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Case study · Occupiers' liability
£10,355 Compensation After a Trip on a Damaged Manhole Cover Outside a Supermarket
Our client tripped over a visibly damaged manhole cover right outside the entrance of a large supermarket, before they'd even gone inside. There were no warning signs or barriers. They injured their wrist, were bruised and needed time off work. NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, showed the supermarket had failed to keep its entrance safe and secured £10,355 in compensation.
How a trip outside a supermarket led to a successful occupiers' liability claim, and what it means if you've been hurt on a business's premises.
- Claim type
- Occupiers' liability
- Accident
- Trip on a damaged manhole cover
- Where
- Directly outside a supermarket entrance
- Injuries
- Wrist injury, bruising and emotional distress
- Who was at fault
- The supermarket, for failing to keep its entrance safe
What happened
Our client was on a routine visit to a well-known supermarket. As they approached the entrance, reasonably expecting it to be safe, they tripped over a clearly damaged manhole cover directly outside the store.
There were no warning signs, cones or barriers around the damaged cover. Only after the accident was reported did the supermarket put up warning signs, too late to prevent our client's injuries.
The injuries
The fall caused injuries that affected our client's daily life and work.
- A wrist injury with ongoing pain
- Bruising to several parts of the body
- Emotional distress and disruption to daily life
- Reduced mobility and time off work
Why the claim succeeded
Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, businesses must take reasonable care to make sure visitors are safe when they use their premises, including the entrance. This claim succeeded because the supermarket hadn't done that.
- The hazard was preventableThe manhole cover was visibly damaged and in a busy area right outside the entrance, where the supermarket should have spotted and repaired it.
- There were no warningsNo signs, cones or barriers were in place to warn customers or keep them away from the damaged cover.
- The supermarket acted too lateIt only put up warning signs after the accident was reported, which showed it could have acted sooner.
- The injuries and losses were clearOur client's wrist injury, bruising, emotional distress and lost earnings were all supported by evidence.
- The outcomeCompensation of £10,355.
Every claim is different, and the outcome of a past case doesn't guarantee the outcome of yours.
What this case shows about occupiers' liability claims
If you've been hurt in or outside a shop, supermarket or other business, these are the points that matter most.
The duty covers entrances too
A business's duty to keep visitors safe doesn't start at the door. It can cover entrances, car parks and walkways that are part of its premises.
Hazards must be fixed or flagged
Businesses should check their premises regularly, and repair hazards or put up warnings and barriers until they're fixed.
Evidence makes the difference
Photos of the hazard, an accident report, witness details and your medical records all help show what happened and how it affected you.
The business's insurer pays
Compensation is usually paid by the business's public liability insurer, not by the business directly, and not by the staff who work there.
Hurt in a shop or on a business's premises? Find out if you can claim
Whether you slipped, tripped or fell in a supermarket, shop, restaurant or car park, our team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.
- Free, no-obligation first conversation
- No win, no fee on eligible claims
- Specialist occupiers' liability solicitors
- Clear, supportive guidance throughout your claim
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Supermarket trip claims: FAQs
Can I claim if I tripped outside a supermarket?
Yes, you may be able to. If your injury was caused by poor maintenance on or near a store's premises, such as its entrance or car park, you may be entitled to compensation.
What if the hazard was only marked after my accident?
That can help your claim. If a business only puts up warnings or makes a repair after an accident, it can suggest it could have acted sooner to prevent harm. Take photos of the hazard as soon as you can, before anything changes.
Who do I claim against if I'm not sure who owns the area?
It depends who's responsible for that spot. It could be the business, the landlord of the site or the local council. We'll find out for you and make the claim against the right party.
How much compensation could I get for a trip injury?
It depends on how serious your injuries are, how long they affect you and what they've cost you, such as time off work. In this case, our client received £10,355. See how compensation is calculated for typical amounts.
What evidence do I need?
Photos of the hazard and where it is, an accident report from the business, the names of any witnesses, and your medical records. Keep receipts and payslips for any costs or lost earnings. Don't worry if you don't have everything; we can help gather it.
Is there a time limit for an occupiers' liability claim?
You usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. There are exceptions, for example for children, so get in touch even if your accident was some time ago. Read how long you have to make a claim.
Injured on a business's premises?
Talk to our occupiers' liability team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis.