Slipped at the supermarket? Know your rights and what to do

IT’S a familiar scene.

You pop into the supermarket for a few things, and the next thing you know, your feet have gone out from under you and you’re on the floor, dazed and in pain.

It could be a sneaky grape, a rogue spinach leaf, or a wet patch that no one’s bothered to clean up.

Older Australians are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries from falls – hips, wrists, knees and backs often bear the brunt. Recovery can be long and painful, with plenty of unexpected costs along the way. But if the supermarket failed in its duty to keep you safe, you may be entitled to compensation.

Supermarkets have a legal duty of care

Supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths and Aldi are legally required to keep their premises safe for shoppers. This includes cleaning up spills quickly, putting up ‘wet floor’ signs, and making sure aisles are free from clutter. If they’ve been negligent and you’re injured as a result, you could have a valid public liability claim.

Even if you’re unsure what caused your fall—or whether you were partly at fault—it’s still worth getting legal advice. You may be surprised to learn that under Victoria’s contributory negligence laws, you can still receive compensation even if the accident wasn’t entirely the supermarket’s fault.

We’ve supported many clients through claims just like these. Fiona slipped on a spinach leaf. Bruce fell in the produce aisle due to a puddle with no warning signs. In both cases, we secured fair compensation—without going to court.

What to do if you slip and fall in a supermarket

If you’ve had a fall, your health comes first—but if you’re able, take these steps to help protect your rights:

1. Take photos of the hazard and surrounding area, and photograph your injuries and the bottoms of your shoes (if relevant)

2. Speak to witnesses and get their contact details

3. Note any nearby security cameras

4. Tell a staff member and complete an incident report

5. Seek medical attention and keep all records, including receipts, medical bills and any proof of lost income, and

6. Contact a slip and fall Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible.

You deserve more At Henry Carus + Associates, we understand that every client

is a person, not a case number. We offer free consultations and a no win – no fee agreement, so there’s no cost to you unless we succeed.

Call us today on 03 9001 1318 and let us help you get what you deserve.