£23,500 recovered following trip down unsafe arena steps

The Claim

Aston Knight Solicitors acted on behalf of a client who sustained a serious ankle injury after falling on poorly illuminated steps at the rear of a dance booth within a large indoor entertainment arena.

Our client suffered a closed fracture of the right ankle, requiring surgical splintage followed by internal fixation. The injury resulted in significant pain, restricted mobility and a prolonged recovery period.

The Circumstances

Liability was denied by the Insurer.

Our investigations established that:

• The accident occurred when our client walked from the brightly lit main arena into a comparatively dark walkway where the steps were located.
• Strobe lighting effects impaired visibility and made it difficult to distinguish the white strip lighting on the steps from surrounding lighting effects.
• The handrail was not illuminated and was not clearly visible.
• No steward was present at the steps despite crowd congestion in the area.
• The lighting levels were insufficient to safely highlight the change in level.

Crucially, there had been a previous similar incident at the same location. Following that earlier accident, measures were agreed including positioning staff at the steps and improving illumination but these were not implemented until after our client’s fall.

Further incidents occurred after our client’s accident, including another fall at the rear of a dance booth where a concertgoer similarly failed to notice the steps. Subsequent structural changes were later carried out, including additional lighting to the steps and handrails.

The Defence

The Insurer denied liability, arguing that:

• Risk assessments had been completed and reviewed.
• Daily safety checks were undertaken.
• White reflective tape marked the steps.
• A handrail was present.
• Lighting levels complied with guidance for entertainment venues.
• The arena had hosted millions of visitors with relatively few reported incidents.

Despite these arguments, we maintained that the steps presented a foreseeable hazard, particularly in light of the earlier accident and the failure to implement agreed safety improvements before our client’s fall.

The Outcome

Although liability remained disputed, we assessed prospects of success as exceeding 51% and continued to robustly pursue the claim.

A settlement of £23,500 was successfully secured for our client.

Comment from our Managing Director, Mr Ayoub Khan:

“Trip and occupiers’ liability cases are rarely straightforward. Insurers often argue that a defect was minor, that adequate systems were in place, or that the accident was simply an unfortunate misstep. In reality, many of these incidents arise because hazards were foreseeable and reasonable steps were not taken to prevent them. Claimants face significant challenges – from disputed liability and reliance on risk assessments, to arguments about lighting levels, signage or inspection regimes.

These cases require careful investigation, detailed evidence gathering and a firm understanding of the Occupiers’ Liability Act.

At Aston Knight Solicitors, we focus on identifying what should have been done to keep visitors safe and holding occupiers to account where standards fall short. Even where liability is denied, a strong, well-prepared case can make all the difference in achieving a fair settlement.”

If you have suffered an injury in a public venue due to unsafe conditions, Aston Knight Solicitors can advise you on your prospects of bringing a claim.

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