WHAT IS A SUPERMARKET ACCIDENT CLAIM?
When a routine shop ends in injury, the law expects the store to have kept you safe.
A supermarket accident claim is a personal injury claim against a store that failed to keep its premises reasonably safe for shoppers. Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, supermarkets owe you a duty of care: that means proper cleaning routines, regular floor inspections, safely stacked shelves and prompt warnings about hazards. When that system breaks down and you're hurt, the store's public liability insurer is usually the one who pays.
If you've been injured, it's worth checking what your claim could be worth using our personal injury claim calculator. Because a store is a place the public is invited into, this sits under the wider area of an accident in a public place — and we'll talk you through whether the supermarket was genuinely at fault before you commit to anything.
What you can claim for
Slips on spillages
Yoghurt, milk, oil, melted ice or a leaking freezer left on the floor with no warning sign and no recent clean.
Falling items
Stock that's badly stacked or overloaded on high shelves and tumbles onto you as you reach or pass.
Trolley injuries
Faulty, runaway or poorly stored trolleys, and stray cages or pallets blocking the aisles.
Faulty doors
Automatic doors that close too fast or malfunction, trapping fingers, hands or feet.
Trip hazards
Loose mats, torn flooring, trailing cables, kerbs and uneven surfaces in the store or car park.
Financial losses
Lost earnings, travel, prescriptions, care and treatment costs — alongside compensation for your injury.
You may have a claim if…
Your accident happened in the last 3 years (different rules apply for children and those who lack capacity)
The supermarket was at fault — for example a missed clean, an unsafe display or a hazard left unguarded
You suffered an injury, however large or small, that needed treatment or affected your daily life
You have some way to show what happened — photos, the accident book entry, CCTV or a witness
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 gather evidence
We request CCTV, the accident report, cleaning and inspection records, witness accounts and medical evidence.
03
We build your case
We value your claim fairly and put it to the supermarket's insurer, handling all the back-and-forth for you.
04
You're compensated
Most claims settle without going to court. You receive your compensation and pay nothing if we don't win.
Supermarket accident claim FAQs
Can I make a supermarket accident claim on a No Win No Fee basis?+
Yes. We run supermarket accident claims under a No Win No Fee agreement (a Conditional Fee Agreement), so there's nothing to pay up front and nothing to pay 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 claims. We'll explain the figures in plain terms before you sign anything.
How long do I have to claim after a supermarket accident?+
In England and Wales you generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are important exceptions: for children the 3 years runs from their 18th birthday, and for someone who lacks mental capacity the time limit may not run at all. It's always best to get advice early while evidence like CCTV still exists.
What evidence helps a supermarket accident claim, and how do I get the CCTV?+
Strong evidence makes all the difference. Photos of the hazard, the accident book entry, the names of any witnesses, your receipt to prove you were there, and a record of your injuries all help. CCTV is often the key piece — but stores routinely overwrite footage within weeks, so we move quickly to formally request it on your behalf before it's lost.
How much is my supermarket accident claim worth?+
It depends on how serious your injury is and the financial losses it caused, such as lost earnings and treatment. As a rough guide, a minor wrist sprain might fall in the low thousands while a fracture needing surgery could be considerably more. Every case is different, so these figures are illustrative only — we'll give you a realistic estimate once we understand your injuries. (Figures should be reviewed against the latest Judicial College Guidelines.)
Should I report the accident to the supermarket?+
Yes, always. Ask staff to record it in the accident book and request a copy, or note the time, date and who you spoke to. Reporting it creates an official record that the incident happened and when — which is valuable later. If you didn't report it at the time, don't worry; you may still have a valid claim, so it's worth talking to us.
Do I have to go to court to claim against a supermarket?+
Almost certainly not. The vast majority of supermarket accident claims are settled by negotiation with the store's insurer and never reach a courtroom. Court is a last resort if the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, and even then your solicitor handles the process for you.
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