Millions of people rely on trains each day for convenient, fast, and eco-friendly transportation. However, when train operators fail to meet their duty of care,…
Make a claim against Network Rail
If you suffered an injury due to the negligence of Network Rail, contact us to find out if you can claim and how much compensation you could be entitled to.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Network Rail Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in a railway accident, you may be entitled to make a Network Rail accident claim. A successful compensation claim can cover your pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, and any other related financial losses.
Network Rail owes staff and members of the public a duty of care where it is responsible for railway infrastructure, premises or work activities. If this duty is breached, the rail company may be held liable for any resulting harm, ranging from minor lacerations and broken bones to severe head and spinal injuries.
A specialist solicitor can review your case, assess your eligibility and guide you through every step of the claims process. To get started, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Table of Contents
What is a Network Rail accident claim?
A Network Rail accident claim is a personal injury claim made by someone who suffered an injury as a result of negligence on the part of Network Rail. This can include accidents at railway stations, level crossings, on railway infrastructure, or while working on the railway.
Such accidents can result from unsafe infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, or failure to follow health and safety regulations. The aim of a claim is to seek compensation for medical costs, loss of earnings, damage to personal items, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Can I make a claim for a Network Rail accident?
You may be eligible to make a Network Rail compensation claim if the following can be proven:
- Network Rail owed you a legal duty of care.
- This duty of care was breached, leading to an accident.
- You suffered injuries as a direct result of the accident.
- You are within the legal time limit for starting a claim.
A specialist personal injury solicitor can assess your situation and advise whether your case meets the criteria and has reasonable prospects of success.
Does Network Rail owe me a duty of care?
Network Rail is responsible for most of the UK’s railway infrastructure. Like employers and occupiers of premises, it owes a legal duty of care to employees, passengers and members of the public where it is responsible for their safety. This may stem from two main pieces of legislation:
These duties include:
- Maintaining safe railway infrastructure.
- Ensuring that train stations and level crossings under its control are reasonably safe for the public.
- Providing adequate training and safety equipment for staff.
- Following health and safety legislation.
- Promptly addressing hazards.
- Using barriers and warning signs where dangers are present.
If your accident happened because of a breach of duty, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
Types of Network Rail accidents that could lead to a claim
Network Rail could be held liable for a wide range of accidents occurring on railway infrastructure, at stations it manages, or at level crossings, including:
- Slips, trips and falls on platforms, tracks, stairs, bathrooms, or walkways
- Accidents when getting on or off a train where unsafe station infrastructure contributed
- Injuries caused by poorly maintained lifts and escalators in stations it manages
- Being hit by falling items, such as displays or signage
- Level crossing accidents due to malfunctioning lights or barriers
- Train accidents and collisions due to poorly maintained tracks or signalling failures
- Rail worker accidents involving machinery, contact with live wires or manual handling
This list is not exhaustive. You could make a claim against Network Rail following many other types of accidents caused by negligence or unsafe conditions.
What is the time limit to make a Network Rail claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have three years to start your claim from the accident date. There are, however, a few exceptions:
- Children – If a child is injured, the 3-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday. A parent or legal guardian can make a child injury claim at any time before then.
- Mental capacity – The time limit is suspended unless the person regains capacity. Alternatively, a claim could be made by a litigation friend.
- Fatal accidents – The 3-year time limit generally begins to run from the date of death or the date of knowledge.
Seeking early legal advice helps ensure that evidence is preserved and your case can be handled efficiently.
How do I make a Network Rail accident claim?
Making a Network Rail accident compensation claim typically begins with a free consultation. A solicitor will review the circumstances of your accident to assess eligibility and advise you on your legal options. If you decide to proceed, they will help you gather supporting evidence, which may include:
- Photographs of the accident scene and hazards such as wet floors, broken barriers or faulty equipment.
- CCTV or dashcam footage, which can show how the accident occurred.
- A copy of an official accident report filed with the railway staff or station management.
- Photos of visible injuries and your recovery process.
- Witness statements from passengers, colleagues or bystanders who saw what happened.
- Medical records and specialist reports confirming your injuries, treatment and prognosis.
