A sudden accident in a shop or supermarket can leave you hurt, shaken and unsure what to do next. Whether you’ve slipped on a wet floor, tripped over cluttered aisles or been hit by falling stock, you could be entitled to shop accident compensation.
At Express Solicitors, we help people like you make injury claims against negligent retail store businesses. If your accident happened because someone failed to keep the store safe, we’re here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
In this guide, we’ll explain your legal rights, who might be at fault and what steps to take. We work on a no win, no fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything upfront, and you’ll only pay if your shop or supermarket injury claim is successful.
What is a shop or supermarket injury claim?
A shop or supermarket injury claim is a legal process to seek compensation after being hurt in a retail environment due to someone else’s negligence. These accidents can happen in many ways. The most common examples include:
- Slipping on wet floors with no warning signs
- Being hit by falling items from shelves or displays
- Tripping over cables, stock, or uneven flooring
- Injuries from broken or faulty trolleys
- Slips caused by unattended spillages
- Accidents involving poor lighting or broken signage
Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious conditions like fractures, sprains, or even head trauma. Some people also experience psychological effects such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress, especially after more severe incidents.
If this sounds familiar, you might have grounds for to make a claim against the store where you were injured. The next section explains who might be legally responsible and how to prove it.
Who is liable for a supermarket injury claim?
If you’ve been injured in a shop or supermarket, the business responsible for the premises may well be legally liable, but it depends on who was at fault. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, businesses have a duty of care to make sure their premises are safe for customers. That includes identifying and fixing hazards before someone gets hurt. This is how liability is typically assessed:
Store management
Store management is liable when in-house staff fail to keep the shop safe. For example, not clearing up spills, blocking walkways or failing to maintain shelving.
Cleaning contractors
If an external company handles cleaning and causes the hazard, like leaving a wet floor unmarked, they could be responsible.
Shared responsibility
Sometimes, both the store and contractor might be partly at fault, especially if safety checks weren’t carried out properly.
To claim shop accident compensation, you’ll need to show that the responsible party failed in their duty of care. Express Solicitors can help you investigate and prove this, so you don’t have to do it alone.
How can you prove who’s at fault?
To make a successful injury in a retail store claim, you need to prove that the shop, supermarket or contractor was negligent and that their actions or lack of action caused your injury. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of securing compensation. Here is the most important evidence you can gather:
- Photos of the scene — Take pictures of the hazard, such as a wet floor or broken shelf.
- Witness details — Get names and contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
- Incident report — Ask the store to log the accident in their incident book and request a copy.
- CCTV footage — Many shops have cameras. This can be vital in showing how and when the incident happened.
- Medical records — A record of your injuries and treatment supports your claim.
Acting quickly is important. Evidence like CCTV or witness memories can disappear fast. It also helps to write down your own account of what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
You should always seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. It shows you took the situation seriously.
We understand this can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering. That’s why Express Solicitors can help collect evidence and build your case on your behalf.
What happens after a supermarket injury claim?
Many people worry about making a claim against a shop they still visit or upsetting the staff involved. But you don’t need to.
When you make a claim, it’s handled by the store’s public liability insurer, not individual employees. All shops and supermarkets are legally required to have this insurance to cover accidents like yours.
You have every right to seek compensation if their negligence caused your injury. It doesn’t need to be confrontational and you won’t be dealing with the store directly.
At Express Solicitors, we’ll manage everything for you. We’ll contact the insurers, gather evidence and fight your corner, so you can focus on getting better.
Make a claim with Express Solicitors
If you’ve been injured in a shop or supermarket, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. At Express Solicitors, we’ve helped thousands of people make successful public liability claims, including those injured in supermarkets, retail stores and shopping centres.
Our specialist team understands how distressing these accidents can be. We’ll guide you through the process, answer your questions and support you from start to finish. We’ll also take care of the legal side. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, you don’t have to handle any of the stress.
We work on a no win, no fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront and you only pay if your claim is successful. Starting your claim is simple. Just get in touch for a free, no-obligation claim review and we’ll let you know if you have a case.