Supermarket Accident Claims

According to recent statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a large percentage of supermarket accident claims involved serious injuries. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common types of supermarket accidents reported. This type of accident can be serious and the statistics showed that 95% resulting in broken bones. Due to these inherent risks, the HSE has placed health and safety guidelines on supermarket business owners to reduce the amount of risk.

Supermarkets are considered high traffic businesses and the owners of such a business hold a legal responsibility to keep their market operating in a safe manner. It can be considered negligence if a supermarket owner or staff have failed to adhere to the health and safety guidelines set out by the HSE. If you were injured because a supermarket failed to keep their business operating in a safe manner, you are eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.

What To Do If You are Involved in a Supermarket Accident?
If you are involved in a supermarket accident, it is important to start gathering evidence immediately. Don’t worry if if you have not as this is something we can sort out for you. However, if you can then the more prepared you are then the faster we can get the ball rolling with your claim. The moments following a supermarket accident can be critical in proving the other party is at fault. Be sure to get any witnesses’ contact information. You may need them to speak on your behalf if your claim is disputed.

What are the Legal Responsibilities of Supermarkets?
Supermarkets must adhere to the health and safety regulations put in place by the Health and safety Executive. Specifically, the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 dictates that all business locations must operate in a reasonably serious manner that does not put employees or visitors at risk. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires that all employers identify, manage, and mitigate all risks to their employees. These responsibilities include training employees in the correct health and safety procedures to follow to prevent hazardous conditions. This training must also include how to deal with hazardous conditions when they occur.

For example, let’s say Kevin is out shopping with his family at their local supermarket when he suddenly slips and is seriously injured. Upon further investigation, it is determined that a can that had fallen from the shelving is what caused the accident. This can be considered negligence on the part of the supermarket because they are responsible for keeping their walkways free and clear of debris. Supermarket employees should fully understand the dangers this situation poses and they should be regularly monitoring the walkways to avoid this scenario from occurring.

What if I am a Supermarket Employee?
A large number of supermarket accident claims involve employees. Lodging a claim against your employer should never be a problem as they have been paying insurance premiums for years to cover any such accidents. Your employer should want you to receive the necessary medical attention you need in order to heal properly. Some people can feel awkward or mixed feelings about lodging a claim against their employer. Remember, it is not your employer but rather their insurance company that pays your claim. In fact, the only people who benefit from you not lodging a claim is the greedy insurance companies that get to keep their premiums without recourse. Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd understands the sensitivity in which your claim must be handled and we are dedicated to providing you with the expert advice you are seeking.

How is the Total Amount of My Compensation Determined?
Your compensation will be determined by the court after reviewing your losses and the severity of your injuries. The Judicial College Guidelines may be referenced to give your injuries a relative compensation value. Your losses will be broken into two types.

Special Damages​ – Financial losses are considered special damages. This will include lost wages, loss of employment, medical bills, property damage, and any other financial loss you accrued because of your accident. Special damages are easier to determine as they are usually accompanied by documentation, such as receipts as proof of their existence.

General Damages​ – Non-economic losses are considered general damages. This can be a bit more difficult to determine the amount of loss experienced. Lost mobility, quality of life, emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering are all examples of commonly claimed general damages.

How a Claim Specialist Can Help You Secure Compensation
Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can guide you on the most effective compensation strategy to follow. We understand the claims process and we can provide you with the timely advice you need to maximise your compensation.

Start your Claim​
Contact us to start your claim today. Your claim will be assigned an individual claim specialist who will give you a straightforward assessment of your claims.