- Maintenance and inspection records from the railway company.
- Proof of financial losses and expenses, such as receipts and payslips.
Once sufficient evidence has been gathered, your solicitor will send a letter of claim to Network Rail or its insurer, outlining the allegations of negligence.
Most claims are settled through negotiations with the insurance provider. If liability is denied or a fair settlement can’t be reached, your solicitor may issue court proceedings to pursue compensation.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation you could claim following an accident will be calculated based on the severity of your injuries and financial losses. Any injury compensation claim covers two types of damages:
- General damages – awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
- Special damages – awarded for medical costs, rehabilitation, loss of earnings, care needs and any other related losses and expenses.
Special damages can be calculated based on financial documents such as receipts and invoices. General damages are subjective and are assessed based on the Judicial College Guidelines. According to these, you could receive:
| Injury type | Description | Compensation average |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle fracture | Minor fractures with complete recovery | Up to £11,730 |
| Neck injury | Soft tissue injuries with recovery within 1-2 years | £4,080 to £7,410 |
| Arm fractures | Serious injury with long-term impact | £16,380 to £33,430 |
| Leg injury | Moderately severe fractures or ligament injuries | £15,320 to £46,780 |
| Foot injury | Traumatic amputation of one or both feet | £71,640 to £171,920 |
| Back injury | Severe injuries with permanent disability | £90,510 to £107,910 |
| Head injury | Loss of language function and awareness | £344,150 to £493,000 |
To find out more about how much compensation you might be able to claim, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. You can also refer to our free personal injury compensation calculator.
Can I make a Network Rail claim on a no win no fee basis?
If you are eligible to make a compensation claim, you may be offered a conditional fee agreement by our panel of solicitors. A no win no fee claims service means you can benefit from legal representation without paying anything upfront.
If your claim is successful, your solicitor will take a success fee from your compensation, which is agreed upon before the case begins and capped by law at 25% of compensation for general damages and past financial losses. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay your solicitor for the work they have done.
Do I need a solicitor for a Network Rail accident claim?
No. You are not legally required to hire a solicitor to pursue compensation. However, a Network Rail injury claim can be very complex and having a solicitor represent you can significantly improve your chances of success. They can help by:
- Assessing whether you have a valid claim for your accident and injuries
- Gathering strong evidence to support your claim
- Arranging an independent medical assessment
- Calculating the full value of your claim, including future losses
- Handling all paperwork and negotiations on your behalf
- Taking your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached
Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout the process so that you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of your legal case.
Frequently asked questions
An accident involving the railway network can result in injuries ranging from minor bruising to severe trauma, including:
- Broken bones and dislocations
- Lacerations
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Burn injuries or electrocution
- Sprains and strains
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD
Yes. You can still make a claim if you sustained an injury in a rail incident that was partially your fault. Examples include failing to pay attention to warning signs or to wear your PPE correctly. Due to your contributory negligence, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your level of responsibility.
Yes. You can claim for a psychological injury, such as post-traumatic stress, depression or anxiety disorder caused by Network Rail’s negligence. However, this must be supported by medical evidence, such as psychiatric evaluations and psychological reports.
Yes. You may be able to make a claim on behalf of your child or an adult who lacks mental capacity. To represent them, you must be appointed as their litigation friend. A specialist solicitor can help you file the necessary documents and pursue compensation for your loved one.
If a loved one passed away following a severe Network Rail accident, such as a collision at a level crossing or electrocution at work, you may be able to make a fatal accident claim. This could cover:
- Loss of services and financial support
- Reasonable funeral expenses
- The pain, suffering and financial losses incurred by your loved one
- A bereavement award of £15,120, if you are eligible under the relevant rules
No. It would be illegal for your employer to dismiss or discriminate against you simply because you made a legitimate accident at work claim against them. Your employer must have insurance to cover employee claims.
The time required to resolve a Network Rail claim will depend on how the incident occurred, the severity of injuries and several other factors. Simple cases with admitted liability can be settled within 6-12 months, while complex claims can take 12-36 months or longer.
Not sure if you have a claim? Contact us today for a free case assessment by calling 0800 470 0474 or completing our online claim form to request a call back.
