When mobility is affected after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the home must work around the person, not the other way round. Experienced injury lawyers secure funding early and coordinate with occupational therapists (OTs), architects, and case managers to deliver the right property and the right adaptations. This blog concentrates on the physical building issues that most often determine whether someone can live safely and to some extent independently: steps and stairs, bathrooms/wet rooms, circulation space, therapy areas, storage, and parking/vehicle access.

This blog focuses on housing and adaptation needs where traumatic brain injury has caused predominantly physical disabilities that the client’s housing needs are not met by their current accommodation.

What are the key needs?

• Step-free approach to the home (level or ramped access) and a flush threshold to the entrance door to reduce fall risk.
• Safe internal circulation: wider doorways and hallways, uncluttered routes, turning space for wheelchairs or walking frames.
• A ground-floor bedroom with an adjoining accessible bathroom/ “wet room”.
• Future-proofed structure for hoists, lifts or rails so that the home can adapt as needs change.
• Space for therapy and safe manual handling, plus storage and charging for equipment.
• Adequate parking and a generous transfer zone for a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).

Access in and out of the property

• Approaches and thresholds: Where steps are unavoidable, specify uniform step heights, contrasting nosings and sturdy handrails both sides. Prefer a step-free route where possible, with gentle gradients and slip-resistant surfaces.
• Entrance doors: Target clear openings wide enough for the person’s wheelchair or walking frame, plus a flat, well-lit landing for safe turning and resting. Electric door openers and video entry can be included when fatigue or dexterity is limited.

Stairs, transfers and vertical movement

• Internal stairs: Solid handrails on both sides with continuous grip, high-contrast step edges and good, even lighting. Where stairs remain unsafe, consider a through-floor lift or stairlift. Provide floor space at the top and bottom landings for turning and safe transfers.
• Bedroom strategy: If climbing stairs is unrealistic, plan a ground-floor bedroom with direct access to an adapted bathroom/ “wet room” and sufficient space for carers to work on both sides of the bed.

Bathrooms that work every day

• Level-access shower (“wet room”) with slip-resistant flooring, fold-down shower seat and well-positioned grab rails.
• Space to manoeuvre: leave clear zones for turns and side transfers; ensure carers can work safely without strain.
• Fixtures: Height-appropriate basin and WC, thermostatic (anti-scald) controls, and strong wall reinforcement for future rails or hoist tracks.
• Drainage and ventilation: reliable falls to drain, easy-clean surfaces and robust extraction reduce maintenance and hazards.

Kitchen and living areas

• Layout: Create clear, wide routes with logical work zones and room to turn. Avoid tight peninsulas that trap wheelchairs.
• Work surfaces: Consider height-adjustable sections and knee space for seated use. Position sockets, switches and appliances for safe access.
• Seating and rest points: Provide stable seating and places to rest within easy reach, reducing fall risk when fatigue sets in.

Therapy space, equipment storage and charging

• Dedicated therapy room: A calm, purpose-designed area for physiotherapy and rehab. Allow safe working room around plinths, frames or exercise equipment.
• Storage: Allocate cupboards or a small store for wheelchairs, standing frames, commodes and consumables. Keep heavy kit at ground level.
• Charging and power: Provide dedicated outlets and ventilation where powered wheelchairs or hoists are stored and charged.

Parking, driveways and vehicle transfers

• Driveway: Aim for a level, wide standing area beside the vehicle so doors or a ramp can open fully. Good lighting and weather protection help with safe transfers.
• WAV compatibility: If a wheelchair accessible vehicle is used, allocate extra length and width so ramps or lifts deploy safely and there is space to turn at the bottom of the ramp.
• Kerbs and thresholds: Install a dropped kerb where needed and ensure smooth transitions from public pavement to private driveway.

How an injury lawyer secures the right housing solution

• Evidence-led design: We instruct an OT, architect and accommodation expert to assess the person’s functional needs and produce a costed specification for adaptations or alternative accommodation. These experts specialise in designing homes for persons with disabilities.
• Interim payments: Where liability is admitted, we seek interim funds to begin priority works, rent suitable temporary accommodation, or source a property that meets mobility needs.
• Procurement and oversight: We coordinate experts, challenge delays, and ensure the physical specification reflects real-world handling, space and safety, not just paperwork.

What Role Can Tech play in making homelife easier to manage after disability?

Smart home systems can transform daily living for people with mobility challenges following brain injury. Using a smartphone or tablet app, clients can open and close doors or windows, adjust the heating or cooling, and even control lighting, all without needing to physically reach switches or handles. Voice-activated assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, allow clients to give simple commands to manage their environment, while smart thermostats can learn preferred temperature settings and adjust automatically for comfort and energy efficiency. These technologies not only make the home more accessible and responsive to individual needs, but also support independence and safety, reducing reliance on carers for everyday tasks.

Designing a home for someone with a traumatic brain injury should also consider sensory sensitivities, which are common after such injuries. Features like soft, adjustable lighting can help reduce visual discomfort and prevent headaches, while soundproofing or acoustic panels can minimise background noise and create a calmer environment. Using neutral, non-reflective colours and avoiding busy patterns on walls and floors can help reduce visual overload. Simple layouts with clear zones for different activities support focus and memory, while blackout blinds or curtains can help manage light sensitivity and improve sleep. For clients who experience significant emotional or behavioural difficulties, it can be invaluable to include a dedicated quiet room or retreat space within the home. This provides a safe, low-stimulation environment where someone can withdraw, de-stress, and regain control during periods of overwhelm, supporting both emotional regulation and overall wellbeing.

If the current home can’t be adapted

Tight plots, narrow internal layouts or structural limits may make adaptation unsafe or uneconomic. In those cases, the claim should fund a move to a more suitable property with the right physical characteristics from day one such as step-free access, level routes, adequate room sizes, and scope for therapy and equipment.

A real-world example: rebuilding independence through physical changes

In one brain injury case, we helped our client who suffered a brain injury at birth due to complications with his premature delivery. As an adult, his home environment created daily challenges: narrow spaces, poor lighting, and limited accessible areas made independent living difficult.

Working with his clinical team, we secured interim payments to adapt his home. The changes included widened doorways, created a ground-floor bedroom with an accessible wet room, revised lighting schemes to address sensory sensitivity, and reconfigured living space to support his mobility and daily routines. These adaptations allowed him to live more independently, with support that fit his unique needs.

Our experienced team brings decades of specialist knowledge to serious injury claims. Meet the people who make a difference every day – see our solicitors.

Why legal advice should come early

Early action can lead to faster intervention. If the other party admits liability, interim payments can often arrive within weeks, providing early stability which then might include home adjustments or alternative housing.

Speak to an injury lawyer who understands mobility and housing

If stairs, bathrooms or lack of space are limiting recovery after a traumatic brain injury, early legal advice helps. Our serious injury team works with OTs and housing specialists to secure the property and adaptations you need.
Call 0800 048 2355 or click here to contact us.