Being involved in an accident at a supermarket can be traumatic and lead to long-lasting injuries and financial losses. If you find yourself in this…
Co-op accident compensation
If you’ve been injured while shopping or working in a Co-op store, contact us to find out if you are eligible to claim compensation.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Co-op Accident Claims
If you have been injured in a Co-op supermarket, you may be entitled to compensation. Like all businesses, Co-op has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep customers, visitors and employees safe and may be liable for any injuries caused by unsafe conditions.
Co-op accident claims may arise from slips on wet floors, trips on stock left in aisles, car park accidents or items falling from shelves. These can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts to long-term disability.
If your injury was caused by negligence, you may be able to claim compensation for pain, suffering and financial losses.
Call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back to have your case assessed for free by an experienced legal adviser and find out if you have a valid claim for compensation.
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Table of Contents
What is a Co-op accident claim?
A Co-op claim is a type of personal injury claim for compensation. This can be made by anyone who suffers an injury in a Co-op store, car park or workplace due to negligence.
Examples of accidents that could lead to a claim include:
- Slips, trips and falls in Co-op stores
- Accidents in Co-op car parks
- Accidents caused by faulty equipment
- Being hit by a falling object
- Accidents involving Co-op staff negligence
- Manual handling accidents
Our panel of solicitors have successfully handled supermarket accident claims against major businesses, including Lidl, Aldi, Iceland and ASDA. They can also help you pursue compensation from Co-op for your pain and suffering.
Can I make a claim following a Co-op accident?
You may be able to make a successful occupiers’ liability claim against Co-op if you can show that:
- The business owed you a duty of care.
- This duty was breached through negligence.
- This caused you to have an accident and suffer an injury.
- You are within the legal timeframe to claim (usually 3 years).
A free consultation with a specialist personal injury solicitor is the easiest way to find out if you are entitled to claim compensation.
Who is responsible for accidents in Co-op stores?
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, Co-op has a legal duty as an occupier to take reasonable steps to ensure that visitors are reasonably safe on its premises and may be liable for accidents caused by hazards such as:
- Spills, crushed produce or packaging left on floors
- Unmarked wet floors after cleaning the area
- Uneven floors or damaged mats and thresholds
- Potholes and other hazards in car parks
- Broken trolleys, shelves or displays
In some cases, Co-op may argue contributory negligence. That means you could be held partially responsible for your injury if, for example, you ignored a clear warning sign. In such cases, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your degree of fault.
Is there a time limit to start a Co-op compensation claim?
The Limitation Act 1980 sets a three-year time limit for starting the Co-op accident claims process. This limitation period begins on the date of the accident, and is subject to a few exceptions:
- Children – A child injury claim can be made at any time before the child’s 18th birthday.
- Mental capacity – The time limit may be paused for individuals who cannot handle a claim.
We strongly advise claimants to seek legal support as soon as possible. This will help ensure that evidence is preserved and improve your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.
How do I make a Co-op injury claim?
There are a few steps you should take if you are injured while shopping. These will support your recovery and increase your chances of making a successful claim:
- Report the accident to the store manager and request a copy of the accident report.
- Take photos of the area and any hazards that caused your slip, trip or fall.
- Ask for the contact details of witnesses who saw what happened.
- Seek prompt medical care and keep all receipts and proof of losses.
If you want to start a claim, contact a specialist solicitor as soon as possible. They will review your case and offer free legal advice. If you can proceed, your solicitor will:
- Help secure further evidence, such as CCTV footage and specialist medical reports.
- Send a letter of claim to Co-op or their insurer, outlining the compensation you seek.
- Engage in negotiations and seek interim payments if you have immediate financial needs.
- Issue court proceedings if liability is denied (most claims don’t go to court).
How much compensation can I claim for a Co-op accident?
The amount of compensation you could receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and financial losses. Supermarket injury claims are typically divided into two types of damages:
- General damages – compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Special damages – losses and expenses such as medical costs, lost wages and care costs
Your solicitor will use the Judicial College Guidelines to calculate the compensation amount you may be entitled to. According to these, you could potentially receive:
| Injury type | Description | Average compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Lacerations | Lacerations – Deep cuts to the hand with permanent scarring | £5,720 to £13,280 |
| Back injury | Back injury – Mild sprains, strains or disc prolapses with recovery within 3 months and 5 years | £2,090 to £10,670 |
| Ankle injury | Ankle injury – Fractures or ligament tears with long-term mobility issues | £16,770 to £42,710 |
| Knee injury | Knee injury – Dislocations, torn meniscus or serious damage to the kneecaps, with ongoing pain | £22,340 to £37,070 |
| Elbow injury | Elbow injury – Serious injuries that need surgery and cause severe disability | £33,430 to £46,780 |
| Head injury | Head injury – Injuries causing severe physical and cognitive disability | £240,590 to £344,640 |
Can I make a Co-op claim on a no win no fee basis?
Yes. If you are entitled to compensation, you can make a no win no fee claim with our panel of solicitors. They will take on your case under a conditional fee agreement, which means that there is nothing to pay to begin your claim or if you are unsuccessful.
However, if you win personal injury compensation, your solicitor is entitled to a success fee. This fee will be deducted from your payment and is capped by law at 25% of general damages and past financial losses.
What evidence do I need to support my claim?
The evidence you need to start your claim and support your case includes:
- Photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- CCTV footage of the accident, if available.
- Statements from witnesses and your account of the events.
- Medical records confirming the extent of your injuries.
- Cleaning and inspection records from the supermarket.
- Accident reports and official reports made with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), where applicable.
- Proof of financial losses, such as payslips, receipts and invoices.
These will help establish whether the store took reasonable steps to protect its customers and staff, and the harm you suffered as a result of a breach of duty.
Can I claim if I slipped in a Co-op store?
Yes. Slips and trips are among the most common Co-op accidents and can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations and head trauma. You could be entitled to compensation if your accident was caused by negligence, such as:
- Spillages that are not promptly cleaned.
- Recently mopped floors with no warning signs.
- Poor lighting.
- Leaking refrigeration units.
- Damaged or uneven flooring.
- Faulty or worn-out anti-slip surfaces.
- Failing to remove ice or snow from car parks and entrances.
Can I claim compensation for Co-op food poisoning?
You could be entitled to compensation if you bought food from a Co-op shop or cafe and it made you ill. To have a valid claim, you must show that the food was unsafe or contaminated, and this could have been prevented by following proper food safety and hygiene practices.
You could receive up to £8,360 for mild cases of food poisoning with complete recovery and up to £46,040 for severe toxicosis causing long-term stomach or bowel damage.
Can I make a claim if I had an accident at work?
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Co-op supermarkets have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment and keep employees safe from harm. They must conduct risk assessments, properly train staff, and provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
If your employer failed in their legal duty of care and you were injured, you may be able to make a Co-op accident at work claim for compensation. This should not put your job at risk, as you are protected by the Employment Rights Act 1996.
How long do Co-op claims take?
A straightforward claim against Co-op could be settled within 6 to 9 months. However, if liability is denied or your injuries are severe, the claim could take 12-24 months or longer to resolve.
If you were injured in a Co-op store, speaking to a specialist solicitor can help you understand your legal rights and next steps. Call 0800 470 0474 today for a free case assessment or use our online claim form to request a call back.
