Marks and Spencer (M&S) was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer and now has over 700 stores. It specialises in the selling of clothing and luxury foodstuffs.

Marks and Spencer has had its ups and downs over the years and has also faced a number of claims for compensation from shoppers and employees. M&S are not alone in this as supermarkets account for a large part of modern shopping and accidents are bound to happen from time to time.

A supermarket like Marks and Spencer has to ensure that visitors to the store can shop in safety and staffs are able to work in a safe environment. The vast majority of shopper and employees visit and work there every day without incident but accidents can occur.

The common types of accidents in Marks and Spencer involve

Slipping

Marks and Spencer like any other retailer stocks produce and that can end up  on the floor creating a hazard. Leaking fridges and freezers are common culprits. If the store does not have a system for dealing with spillages and leaks and you are injured as a result then you may be able to claim compensation. In one case a lady slipped on a grape which had escaped from a display and fractured her shoulder and required a shoulder operation. Marks and Spencer settled the matter out of court. It had been argued that their cleaning systems were inadequate and they did not have an effective cleaning policy. The claim was settled out of court for £27,000.

Tripping accidents

Like spillages, tripping accidents are common. Marks and Spencer have to ensure that objects that might create a hazard are not left on the floor. This can include boxes and empty pallets. If baskets are regularly left on floors by other shoppers, Marks and Spencer and other supermarkets have to have a system of ensuring that they are removed at the earliest opportunity.

Marks and Spencer have to maintain any car parks in a safe condition and fill in potholes for example

Falling Objects

Items on shelves should be securely stacked and shelf units made safe. Any signage has to be secure. Supermarkets like Marks and Spencer have to carry out risk assessments to ensure that shopping areas are as safe as possible for visitors and indeed staff

Accidents Involving Staff

An employer like M&S owes a duty of care to its staff to ensure that they and their collegues are trained properly and any machinery is maintained. In one case an employee was using a scissor lift which was meant for goods only, got his foot trapped and part of his toe had to be amputated. M&S were aware of the use of the lift by staff and it was found that signage and risk assessments were inadequate. They received a substantial fine and the injured worker received over £31,000 for the injury.

What to do in the event of an accident in Marks and Spencer

You should report the accident to staff and fill out the accident report book. Take photographs if possible and get the names of witnesses. You should seek medical attention for your injuries.

If you have been involved in an accident in Marks and Spencer or any supermarket in the last three years and do not believe the circumstances to have been your fault, you may be entitled to seek compensation. First4Lawyers can help you to find a solicitor who will act for you on a no win no fee basis and you will retain 100% of your compensation.