A simple shopping trip should not end in injury. But if you have been hurt in a store, whether from a wet floor, broken shelves, or poor maintenance, shop injury claims are designed to help you recover fair compensation.
When a retailer fails to maintain a safe environment, injured customers can file shop injury claims. In the UK, these incidents fall under public liability law, where proving negligence is key.
As of March 2023, approximately 58,933 public liability claims were registered with the UK’s Compensation Recovery Unit.
Retail environments accounted for a significant number of these incidents. Slips, trips, and falls remain the leading cause of serious injuries in the sector, making shop floors particularly hazardous.
shop floors particularly hazardous.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how liability is determined, what evidence matters most, what compensation you may be entitled to, and how Claim Time Solicitors can support you every step of the way. If you were injured in a store through no fault of your own, this blog has the answers.
Understanding shop injury claims: What are they?
A shop injury claim is a legal process in which a customer seeks compensation after being injured on a store’s premises due to unsafe conditions. These claims fall under public liability law, which holds businesses accountable when they breach their duty of care.
All businesses, including big-box stores, independent boutiques, and high street merchants, are required by law to make sure their spaces are secure for customers.
Common examples include:
- Slips and trips due to unmarked spills or uneven flooring
- Falling stock from shelves or displays
- Barriers in aisles or walkways
- Visibility hazards due to inadequate lighting
- Poor signage while cleaning or performing maintenance
Claiming compensation for a shop accident is not only your right but also a means of holding companies responsible if the injury could have been avoided with reasonable care.
Proving negligence in shop injury claims: The legal backbone of your case
To win a shop injury claim, you must prove the retailer or their staff acted negligently. That means showing that:
- The shop owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
- That breach directly caused your injury.
What counts as negligence in shop injury claims?
- Wet floors without warning signs
- Unattended hazards, like trailing wires or loose carpeting
- Neglected maintenance, such as faulty handrails or broken tiles
- Poor staff training, resulting in dangerous setups or ignored risks
Your personal injury solicitor will help gather key pieces of evidence to support your case, such as CCTV footage, incident reports, witness statements, and medical records. Working with seasoned professionals like us is crucial in this situation because they are aware of what to look for and how to construct a rock-solid case.
What types of injuries are covered in shop injury claims?
A claim may be made for any harm brought on by a store’s negligence in keeping a safe environment. Although each case is different, common shop injury claims include:
- Sprains, fractures, or breaks from slips or trips
- Head injuries caused by sharp edges or falling objects
- Back or neck strain from sudden impact
- Cuts and wounds from broken displays or glass
- Psychological distress after more serious incidents
Legal liability: Who’s responsible?
You might assume it’s the store owner, but legal liability in shop injury claims can depend on various factors.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Retail business operators (for negligence in training or upkeep)
- Property management companies (if maintenance was outsourced)
- Cleaning contractors (if spills were left unattended)
- Shop employees (if they created or ignored hazards)
According to the UK’s Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, whoever is in charge of the property must make sure that legitimate guests are kept reasonably safe. Based on the facts, your lawyer will decide who should be held responsible.
To make sure your claim doesn’t get lost, we at Claim Time Solicitors go above and beyond to find the right party responsible.
The claims process: What to expect from start to finish
Bringing a shop injury claim might feel daunting, but with the right legal team, it’s a straightforward process:
In detail:
- Initial consultation: Speak to us for a free, no-obligation review of your case.
- Evidence collection: We assist in securing CCTV, medical reports, witness accounts, and more
- Letter of claim: Sent to the liable party detailing your case and the basis for your compensation.
- Negotiation phase: Many cases settle out of court, with insurers offering a settlement.
- Court proceedings (if required): If no fair offer is made, we will represent you in court.
The majority of customer injury in retail store claims are resolved without a trial, but we are prepared for every outcome.
How much compensation could you receive?
The award sum is determined by:
- Severity of the injury
- Impact on your daily life or ability to work
- Cost of medical treatment or care
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses
A minor ankle sprain, for instance, could range between £1,000 and £2,500, but a serious back injury could result in over £10,000. The numbers increase dramatically when future care expenses or lost wages are included.
Claim Time Solicitors always aim to secure maximum compensation, not just a quick settlement.
I didn’t report the accident at the time, can I still claim?
It is a common concern. Although having an official record is preferable, you can still do it. In the absence of an accident log, our staff will search for:
- CCTV footage
- Pictures of the scene
- Witnesses
- Your visit to the hospital or doctor, soon after the incident
Given that the UK has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, it’s worthwhile to consult with us at Claim Time Solicitors even if your fall occurred months ago.
Why choose Claim Time Solicitors?
We know that making a shop injury claim can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Here’s why so many people trust us with their claim:
- No-win, no-fee: so you don’t pay a penny unless we win your case
- Friendly, straightforward guidance: no legal jargon
- Fighting for full compensation: because you deserve more than just “enough”
- Personal service: For us, you aren’t just another case number
We are here to help you get what you are entitled to, regardless of whether you slipped, tripped, or suffered injuries as a result of subpar safety regulations.
Hold shops accountable, claim what you deserve
Retail injuries can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical, mental, and financial well-being. However, you don’t have to endure your suffering in silence. You can pursue a shop injury claim and get the money you are entitled to with the correct legal assistance.
Ready to take the next step?
You have lived it. You know the damage it’s caused.
Now it’s time to get back on your feet.
Call us on 0800 970 2727 or request a free call-back and let Claim Time Solicitors fight for the compensation you are owed.
You slipped through the cracks, now it’s time to turn that fall into a stand.
