Supermarket Accident Claims

If you have had an accident in a supermarket that was not your fault, whether as a shopper or a worker, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation.

JMW’s accidents at work team has handled many successful supermarket accident compensation claims and delivered the maximum compensation for people who were injured whilst working or shopping. Our solicitors are experts in personal injury claims and are well-equipped to provide advice and guidance that will help you get the compensation you deserve. In most cases, we operate on a no win, no fee basis, which means you can make a claim without any financial risk.

We work to understand the nature of your injury and your needs moving forward, to make sure your compensation covers any costs and financial losses, and the things you need during your recovery. JMW's supermarket accidents team will take on the bulk of the legal responsibility, so you can focus on overcoming your injury.

To speak to a personal injury solicitor about making a claim for an accident in a supermarket, contact us today by calling 0345 872 6666, or by filling in our online enquiry form to request a call back.

How JMW Can Help You Make a Claim

Our solicitors have many years of experience in handling supermarket accident personal injury claims for those who have been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence. JMW has been recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners Guides for our expertise and the quality of the legal service we provide.

We understand that compensation can make a big difference to you and your family at a difficult time following an injury. No two injuries are the same, and our approach is tailored to your specific needs to make sure your best interests are at the forefront of the claim. Compensation earned through a supermarket claim may cover the following:

• Loss of earnings
• Future salary loss
• Medical expenses
• Adaptations to the home
• Any other expenses incurred as a result of the accident

The majority of claims we handle are settled out of court. In the event that you are required to attend court, our expert solicitors will be with you every step of the way to make sure you are fully prepared and supported throughout the process.

Meet Our Team

JMW’s team provides expert guidance and support for individuals, helping you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

How Much Compensation Could I Claim?

There are a few different risk factors that can result in supermarket accidents, and how much compensation you will receive depends on the type of incident you experienced, the circumstances around it, and the injuries you sustained as a result.

The figures below provide a rough guide of how much you might be able to claim for a supermarket or shop accident, based on the Judicial College Injury Tables. The compensation awarded will cover you for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, and will also help to support you while you are recovering by accounting for the costs of unexpected medical bills, rehabilitation and any required care from family and friends. In addition, compensation will cover any time you have taken off work due to your injury.

For a more accurate calculation of how much you could be able to claim based on the specifics of your case, get in touch with the team today. We can give you a precise estimate that takes into account all of the details about your injury and circumstances.

Steps to Take Before Making a Supermarket Accident Claim

If you are involved in an accident in any supermarket - including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer or Waitrose - or a supermarket car park, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim for compensation.

Before you start the process, you should gather as much evidence as you can, which can help your solicitor to build a stronger case on your behalf. You should only follow the listed steps if you are able to, as it is most important that you seek medical attention for your injuries.

1. Take photographs of the scene of the accident and the surroundings. Try and take photos that clearly show the cause of the accident.
2. Take photographs of your injuries and how they develop over time. You might also keep a diary of any pain or other symptoms you experience during your recovery, as more painful injuries can lead to more compensation.
3. Make sure a written report of the incident has been recorded in the supermarket’s accident book.
4. Ask for the CCTV footage of any cameras that captured the accident.
5. Collect the contact details of any shoppers or workers who witnessed the accident, asking if they would give you a witness statement.
6. Visit a doctor who can diagnose your injuries. Your medical records will form a strong aspect of your claim, and you should keep all documentation related to the medical treatment you have received as a result of your injury. This medical evidence will be used to prove that you were injured and connect it to the accident you experienced.

If you are injured in a supermarket, you should never assume that your injuries are superficial. Often the full extent of many injuries are not noticeable straightaway, and some serious injuries may not present with any symptoms initially but get much worse later. A doctor will be able to diagnose these earlier and make sure you receive any treatment you need.

Similarly, if you leave the supermarket without reporting the accident, you may lose your right to make a claim for compensation. If you cannot carry out the steps listed above due to your injuries, ask someone else to help you.

Common Causes of Supermarket Accidents

It is difficult to provide a comprehensive list of the potential hazards in supermarkets, as each outlet varies in size and footfall. However, there are a number of risks that commonly result in accidents. These include:

• Wet floors caused by spilled goods, leaking fridges or freezers, or cleaning products
• Items falling from shelves due to poor stacking, substandard shelving or the incorrect placement of goods
• Clutter on the floor, including stray trolleys and baskets, roll cages, boxes and trays
• Poorly stacked goods in the warehouse
• Substandard or defective equipment, such as roll cages, forklift trucks and shopping trolleys
• Lifting of heavy objects without the right support and training
• Insufficient training, including updates on new procedures
• Badly designed chairs for checkout staff
• Lack of breaks

If any of these risks has resulted in you being injured, it's important to speak to a solicitor to make sure you get the compensation you are owed.

What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Accidents in Supermarkets?

JMW has supported clients who have experienced a wide range of injuries, and supermarket shoppers and staff can be injured by a number of common hazards. It is possible to make a no win, no fee supermarket accident claim for any of the following types of injuries:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Head and back injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Muscle strains and manual handling injuries
• Crush injuries

Whether you were shopping or working at Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer, or Waitrose, every supermarket has a legal duty to ensure your safety. If negligence has led to your injury, you may be able to claim compensation for a supermarket accident.

Is There a Time Limit for a Supermarket Accident Compensation Claim?

There are strict legal time limits in which personal injury claims must be made under the Limitation Act 1980. In general, you must start the supermarket accident claims process within three years of the date of your injury, or from the date you first realised that your injury was caused by a supermarket's negligence. The process only needs to be started within this time limit, but may take longer to conclude.

There are also exceptions to the limit, and it may be possible to claim supermarket injury compensation outside the three-year window in the following cases:

• Children: if the injured person is under 18, the three-year period does not start until their 18th birthday. This means they have until their 21st birthday to start a claim. A parent or guardian can bring a claim on their behalf at any time before then as a litigation friend.
• Mental capacity: if the injured person lacks mental capacity (for example, due to a brain injury or a mental health condition), the time limit does not begin until they regain capacity. If they never regain capacity, there may be no time limit at all.

In rare cases, the court has discretion to allow a claim to proceed outside the three-year window if it would be fair to do so. This usually means that there was a good reason for delaying the claim until a later date, and it can be difficult to secure the court's approval. Successful claims require strong evidence that can be difficult to gather many years after the incident occurred. However, it can help to speak to a solicitor about your supermarket claim as early as possible if you are concerned about making the claim in time.

What Legal Duties Do Supermarket Owners and Managers Have?

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, supermarket owners and managers are legally required to make sure their premises are safe for everyone who uses them. The law requires them to make sure that measures are in place to reduce the risk of accidents, and a failure to do so means you may be entitled to make a supermarket compensation claim if you are injured.he safety of workers is covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which requires employers to provide suitable personal protective equipment, adequate training and regular risk assessments.

Whether you are a shopper or an employee, if you are injured because a supermarket failed to follow safety regulations or implement reasonable safety policies, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. The team at JMW offers free advice during an initial consultation and can take on your case under a no win, no fee agreement to limit any financial risk.