Asda supermarket was founded in 1949 and is now the UK's second biggest supermarket chain after Tesco. It became a subsidiary of Wal-Mart the world’s largest retailer in 1999. Originating in Leeds as Associated Dairies & Farm Stores Limited it became Asda in 1965 after a merger.

Like all supermarket chains, accidents can and do happen in Asda. Millions shop there every year and they retain a large workforce.

If you have had an accident whilst shopping or working in Asda, you may be able to pursue a claim.

If the accident happened in the last three years, was not your fault and you received injury then there is a possibility that you may be entitled to compensation.

Common types of accidents

Slipping

One of the most frequent types of accidents involve slipping. Supermarkets contain a lot of produce, sometimes it makes its way onto the floor and slips can occur. Supermarkets like Asda are under a duty to ensure that spillages are cleaned in a timely fashion and shoppers are warned that the area is dirty or has recently been cleaned. Accidents can occur where the public have access and the supermarket has to ensure that visitors are warned appropriately by means of wet warning signs if necessary.

Slipping doesn’t just happen on a wet floor of course, there  have been incidences of people slipping on cardboard packaging left on floors and polythene used for wrapping pallets of produce.

Tripping Accidents

When we shop, we are generally looking at the shelves and not our feet. Supermarkets like Asda have to be aware of this and have a system for ensuring that objects are not left on the floor.

This applies to the car parks which should have a safe walking environment and be adequately lit.

Falling objects

Shelves, hanging signs and produce on shelves needs to be safe so it doesn’t fall on members of the public.

Accidents to staff

Employees of Asda and other supermarkets are not immune to accidents. They can also slip and trip over objects, have injuries from machinery or be injured by the actions of fellow colleagues. Staff use machinery which should be maintained properly and they should be trained to use it.

Common Injuries and Compensation

Injuries can range from simple cuts and bruises, to jarring injuries to the back, neck and shoulder and fractures. There have been incidences of head injuries after falls. Some supermarket employees have suffered nasty cuts from machinery, and particularly nasty injuries after being hit by forklift trucks. Compensation ranges from hundreds of pounds to many thousands depending on the injury and if you are off work as a result of an accident in a supermarket like Asda, you can claim for loss of earning and other expenses associated with the injury

What to do if you have an accident in Asda

If you are unfortunate to have an accident in Asda and consider it to be the fault of the store, you should ensure that the accident is properly reported to the staff and if possible get an entry in the accident book. Depending on the severity of your injury you should seek medical help either on the scene or from your GP or a hospital. Some injuries are not always apparent immediately for example a jarring injury to the back after a slip may not cause pain for some hours but can be very uncomfortable afterwards.

If you wish to pursue a compensation claim, you should seek experienced legal advice.First4Lawyers have an expert panel of solicitors who can advise you and take your claim on a no win no fee basis.