Whether you are a customer or a member of staff, an accident in a supermarket is never an expected turn of events. Unfortunately, there are some scenarios where an accident in a Waitrose supermarket could be no-one’s fault. However, if someone who owed you a duty of care has breached their obligations, it could inflict injury or harm that could have potentially been avoided. If that is the case, you might be searching for a solicitor that could handle your personal injury claim against Waitrose.
Here at Legal Helpline, we understand that the claims process could appear complex, which is why we are here to help. Within this online guide, we shall discuss how an accident in a Waitrose supermarket could be caused by negligence. This online guide will also outline how our panel of specialist solicitors could be of assistance to those that have been injured by a negligent third party. If when reading this guide you have a query not covered, or would like to proceed with a claim, please contact a member of our team using the number at the top of this page. One of our friendly advisors can offer free, no strings attached legal advice and help you to begin your claim.
Jump To A Section
- A Guide To Claiming For An Accident In A Waitrose Supermarket
- What Are Accident Claims Against Waitrose?
- What Accidents In A Supermarket Could Cause Injuries?
- Injuries Caused By Trips And Falls In A Supermarket
- Supermarket Roll Cage And Trolley Accidents
- Injuries Caused By Being Hit By A Falling Object
- Cleaning Product Or Food Allergy Claims
- Claim For A Supermarket Workplace Accident
- Other Potential Causes Of Accidents In A Supermarket
- Health And Safety Factors For Supermarkets
- What Could A Victim Of An Accident In A Waitrose Supermarket Claim?
- Compensation Calculator For An Accident In A Waitrose Supermarket
- No Win, No Fee Personal Injury Claims Against Waitrose
- How To Make A Claim For Injuries In A Supermarket
- Contact Us To Start Your Claim
- Supporting Information
A Guide To Claiming For An Accident In A Waitrose Supermarket
Whether you are a regular customer doing a weekly shop or an employee working a shift, an accident in a Waitrose supermarket is never an expected or welcome turn of events. Although there are some scenarios where a supermarket accident could be an unfortunate twist of fate, there are some situations where a negligent third party could be at fault. Within this online guide, we shall discuss how our panel of solicitors could support those that have been injured by a negligent third party. This online guide will outline how supermarket accidents could be caused by third-party negligence and how our panel of solicitors could be of assistance. Some of the questions we shall answer include:
- How could a third party’s negligence cause an accident at a supermarket?
- What types of accidents occur at a supermarket?
- What is a personal injury claim?
- What is a personal injury claims calculator?
- What is a No Win, No Fee agreement and could I be eligible for one?
- How could Legal Helpline assist me when pursuing a supermarket claim for compensation
Before we delve into the contents of this online guide, you should be aware of the personal injury claims time limit. From the date of the accident, you have just three years to begin your claim for compensation. Once the time limit has run its course, it restricts your ability to claim. However, there are exceptional circumstances where the time limit could be extended or begins at a later date. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, we would always recommend that you speak with a legal professional about your ability to claim. Call us using the number at the top of this page to find out more.
What Are Accident Claims Against Waitrose?
You might be wondering what is meant by an accident claim made against Waitrose, which is a justified question to ask. In simple terms, a personal injury claim against Waitrose would be made if a person was injured or harmed due to the negligence of the supermarket. When a third party doesn’t comply with the health and safety standards outlined within the law, like the Occupiers Liability Act 1984, it could create hazardous and dangerous situations.
When a third party breaches their duty of care, it places both customers and employees in a position where injury and harm could occur. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers like Waitrose have a duty of care to anyone that visits their premises. If you have been injured at a supermarket due to negligence, you could have grounds to claim compensation.
What Accidents In A Supermarket Could Cause Injuries
Unfortunately, there are various ways in which an accident in a Waitrose supermarket could occur. For example, if a third party has neglected their duty of care, it could result in accidents such as:
- Slip, Trips, and Falls
- Injuries by Falling Objects
- Food Poisoning
- Allergic Reactions
- Roll Cage and Trolley Accidents
- Electrocution
- Damage due to Equipment Malfunction
Injuries Caused By Trips And Falls In A Supermarket
Many factors could contribute to a slip and trip accident in a supermarket, from spillages, misplaced items, to unsuitable flooring. However, supermarkets like Waitrose should perform measures that reduce the threat of slips and trips, such as routine inspections and risk assessments. This obligation not only applies to the safety of the customers but also employees.
Following the steps that have been provided by the HSE could ensure a safe working and shopping environment. According to the HSE, there are three common causes of slip and trip-related accidents, which includes obstacles in walkways, poor housekeeping, and inadequate design and maintenance. As mentioned above, to prevent incidents of this nature from occurring, supermarkets could perform routine inspections, risk assessments, and uphold a high standard of housekeeping. But in the event a third party like Waitrose does not perform these practical tasks, it could create hazards and risks that could inflict injury and harm onto an employee or a customer.
