WHAT IS A SHOPPING ACCIDENT CLAIM?
When a shop's carelessness leaves you injured, the law is on your side.
A shopping accident claim is a personal injury claim against a shop, retail park or shopping centre when their negligence causes you harm. Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, anyone who controls premises has a legal duty to take reasonable care to keep visitors reasonably safe — from clearing spillages promptly to maintaining escalators, lifts and automatic doors.
Responsibility can sit with the individual shop or with the centre's management company, depending on where you were hurt — for example, a wet floor in a store versus a loose paving slab in a shared walkway or car park. We identify the right defendant and their public liability insurer for you. To get a feel for what your case may be worth, try our personal injury claim calculator, and read more about your rights on our accident in a public place page.
What you can claim for
Slips and trips
Wet floors, spillages, trailing cables or uneven surfaces left without a warning sign or prompt clean-up.
Falling stock
Items poorly stacked on high shelves that topple onto customers below.
Escalators and lifts
Faulty, badly maintained or suddenly stopping escalators, travelators and lifts causing falls or trapped limbs.
Automatic doors
Doors that close too quickly, malfunction or trap shoppers, including children and wheelchair users.
Car park accidents
Potholes, poor lighting, broken barriers or icy, untreated surfaces in retail car parks.
Injury and losses
Pain and suffering, lost earnings, care costs, medical treatment and out-of-pocket expenses like travel.
You may have a claim if…
Your accident happened in the last three years (England & Wales limitation period)
The shop, centre or its management company was negligent or breached its duty of care
You suffered an injury — physical or psychological — as a result
You have some evidence, such as photos, an accident-book entry, CCTV or witness details
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
Tell us what happened in a quick, no-pressure call. We'll let you know honestly whether you have a claim.
02
We investigate
We gather CCTV, accident records, witness statements and medical evidence to build your case and pin down who's liable.
03
We negotiate
We deal with the shop's or centre's insurer and push for the maximum settlement, arranging any treatment you need.
04
You're compensated
Most claims settle without court. We secure your compensation and keep our agreed fee clear from the start.
Shopping accident claim FAQs
Is a shopping accident claim really No Win No Fee?+
Yes. We run shopping accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis (a Conditional Fee Agreement), so there's nothing to pay upfront and no fee at all if your claim doesn't succeed. If you win, a success fee is deducted from your compensation — capped at 25% of your damages for personal injury — and we'll explain every figure clearly before you sign.
How long do I have to make a claim?+
In England and Wales you usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are exceptions — for children the three years runs from their 18th birthday, and different rules can apply for those who lack mental capacity — so it's always best to get advice early while evidence is fresh.
Who is responsible — the shop or the shopping centre?+
It depends on where you were injured. Inside an individual store, the retailer is usually responsible; in shared areas such as walkways, food courts, escalators or car parks, liability often sits with the centre's management company. We investigate the layout and contracts to identify the correct defendant and their public liability insurer.
What should I do straight after a shopping accident?+
Report it to a manager and make sure it's recorded in the accident book, and ask for a copy. Take photos of the hazard before it's cleared, note the time and location, get details of any witnesses, and seek medical attention. These steps make a big difference to the strength of your claim.
How much compensation could I receive?+
Every case is different. Compensation reflects the severity of your injury (guided by the Judicial College Guidelines) plus financial losses like lost earnings, care and treatment. A broken wrist sits in a very different band to a minor sprain — our solicitors will give you a realistic estimate once they've reviewed your case. Figures quoted are illustrative only.
Will I have to go to court?+
Most shopping accident claims settle through negotiation with the insurer and never reach a courtroom. If court does become necessary, we'll prepare and support you at every step. Many claims are resolved within months, though more serious injuries can take longer.
FREE CLAIM CHECK
See if you can claim in 60 seconds
