Occupier's Liability Solicitors - No Win No Fee Claims

No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.

If you have been injured on premises controlled by someone else – a shop, a restaurant, a car park, a public building, or private land – you may be entitled to make an occupiers’ liability claim for compensation. The person or organisation in control of those premises has a legal duty under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 to take reasonable care to keep lawful visitors safe. If they failed in that duty and you were injured as a result, the law provides a route to redress.

NJS Law is a specialist personal injury firm handling occupiers’ liability claims on a No Win No Fee basis. We act for injured people, never for insurers or defendants. Our solicitors assess every case honestly and will tell you clearly whether you have a viable claim – at no cost and with no obligation to proceed.

Find out more about our personal injury claims services

Check If You're Eligible With
Our Occupier Liability Solicitors

Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim. Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page.

What Is Occupiers' Liability?

Occupiers’ liability is the branch of personal injury law that governs the duty of care owed by the person or organisation in control of premises to those who enter them. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957,an occupier must take reasonable steps to ensure that lawful visitors – people who have permission to be on the premises – are kept reasonably safe whilst there. Read more about occupiers’ liability in the UK

The word “occupier” does not simply mean the owner of a property. It means whoever has control of the premises – which may be a business, a landlord, a local council, a management company, or any other individual or organisation responsible for the condition of that space.

In certain circumstances, a duty of care also extends to people who enter land without permission. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984sets out the more limited duty owed to trespassers and other non-visitors in specific situations.

Who Is Eligible to Make an Occupier Liability Claim?

You may be eligible to make an occupier liability claim if:

• You were injured due to unsafe conditions on property you were legally allowed
  to be on
• The accident occurred within the last three years
• The injury was caused by the occupier’s negligence or failure to ensure safety

What ifI was partly at fault?Being partly responsible for the accident does not automatically prevent you from claiming. The court can apportion responsibility between you and the occupier – this is called contributory negligence – and your compensation may be reduced proportionately, rather than extinguished entirely.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, our team can give you a free, no-obligation assessment. We will tell you honestly what we think, with no pressure to proceed. See our guide: Can I Claim If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?

How Long Do I Have to Make an Occupiers' Liability Claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accidentto start legal proceedings for an occupiers’ liability claim. This time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980. If proceedings are not issued within this period, your claim will ordinarily be statute-barred – meaning you will lose the right to pursue it, regardless of its merits.

There are, however, important exceptions to the standard three-year rule:

• Children:If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year period does not begin until their 18th A claim can therefore be brought until their 21st birthday.
• Lack of mental capacity:Where a person lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim, the limitation period does not run against them for as long as that incapacity continues.
• Delayed discovery:In some cases, the limitation period runs not from the accident date but from the date you first became aware – or could reasonably have become aware – that your injury was attributable to the occupier’s breach of duty.
• Fatal accidents:Where a person dies as a result of an occupiers’ liability injury, the deceased’s dependants may have up to three years from the date of death (or the date of knowledge, if later) in which to bring a claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

Even within the three-year window, the sooner you take legal advice the better. Evidence – CCTV footage, accident book records, witness recollections – becomes harder to obtain as time passes.

For a full explanation of all time limit exceptions and what to do if you are approaching your deadline, see our guide: Personal Injury Claim Time Limits in England and Wales.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for an Occupiers' Liability Accident?

There is no fixed sum. Compensation in occupiers’ liability claims is calculated individually, based on the nature and severity of your injuries and the financial losses you have sustained. It comprises two main categories:

General damagescompensate for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. Courts and practitioners assess these by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026), which provide indicative ranges for different injury types and severities. The table below gives illustrative ranges for injuries commonly arising in occupiers’ liability accidents – these are general damages only and are not guarantees of what any individual claim will achieve.

These figures are illustrative ranges taken from the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026) and are provided asa general reference only. The compensation you may receive depends on the specific facts of your case, including the severity of your injuries, your recovery, and any lasting impact. These figures should not be treated as an indication of the outcome in your claim.

Special damagescompensate for financial losses you have actually incurred or will incur as a result of your injuries. These may include:

• Medical and treatment costs (private physiotherapy, specialist appointments, prescribed medications)
• Rehabilitation costs
• Loss of earnings – past income lost and future earning capacity if your injuries have a lasting effect on your ability to work
• Travel costs to medical appointments
• Care and assistance costs, where you have required help with daily tasks
• Adaptations to your home or vehicle if required

Types of Occupiers' Liability Claims We Handle

Our occupiers’ liability solicitors handle claims arising from a wide range of premises and circumstances across England and Wales.

Slips, Trips and Falls in Shops and Supermarkets

Slipping on a wet floor without adequate warning, tripping over a misplaced display, or falling on uneven surfaces in a retail environment are among the most common occupiers’ liability claims. Retailers have a duty to inspect their premises regularly and to address hazards promptly.

