All shop owners have a legal responsibility to keep customers and employees safe. If they failed to do this and you suffered an injury, you could make a shop accident compensation claim.
We are a trusted claims management company helping people make personal injury claims for over 15 years.
Shop Accident Claims
Whether you are a customer or an employee in a supermarket, shopping centre or retail shop, you deserve to feel safe. If you are injured in a shop because someone failed to follow proper safety standards, you may be entitled to make a shop accident compensation claim.
Accidents in shops include slips and trips, falls from height, being hit by falling objects and manual handling accidents. These can cause minor to long-lasting injuries, such as cuts, broken bones and severe brain injuries.
To find out if you have a valid claim for personal injury compensation following a shop accident, call 0800 470 0472 today for a free case assessment or request a call back.
Key points about shop accident claims
- Eligibility: You may be able to claim if you were injured in a shop due to hazards like wet floors, faulty displays, or falling objects.
- Shop Responsibility: Retailers must ensure their premises are safe for customers and staff under occupiers’ liability law.
- Time Limit: You generally have 3 years from the date of injury to make a shop accident claim.
- Compensation: This depends on the type and severity of the injury, and will cover pain and suffering, lost earnings, and treatment costs.
- No Win, No Fee: Your solicitor will handle your claim on a no win, no fee basis — you only pay if the claim is successful.
Table of Contents
Can I make a shopping accident claim for compensation?
Yes. If you suffered an injury in a shop without being at fault, you might be entitled to make a shop accident claim. Both customers and shop workers can claim compensation, provided that:
- The accident happened in the last three years.
- Another party owed you a duty of care.
- They neglected their duty of care, causing an accident.
- Your injuries are a direct result of their negligence.
A personal injury solicitor can verify whether you can make a shop injury claim within minutes, during a free consultation over the phone.
How are shop owners responsible for customer safety?
The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 states the duties of shop owners towards visitors. To ensure the safety of visitors, shops and supermarkets should make sure that:
- Wet floors and changes in level are signposted.
- There is sufficient lighting in all places.
- Any spills get cleaned promptly.
- Stairs and ramps are in good condition.
- Walkways and aisles are free of tripping hazards.
- Shelves are safely stacked.
- They keep a higher standard for children, who can act less carefully than adults.
Any accidents resulting from a breach of these duties could entitle you to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
How are shop owners responsible for the safety of staff?
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 states that employers have the duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees as far as reasonably practicable. Their duties include:
- Provide and maintain safe equipment and machinery.
- Ensure the safe handling, storage and transport of goods.
- Provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision.
- Carry out regular risk assessments and address risks.
- Maintain a clean and orderly shop environment.
- Provide adequate facilities for employee welfare.
- Make sure that adequate PPE is available when needed.
Employers should also follow the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on preventing slips and trips at work.
If you’ve sustained an injury at work due to a breach of duty, you could make a workplace accident claim against your employer.
What is the time limit to make a shop accident compensation claim?
The Limitation Act 1980 sets a general three-year time limit to make a compensation claim, starting from the accident date. There are a few exceptions:
- When claiming on behalf of children, you have until they turn 18. Afterwards, they have another three years to claim on their own.
- If the victim lacks the mental ability to make a claim, a litigation friend can act on their behalf at any time.
- If an injury was discovered later after the accident, the three-year countdown might start on the day you were diagnosed.
How do I make a claim for compensation for a shop accident?
If you suffered an accident in a shop and are thinking about claiming compensation, you should contact an experienced solicitor as soon as possible. They will offer you a free case assessment to identify if you have a valid claim and who is liable for your injuries.
If you can proceed, the general steps of the claims process are:
- Gather supporting evidence.
- A free medical assessment with a specialist.
- Calculating your compensation award.
- Send a letter of claim to the defendant.
- Negotiate a fair amount of compensation for your injuries.
- Issue court proceedings if negotiations fail.
- Receive your compensation payment if you win.
How much compensation can I claim for an accident in a shop?
Your personal injury compensation claim will be calculated based on two types of damages:
- Special damages, or quantifiable losses, such as medical treatment, lost earnings, and care costs.
- General damages or non-financial losses, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, impact on daily activities and reduced quality of life.
