Waitrose supermarket is the food arm of the John Lewis partnership and is the 6th largest grocer in the UK. Established in 1904, it has a reputation for high quality food and customer service.

Millions shop in Waitrose and supermarkets like it and the vast majority enter and leave the store safely. On occasions however accidents happen.

When Waitrose should have taken more care to avoid an accident and have failed to do so that an accident in Waitrose could lead to a claim for compensation.

What types of accidents are common?

Slips and trips

These account for the majority of the injuries caused to shoppers and indeed staff. Accidents can happen in the entrance to a store, particularly if it has been raining. Other accidents can be caused by spillages of food that have not been cleared away quickly.Leaking fridges and freezers are another common complaint an milk on the floor is another culprit.

Floors should not be left wet after cleaning and shoppers should be warned if an area is wet, with clear warning signs.

Tripping is another hazard in Waitrose caused by a shopper falling over something in an aisle that shouldn’t have been there. Packaging from around products, like cardboard and polythene can cause people to trip and the injuries from both slipping and tripping can be serious particularly if the fall is onto a hard or sharp surface, like the corner of a shelf.

Waitrose is responsible for its car parks. Poorly maintained tarmac and potholes are a tripping hazard and in cold spells, Waitrose like other supermarkets has to ensure that the car park is adequately gritted and the snow cleared away.

Falling Objects.

Like any supermarket, Waitrose has huge lines of stock on the shelves and lots of signage. Poorly stacked shelves can cause tins to fall from height as can over stacking. Signage needs to be fixd firmly and certainly storing anything heavy at height carelessly can lead to accidents.

It follows that Waitrose are responsible for the actions of their staff and they also have responsibilities to staff. Workers have a right to be properly trained, have equipment that is properly maintained and colleagues who are also properly trained. Some supermarket accidents have happened when staff have not been properly trained in the use of forklift or pallet trucks have driven into other staff, and when staff have clearly been carrying out unsafe practices condoned by management over time and an accident has occurred.

What sort of injuries are common and how do I claim?

Cuts, bruises, sprains and fractures are some of the common injuries in supermarket accidents although some are much more serious than that causing long lasting health problems. Compensation can range from a few hundred pounds to many thousands.

If you are involved in an accident at Waitrose, you should report it to the staff and fill out an accident report if possible. If photographs would help and you have a camera, take photographs. Seek medical advice and report what has happened to your GP or a hospital.

If you have sustained an injury in an accident in Waitrose in the last 3 years then you may be able to make a claim. First4lawyers have a panel of expert solicitors who can advise you on the merits of your claim and if you are successful you will retain 100% of your compensation.