Supermarket Accident Claims

Supermarkets are places that many of us visit regularly. In most instances, a visit will go by without a problem, but supermarkets can be common locations for accidents. From spillages to poorly-stacked shelves, there are many potential dangers shoppers need to be aware of.

Most supermarkets are cautious and do their best to prevent accidents and injuries to customers. However, if you’ve been injured in a supermarket accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist personal injury solicitors on 01642 843 667 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What Counts as a Supermarket Accident?

A supermarket accident is any event that results in injury while you’re shopping in a supermarket, including slip and trip accidents, products falling from a shelf, and accidents caused by faulty equipment (such as a faulty shopping trolley).

To make a successful claim, you will need to prove that the supermarket was at fault and that your injuries were caused by their negligence.

Are Supermarkets Responsible For Customers’ Safety?

The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 states that supermarkets have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe for customers to use. Therefore, they must take reasonable steps to prevent accidents from happening, such as cleaning up spillages and ensuring that walkways are free from obstructions.

The supermarket’s duty of care applies not only to its customers but also to other visitors of the supermarket, such as delivery drivers and contractors.

What are the Common Causes of Supermarket Accidents?

Supermarkets can sometimes be chaotic, and accidents can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for supermarket accidents are:

Slip and trip hazards

Wet floors, spilt food or drinks, and items left on the floor can all cause slip and trip hazards. Supermarkets have a duty to keep their floors clean and dry and to ensure that any potential slip and trip hazards are dealt with promptly.

Overcrowding

Crowded aisles can increase the risk of accidents. Customers may be knocked over by other shoppers or may trip over shopping baskets or trolleys that have been left in the aisle.

Poorly-maintained equipment

Common equipment such as shopping trolleys, baskets, and escalators can all pose a risk if they are not properly maintained. For example, a faulty escalator could cause someone to fall, or a defective shopping trolley could cause items to spill onto the floor.

Falling objects

Overloaded shelves or poorly-stacked products can cause items to fall onto customers, which could result in injuries.

Manual handling

Supermarket staff can also experience accidents. They may be required to lift heavy items, such as boxes of stock. If proper lifting techniques are not used it could result in an injury, such as strains and sprains which you may be entitled to a manual handling claim.

If you have been injured in a supermarket accident that was not your fault, we may be able to help.

What Can You Claim For?

If you’ve been injured in a supermarket accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of things, including:

• Pain and suffering as a result of the accident
• Loss of any earnings
• Medical expenses
• Any related travel expenses
• Resulting care costs

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Supermarket Accident

If you’ve been injured in a supermarket accident, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. To make a successful claim, you must be able to demonstrate the accident was caused by the negligence of the supermarket.

You should also ensure that you:

1. Report the accident to a member of staff and the accident is recorded in an accident book or a similar document
2. Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you’ve sustained
3. Get contact details for any witnesses
4. Seek medical attention for your injuries
5. Ask for a copy of the CCTV footage
6. Contact a personal injury solicitor

Is There A Time Limit For Making A Supermarket Accident Claim?

In the UK, most personal injury claims will have a three year time limit from the date of the accident. Therefore, you must begin legal proceedings within three years of the accident if you want to make a successful claim for compensation.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If the injured person is under 18 at the time of the accident, they will have three years from their 18th birthday to make a claim.

It’s always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident to give yourself the best chance of making a successful claim.

Do You Need a Solicitor For A Supermarket Accident Claim?

An experienced personal injury solicitor can help you to make a successful supermarket accident claim.

Our team is able to advise you on whether you have a case, help you gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the supermarket’s insurers on your behalf. They will also be able to represent you in court if necessary.

Macks Solicitors have extensive experience in handling supermarket accident claims. Our team of personal injury solicitors will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact Us Today

For more information about making a supermarket accident claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.