Accident in Supermarket – No Win, No Fee

An accident in a supermarket claim is a legal claim that can be made if you are injured whilst visiting a supermarket. This could include inside the business itself or on its land outside. To make a successful claim, you must be able to prove that the injury was caused by the negligence of the supermarket. 

If you can prove that the supermarket was negligent, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries. This could include compensation for medical treatment, loss of earnings and pain and suffering. Supermarkets have a duty of care to their shoppers, visitors and staff to keep them safe under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957. Health and safety measures should be a top priority for supermarkets.

It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you are thinking about making an accident in a supermarket claim. Our team of personal injury solicitors at Beacon Law can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the supermarket owner and their insurance. 

Common causes of accidents in supermarkets

Accidents in supermarkets can occur for various reasons, and it’s essential for both customers and store owners to be aware of potential hazards. Here are some common causes of accidents in supermarkets:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Slippery or wet floors are a common cause of accidents. Spills, leaks, or recently mopped areas without proper warning signs can lead to slips and falls.
• Trip Hazards: Items left in aisles, damaged flooring, or uneven surfaces can pose tripping hazards. Overcrowded or cluttered areas may also contribute to tripping accidents.
• Faulty Equipment: Malfunctioning shopping trollies, defective baskets, or other faulty equipment can lead to accidents. For example, a malfunctioning trolly may cause a customer to lose balance.
• Falling Merchandise: Poorly stacked or improperly secured merchandise on shelves may fall and cause injuries. This is especially true for heavy or breakable items.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting conditions can make it difficult for customers to see potential hazards, leading to accidents. This is especially problematic in aisles or areas with low visibility.
• Negligent Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain the premises can contribute to accidents. This includes neglecting repairs, not addressing damaged flooring promptly, or allowing facilities to fall into disrepair.
• Crowded Aisles: Overcrowded aisles, particularly during peak shopping times, can lead to collisions between customers or cause people to trip over items.
• Food Sampling Risks: While food sampling is a common practice in supermarkets, it can lead to accidents if not managed properly. Spills, cross-contamination, or burns from hot samples are potential risks.
• Inadequate Security Measures: In some cases, inadequate security measures can lead to incidents such as thefts or altercations between customers.

What should you do if you have been involved in an accident in a supermarket?

If you have been involved in an accident in a supermarket, there are a few things you should do. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Exchange information with people who may have witnessed the accident. This includes their name, address, and phone numbers. You should then report the accident to the supermarket. The supermarket will make a report of the accident, which can be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Take pictures of the cause of your accident and your injuries, if possible. There may also be CCTV footage of the accident to help strengthen your claim. 

If you would like to make a personal injury claim for compensation, contact Beacon Law to speak to one of our specialist personal injury solicitors about making a claim on a no win no fee basis. Details on the claims process can also be found on our website.

Please note there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim (although this can be extended in certain circumstances), so it is best to initiate the claim soon after the date of the accident. When you are ready to speak to someone about making a supermarket accident injury compensation claim, get in touch with Beacon Law using the contact details below or by filling in the form on our “Contact Us” page.

How much compensation could you receive?

The amount of compensation you could receive for an accident in a supermarket can vary significantly and depends on different factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life and ability to work, and the specific circumstances of the accident. It is challenging to provide an exact figure without knowing the specific details of your case.

Compensation typically covers two main categories of damages:

Special Damages:

These are the quantifiable economic losses you have incurred as a result of the accident. They may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical treatment, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you have lost due to your injuries, including future earning potential if your injuries impact your ability to work.
• Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to personal belongings or other property.

General Damages:

These are non-economic losses that are more subjective and can be challenging to quantify. They may include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident and your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the accident.
• Loss of Amenity: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on your personal relationships and way of living.

To determine the appropriate amount of compensation, insurance companies, courts, or settlement negotiations consider various factors, such as the severity and permanence of your injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, the impact on your daily activities, and any resulting disabilities or long-term impairments.

It’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case’s specific details, evaluate the potential value of your claim, and provide you with a more accurate estimation of the compensation you could receive based on their expertise and experience in handling similar cases.

What are the time limits for making a claim?

The time limit for supermarket accident claims is usually three years from the date of the accident. This means a claim needs to be brought within three years of the accident happening. This time limit can be varied under certain circumstances. To discuss these circumstances where the time limit for bringing a claim can be extended, please contact Beacon Law.

Why choose Beacon Law?

Beacon Law is a specialist personal injury Solicitors. We have helped many other clients receive a compensation award for their injuries. We deal with personal injury claims on a daily basis and have vast experience in injury-related cases.

Claiming compensation can be a difficult task to take up on your own. It is essential that you have expert Solicitors to guide you through the process.

If you have been injured in a supermarket, you can start your claim by having an initial consultation with a member of staff from our personal injury department. 

You can request an initial consultation by completing the online help form, and an expert in the field will contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us on 0330 1332 857, and we will be happy to assist you with your query.