What types of supermarket accident can I claim for?

You can claim for any accident caused by the supermarket's failure to keep the premises reasonably safe. Common claims arise from slips on wet or contaminated floors, trips on uneven surfaces, objects falling from shelves, accidents involving trolleys, and poor lighting.

The supermarket put up a wet floor sign — can I still claim?

Not automatically. A warning sign placed before the hazard arose may be a valid defence, but a sign put out after you slipped, or one placed so that it did not adequately draw your attention to the precise hazard, may not be sufficient to defeat your claim. We can assess the specific circumstances.

How do I prove the floor was wet?

CCTV footage is the most powerful evidence. Request it from the supermarket in writing as soon as possible — it is often overwritten within 30 days. Witness evidence, your own contemporaneous photographs and the accident record kept by the store can all help establish what happened.

Will the supermarket try to say it was my fault?

Supermarkets frequently defend claims by alleging the customer was not paying attention. However, an occupier cannot simply shift the blame onto a visitor. If the hazard was present and the supermarket failed to clear it or warn of it adequately, it is likely to bear some or all of the liability.

How long do I have to make a supermarket accident claim?

Three years from the date of the accident in most cases.

What compensation can I claim for a supermarket accident?

General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injuries, plus special damages for financial losses including lost earnings, medical costs, physiotherapy, care and travel.

Supermarket Accident Claims — Compensation

Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors

If you were injured in a supermarket due to the store's failure to keep its premises reasonably safe, you may be entitled to compensation. EA Personal Injury Solicitors handles supermarket accident claims on a no win, no fee basis — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.

TL;DR — Quick Summary

Key Points

Supermarkets owe customers a duty of care under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957
CCTV evidence is crucial — request it from the store in writing immediately
Report the accident in the store's accident book before you leave
Three-year time limit from the date of the accident
No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation

Supermarket Duty of Care

Supermarkets are commercial premises that invite the public to shop. As occupiers of those premises, they owe every customer a statutory duty of care under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 to take such care as is reasonable to ensure visitors are reasonably safe. This requires supermarkets to have proper systems in place for inspecting and maintaining their premises, clearing up hazards promptly and warning customers of dangers that cannot immediately be removed.

Large supermarkets are sophisticated businesses with significant resources and experience in defending accident claims. They typically have legal teams and insurers who will investigate and often contest your claim. Having an experienced solicitor on your side is important to ensure your claim is handled effectively.

Common Types of Supermarket Accident

Slips on wet or contaminated floors — the most common cause of supermarket accidents, arising from spilled products, cleaning operations or water tracked in from outside
Trips on uneven floors, raised thresholds or damaged flooring
Objects falling from shelving — improperly stacked products or shelving failures
Trolley accidents — defective trolleys or trolleys left in areas where they create hazards
Car park accidents — slips, trips or vehicle collisions in the supermarket car park
Inadequate lighting — particularly in car parks or storage areas
Refrigeration leaks — condensation creating wet floors near chiller cabinets

Steps to Take After a Supermarket Accident

Report the accident to the store manager and ensure an accident report is completed in the store's accident book
Photograph the hazard that caused your accident before it is cleaned up or removed
Photograph your injuries
Note the names and contact details of any witnesses
Write to the store requesting preservation of CCTV footage covering the incident
Seek medical attention and keep all records
Contact a solicitor as soon as possible

How Supermarkets Defend Claims

Supermarkets typically maintain detailed inspection and cleaning records, which they will use to argue they had a reasonable system in place. They may also argue the hazard had only just arisen (the "transient hazard" defence) or that you were not taking adequate care. Your solicitor will examine these arguments and gather evidence to challenge them — for example by analysing CCTV to show the spill had been present for some time before the accident, or that staff walked past the hazard without addressing it.

What Compensation Can Cover

Supermarket accident compensation includes general damages for your pain, suffering and loss of amenity, and special damages for financial losses including lost earnings, medical costs, physiotherapy, care provided at home and travel to appointments. Even relatively minor fractures can result in several weeks off work and significant pain, justifying meaningful compensation.

No Win, No Fee Supermarket Accident Claims

We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. You pay nothing if your claim fails. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation. We explain all costs clearly before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

EA Personal Injury Solicitors

SRA Regulated · SRA No. 800525 · Edward and Amaury Limited

This content has been prepared by qualified legal professionals. It is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.