Can I Claim for Falling Down the Stairs at Work

Yes, you can claim for falling down the stairs at work. Stair accidents can lead to anything from minor bruises to severe, long-term injuries – with life-changing consequences. Although accidents can happen, your employer has a legal duty to ensure your safety at work. 

This includes making sure the stairs are safe. If you fell down the stairs at work because they failed to do so, you might be entitled to compensation.

At CEL Solicitors, we specialise in helping injured workers understand their rights and make successful personal injury claims. Read on to learn when you might be able to sue for falling down the stairs at work and how our no-win, no-fee service can help.

What Can Cause Accidents on Stairs?

Over 700 people die a year from falling down stairs, and thousands more suffer painful injuries. Here are some of the main causes of accidents on stairs:

• Slippery Surface: If the stairs have recently been polished, if the stairs are icy or if liquid has spilt onto the stairs
• Obstacles: For example, loose carpets or clutter
• Poor lighting: If it’s dark, it can be tough to see the steps clearly
• Bad footwear: Shoes without grip (for example, high heels or worn trainers) can increase the risk of slipping down stairs
• Unsafe behaviour: For example, running, being distracted or carrying heavy objects when using the stairs

If any of these conditions contributed to your accident, your employer could be held responsible, especially if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. 

Want to learn more about your rights after falling at work? Check out this blog post.

What Injuries Can Falling Down The Stairs Cause?

Even a single misstep on the stairs can cause serious injeuries. Common injuries related to falling down the stairs may include:

• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones
• Back or spinal injuries
• Head trauma or concussion
• Cuts and bruises
• Dislocations
• Internal bleeding
• Long-term psychological impacts, such as anxiety or PTSD

Children may be more likely to experience head or neck injuries due to a higher centre of gravity, whereas older adults may be at a higher risk of hip fractures and spinal injuries, which often require long-term care.

The severity of your injuries may determine how much compensation you are entitled to. Let’s look into who is liable for these injuries. 

Can I Sue My Employer for a Stair Injury at Work? 

Your employer has a duty of care to ensure a safe working environment, according to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

This includes ensuring stairways are safe. Your employer should take reasonable action to ensure this, such as maintaining stairways, fixing broken steps, and making sure stairways are well-lit. 

Some reasonable steps your employer can take to prevent stair accidents include: 

• Installing/maintaining handrails on both sides (stairs wider than 100cm)
• Conducting risk assessments to identify hazards
• Quickly resolving issues like spills, debris, or uneven surfaces 
• Providing adequate lighting (minimum 100 lux) to ensure visibility

If you have fallen down the stairs and your employer failed to ensure your safety, then your employer may be liable for your accident. This means you may be able to claim compensation for an accident at work if: 

• Your employer failed to fix a known hazard
• There were no warning signs for wet or damaged stairs
• Poor lighting or maintenance contributed to the accident
• You were not given proper safety instructions or footwear

However, you must be able to prove liability in order to make a claim, considering breach of duty, causation and damages. If any of the above apply to your situation, speak to us today about whether you can sue for falling down the stairs.

What Compensation Can I Get? 

The amount of compensation you receive depends entirely on your injuries and how they have impacted you. Your accident at work claim may include: 

• General damages for pain and suffering: This includes the physical and emotional impact, whether it be broken bones, ongoing pain or head trauma. It also includes loss of enjoyment of life (e.g. if your injuries have stopped you from partaking in hobbies or social events)  
• Loss of earnings if you’re unable to work: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can claim back your lost wages, whether you were signed off for a few weeks or for months. 
• Medical costs, including treatment or therapy: This may include GP visits, prescription costs, mobility aids, physiotherapy or long-term rehab. 
• Travel expenses related to your injury: You can also claim for travel expenses, whether you’ve had to travel for therapy sessions, legal meetings or medical appointments. 
• Future loss of income: If your injuries have resulted in long-term (or permanent) impairment, you might not be able to go back to work. You can get compensation for this, taking into account the impact on career progression, reduced ability to earn, missed opportunities and early retirement. 

Here are some figures to give you an idea of how much compensation you may be entitled to, based on Judicial College Guidelines (JCG): 

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

You have three years from the date of your accident to make a claim. This is known as the limited period, as set out in the Limitation Act 1980.

Falling Down Stairs at Work: Key Stats

• There are over 700 fatalities every year from stair falls in the UK
• 688,000 working days were lost in 2023/24 from non-fatal falls from height
• 95% of workplace slips, trips, and falls result in serious injuries like fractures
• Stairs adhering to British Standard BS5395-1 reduce fall risks by 60%

Make a No-Win, No-Fee Claim with CEL Solicitors

We understand that being injured at work is stressful — physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why we offer an obligation-free assessment of your claim. The steps are simple: 

1. Report the accident to your employer  
2. Gather evidence (photos, witness statements)  
3. Seek medical attention  
4. Contact CEL Solicitors for a free case review

If your claim is valid and you wish to proceed, our slips, trips and fall solicitors or accident at work claims will support you on a no-win, no-fee basis – so there’s no financial risk to you.

You may also be entitled to injury at work pay, depending on your contract and your employer’s policies. Let us take care of the legalities and help you get the outcome you deserve. Reach out today to begin your claim.