How to Make a Supermarket Accident Claim, Step by Step
If you’ve decided you want to claim after a supermarket accident, this guide walks you through exactly what happens — the steps involved, how long you have, and what to expect along the way. It also explains the points supermarkets often raise in defence, so there are no surprises.
In short: you usually have three years from the date of a supermarket accident to start a claim. You report the accident, gather evidence, get medical treatment, and instruct a solicitor — often on a No Win No Fee basis — who then handles the claim through to settlement. Whether a claim succeeds depends on the circumstances and the evidence.
The supermarket claims process step by step
- 1
Report the accident and get it recorded
Tell staff straight away and ask for the accident to be written in the store's accident book. Request a copy of the entry if you can.
- 2
Gather evidence at the scene
Photograph the hazard, the surrounding area and any signage. Get witness contact details and keep the footwear you were wearing.
- 3
Get medical attention
See a medical professional so your injuries are properly documented. Medical records are central evidence in any personal injury claim.
- 4
Request CCTV in writing
Ask the store, in writing, to preserve and share CCTV footage of the incident. Footage is often overwritten within weeks, so act quickly.
- 5
Speak to a solicitor and check your time limit
A solicitor can assess whether you may have a claim, confirm the time limit that applies to you, and usually act on a No Win No Fee basis.
- 6
Letter of claim and the supermarket's response
Your solicitor sends a formal letter of claim setting out what happened. The supermarket (or its insurer) then investigates and responds on liability.
- 7
Medical evidence and valuing the claim
An independent medical report assesses your injuries. This, plus your financial losses, is used to value the claim.
- 8
Negotiation and settlement
Most claims settle by negotiation. If a fair settlement cannot be agreed, court proceedings may follow, though many cases still resolve before a hearing.
What to do in the first 48 hours
The hours right after an accident matter most for evidence. If you can, report it and get it logged, photograph the hazard before it’s cleared, collect witness details, seek medical attention, and put a written request in for CCTV. Even a few clear photos taken at the time can make a real difference later.
The 3-year time limit (and exceptions)
Most personal injury claims in England and Wales must be started within three years. There are important exceptions:
| Situation | When the time limit runs |
|---|---|
| Most adults | Three years from the date of the accident. |
| Children (under 18) | The three years usually begins on their 18th birthday (so up to their 21st). |
| People who lack mental capacity | The standard limit may not apply for as long as capacity is affected. |
| Date of knowledge | In some cases time runs from when the injury was, or should have been, discovered. |
Because exceptions are limited and fact-specific, it’s best to get advice well before any deadline rather than rely on them.
How liability is decided
A supermarket is not automatically responsible just because you were injured. Liability generally turns on whether the store knew, or ought reasonably to have known, about the hazard, and whether it took reasonable steps to deal with it. That brings three things into focus: notice (did they know or should they have?), inspection systems (did they have a reasonable cleaning and checking routine?), and reasonable steps (did they act on what a reasonable occupier would have done?).
What the supermarket may argue in defence
A common defence is that the store had a reasonable system of inspection and cleaning, so it should not be liable for a hazard that appeared only briefly. Claimants typically respond by showing the hazard was present long enough that a reasonable system would have caught it — or that the inspection records that would prove the store’s case are missing or inadequate. This is why timing evidence and the store’s own records are so important.
Contributory negligence
If you were partly responsible for what happened — for example, ignoring a clearly displayed warning sign or wearing something that contributed to a fall — any compensation can be reduced to reflect your share of the responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence. It reduces an award rather than removing the claim, in most cases.
How No Win No Fee works
Most supermarket accident claims are run under a Conditional Fee Agreement (No Win No Fee). You pay nothing upfront. If the claim succeeds, a success fee — capped by law — is deducted from your compensation, and “After the Event” insurance may cover certain costs. If the claim does not succeed, you normally do not pay your solicitor’s fees, subject to the terms of your agreement. It is not automatically “free” in every circumstance, so it’s worth reading your agreement carefully.
How long does a claim take?
Timescales vary with the complexity of the case and whether liability is accepted. A straightforward claim can resolve in a matter of months; a disputed or more serious claim can take considerably longer. Your solicitor can give a realistic estimate once your injuries and the question of liability are clearer.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to make a supermarket accident claim?
In England and Wales the usual time limit is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss the deadline you can normally no longer bring the claim, so it is best to seek advice well before then.
What is the time limit for children?
For someone injured under the age of 18, the three-year period generally does not start until their 18th birthday, so a claim can usually be made up to their 21st birthday. A parent or guardian can also start a claim on a child's behalf before then.
What does No Win No Fee actually mean?
It usually means a Conditional Fee Agreement. You pay no upfront legal costs. If the claim succeeds, a success fee (capped by law) is deducted from your compensation. If it does not succeed, you normally do not pay your solicitor's fees, subject to the terms of your agreement and any insurance in place.
Can my compensation be reduced if I was partly at fault?
Yes. This is called contributory negligence. If you were partly responsible — for example, by ignoring a clearly visible warning sign — any award can be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.
How does a supermarket prove it did nothing wrong?
Supermarkets often defend slip claims by showing they had a reasonable system of cleaning and inspection in place. Claimants respond by showing the hazard was present long enough that a reasonable system should have found it, or that inspection records are missing or inadequate.
How long does a supermarket claim take?
It varies. A straightforward claim where liability is accepted may resolve in months, while a disputed or more serious claim can take longer. Your solicitor can give a realistic estimate once liability and your injuries are clearer.
Start your claim today
We’ll explain your options and check the time limit that applies to you — free, with no obligation, before you commit to anything. Handled by regulated UK solicitors on a No Win No Fee basis.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Eligibility to claim and any compensation depend on the individual circumstances and the evidence. Strict time limits apply to personal injury claims.