Shopping Centre and Retail Park Accidents

Shopping centres and retail parks involve multiple occupiers – the centre management, individual retailers, and contractors – and determining which party is responsible for maintaining the specific area where you were injured is a key part of building your claim.

Restaurant, Cafe and Pub Accidents

Spills on floors, broken seating, inadequate lighting in access areas, and poorly maintained outdoor spaces can all give rise to occupiers’ liability claims against food and drink premises. The occupier’s duty applies to the full extent of the premises they control, including car parks and external areas.

Accidents in Public Buildings and Government Premises

Local authorities, government departments, and public bodies that control buildings such as leisure centres, libraries, council offices, and public car parks owe the same duty of care as private occupiers under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.

Rented Property and Landlord Liability

Where a tenant or visitor is injured due to a defect in a rented property – a broken staircase, defective flooring, or a poorly maintained common area – the landlord or managing agent who controls that part of the premises may be liable for resulting injuries.

Car Parks and External Premises

Potholes, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, and poorly maintained walkways in car parks and external areas controlled by businesses or councils are a common cause of occupiers’ liability injuries. The duty of care applies to external as well as internal areas.

Leisure, Sport and Entertainment Venues

Gyms, sports centres, swimming pools, concert venues and stadiums all owe a duty of care to their visitors. Where inadequate maintenance, poorly designed facilities, or failure to warn of known hazards results in injury, an occupiers’ liability claim may arise.

The Law Behind Occupiers Liability Claims

Several pieces of legislation impose duties on occupiers to keep visitors reasonably safe while on their premises. A breach of any of these laws can form the basis of an occupiers’ liability claim:

How Do I Make an Occupiers' Liability Claim? A Step-by-Step Guide

Making an occupiers’ liability claim with NJS Law follows five clear stages. We handle the legal work -you focus on your recovery.

Step 1: Contact Us for a Free Assessment

Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page. One of our specialist solicitors will review the circumstances of your accident, ask you about your injuries, and give you an honest assessment of whether you have a viable claim – at no cost and with no obligation to proceed.

Step 2: We Take On Your Case on a No Win No Fee Basis

If we consider your claim has good prospects, we will enter into a Conditional Fee Agreement (No Win No Fee) with you. You will owe us nothing in legal fees if the claim does not succeed. We will explain the terms clearly before you sign anything.

Step 3: We Gather Evidence and Build Your Case

Our team will help you obtain and preserve the evidence needed to support your claim – including photographs of the accident scene, accident book records from the premises, CCTV footage (where available and before it is overwritten), witness statements, and medical records documenting your injuries. The sooner you instruct us, the easier it is to secure this evidence.

Step 4: We Notify the Occupier and Negotiate Your Compensation

We notify the defendant occupier (or their insurer) of your claim and begin formal negotiations. Many occupiers’ liability claims settle at this stage without the need for court proceedings. We will keep you informed throughout and will not recommend any settlement we do not consider fair.

Step 5: Settlement or Court Proceedings

If a fair settlement is agreed, your compensation is paid. If the defendant disputes liability or the offer is inadequate, we will advise you on the merits of issuing court proceedings and represent you through that process. The overwhelming majority of our claims resolve without a final court hearing.

Straightforward claims oftenresolvewithin 3-9 months.More complex or disputed cases may take 12-24 months. We will give you a realistic timeframe at the outset based on the specific facts of your case.

For a full walkthrough of the process: Occupier Liability Claim Guide

Have You Suffered an Injury That Wasn’t Your Fault?

If you were injured through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Our solicitors offer free initial advice to confirm your eligibility and guide you on the next steps.

No Win No Fee Occupier Liability Claims — Explained Clearly

All accident at work claims at NJS Law are handled under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) — what most people call No Win No Fee. Here is exactly what that means for you:

• No upfront cost: You pay nothing to start your claim. There are no consultation fees, no retainer, and no disbursements charged upfront.
• No cost if you lose: You pay nothing upfront, and if you lose you pay us nothing.
• A success fee if you win: If your claim succeeds, we deduct a success fee from your compensation. We explain every deduction in writing before you sign.
• ATE insurance: Where we arrange After the Event insurance, it covers the other side's costs and your disbursements if you lose, on the policy's terms.

You can read a full plain-English explanation of how No Win No Fee agreements work at No Win No Fee Claims Page.

Meet Your Occupier Liability Claim Team

Our occupier liability solicitors combine more than 200 years of combined legal experience with a client-first approach. We understand how challenging it can be to deal with an injury caused by unsafe premises — and we’ll stand by your side throughout the entire claims process.

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation and support you deserve.

Why Choose NJS Law as Your Occupier Liability Solicitors?

