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Supermarkets are part of everyday life, with most of us visiting them weekly, if not more often. As the major chains continue to dominate the UK grocery market, their stores see tens of thousands of customers through the doors each day.

With such high footfall, it’s no surprise that accidents happen.

Supermarket personal injury claims in Middlesbrough

Slipping on a wet floor or tripping over an obstruction in a supermarket can result in painful injuries and unexpected time off work. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

In Middlesbrough, like the rest of England and Wales, supermarkets have a legal duty to keep customers safe. If they’ve failed in that duty, you could have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Common causes for supermarket accidents

There are several common causes of slips, trips and falls in supermarkets, including:

• Wet floors from spillages or recent cleaning with no warning signs.
• Loose or upturned floor mats.
• Packaging or rubbish left on the floor.
• Stock trolleys or cages left unattended in walkways.
• Uneven or damaged flooring.
• Water, mud or ice brought in at entrances during bad weather.

These risks are well known to store managers, which is why regular systems of inspection and prompt action are expected to keep customers safe.

What should I do if I slip or trip in a supermarket?

If you’ve had a slip or trip in a supermarket, your health comes first. Seek medical attention straight away if you’re injured.

Once you’re safe and able, taking the right steps can strengthen any potential compensation claim.

Here are some steps you should take:

• Report the incident to a member of staff and ask for it to be recorded in the store’s accident book. Supermarkets must keep a record of some incidents. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) specifies which incidents they must report and to whom.
• Take photographs of the area where the accident happened, including any hazards (e.g. wet floor with no sign).
• Get contact details of any witnesses who saw the incident.
• Keep records of your injury, medical treatment, expenses and any time off work.
• Seek legal advice from a solicitor experienced in personal injury claims. In Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas, Askews Solicitors are a leading firm of personal injury solicitors. Visit Personal Injury Claims to learn more or Contact Us to speak with an expert.

Even if the injury seems minor at first, symptoms can worsen over time. Acting quickly ensures there’s a clear record of what happened and helps to protect your position should you decide to make a claim.

Why some people won’t start a supermarket injury claim and why they should reconsider

It’s not unusual for some people to feel embarrassed after a slip or trip in a supermarket. Some may brush it off as a ‘slapstick’ moment, awkwardly laugh it away or walk out red-faced, hoping no one noticed. But there’s nothing funny about being injured because a store failed in its duty of care.

Supermarkets are legally responsible for ensuring their premises are safe. If they haven’t taken reasonable steps to prevent an accident, the fault does not lie with you. Even minor injuries can lead to time off work, medical costs and long-term discomfort. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away, and it certainly doesn’t encourage supermarkets to take better care in future.

You’re not being difficult or opportunistic by asking questions after an accident. You’re holding a business to account for failing to protect its customers.

Are supermarket giants like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda & Morrisons too big to take on successfully?

It’s easy to feel intimidated by the size and influence of major supermarket chains. With large legal departments and deep pockets, some people assume there’s no point in trying to challenge them. But that simply isn’t true.

These companies are bound by the same health and safety laws as any other business. When they breach their duty of care and someone is injured as a result, they can and should be held accountable. Supermarkets take personal injury claims seriously, especially when supported by clear evidence and handled by an experienced solicitor.

You’re not taking on a corporate giant alone. A solicitor will deal with the legal process and negotiate on your behalf, usually with the supermarket’s insurer. Many successful claims are resolved without going to court.

Beware of third-party capture

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to contact you soon after an accident, often with the intention of dissuading you from making a claim or encouraging you to accept a low settlement offer.

They may emphasise that accepting their offer will spare you a lengthy and stressful claims process. This tactic, known as third-party capture, typically does not serve your best interests. Therefore, it is essential to seek independent legal advice before accepting any offers or deciding whether to pursue a claim.

Learn more at: Injury Claims: Beware of third-party capture in England & Wales

Are there time limits on supermarket injury claims in Middlesbrough?

There are strict time limits when it comes to making a personal injury claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start legal proceedings.

There are exceptions. For example, if the injured person is a child, the three-year limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. Similarly, if someone lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves, there may be no time limit until that capacity is regained.

It’s always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather evidence, speak to witnesses and build a strong case.

To learn more about the limitation period, read: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?

Askews Solicitors are Middlesbrough & Redcar-based experts in supermarket injury claims

We are an experienced team of personal injury solicitors with offices in Middlesbrough and Redcar. If you’ve suffered a slip, trip or fall in a supermarket, we’re here to help.

Our solicitors handle claims across the region and throughout England & Wales. We understand how these incidents happen and what’s needed to build a strong case for compensation.

Contact Us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

Or, visit Public Liability Claims to learn more about how we can help.

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.