UKI slipped and fell in a supermarket. Can I claim compensation?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if the supermarket failed in its legal duty to keep you reasonably safe as a visitor.
What the Law Says
The Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 sets out the legal duty an occupier — like a supermarket — owes to people who visit their premises.
Under the law, a supermarket is considered an 'occupier' of its premises. As such, it owes a 'common duty of care' to all its visitors — including customers — to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety.
This means the supermarket must do what a reasonable person would do to spot hazards (like spilled liquid or loose flooring), clean them up promptly, and warn people if a hazard can’t be removed immediately.
If they fail in this duty and you’re injured as a result, you may have grounds for a compensation claim.
Statutory TextAn occupier of premises owes the same duty, genitally, to all his visitors, except in so far as he is free to and does extend, restrict, modify or exclude his duty to any visitor or visitors by agreement or otherwise.
— Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, s. 2 — Duty of occupier to visitors
What to Do
Seek medical attention and keep records of your injury and treatment.
Report the incident to the supermarket and ask for a copy of their accident report.
Take photos of the hazard (e.g., spill, wet floor sign absence) and your footwear if relevant.
Gather contact details of any witnesses.
Contact a solicitor specialising in personal injury claims within 2 years of the accident.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
Ireland
Singapore
India
South Korea
AustraliaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.