondents thought that their actions could have contributed, either in part or wholly, to their injuries.

Even if you were partly at fault, you could still be able to claim compensation. 'Split liability' or 'contributory negligence' are terms used to describe these cases.

Read more:

Can I claim if I feel I was partly responsible for my accident?

How long do I have to start a train injury claim?

In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of your accident or injury.

If you were injured when you were under 18, a parent, guardian or adult 'litigation friend' can make a claim on your behalf. Once you turn 18, you have until your 21st birthday to start an injury claim.

How much compensation can I claim for a train accident?

The compensation you may receive for your injury hinges on two main factors:

• The severity of your injury.
• Any financial losses or expenses you've had due to the injury.

When starting your claim, your solicitor will thoroughly assess how your injuries have impacted your daily life. These factors will be carefully weighed to determine the appropriate compensation amount.

General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA). Awards for general damages are set by the Judicial College (judiciary.uk) and published in their guidelines for personal injury awards.

Special damages are awarded to compensate you for any costs or losses you've incurred or might incur as a result of your accident. These costs might include loss of earnings, or any other out of pocket expenses.

Special damages may also be awarded for medical treatments or procedures that you might need to treat your injury, including pain medication and psychological support.

Read more:

A complete list of recoverable losses in a personal injury claim

How is compensation calculated if I have multiple injuries?

Psychological trauma following an injury or illness

Although psychiatric injuries are less obvious than physical injuries and illness, mental health conditions can be no less debilitating.

Our 2025 Public Place Injury Claimant Survey reveals the extent of psychological trauma, with 29.03% of claims involving a psychological injury, 70.97% of which related to a physical injury.

Experiencing an injury on a train can lead to siderodromophobia (phobia of trains or rail travel), affecting an individual's independence and ability to travel and commute.

Your solicitor will help ensure that any psychological harm you have suffered as the result of another party's negligence is recognised and included in the calculation of your compensation award or settlement. In addition, you can also claim for mental health treatment costs that may not be readily available on the NHS.

Our compensation calculator can estimate your compensation for psychological injuries. Or you can call us on 0800 376 1001 to speak to a specialist advisor.

On board, and in station injury risks

Passengers and rail employees can also be injured in non-collision related accidents. These can occur on board trains, in the station, and on the platform.

The majority of accidents involve:

• Slips, trips and falls - such as on floors or stairs, or at the interface between the platform and train
• Damage inside the train - such as exposed sharp edges, broken seating, or faulty train doors
• Being hit by objects - such as luggage falling from luggage racks, or objects dropped by standing passengers when the train is full
• Food and drink related accidents - such as burns from hot liquids, or food poisoning

Rail employees can also suffer injury from workplace accidents or develop work-related health conditions such as occupational deafness, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and asbestos-related diseases.

Read more:

Work-related health condition claims

Train collision-related injury compensation

Train collisions and derailments are rare but can result in some of the most serious accidents. The causes of these include:

• Faulty or damaged tracks
• Faults with the train engines, breaks, or wheels
• Objects or trespassers on the tracks
• Adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, snow or ice
• Collisions with another train or vehicle, including the failure of level crossing gates or signs

Irrespective of the cause of the accident, compensation claims for train collision injuries can be made in most cases.

A solicitor will be able to advise on this further, including recommendations for medical examination. In the case of fatal train accidents, a specialist lawyer will confirm how family members should proceed with their claim.

Work accidents Road accidents Public places Medical negligence Other accidents

Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.