Supermarket Roll Cage And Trolley Accidents
If you have been injured by a trolley or roll cage, you could experience injuries that range from minor to severe. If another customer hits you with their shopping trolley, it would be difficult to pursue a claim against them as they do not owe you a duty of care. The matter may be different if there was a fault with the trolley that should have been picked up by the supermarket. If an employee at Waitrose inflicted an injury of this nature, however, you could potentially have grounds to claim compensation. Unlike a random customer, an employee at a supermarket like Waitrose owes a duty of care. So in the event, an employee causes you to experience harm, you could have grounds to make a personal injury claim against Waitrose.
Injuries Caused By Being Hit By A Falling Object
A falling object from a shelving unit in a supermarket could cause head trauma. To prevent incidents of this nature from occurring, employers like Waitrose should provide appropriate training to their employees that teaches them the correct stacking techniques. A failure to perform this essential obligation could lead to an employee improperly stacking an item, causing it to fall and injure a customer. This could make the supermarket liable for neglecting to train the employee appropriately. So in the event you or a loved one has been struck by an object in a supermarket and have been injured, you could potentially have grounds to claim compensation.
Cleaning Product Or Food Allergy Claims
As a business, supermarkets are required to uphold the requirements outlined by the Food Standard Agency (FSC) in respect of allergens. According to the FSC, companies that sell food that is unpackaged, pre-packaged, or freshly made should be aware of the common food allergens and the importance of correct labelling. The EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU FIC) also legislates on this point. The typical food allergens that supermarkets should be aware of include:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Soya
- Wheat
- Peanuts
- Mustard
- Sesame Seeds
If a supermarket like Waitrose were to breach this crucial obligation, it could cause a customer to have an allergic reaction that could have a severe outcome. In the event you or a loved one have been affected by an allergic reaction and wish to make a claim, please contact a member of our team today. They can discuss your potential claim in greater length and outline whether or not you have valid grounds to claim.
Claim For A Supermarket Workplace Accident
According to the HSE, 1.4 million people between the years 2017 and 2018 suffered from work-related injuries and illnesses. Although there are some situations where an accident could be a blameless event, if an employer were to neglect their duty of care, it could cause a workplace accident to occur. In the event you have been injured at your place of work, it is more than understandable to be unsure of what steps to take and whether or not you should make a claim. Thankfully, Citizen’s Advice has provided some steps that could be extremely useful. These steps include:
- Seeking medical attention
- Reporting the incident to your employer
- Ensuring the event has been logged in the accident workbook
- Take photographic evidence
- Obtain contact details of any witnesses of the incident
- Write down and make detailed notes
In respect of making a claim against an employer, legally they must have employers’ liability insurance in place to cover both themselves and you in the event of an accident. An employer cannot sack you for claiming, and if they do, you may be able to pursue a separate claim for unfair dismissal.
Other Potential Causes Of Accidents In A Supermarket
Another way you could be injured in a Waitrose supermarket is due to a lack of maintenance. In some supermarkets, they will provide electrical equipment like lifts and escalators. This equipment is for customers to use, and in many cases, it has been provided to allow those with disabilities access to different levels of the store.
When using this equipment, the supermarket must ensure your safety and well-being isn’t under any form of threat. To ensure your safety, the supermarket should perform regular inspections and implement maintenance if and when required. A failure to do so could cause the equipment to become faulty or hazardous, placing customers and, in some cases members of staff, in dangerous situations. In the event you have been injured due to a lack of maintenance, a solicitor from our panel could potentially assist you when making an accident in a supermarket claim.
Health And Safety Factors For Supermarkets
There are simple tasks that supermarkets could perform to create a safe and hazard-free space for both employers and customers. From risk assessments, routine inspections and regular housekeeping, these measures are cost-effective, simple, and could highlight hazardous causes ahead of time. But in the event a supermarket like Waitrose fails to comply and uphold a hazard-free environment, this could be considered a breach of the Occupier Liability Act 1984. Within the act, it states that a duty of care is owed to those who visit a business’s premise.
What Could A Victim Of An Accident In A Waitrose Supermarket Claim?
If you have been involved in an accident in a Waitrose supermarket, you might be wondering what you could claim for. An accident could inflict a variety of physical psychological and financial harm. Therefore, a compensation package may consist of two heads of claim: general damages and special damages. To explain the difference between general and special damages, we have provided some definitions and examples down below.
General Damages – General damages are designed to compensate you for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity inflicted by the injury. t. The severity of the injuries could determine the amount of compensation awarded.
