If you’re injured in a shop due to a hazard like a wet floor, falling stock, or poor maintenance, you may be able to make a store negligence claim. To succeed, you usually need to show the store owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury. Evidence such as CCTV footage, photos, accident reports, and medical records plays a key role. Most claims must be started within three years, and many are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis through services like Claim Today
When a Simple Shopping Trip Turns Into an Injury
This guide answers common questions about store negligence claims, evidence needed, legal duties, and how Claim Today supports injured shoppers.
A quick visit to a supermarket or retail store should never end with you hurt, confused, and unsure who is responsible. Yet slip hazards, falling stock, wet floors, and poor maintenance cause thousands of injuries every year. At Claim Today, in partnership with trusted legal experts such as DS Bal Solicitors, we regularly hear from people who ask the same question: “How do I actually prove the store was negligent?”
If you’ve been injured in a shop, this guide breaks down store negligence claims in plain English — what they are, how they’re proven, and what evidence really matters
What Is a Store Negligence Claim?
A store negligence claim is a type of public liability claim made when a shop, supermarket, or retail business fails to keep customers reasonably safe. Under UK law, stores owe visitors a duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm.
If that duty is breached and you’re injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common examples include:
- Slipping on wet or greasy floors with no warning signs
- Tripping over loose mats, cables, or damaged flooring
- Being struck by falling items from shelves
- Injuries caused by poor lighting or broken steps
How Do You Prove Store Negligence?
This is the most common concern we hear — and the heart of any successful store negligence claim.
To prove negligence, you usually need to show three key things:
1. The Store Owed You a Duty of Care
Retailers automatically owe customers a legal duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. This means they must take reasonable steps to keep the premises safe. Learn more from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE): HSE guidance on slips, trips and falls and the legislation itself: Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
2. The Store Breached That Duty
You must show the store failed to act reasonably. Examples include:
- No wet floor signs after cleaning
- Spills left unattended for long periods
- Poor inspection or maintenance routines
- Ignoring known hazards
This is where strong evidence becomes critical.
3. The Breach Caused Your Injury
Finally, your injury must be directly linked to the hazard. Medical records, accident reports, and witness statements often play a vital role here.
What Evidence Helps a Store Negligence Claim?
If you’re injured, acting quickly can make all the difference.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos or videos of the hazard
- CCTV footage (stores often hold this for a limited time)
- Accident report logs
- Witness contact details
- Medical records and treatment notes
At Claim Today, we help injured clients gather and preserve this evidence before it’s lost.
Proving Negligence in Public Liability Claims: What You Need to Know.
Do Warning Signs Always Protect the Store?
No , and this surprises many people.
A warning sign alone doesn’t automatically remove liability. If:
- The sign was poorly placed
- The hazard existed for too long
- The risk was still unreasonable
The store may still be liable under a store negligence claim.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
Most public liability and store negligence claims must be started within three years of the accident date. However, delays can weaken evidence, so early advice is strongly recommended.
Claim Time Limit: When You Can Still Start Your Case
Why Contact Claim Today?
Making a claim can feel intimidating — especially when you’re dealing with pain, time off work, and uncertainty. Claim Today works closely with firms like DS Bal Solicitors to make the process clear, supportive, and stress-free.
Why people choose Claim Today:
- Free eligibility checks
- No Win, No Fee claims
- Experienced public liability solicitors
- Fast, straightforward guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a valid store negligence claim?
If you were injured due to an avoidable hazard and the store failed to act reasonably, you may have a valid claim. A free eligibility check can confirm this.
What if the store denies responsibility?
This is common. Evidence such as CCTV, maintenance logs, and witness statements can still establish negligence, even if the store disputes fault.
Can I claim if I didn’t report the accident immediately?
Yes, but delays can make evidence harder to obtain. Reporting the accident as soon as possible strengthens your claim.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of your injury, recovery time, and financial losses. Each store negligence claim is assessed individually.
Will I have to go to court?
Most public liability claims settle without court proceedings. Solicitors aim to resolve claims efficiently while protecting your best interests.
