Shopping has become part of our everyday lifestyle. Times have changed since the shops specialised in a particular product or item. These days most of our shopping is done at our local supermarket, which is probably at the end of the high street.
All supermarkets employees should be trained to a certain standard to ensure that the shop floors are kept clean and tidy, and the shelves are stocked up regularly with products for us to purchase. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the employer and the employees to make sure that the premises are safe for customers and staff alike.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and accidents occur from time to time when they could not have been prevented.
If an incident occurs that is not the fault of the customer but the fault of the supermarket, it could be as a result of negligence on their part – if this is the case, the customer is entitled to claim compensation for any injuries or losses that they have suffered as a result of accident and their injuries.
One may question what type of accidents would happen in a supermarket; after all, it is a place for shopping – generally for consumables or clothes? In fact, it is quite surprising at the number of accidents that have been reported where they have been the fault of the supermarket or shop.
Slipping is often experienced by most of us in life, and unfortunately, this can result in a bad fall and subsequent injuries. Supermarkets are usually quick to corner an area off where a spillage or breakage has taken place, but sometimes accidents happen before anything can be done about it.
Automatic doors and escalators have also been known to cause injury to the public. If the sensors are not working properly the doors can close unexpectedly; the escalators need to be in good running order and checked regularly to ensure this doesn’t happen.
One of the incidents that is also quite surprising is from the shopping trolley. Once a trolley has become worn and is no longer in good working order, it should be taken out of use. Accidents can range from cuts as a result of sharp/broken parts of the trolley to straining muscles and back injuries from the broken wheels or the trolley tipping over unexpectedly.
Customers may have been injured as a result of faulty goods purchased, and these need to be returned and reported as such.
Last but least, injuries and accidents often occur in the car park. This can be as a result of customers not being aware of their surroundings and others, or as a result of a hole or defect in the surface which has become a hazard for customers; walking and driving.
If you are unfortunate enough to experience a nasty injury or fall when out shopping, make sure that you report the incident to the management of the supermarket or shop where it happened. See your GP for any cuts and bruises – especially for older people as sometimes the injuries take longer to heal than normal.
And last but not least, contact The Injury Lawyers who will be able to provide you with free, no obligation advice on whether you have a claim for compensation and how to proceed.
