Iceland supermarket chain was first established in the UK in 1970 and specialises in frozen foods. It has a market share of slightly less than 2%.

Shopping accident claims are very common. The vast majority of supermarket users both shoppers and staff use supermarkets like Iceland without problem but for some the trip for groceries can turn into a bit of a nightmare.

Supermarket claims can occur in a number of different ways. It is important to note that it is necessary to prove fault on the part of the supermarket. They owe a duty of care to you to provide a reasonably safe shopping environment. Accidents can and do occur that are nobody’s fault and Iceland for example has recently been successful in appealing a case where a lady fell over stray shopping basket causing her serious shoulder injuries. In these cases it is for the injured person to show that there is a danger on the floor and once that is proved, the Supermarket has to explain how the accident could have occurred if they had a exercised reasonable care. It is at this point that many supermarkets fail as they cannot point to a system of inspection or cleaning. All to often it can be shown that the systems are either nonexistent or have broken down. In this case however the judge found that Iceland did have a system and the accident could still have occurred even if there was a system as there was here. The accident could not be shown to be the Supermarkets fault on this occasion.

On the other hand many claim against supermarkets like Iceland are successful precisely because they cannot show that they have an appropriate system.

More common types of accidents in supermarkets like Iceland

Slipping and tripping.

Iceland is primarily a frozen food retailer and slips on wet floors account for the main cause of accidents in supermarkets. Food and liquid spillages are common as are leaks from freezers and fridges. If the supermarket has not cleaned the spillage quickly or has left a wet floor without any warning signs or cordoning then they may be found responsible for the accident.

Tripping over packaging is another common factor in supermarket accidents. Iceland has a responsibility to ensure that its staff are trained to clear up loose packaging like cardboard and tape as they stock shelves and if they fail to do so and an accident occurs then they may be found responsible.

Employees of Iceland are also owed a duty of care by the supermarket and if they fail to train properly or do not maintain machinery that subsequently causes an accident then Iceland may have to pay compensation. Staff do of course slip on wet floors and fall over objects and Iceland could be found liable for any injuries sustained in those circumstances.

Injuries arising from slipping and tripping accidents can range from simple cuts and bruises to more serious injuries. There have been incidences of fractured hips and shoulders, serious head wounds (after slipping and falling on the corner of a fridge or other sharp object) and other fractures. Compensation for those injuries together with any loss of earnings and medical expenses can be considerable.

If you have had an accident leading to injury at an Iceland supermarket in the last 3 years, First4Lawyers can put you in touch with an expert solicitor who, if they consider that your claim has merit will pursue the claim on your behalf on a no win no fee basis. Iceland and other supermarkets carry insurance for these sorts of accidents and those insurers will pay your compensation and any legal costs.