Special Damages – Special damages are intended to compensate you for any financial losses or expenses incurred as a direct result of the injury. After an accident, you could experience financial loss in a variety of ways, such as:
- The Loss of Income- After an accident, you might require time off from work to heal and recover. Although you could be eligible to claim Statutory Sick Pay, the amount you could be entitled to could be significantly less than your regular income, resulting in a loss of potential earnings. If that is the case, the loss of potential earnings could be taken into consideration.
- Medical Expenses – After an accident, you might require medical treatment to ease the pain and suffering you’ve endured. If you need medical treatment that isn’t covered by the NHS, you may have had to fund your treatment personally. The cost of medical expenses could be factored into your overall claim.
- Aftercare Equipment – After an accident, you might require the support of a carer or specific equipment to adjust to life with your injuries. The cost of these expenses could be factored into your claim for compensation.
Compensation Calculator For An Accident In A Waitrose Supermarket
Some individuals that pursue a claim for compensation might use tools like personal injury claims calculators to get an estimated compensation amount. Here at Legal Helpline, we have decided to provide a table instead of a calculator. Within the table, it outlines different injuries, the severity of each injury, and the compensation awarded. These figures are based on the Judicial College Guidelines, a legal publication used by solicitors and the courts to value claims. The figures within the table might not apply to your claim, as every claim for compensation is unique to the circumstances at hand. For a more specific valuation, you can call our team of advisors using the number at the top of this page.
| Injury | The Severity of the Injury | Awarded Compensation | Injury Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Minor | £3,710 to £7,680 | An injury of this nature is often expected to make a full recovery within a two tear time frame. However, the affianced individual could display symptoms beyond this time frame. |
| PTSD | Severe | £56,180 to £94,470 | Severe cases of PTSD are often expected to have a life-long affect. Not only will it limit the affected individuals ability to work, but they will never return to the pre-trauma state of mind. |
| Ankle | Minor | Up to £12,900 | A minor ankle injury is expected to involve some minor fractures, bruising, and injures that will heal over time. |
| Ankle Injury | Severe | £46,980 to £65,420 | Severe ankle injuries are often expected to have a life-long affect, deformity, and in extreme cases, could require amputation. |
| Leg Injury | Moderate | £91,950 to £124,800 | Compensation of this level would be awarded to those that experience a straightforward case of below the knee amputation with no complications. |
| Leg Injury | Severe | £225,960 to £264,650 | An injury of this nature is often awarded to those that lose both of their legs above the nee. The level of awarded will be determined by factors such as phantom pains, complications, and psychological trauma. |
| Head Trauma | Minor | £14,380 to £40,410 | Head trauma is of a minor level is expected to show symptoms such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating. However, the affected individual will be able to participate in every day actives. |
| Head Trauma | Severe | £264,650 to £379,100 | Severe cases of head trauma will have a life-altering effect. The individual will lose mobility, communication, and will require around the clock care. |
No Win, No Fee Personal Injury Claims Against Waitrose
If you have valid grounds to make a claim, a solicitor from our panel could offer to handle your case under a No Win, No Fee agreement. An arrangement of this nature reduces the threat to your finances and gives you the confidence to pursue justice. You will not have to pay any fees upfront or during the claim and if the case does not succeed, you will not have to pay any of the fees your solicitor has incurred in pursuing your case.
In the event your solicitor is successful, they may seek a small contribution toward their costs. This contribution is known as a success fee and would be deducted from the compensation awarded at the end of the claim. Don’t worry, success fees are legally capped and will be set out in clear terms at the beginning of the claim. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.
How To Make A Claim For Injuries In A Supermarket
If you have been injured in a Waitrose supermarket due to negligence, you could be searching for a solicitor that could handle your potential claim. Here at Legal Helpline, we could connect those with a valid claim to a specialist solicitor from our panel. With 30 years’ experience, our panel of solicitors are well-versed in personal injury law and could offer legal advice and support where applicable. They’ll fight to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible and will keep you fully updated every step of the way. So if you’ve been injured in a Waitrose supermarket, why not contact a member of our team?
Contact Us To Start Your Claim
If you wish to begin your claim, why not contact a member of our team? Our friendly advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call, answer any questions that you might have and offer free, no-obligation legal advice. Alternatively, you could enquire through our online form. Once filled out and submitted, a member of our team will review your inquiry and contact you at a time that suits you.
If you wish to speak with an advisor about your potential claim, the number to call is 0161 696 9685.
If you wish to enquire online about your potential claim, please click here.
Supporting Information
We hope that this guide has given you helpful information about how a supermarket accident could be caused by third-party negligence. In addition to this guide, we have provided some additional materials we believe could be of use.
Head Injury Claim – Could I make a claim on behalf of a loved one?
Foot Injury Claims – What action should I take after a foot injury?
Scarring – Could I have grounds to make a claim for scarring?
Guide by MN
Edited by REG