Retail Worker Injury Claims

If you are a retail employee who has suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to make a retail worker injury claim against your employer.

Retailers have a legal duty of care towards all employees and must take reasonable steps to keep them safe from workplace hazards. When this duty is breached, it can result in slips, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, falling objects and various other accidents.

Whether you suffered soft tissue damage or a severe spinal injury, our team of specialist solicitors can help you recover damages for your pain, suffering and related financial losses. They will do this under a no-win, no-fee agreement, so there is no risk to you.

To find out if you could be entitled to claim compensation for a retail injury, call 0800 470 0474 today for a free case assessment or request a call back.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• How common are injuries in the retail sector?
• What duty of care do retailers owe to employees?
• Am I eligible to make a retail worker injury claim?
• Can I claim compensation as a part-time or temporary retail worker?
• Can I make a compensation claim if I was assaulted at work?
• What should I do if I'm injured in a retail workplace accident?
• What are the most common types of retail accidents?
• What are the most common injuries suffered by retail staff?
• What types of employer negligence could lead to a retail injury claim?
• What evidence do I need to make a retail worker accident claim?
• Can I be sacked if I make a workplace accident claim?
• How much compensation is awarded for injuries to retail workers?
• What is the time limit to make a retail worker compensation claim?
• Can I claim compensation for retail workplace injuries on a No Win No Fee basis?
• Will I need to go to court for a retail worker injury claim?

How common are injuries in the retail sector?

The retail sector is a major employer in the UK. In 2023, it employed 2.7 million people and accounted for 4.5% of the UK’s economic output. Food, clothing and fuel make up the majority of businesses in the retail sector.

Unfortunately, retail is also one of the sectors with the highest rates of workplace injuries. According to data for the period 2019/20-2023/24, the rate of injury and ill health for this sector is higher than the average rate for all industries.

Workers in wholesale and retail report an ill health rate of 3,303 per 100,000 workers and an injury rate of 2,196 per 100,000 workers. Retail employees are also negatively impacted by the high rate of crime in the industry, with over 2,000 cases of violence and abuse in 2023/24.

What duty of care do retailers owe to employees?

Retailers have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, their responsibilities include:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify hazards.
• Ensure the workplace is safe and free from risks.
• Provide adequate training, supervision and guidance.
• Maintain equipment and machinery safe for use.
• Supply adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
• Implement safe systems of work and enforce safety policies.
• Allow adequate breaks to prevent strain and fatigue.
• Ensure proper security when the risk of crime is high.

If you suffered an injury or illness because your employer has breached their duties towards you, you may be able to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.

Am I eligible to make a retail worker injury claim?

A personal injury solicitor can tell you if you are entitled to compensation during a free consultation. They will ask you a few questions about what happened to verify whether:

• Your employer owed you a duty of care.
• An accident was caused by a breach of this duty
• You suffered harm and loss as a direct result of their negligence.
• You are within the limitation period to make a claim, which is typically 3 years.

If these can be confirmed, your solicitor will take on your case and guide you through all the steps of the claims process.

Can I claim compensation as a part-time or temporary retail worker?

Yes. Whether you are a full-time employee, you work part-time, or you are on a zero-hours contract, you are still protected by the Health and Safety at Work Act. That means you are entitled to make a claim for compensation if you are injured at work due to your employer’s negligence.

Can I make a compensation claim if I was assaulted at work?

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reports that retail crime has significantly increased in recent years, to more than four times compared to 2020. A 2023 survey reports that 70% of retail workers suffered verbal abuse, 46% were threatened by a customer, and 18% have been assaulted.

Employers must take reasonable steps to keep you safe from all types of assaults. This could include:

• Install security cameras and panic buttons.
• Implement a zero-tolerance policy.
• Control access to premises and sensitive areas.
• Increase staff levels during peak times and late-night shifts.
• Hire security guards when the risk is high.

You could make an assault at work claim against your employer if they failed to take reasonable measures to protect you. If your employer complied with their duties and you were still assaulted, you may be eligible to claim compensation from the CICA.

What should I do if I’m injured in a retail workplace accident?

There are a few steps you should take if you suffer a work injury to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek prompt medical care so that your injuries can be correctly diagnosed, treated and documented.
• Report the accident to your manager or supervisor and ensure it is recorded in the accident book.
• Collect supporting evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene and witness details.
• Keep a diary of how your injury affects your work, daily life and well-being.
• Save all documents for losses and expenses caused by the injury, such as medical bills or care costs.

To start a retail worker injury compensation claim, speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible. You can do this now by calling 0800 470 0474 or using our online contact form.

If you can proceed, they will send a letter of claim to the defendant and negotiate a fair compensation award on your behalf. They will also be ready to issue court proceedings if a settlement can’t be reached.

What are the most common types of retail accidents?

