Lidl is a popular discount retail chain with almost 900 stores trading in the UK. The chances are that you may well have visited one of its outlets to seek out a bargain. Well, the last thing anyone would want or expect is to experience an accident whilst shopping in Lidl.
Unfortunately, supermarket accidents do happen, and can affect customers and employees alike. The good news though, is that you may be able to claim for compensation if you had an accident in Lidl, especially if the harm you suffered was the result of negligence by the store.
In this guide, you will find out:
What retail stores should do to prevent accidents, why you could be entitled to compensation, if you can file a claim as an employee of Lidl, and where to find legal help.
I Had An Accident In Lidl Whilst Shopping – Can I Claim For Compensation?
Supermarkets like Lidl should provide safe premises to all visitors who use their places of business. Your right to safety whilst shopping in any establishment is enshrined in the Occupier’s Liability Act 1957.
Therefore, supermarkets should always put measures in place to prevent potential hazards that could cause foreseeable harm to anyone that visits their stores. For example, this can include:
- Putting up easily visible warning signs and alerting visitors of any dangers
- Wiping spills or wet floors immediately to prevent slips, trips, and falls
- Making sure aisles are devoid of boxes and other obstructing objects that people could bump into or trip over
- Replacing or fixing leaking freezers and chillers that could create slip hazards
- Selling products that are fit for consumption to avoid food poisoning
- Keeping shelves in good condition so that they don’t cut anyone picking merchandise
- Placing products securely on top shelves without overloading, so that items don’t fall on anyone
- Making sure that doors, lifts, escalators, shopping trolleys and baskets don’t have any faults that could cause injury to users
If the Lidl store you visited failed to take any of the precautions listed above and you were injured, then you are likely to have a strong case to file for compensation.
I Work At Lidl – Can I File A Claim Against My Employer And Not Get Fired?
All employers in the UK, including Lidl, are legally required to provide a safe and healthy working environment under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. To ensure you receive this duty of care, the store you work in should do the following.
- Create safe working practices that reduce the risk of injury
- Hire qualified employees and provide them with any necessary additional training
- Equip workers with the correct personal protective gear
- Allow adequate rest breaks and days off
- Carry out regular risk assessments and implement recommended mitigation measures in the findings
- Ensure there are no defective equipment or machinery at the workplace
If you can prove the Lidl store that employed you neglected to address their responsibilities listed above, then you would be well within your rights to seek compensation for an accident at work.
Some employees may hesitate to proceed with a claim against their employers, fearing that they will face disciplinary action or not be allowed to resume their original duties after their injuries have healed.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that the law protects you from any harassment, frustration, or unfair dismissal in these circumstances. Therefore, you should never shy away from pursuing a compensation claim for an accident at work.
What’s more, the Lidl store you work for should have workers compensation insurance to settle any valid liability claims for accidents at work, so any pay-out should come from this insurance and not from an individual.
I Had An Accident At Lidl Car Park – Can I Still Make A Claim For Compensation?
Private businesses such as Lidl, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsburys etc, and other large multi-store shopping centres are all responsible for maintaining their car parks, pathways and pavements within their premises.
Therefore, any negligent acts by a store that leads to you getting injured in their parking area could be liable to legal action and compensation. A good example would be if someone slips, trips, and falls because of a dangerous pothole or due to a cracked pavement in a Lidl car park.
However, if another motorist hits your car, then the claim for that would need to be against the driver of the other vehicle, and not the supermarket store.
What Steps Should I Take After Having An Accident In Lidl?
Taking the right actions immediately after a supermarket or grocery store injury is crucial to building a strong case for compensation. Below are essential steps you can take to gather hard evidence, which will strengthen your claim and increase the chances of receiving the highest pay-out possible.
1. Gather Visual Evidence
If you have an accident in Lidl, visual evidence can play a critical role in revealing any acts of negligence that contributed to your injury. For example, a video of the accident scene showing a wet floor with no erected warning sign at the time can offer compelling proof after you slipped and fell.
Also, if you have visual injuries, be sure to photograph and record them too, along with later photos if bruising etc takes time to appear. Such evidence can be a helpful tool when making a claim.
Most big supermarkets also have CCTV cameras. Therefore, it would be helpful to request the Lidl store to provide a copy of the surveillance footage of the incident.
2. Get Witness Details
If someone saw the accident and stayed around to help, make sure to get their name and contact details. They can offer witness statements that will support your claim.
3. Report The Incident
Make sure to report what happened to whoever is in charge. Managers of big chain retail stores like Lidl are required by law to file an incident report with the corporate headquarters.
The log should include the date and time of the accident, what caused it, details of any obvious injuries, any medical assistance provided by the store and the customer’s contact details. Asking the manager for a copy of the written entry, and insisting on one if they are reluctant, will prevent any denial of the incident having taken place at the store.
4. Seek Medical Treatment
Getting medical treatment after suffering an accident in Lidl will provide proof that you got injured. Even if it is a minor injury, make sure to see a doctor who can assess the full extent of the damage. A thorough medical report will also help to determine the amount of compensation owed as you pursue a claim.
5. Keep A Record Of Incurred Expenses
Your claim for special damages, when seeking compensation for an accident, will require you to show the financial losses that you incurred.
For instance, this may include medical expenses (including prescription costs etc) as well as out-of-pocket costs like taxi fares, fuel expenses when driving to doctor appointments and car park fees. Therefore, make sure to keep copies of your receipts for all expenses related to the accident.
It is also important to keep a record of any loss of earnings suffered as a result of your injury. This may also include loss of future earnings if the accident is a serious one and your injuries mean you are unable to return to your previous job.
6. Write Down What Happened
As soon as you get the chance, make notes of the incident. When did it occur? In what part of Lidl was the accident? Who saw it take place? Answering such questions will give you an idea of what to write.
Pen down every detail you can think of, no matter how trivial it may seem. Writing down everything you can remember, as soon as possible after the accident, could bring out important details that will later help to build a solid case.
How Much Can I Get In A Lidl Accident Claim?
The amount you could receive for a Lidl accident claim will largely depend on the circumstances of your case. Since every accident is unique, it is not possible to project a precise compensation pay-out.
Several factors will determine the compensation amount that will be due to you. For instance, this will include the severity of your injuries, recovery time, any long term or permanent disability, and lost wages or reduced income due to statutory sick pay.
If you have been unfortunate enough to suffer an accident in the last 3-years, and it was someone else’s fault, you could be eligible for compensation.
Not Sure How To Start Your Claim?
Suffering an accident in a public place like Lidl is not only embarrassing, but can also cause significant pain and suffering. Don’t shoulder the financial burden of getting well all alone if you were not to blame for your injuries.
To get help on a no-win-no-fee agreement, use our online form to get in touch with an experienced claim advisor, who will be ready to offer you free, no-obligation advice.
