Supermarket & Retail Falls

Supermarket and retail slip and fall claims are among the most common occupiers' liability claims. They arise when retailers fail to maintain safe conditions for shoppers, resulting in injury from hazards like spillages, wet floors, trailing cables, uneven surfaces, and obstacles in aisles.

Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, retailers owe a duty to ensure that visitors are reasonably safe. This means having adequate cleaning schedules, prompt spillage response procedures, proper warning signage, and regular floor inspections. Many retailers operate documented cleaning regimes (e.g., hourly checks) — failure to follow these procedures is strong evidence of negligence.

CCTV footage is often the most critical evidence, showing how long a hazard existed before the accident, whether staff walked past without acting, and the circumstances of the fall. Accident book entries, incident reports, and witness statements also support claims. Retailers must preserve CCTV footage when notified of a potential claim.

Compensation for retail slips and falls depends on injury severity. Minor injuries (bruising, sprains) typically settle for £2,000 to £10,000. Moderate injuries (broken wrist, ankle fracture) range from £10,000 to £50,000. Serious injuries (hip fracture in elderly claimant, head injury) can reach £50,000 to £250,000. The limitation period is 3 years.