Accidents in shops happen every single day across Northern Ireland. Trip hazards, falling objects and even unsafe equipment have often led to serious injuries like broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and cuts that require medical attention.
According to the Occupiers Liability Act 1957, business owners or managers have a legal duty to keep you safe while you’re on their premises. If they fail in their duty, and you suffer an accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a supermarket or shop, here’s what you need to do next.
Seek Medical Attention
Your first step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is possible that you may have suffered one of the following common injuries:
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Cuts and bruising
- Soft tissue injuries (e.g. whiplash)
Even if you aren’t in any immediate pain, you could still be injured. It is always best to err on the side of caution and speak with a medical professional just to make sure.
Speak with Witnesses
One of the best things you can do after sustaining an injury is to start gathering evidence. Speaking with witnesses can play a vital role in supporting your case. Try to get some contact details like names, addresses from all persons involved. It would be very beneficial if they’re willing to make a statement as well.
Check Accident Log Book
Retails are required to keep a log of all accidents that happen on their premises. Additionally, every employer must take reasonable steps to investigate accidents that take place. If you’ve been involved in an accident, it would be useful to double-check that the accident was properly logged so that you could relay on this evidence in the future.
Take Photos
It would also be extremely helpful if you are able to take photographs after your accident. Visual evidence is vital and if you can document the spillage that resulted in your slip or the box that landed on your hand it would help your case immensely. It would also be helpful to take photographs of the injuries you sustained immediately following your accident, as well as the days that followed.
Contact Paschal O’Hare Solicitors
If you feel that the injury was as a result of the store’s negligence, you can speak to one of our solicitors to get the compensation you deserve. We have over 50 years of experience dealing with injuries in shops and supermarkets and can guide you through the process.
Once you provide us with some information related to your accident, we will help you determine the best course of action. We will make sure that the compensation you receive covers such things as loss of earnings as well as medical treatment. It’s crucial that you don’t delay, as there is a strict time limit on when you could claim for your injuries. If you want to speak with one of our solicitors today, please call us on 0800 020 9311