The most common types of accidents that could lead to a personal injury claim when working in retail include:

• Slips, trips and falls caused by hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces and cluttered aisles.
• Being hit by falling items from poorly stacked shelves, stock areas or unsecured displays.
• Manual handling accidents from lifting and moving heavy items without proper technique or mechanical aids.
• Falls from height when using ladders or stackers without adequate training or protection.
• Machinery accidents caused by forklifts, trolleys or other equipment.
• Repetitive strain injuries from repetitive tasks, poor ergonomics and insufficient breaks.
• Workplace assaults from customers or other employees.

What are the most common injuries suffered by retail staff?

Some of the most common retail worker injuries for which you could claim compensation include:

• Sprains and strains caused by slips, trips, heavy lifting or repetitive movement.
• Repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back strain and tendonitis.
• Cuts and lacerations from tools, equipment, falls or falling objects.
• Broken bones and dislocations from falls from height or machinery accidents.
• Back injuries from manual handling, lifting heavy loads or falls.
• Head and brain injuries from assaults, falls or falling items.
• Stress at work and other psychological injuries, such as anxiety and depression.

What types of employer negligence could lead to a retail injury claim?

Examples of employer negligence that could lead to a claim for retail worker injuries include a failure to:

• Implement and enforce safe systems of work.
• Clean up spills or signpost wet floors and other hazards.
• Provide proper training on how to lift heavy or awkward loads correctly.
• Inspect and maintain equipment and machinery.
• Give adequate breaks and ensure the correct level of staffing.
• Have safety measures in place to prevent assaults.
• Train staff on how to deal with aggressive customers.
• Stock shelves safely and ensure all fixtures are secure.
• Provide PPE such as safety shoes or gloves when necessary.

What evidence do I need to make a retail worker accident claim?

To make a successful claim and get the compensation you deserve, you must be able to prove how your injury occurred and how it has affected you. Supporting evidence could include:

• Medical records detailing your injuries and prognosis.
• A copy of an accident report filed with your employer.
• A police report and crime reference number, if you were the victim of an assault.
• A video or photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
• CCTV footage of the accident, if available.
• Statements from witnesses who saw you get injured.
• Statements from colleagues who were aware of the workplace hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Training and maintenance records from your employer.
• Your testimony regarding the accident and how it has affected your life.
• Evidence of any financial losses, such as pay slips, receipts, invoices and medical bills.

Can I be sacked if I make a workplace accident claim?

Employers have a duty of care to reduce the risk of injuries to employees. The Employment Rights Act 1996 entitles you to make a workplace accident claim if this duty is breached without fearing any retaliation from your employer.

If you make a legitimate claim, it would be unlawful for your employer to sack you, demote you or take any other disciplinary action. If this happens, you could make a further claim at an employment tribunal to either get your job back or receive financial compensation for your mistreatment.

How much compensation is awarded for injuries to retail workers?

There is no fixed level of compensation you can claim for retail injuries. This is calculated on a case-by-case basis, depending on two types of damages resulting from the incident:

• General damages cover subjective losses, such as physical pain, mental distress, scarring, disability and impact on your hobbies and social life.
• Special damages cover financial losses, such as loss of earnings, private medical treatments, travel expenses and care costs.

According to the Judicial College guidelines and our online compensation calculator, you could receive:

• £2,070 to £3,310 for mild carpal tunnel symptoms.
• £31,350 to £56,375 for back injuries causing moderate but permanent disability.
• Up to £36,740 for severe broken finger injuries.
• £5,720 to £13,280 for deep laceration wounds.
• Up to £13,740 for a ruptured foot or ankle ligament.

What is the time limit to make a retail worker compensation claim?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have three years from the date of your retail accident to start your claim. Exceptions include:

• For injuries developing over time, the three-year time limit begins from when they are diagnosed and linked to workplace negligence.
• If you were under 18 at the time of injury, the time limit only applies starting from your 18th birthday.
• If the injured party lacks the mental capacity to start a claim, there is no limitation period.
• You have two years to claim compensation from the CICA following a workplace assault.

Can I claim compensation for retail workplace injuries on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are eligible to make a retail worker claim, our team of solicitors will offer you their services on a no win no fee basis. This means that:

• There are no legal fees to pay upfront and no financial risk.
• If you win compensation, your solicitor will deduct a success fee of up to 25% for their work.
• If you lose the claim, you will not have to pay them a single penny.

Will I need to go to court for a retail worker injury claim?

No, it is unlikely that you will have to go to court to settle your claim, as more than 96% of all personal injury cases are settled without a trial. Resolving a claim through negotiations is beneficial to both parties, and a court hearing is a last resort, reserved for cases where:

• Liability is denied by the defendant.
• You cannot agree on a fair compensation amount.
• There are complex legal issues or substantial damages.

If you’ve been injured as a retail worker, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and find out if you are eligible for compensation.

Last edited on 6th Oct 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.