Have you had a slip, trip, or fall whilst shopping? If so, you might be wondering: can I make a claim for falling in a supermarket? The short answer is yes. If the accident wasn’t your fault and you suffered an injury, you could be entitled to compensation after falling in a supermarket.
Supermarkets have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for customers and staff. If they fail to do so, they could be held liable.
But how much can you claim? And what evidence do you need to provide? We’ve got you covered – read on to find out how much you can claim for falling in a supermarket.
Why Might a Fall in a Supermarket Occur?
Accidents in supermarkets can happen for many reasons, often due to negligence or poor maintenance. Common causes include:
- Spilled liquids or food left unattended
- Damaged or uneven flooring
- Obstacles in aisles such as stock trolleys or boxes
- Wet floors without proper signage
- Missing floor mats
- Items falling from shelves
- Defective doors
- Poor lighting in car parks or store entrances
One single slip can cost a supermarket over £15,000 – with industry-wide costs exceeding £800 million per year. But how much compensation can you get? Let’s look into this.
How Much Compensation Can I Get?
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on the severity of your injury, how it has impacted your life, and any financial losses you’ve incurred. This includes:
- General damages – for your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Special damages – for things like lost earnings, travel costs, or medical expenses
Compensation amounts vary, but some example brackets include:
Type of Injury
Multiple severe injuries + financial losses
Very severe brain injury
Severe neck injury
Leg injuries (severe not amputation)
Serious soft tissue leg injuries/fractures
Arm amputation (below elbow)
Severe back injurie
Severey disabling elbow injuries
Compensation Range
£1000000+
£344150 - £493000
Around £181020
£117460 - £165860
£21920 - £33880
£117360 - £133810
£90510 - £107910
£47810 - £66920
Common Injuries from Supermarket Falls
Slips, trips, and falls in supermarkets can result in various injuries, from mild to life-changing. Common injuries include:
- Sprained ankles or wrists
- Fractured or broken bones (legs, hips, arms & wrists)
- Head or brain injuries from hitting the ground
- Back or spinal injuries
- Cuts and bruises
Older adults may be at a higher risk of serious injury, such as hip fractures, which can lead to long-term disability.
Categorising Injuries by Severity
Severe Injuries
- Head and brain injuries – Can cause concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI), affecting memory, coordination, and cognitive function
- Back and spinal injuries – Can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis
- Hip fractures – Often require surgery and long recovery, especially for older adults
Moderate Injuries
- Fractured arms, wrists, or legs – Often require a cast or surgery and can take weeks or months to heal
Severe sprains – Torn ligaments in the ankle or wrist can be very painful and may require physiotherapy
Mild Injuries
- Minor sprains and strains – Can lead to pain and inconvenience
Cuts and bruises – May require medical treatment, especially if there’s a risk of infection or if the cut is deep
Do I Need Evidence for a Supermarket Accident Claim?
Yes, evidence is crucial. Key pieces of evidence include:
- Photos of the scene and hazard
- CCTV footage (request from the supermarket)
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Incident reports filed with the store
Our legal team at CEL Solicitors can help gather the evidence you need to support your claim.
Steps to Take If You Fall in a Supermarket
1. Seek medical attention – your health is the priority, so before anything else, seek the medical attention you need. This may include going to your local A&E department, seeking the support of a first aider, or visiting your GP.
2. Report the incident to the store manager and make sure that the fall is accurately recorded in the accident book. This will be referred to when you make your claim for compensation.
3. Take photographs of the hazard that caused your fall and the surrounding area. It might also be helpful to take pictures of your injury, if possible.
4. Get contact details of any witnesses. This includes their name and contact information – which may come in useful when supporting your compensation claim.
5. Keep receipts and records of any expenses related to your injury. You may be able to cover these in your claim.
6. Speak to a solicitor – the sooner you get expert legal advice, the stronger your claim will be. This is where we can help.
At CEL Solicitors, our expert personal injury solicitors specialise in helping people who have been injured through no fault of their own, including slips, trips and falls claims.
If you’re thinking of making a claim for falling in a supermarket, we can guide you through the process and fight to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