The compensation examples below are based on the Judicial College guidelines (18th Edition). These are used by solicitors and courts to assess general damages in personal injury claims, in accordance with the type and severity of the harm suffered.
| Injury Type | Description | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Brain Damage | Moderate brain damage likely to affect the senses, with some dependence on others | £57,000 - £289,000 |
| Knee Injuries | A significant knee injury causing ongoing pain, restricted movement or instability | £35,000 - £57,000 |
| Leg Injuries | A leg fracture or soft tissue injury causing some permanent issues, such as impaired mobility or a limp | £24,000 - £37,000 |
| Ankle Injuries | An ankle fracture or ligament tear causing some permanent symptoms, such as difficulty walking on uneven ground | £18,000 - £35,000 |
| Hip And Pelvis Injuries | A hip or pelvis fracture or significant soft tissue injury with minimal or no long-term disability | £5,200 - £17,000 |
| Shoulder Injuries | A moderate shoulder injury with limited movement and discomfort for more than two years | £10,000 - £17,000 |
| Back Injuries | A minor back injury recovering fully within 3-12 months | £3,200 - £5,800 |
Can I make a shop injury compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis?
Yes. If you have a valid accident in a shop claim, you will be able to proceed on a no win no fee basis. This way, you will not have to worry about paying any upfront or hidden fees.
Even if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket. If you win, your solicitor will deduct a success fee that you previously agreed on from your settlement (capped at 25%).
What evidence will I need to make a shop accident claim?
The types of evidence you could use to support your shop or supermarket accident claim include:
- Photos of the accident scene, including hazards such as spills, obstacles or damaged flooring.
- The names and contact details of any possible witnesses for a witness statement.
- Photos of your injuries and the recovery process.
- Copies of any CCTV footage of the accident.
- A signed copy of an accident report filed with the store manager.
- A written record of the accident and how it affected you personally, socially and financially.
- Records of medical diagnosis, treatments and interventions.
- A specialist medical report about your long-term needs.
- Proof of lost earnings, such as wage slips or bank statements.
What are the most common causes of shop accident claims?
Common causes that could lead to a shop accident claim from shop employees and customers alike are:
- Uneven steps or pavements
- Wet or slippery floors or stairs
- Unmarked changes in levels
- Insufficient lighting
- Poor housekeeping
- Items left in the aisles
- Loose carpeting and floor tiles
- Shelves are overloaded or stacked incorrectly.
- Heavy items are placed too high.
- Signs or displays are not secured.
- Goods are not adequately handled by staff.
- Poorly built shelves collapse.
- Provide proper training and information.
- Provide the correct equipment for the job.
- Hire appropriate personnel to carry out the job.
- Develop and enforce clear health and safety policies.
- You lift heavy items without proper training.
- Equipment such as trolleys or lifting aids is not provided.
- You work long hours without enough breaks.
- The workplace is hazardous and not properly maintained.
- Working alone or understaffed.
- Previous violent behaviour from a colleague or customer was ignored.
- No training or PPE is provided to manage aggressive customers.
- Safety measures, such as panic alarms, are either not in place or not working.
- There are no security guards.
What are common injuries caused by shopping accidents?
While shops are generally considered safe environments, overlooking safety issues can cause workers and customers to suffer injuries such as:
- Cuts, bruises and deep laceration injuries that may leave permanent scars and disfigurements.
- Sprains and strains, which often heal within months, but some may cause long-term mobility issues.
- Shoulder or neck injuries, such as dislocations, nerve damage and collarbone fractures.
- Broken bones in the hands, arms or legs, some of which may lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
- Fractures of the hip or pelvis, which almost always require surgery and a lengthy recovery period, might also permanently affect mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries, such as damage to the vertebrae or slipped discs, can cause paralysis in the most severe cases.
- Serious injuries to the head, such as skull fractures, hematomas or haemorrhages, which can be life-threatening.
Injuries caused by shop accidents might have long-term effects on your health, causing:
- Constant pain and suffering from the injury.
- Psychological damage.
- Life-changing physical damage.
- Reduced earning potential.
- Inability to continue with your professional career.
If you suffered an injury in a shop without being at fault, you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. If you feel you may have a valid shop accident claim, call 0800 470 0472 or request a call back to receive a free consultation with a legal adviser.