There are many personal injury solicitors to choose from across England and Wales. Here is why our clients choose – and stay with – NJS Law.

We only act for injured people.

We never represent insurers, employers or defendants. Every case we take on, we take on because we believe the injured person deserves fair compensation.

We explain every deduction in writing before you sign.

Before anything is signed, we explain exactly how our fee is structured and what the deduction from your compensation will be. We explain every deduction in writing before you sign.

Clear, Honest Advice in Plain English

We explain every step in clear, non-technical language, so you always know where you stand.

More Than 200 Years of Combined Legal Experience Winning Personal Injury Claims.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Occupiers' Liability Claims

Starting a personal injury claim can feel daunting, and you’re likely to have questions about how the process works, what it costs, and how long it takes. To help, we’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask — from evidence to compensation amounts and court proceedings.

What is occupiers' liability?

A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows you to seek financial compensation when you have been physically or psychologically injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. In England and Wales, if another person, business, or organisation failed in their duty of care towards you — and that failure caused your injury — you have the right to claim compensation. This principle has been the foundation of personal injury law since Donoghue v Stevenson [1932].

Who can make an occupiers' liability claim?

Anyone who has been injured on premises controlled by another person or organisation may be able to make a claim, provided they were a lawful visitor at the time and the occupier failed to keep the premises reasonably safe. In limited circumstances, people who were not lawful visitors may also have a claim under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984. Children, individuals who lack mental capacity, and dependants of people who have died as a result of occupiers’ liability injuries all have specific legal provisions that apply to them.

How much compensation can I claim for an occupiers' liability accident?

Compensation depends on the nature and severity of your injuries and your financial losses – there is no fixed sum. General damages are assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026); special damages cover your actual financial losses including medical costs, rehabilitation, lost earnings and travel. See the compensation section above for indicative ranges. We can give you a more specific assessment once we understand the facts of your case.

. Read: What is the Average Personal Injury Compensation Payout in the UK?

How long do I have to make an occupiers' liability claim?

In most cases, three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980. If someone lacked mental capacity when the injury happened, the three years do not start until they regain it. If they lose capacity later, the time limit keeps running, so act quickly. Act promptly, evidence is easier to obtain closer to the event.

What do I need to prove to make a successful occupiers' liability claim?

You need to establish four things: (1) the defendant controlled the premises; (2) you were a lawful visitor, or the OLA 1984 duty applied; (3) the premises were not reasonably safe, or the occupier failed to address a foreseeable risk; and (4) the unsafe condition caused your injury. We will assess all four elements when you contact us.

What evidence should I gather after an accident on someone else's property?

Gather, as soon as possible: photographs or video of the exact accident location; names and contact details of any witnesses; the name of the premises and, if possible, a member of staff you spoke to; a copy of any accident book report; and medical records documenting your injuries. Contact us before requesting CCTV footage – there is a specific process for preserving this evidence before it is overwritten long-term support — is fully recognised and valued in your claim.

Can I claim if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Yes, in many cases. Partial responsibility does not automatically bar a claim. The court can apportion fault between you and the occupier – contributory negligence – and any reduction to your compensation reflects your share of responsibility. Even if you believe you contributed to the accident, it is worth taking advice to understand whether the occupier also bears responsibility.

What is the difference between the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 and the Occupiers' Liability Act 1984?

The 1957 Act governs the duty owed to lawful visitors – people who have express or implied permission to be on the premises. The 1984 Act governs the more limited duty owed to people who do not have that permission, including trespassers, in specific circumstances where the occupier is aware of a danger and the risk of a non-visitor being present is reasonably foreseeable. Most occupiers’ liability claims arise under the 1957 Act

How long does an occupiers' liability claim take?

Straightforward claims where liability is not disputed typically resolve within 3-9 months. Claims where the occupier disputes responsibility or injuries are more complex may take 12-24 months. Claims that proceed to a full court hearing can take longer. We will give you a realistic estimate based on the facts of your case at the outset.

. Read our full guide: How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take in England and Wales?

Will I have to go to court?

The majority of occupiers’ liability claims settle without a final court hearing. If the defendant disputes liability and negotiations do not produce a fair offer, it may be necessary to issue court proceedings – but many claims settle after proceedings are issued and before a hearing takes place. We will advise you at every stage on whether any offer made is reasonable and on the prospects of achieving a better outcome at trial.

Ready to Find Out If You Have an Occupiers' Liability Claim?

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Stay informed with practical advice and in-depth guides on occupier liability injury claims. From understanding liability for slips, trips, and falls to learning how compensation is calculated, our resources are designed to give you clarity and confidence.

Browse the latest articles to see how real cases are handled, what factors affect compensation, and how our solicitors approach occupier liability claims. These insights can help you understand your rights and what to expect when making a claim.

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