Supermarket Accident Claims

Can I make a supermarket accident claim?

If you’ve been injured due to an accident in a supermarket, you could have grounds to make a claim.

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, all supermarkets have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for customers and staff. If they fail in this duty, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

Some of the most common causes of supermarket injuries include:

• Unmarked wet floors – spilled liquids or fridge leaks that haven’t been cleaned or marked with a wet floor sign.
• Aisle obstructions – abandoned crates, packaging or fallen stock left on the floor.
• Faulty equipment – defective trolleys, broken shelving or malfunctioning automatic doors.
• Outdoor hazards – potholes in the car park or untreated ice at the store entrance.

This isn’t a complete list. If you’ve suffered any kind of injury in a supermarket that wasn’t your fault, you could be owed compensation.

Get in touch with our team for a free, no pressure consultation. We’ll ask you a few straightforward questions and let you know if you could have a strong claim.

How do I make a supermarket accident claim?

We know the thought of making a claim against a supermarket chain can feel daunting. We’ve broken down the claims process into stages, so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect:

1. Initial consultation with your solicitor
   If we think you have a claim, we’ll put you in touch with an experienced supermarket accident lawyer. They’ll speak to you about the details of your case and discuss the next steps.
2. Gathering evidence to strengthen your claim
   Supermarket injury claims have the best chance of success when there is strong supporting evidence. Your solicitor will gather CCTV footage, medical records and witness statements to strengthen your case.
3. Approaching the responsible company
   Your solicitor will send what’s known as a ‘letter of claim’ to the responsible organisation (the defendant). This will detail your accident and injuries, your financial losses and why the defendant is at fault.
4. Negotiating compensation
   If the other side accepts responsibility, your solicitor will begin to negotiate a compensation amount on your behalf. If they deny responsibility, your case may need to go to court, but this is increasingly rare.
5. Receiving your final settlement
   When a compensation amount has been agreed upon, you’ll receive your final settlement. Your solicitor will do all they can to ensure that the compensation you receive fully reflects what you’ve been through.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We work with supermarket accident solicitors who are experienced in dealing with these types of claims. They’ll work on your behalf to build a strong case and secure you the best possible outcome.

We’ve already helped hundreds of people who have been injured in supermarket accidents. One of these clients was Mr Bennett, who was awarded £10,000 after sustaining a painful wrist injury while shopping at a local supermarket.

Our friendly advisors are here to help you. We work on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you won’t need to pay anything upfront if you decide to make a claim. There will also be no legal fees to cover if your case is unsuccessful.

Supermarket Accident Claim FAQs

How much supermarket accident compensation will I receive?

The amount of compensation you receive for an accident in a supermarket will vary depending on the circumstances. If your case is successful, compensation will be split into two categories: general damages and special damages.

General damages consider the pain and suffering you’ve experienced because of your accident. This part of your compensation will also take into account how your injuries are likely to affect you in future.

Special damages factor in the financial impact of your accident. This could include:

• Lost earnings (if you’ve taken time off work)
• Loss of potential future income (if you’re unable to return to your role)
• Transport costs (to and from hospital appointments)
• Further treatment or medication expenses
• Home adaptations or mobility equipment

Your solicitor will assess your case and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Can I claim if I was injured in a supermarket car park?

Yes, if you were injured in a supermarket car park due to a pothole, uneven paving or a malfunctioning barrier, you may be entitled to claim against the owner of the car park.

If your accident was caused by another driver, they will be held responsible for your injuries rather than the car park owner or supermarket. This will be handled as a road traffic accident claim.

How long will a supermarket accident claim take?

This will vary depending on the complexity of your case.

Some straightforward cases can be settled within a few months, while more complicated cases often take longer. Some factors that could increase the amount of time to takes to settle your claim include:

• Disputed liability – if the defendant is denying responsibility for your injuries.
• Delays in gathering evidence – if a witness is proving difficult to contact, for example.
• Insurers acting slowly – in some cases, an insurer may delay proceedings in hopes that you’ll accept a lower settlement.

The severity of your injury will also affect how long the claims process takes. If you’re receiving ongoing treatment, your solicitor may wait to gather more medical evidence before proceeding. This will ensure that the compensation you receive reflects the full extent of your condition.

While it’s impossible to provide a guaranteed timeline, your solicitor will be able to give you a better idea of how long your claim might take after speaking to you. They’ll then keep you updated at each stage, so you’ll never be left out of the loop.

Is there a time limit for claiming supermarket accident compensation?

You’ll usually have three years to make a claim after a supermarket accident. This may seem like a long time, but we would always recommend seeking legal advice as soon as you’re able to.

Starting your claim early could make it easier for your solicitor to collect the information they need to support your case, such as CCTV and witness statements. It may also be easier for you to remember the details of what happened.

If you’re making a claim on behalf of a child who has been injured in a supermarket accident, you’ll have until their 18th birthday to take legal action. They will then have until they’re 21-years-old to make a claim themselves.

Speaking to a solicitor will help you work out where you stand. To start the process, get in touch with our team for free today. You can reach us on the number at the top of the screen or by completing our quick online form.