Visiting a supermarket in Stockport is something most people do regularly without giving much thought to their safety. However, accidents such as slips, trips, and falls can and do happen, sometimes leaving shoppers with painful injuries that disrupt daily life. If you have suffered an accident in a Stockport supermarket, you may be wondering when you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Understanding your rights and the circumstances under which a claim can be made is important. With the right legal guidance, you can take steps to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, loss of income, or ongoing care needs.
Common causes of slips, trips, and falls in supermarkets
Supermarkets in Stockport, like those elsewhere, are busy public spaces. The combination of high foot traffic, stock being moved around, and varying floor surfaces can create hazards if they are not properly managed. Some of the most common causes of supermarket accidents include:
- Spilt liquids or food left unattended
- Recently mopped or polished floors without warning signs
- Items or packaging left in aisles
- Poorly maintained flooring, such as loose tiles or uneven surfaces
- Faulty mats near entrances, especially in wet weather
While accidents do happen, supermarkets and their staff have a duty to take reasonable care to ensure the premises are safe for customers. If they fail in this duty and you are injured as a result, you may be able to make a claim.
Who is responsible for supermarket safety?
Supermarket operators are responsible for ensuring their stores are reasonably safe. This responsibility is not limited to the shop floor; it also covers areas such as car parks, entranceways, and loading bays where customers might walk.
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, businesses have a duty of care to visitors. This means supermarkets must:
- Carry out regular inspections to spot hazards
- Clean up spillages within a reasonable timeframe
- Place warning signs where risks cannot be immediately eliminated
- Ensure staff are trained to respond quickly to hazards
- Keep walkways and aisles free from obstruction
When these duties are neglected and a shopper suffers harm, the supermarket could be held liable.
Proving liability in a Stockport supermarket claim
One of the main challenges in slip, trip, and fall cases is proving that the supermarket was at fault. To succeed with a claim, evidence is crucial. Useful types of evidence include:
- Photographs of the hazard that caused the accident
- CCTV footage showing the incident or the area beforehand
- Witness statements from other shoppers or staff
- Accident book entries completed at the time
- Medical reports outlining the nature of your injuries
A solicitor with experience in personal injury cases can help gather and present this evidence effectively to demonstrate liability.
Types of injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls
Supermarket accidents can lead to a range of injuries, some minor and others more serious. Common examples include:
- Sprains and strains caused by awkward falls
- Fractures, particularly to wrists, arms, and hips
- Cuts and bruises from contact with shelving or flooring
- Head injuries, ranging from mild concussion to more severe trauma
- Long-term mobility issues, especially in older adults
Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into longer-term issues. That is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
How much compensation could you receive?
The amount of compensation available depends on the severity of the injury and the financial impact it has had on your life. Factors considered include:
- The level of pain and suffering experienced
- Time taken to recover or whether there are lasting effects
- Loss of earnings if you have been unable to work
- Cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, or specialist equipment
- The effect of the injury on your day-to-day activities
Every case is unique, and compensation is calculated based on the specific circumstances of your accident.
Time limits for making a claim
If you were injured in a supermarket accident in Stockport, you typically have three years from the date of the incident to start your claim. There are some exceptions, such as when the injured party is under 18 or when the injury has only become apparent at a later stage.
Because evidence can be harder to gather as time passes, it is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
The role of a Stockport personal injury solicitor
Having a local solicitor who understands personal injury law can make a significant difference. A solicitor will:
- Assess the strength of your case
- Gather and organise supporting evidence
- Negotiate with the supermarket’s insurers on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
By having an experienced legal team supporting you, the process of making a claim becomes more straightforward and less stressful.
FAQs
Can I claim if I did not report the accident at the time?
Yes, you may still be able to claim even if you did not report the accident immediately. However, reporting the incident helps create an official record, so it is recommended wherever possible. Evidence such as witness statements or medical records can still be used.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be able to claim compensation if the supermarket was also at fault. In such cases, the compensation might be reduced to reflect shared responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence.
Speak to Marley Solicitors about your Stockport supermarket accident
If you have been injured in a slip, trip, or fall in a Stockport supermarket, you do not need to face the claims process alone. At Marley Solicitors, we can provide clear advice tailored to your situation and guide you through every stage of your case.
Our team has experience helping people in Stockport and across Greater Manchester secure the compensation they deserve after supermarket accidents. Contact us today to discuss your case in confidence and take the first step towards your recovery.
