If your child has been injured in a shop or supermarket, it can feel worrying and overwhelming. Your first priority is making sure they’re safe. After that, you might be wondering whether the accident could have been prevented and if you can make a claim on their behalf.
In some cases, you may be able to claim compensation if a shop didn’t take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. Businesses have a legal duty to protect customers, including children.
What should you do if your child is injured in a shop or supermarket?
Start by making sure your child is safe. If they’re in pain, bleeding or may have hit their head, seek medical attention straight away.
Once they’re safe, you should:
- Report the accident to staff and make sure it’s recorded
- Take photos of the hazard and surrounding area
- Collect witness details if possible
- Ask if there’s CCTV footage
- Keep receipts or proof you were there
It also helps to keep a record of medical visits, symptoms and any costs related to the injury.
Can you make a claim if your child was injured in a shop?
You may be able to claim if the accident was caused by negligence. This means the shop didn’t take reasonable care to keep visitors safe.
For example, this could include:
- Not cleaning up a spillage in time
- Leaving stock in a dangerous position
- Failing to fix or warn about hazards
Not every accident will lead to a claim. It always depends on the specific circumstances.
Who is responsible for a child supermarket accident?
Responsibility usually lies with the business that runs the shop or supermarket. This is known as the “occupier”, meaning the organisation responsible for the premises.
They must take reasonable steps to keep customers safe. If they fail to do this, they may be held responsible.
Common ways children are injured in shops and supermarkets
Children can be injured in a range of ways in retail environments, including:
- Slipping on wet floors or spillages
- Tripping over stock or damaged flooring
- Items falling from shelves
- Faulty trolleys or equipment
- Broken glass or unsafe areas
- Automatic doors or displays
Not all accidents can be avoided, but many happen because risks weren’t properly managed.
What evidence do you need to support a claim?
Strong evidence can help show what happened and who was responsible. This may include:
- An accident report from the shop
- Photos or videos of the scene
- Witness details
- CCTV footage
- Medical records
- Receipts or proof of your visit
- Records of related costs
The more evidence you have, the easier it is to support your claim.
Can you claim on behalf of your child?
Yes, a parent or guardian can usually make a claim for a child. This is done as a litigation friend, which means you act in your child’s best interests throughout the process.
This approach is designed to make sure your child’s claim is handled properly.
What happens to compensation in a child injury claim?
If a claim is successful, the court will usually approve the settlement to make sure it’s fair.
Compensation is often held in a protected account until your child turns 18. In some cases, part of the compensation may be released earlier if it’s needed for their care or recovery.
How long do you have to make a claim?
Time limits for child injury claims are different from adult claims.
A parent can make a claim at any time before the child turns 18. If no claim is made, the child usually has until age 21 to bring a claim themselves.
Because time limits can vary, it’s best to seek advice early.
No win, no fee child injury claims
At Express Solicitors, we handle personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means you won’t usually pay upfront to start a claim.
If the claim is successful, a success fee may be deducted from the compensation. Terms and conditions apply, and your solicitor will explain how this works.
How Express Solicitors can help
If your child has been injured in a shop or supermarket, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
We’ll explain everything clearly and support you at every stage, so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
Get in touch to begin
If your child has been injured, focus on getting the right medical care first. Then take steps to report the incident and gather evidence.
If the accident could have been prevented, you may be able to make a claim on your child’s behalf.
Contact Express Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation conversation about your situation.
Children injured in shops FAQs
Can I claim if my child slipped in a supermarket?
Possibly. If your child slipped because of a hazard like a spillage that wasn’t cleaned up or properly managed, you may be able to claim. You’ll need to show the shop didn’t take reasonable steps to keep the area safe.
Do I need CCTV to make a claim?
No, CCTV isn’t essential. While it can be helpful, other evidence such as photos, witness details, accident reports and medical records can still support your claim and help show how the accident happened.
Will my child have to go to court?
Most child injury claims don’t involve a court hearing. However, a court will usually need to approve the settlement to make sure it’s fair. This is a standard process and doesn’t normally require your child to attend.
How long does a claim take?
It depends on the circumstances. Straightforward claims may be resolved within a few months, while more complex cases can take longer, especially if responsibility is disputed or medical evidence is still being gathered.
What if the shop denies responsibility?
This is quite common. Shops and insurers may deny liability at first. That doesn’t mean your claim won’t succeed. A solicitor can review the evidence, investigate further and challenge that position where appropriate.