Slipping or falling accidents on ice - Supermarkets, shops and other businesses

This site is owned and managed by Winston Solicitors LLP. We are a specialist law firm dealing with compensation claims across England & Wales.

This section of our site discusses the complex legal area of liability arising from slipping and falling on land or premises owned by another person or a business.

If you have been injured on ice in these circumstances you might be entitled to make a claim for compensation using our No win No fee service. For immediate advice CALL US TODAY FREE ON 0800 0322210

Background

The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 covers the duties imposed on “Occupiers” of premises or land - in other words homeowners and businesses

“The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 section 2(2) imposes a duty to take such care as in all the circumstances is reasonable to see that visitors are reasonably safe in using the relevant premises for the purposes for which they are invited or permitted by the occupier to be there.”

It follows that this duty extends to ensuring that paths and thoroughfares or other areas on which visitors may walk are clear of potential hazards caused by wintry conditions. This duty is particularly important in the context of accidents occurring in

- Private car parks

- Entrances to shops

- Offices

- Supermarkets premises and related businesses (local stores and businesses etc)

In many circumstances it may be possible to make a claim against a supermarket or business if you fall on untreated surfaces during wintry weather.

However please remember the “reasonableness” argument and be aware that every case needs to be assessed on its own individual merits. Your lawyers must assess the type of business or Occupier in question, prevailing weather conditions, steps taken and signage present at the time of the accident.

Accidents in a shop or store..? Read our supermarket accident claims pages to find out what steps you should take if you hurt yourself in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's or Morrisons.  

Anyone injured in these circumstances will need specialist legal advice and we are able to offer this to you on a No win No fee basis. Call us today on 0800 0322210 to make a free and informal enquiry about your case.

Please note: If your injury was sustained on the public highway,  road or pavement due to icy conditions away from the occupiers property this could be a claim against the local council.

Case discussion:

McCondichie v Mains Medical Centre [2004] L.R. 4

Defendant was a medical practice. On the 17th February 2000 the Claimant slipped and fell in the car park sustaining injury as she was leaving the premises. Snow had fallen and ice formed on the ground. However the surgery paths had been gritted but the grit did not cover the entire path. The claim was dismissed as it appeared the Defendant had a reasonable system in place and had implemented this prior to the accident taking place.

D Harvey v Woolworths PLC [2004]

On the 19th December 1999 the Claimant fell and claimed that this happened as she stepped off the mat inside the Defendant store. It was found that she had not and had in fact fallen outside. The Judge dismissed the claim on the basis that the Defendant had large mats to absorb water brought into the store on customers shoes and had also placed warning cones in the area.

Other Ice related accidents:

• Slip/fall accident on ice
• Clearing snow and ice - advice for homeowners
• Injury on ice at the workplace
• Road accidents on icy council roads or pavements

The Claims Connection trip slip or fall claims section - UK tripping claim and personal injury compensation specialists.

Call 0800 0322210 - or if preferred contact our online chat line.

Trip or fall claims explained - What you should do after an accident - Supermarket fall - Slipping accidents at work -  Ice accidents businesses - Tripping slipping compensation claims - Car accident claims - Whiplash compensation - Accidents at work - Medical negligence

More links: British safety website - Winter footwear safety - Car park ice accidents businesses