Supermarkets can be one of those places where we end up spending a lot of our time. That is why it is so important that they are a safe environment for us to shop in, whether it is with children in tow or on our own. For the majority of people, shopping in the local supermarket goes by uneventfully – but for the small minority, accidents can happen. If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, then you may have a claim for compensation.
Supermarkets like anywhere else have a duty to protect their customers as far as is reasonably possible from harm. They must abide by strict health and safety standards and ensure that all the staff are also trained in maintaining these high standards.
You may feel that bringing a claim against a huge corporation such as a supermarket will be too difficult, costly, and time consuming to do; however, this simply may not be the case. All claims, whether they are against one person or a huge corporation, run in the same manner, and if you get the right solicitor on board, there should be no costs at all for you to bear.
This being said, there are a few things which you can do to strengthen your claim:
- Report the accident to a member of staff as it is usually the case that an accident book form will need to be filled out. Make sure that the details you report are as accurate and as full as possible, and make sure that these details are then recorded by the member of staff accurately as an accident record can be used as evidence for or against your case. You should always obtain a copy for yourself.
- Seek medical assistance – this not only allows the medic to assist with your injuries but also to make a record of both the accident and your subsequent injuries in your medical notes.
- Check for witnesses – if witnesses are present, it is a good idea to get their contact details as their evidence may later be needed in your personal injury claim.
- Seek the assistance of a specialist personal injury lawyer – it is advisable this is done as soon as possible after your accident, whilst the events are fresh in your mind. Make sure to research the firm fully and contact then directly – I say this as there are many referral agents out there who act as middlemen by selling on your claim to law firms. The law firm they sell your claim to may not be the firm that will give you the best service, but the firm who has paid most for your claim.
If you have any further questions regarding your accident in a supermarket, please feel free to give us a call.
