Supermarket Slips & Trips: Can I claim compensation in Northern Ireland?

Slipped or tripped in a supermarket in Belfast or elsewhere in Northern Ireland? Here’s what you need to know.

Most of us visit a supermarket at least once per week, whether for a full shop or just to pick up a few essentials. With thousands of customers passing through each day, accidents are bound to happen.

Spilled liquids, cluttered aisles or damaged flooring can all cause someone to fall. While these incidents might seem minor at first, they can lead to serious injury and disruption to daily life.

If you’ve suffered a slip, trip or fall in a supermarket in Northern Ireland, and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

How do supermarket accidents happen?

Supermarkets are busy places and hazards can arise quickly if staff aren’t vigilant.

Some of the most common causes of accidents include:

• Slippery floors due to spills or recent cleaning without a warning sign
• Items or packaging left on the floor
• Trolleys, baskets or stock cages obstructing walkways
• Worn or uneven flooring
• Mud or rainwater brought in from outside during poor weather

These hazards are familiar to supermarket staff and management, which is why consistent checks and swift responses are expected to ensure customer safety.

Do I stand a chance of success if I claim against a big supermarket chains in Northern Ireland?

Some people are reluctant to pursue a claim against major chains, believing they’re too large to challenge. But the reality is these companies owe the same duty of care to customers as any other business.

If you’ve been injured because a supermarket failed to deal with a known risk, or didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent one, you are entitled to seek compensation. It’s not about blame or confrontation; it’s about being treated fairly when you’ve suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence.

What to do after a supermarket accident

If you slip or trip in a supermarket, your priority should always be your health. Get medical treatment immediately if you are hurt.

Once you are safe, taking the right steps can help support any future compensation claim.

If you’ve had a fall in a supermarket, taking the right steps early on can make all the difference to your case:

• Report the incident to staff and ensure it’s entered in the accident log.
• Take photos of the scene, particularly any hazards.
• Get contact details for any witnesses.
• Seek follow up medical attention if needed and keep records of your injury and treatment.
• Contact a solicitor before accepting any offer or admitting fault.

Even if your injury feels minor, it’s still worth seeking legal advice. Some symptoms develop over time and early action can help secure the evidence needed if your condition worsens.

Supermarket trips & slips are no joke

It’s quite common for people to feel embarrassed after slipping or tripping in a supermarket. Many try to laugh it off, treat it as nothing more than a clumsy moment or leave quickly to avoid further attention. However, there is nothing amusing about suffering an injury because a supermarket failed in its duty to keep customers safe.

Supermarkets have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for shoppers. When they fall short of this standard and someone is hurt as a result, the blame does not rest with the injured person. Even seemingly minor injuries can result in lost income, medical expenses and ongoing pain. Dismissing it will not undo the harm and it does nothing to encourage better safety measures.

Raising a claim is not about causing trouble. It’s about standing up for your right to be protected while in a place open to the public.

Don’t fall for supermarket third-party capture after a slip & trip injury

It’s not unusual for insurers to get in touch shortly after an accident, often suggesting that you settle quickly or avoid making a formal claim. They might present this as a way to avoid drawn-out proceedings or added stress.

This practice, known as third-party capture, is rarely in your best interests. Before accepting any offer or making a decision, it’s important to get advice from a solicitor.

To learn more, read: The dangers of third-party capture.

Is there a time limit on making a supermarket injury claim in Northern Ireland?

Strict time limits apply to personal injury claims. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to begin court proceedings.

There are some exceptions. If the injured person is under 18, the three-year period does not start until they reach adulthood. Likewise, if someone lacks mental capacity to manage their own affairs, the usual time limits may not apply until capacity is regained.

It is always advisable to seek legal advice without delay. Early action makes it easier to preserve evidence, locate witnesses and strengthen your claim.

You can learn more about the limitation period at: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?

Speak with a Belfast-based personal injury solicitor about supermarket slips & trips claims

We have one of the largest and most trusted personal injury claims departments in Northern Ireland. If you were injured in a supermarket or any other public space, we can advise you on your options.

Visit Public Liability Claims to learn more or Contact Us to arrange a no obligation discussion with a solicitor.