Sainsbury’s is the oldest established supermarket chain in the UK having been around since 1869. It is one of the "big four" with a market share of around 16%. It acquired Bells Stores based in the North East in 2004 and in the same year Jackson’s stores in Yorkshire and the North Midlands and JB Beaumont in the East midlands were also acquired.

Sainsbury’s operates through superstores and its "local" and "central" brands account for its other outlets.

If you have had an accident in any of the Sainsbury’s named stores or those owned by them, you may be able to claim compensation. Similarly if you are an employee in any of those stores and have had an accident, you may be able to claim.

The most common types of accidents that occur in supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s are tripping over objects left on the floor, slipping on spillages and being injured by falling items. Staff can be injured in similar ways but can also be involved in accidents involving the use of machinery. If the accident has happened in the last 3 years and wasn't your fault then you could make a claim for compensation.

The following types of accidents may lead to a claim for compensation

Slipping accidents. These are common in a retail environment but don’t always lead to a successful claim. A lot will depend on the circumstances of the fall. Was it on produce for example or a wet floor, what sort of cleaning regime does the individual supermarket use, were there any warnings for example. There are a number of factors to be taken into account and if you have had an accident leading to injury, you should take legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

Tripping Accidents are again very common. Examples can include falling over boxes or pallets on the floor or tripping over baskets. Again success in a claim will depend on the factors present at the time. Had the object been there for a time, was it likely to have been left by staff or other customers for example.

Being hit by objects. This could be as simple as being in the aisle when a display falls or being hit by a tin as you try and remove one to purchase. Again, the circumstances surrounding the incident need to be investigated to ascertain whether you may be able to make a claim, but generally speaking if a display suddenly falls on you, the chances are that it has been incorrectly stacked and you may be successful in a claim.

The types of injuries that can happen in supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s can include cuts and bruises up to nasty fractures. Compensation levels can vary between a few hundred pounds up to many thousands for fractures.

If you are unfortunate to suffer an accident whilst shopping in Sainsburys or whilst working there, you should ensure that the accident is reported and if possible get the names and addresses of any witnesses. An accident book entry should be made by the store.

Supermarkets carry insurance for these types of accidents. You should seek legal advice on the merits of making a claim at the earliest opportunity.

First4Lawyers retain a panel of expert lawyers who are willing to take on your claim if they feel it has merit and will act for you on a no win no fee basis.