Making a claim for compensation following an escalator accident in a supermarket
Accidents on escalators are not uncommon and in a busy supermarket where there is likely to be rushing and pushing, an incident is more likely to take place. The supermarket has a duty of care to ensure your safety while you are on their premises, so while the management would not take responsibility for an accident which is solely an issue between two parties, they do have a responsibility to make sure the escalator and its surrounding areas are maintained in good repair and monitored for safe use. If you feel an accident on an escalator occurred due to negligence on behalf of the supermarket you can make a claim for compensation.
How you may have been affected
Unfortunately there are many ways in which an escalator can cause an incident. Here are the most common causes:
- Clothing can become trapped in escalators
- Trips and falls caused by jerking or unexpected movement
- Limbs being caught in a moving escalator
- A slipping accident on the escalator due to the floor being wet
- Pushing between people on the escalator
- The escalator moves too fast
Injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to fractures, concussion and trauma. There is a chance a person may have to take time away from work and therefore suffer loss of pay. They may be unable to carry out normal tasks at home and need the input of a carer. There are also the added costs of travel and medication.
What should they have done to prevent an escalator accident
Escalators are mechanical devices which can go wrong at any time but there should be sufficient maintenance and monitoring to minimalize this possibility. Supermarket management should also factor in how the environment may affect the smooth working of the escalator and take necessary steps to ensure the general public is safe at all times. For instance, when it is raining, individual steps and the area at the base of the escalator will become wet. In certain circumstances there will be need to restrict the use of the escalator or provide warning signs to alert users to possible dangers.
What should you do following an escalotor accident?
When an accident occurs you may well not be in a good state of mind to capture important information about the incident. As well as seeking immediate medical advice you should:
- Ensure the accident is reported and recorded in the supermarket accident book.
- If possible take a photograph of the scene of the incident
- Get the names and addresses of any witnesses.
- Keep receipts for everything you might reasonably feel you have incurred as a result of the accident. This may include medication, travel expenses, records of loss of earnings etc.
The supermarket may contact you to discuss an out of court settlement - our advice is contact us for advice first with this (we offer a no win-no fee solution) as you may lose out.
How we can help
At mysupermarketaccident.com we guide you through the whole process on a no win-no fee basis. We will match the needs of your case and personal preferences with our panel of solicitors who are pre-screened experts in this type of claim. To make an enquiry simply fill in our compensation claim form or call us on 0800 327 7919
