Supermarket pay for their failure to protect shoppers

January 2011

Fallen fresh fruit and vegetables, spilt dairy products or sauces are just some of the hazards that the staff in a supermarket need to keep an eye out for to protect their shoppers from slips and trips, under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957.

In November 2010, whilst out shopping at one of the leading supermarket chains with his family a young man slipped on some squashed grapes. Falling heavily onto the floor, he badly injured his back.

The accident was reported to the supermarket management team and reported in their accident book, which is the proper procedure, before he was taken into hospital. The injuries were severe enough to require a course of physiotherapy.

The young man approached Bartletts Solicitors to see if he was entitled to compensation for this injury. When we contacted the supermarket on his behalf, the management initially tried to claim that they were not at fault because they had in place an adequate system of cleaning and inspection. However, when we asked for proof of such a system in terms of documentation, they were unable to provide any evidence that the necessary care had indeed been taken.

The supermarket then had to admit that they were at fault for the injury and our client successfully claimed compensation.