TSSA member received compensation following supermarket slip
They were awarded £13,000 after proving inaccuracies in the supermarket’s cleaning records.
When the member fell after slipping on washing-up liquid in a supermarket, they were referred by their union TSSA to the personal injury team at Morrish Solicitors.
Following advice from personal injury expert Martin Bare, the claimant’s fiancé returned to the store, before the claim was presented, on two occasions and took photos of spillages and packaging on the floor. He then re-photographed them an hour later to show that they hadn’t been dealt with.
Experience told us what the supermarket records would say – that they had a great system. After collecting this evidence however, we had proof that despite what the paperwork said, the supermarket was not in fact keeping its floors clear of slip or trip hazards.
The case reached the disclosure stage, where the defendant’s solicitors had chance to assess the photographic evidence. They appreciated that the photos were important — and that they would eventually have to prove that the supermarket’s cleaning records were authentic (having been put on notice by us that their authenticity was in issue pursuant to CPR 32.19).
The defendant then paid the claim in full.
Martin Bare, representing the client on behalf of Morrish Solicitors said:
“This case is a good example of how getting the right evidence at the right time evidence can be, and to challenge the “records” held by the supermarket. Also, it was important to plead that the substance, in this case washing-up liquid, was an ‘unusual danger’ which wouldn’t normally be expected to be found on the floor.
We advised the member on the best way of showing the true situation to achieve this compensation for them.”
Personal injury experts
We have a dedicated team of personal injury solicitors with a wealth of experience in public liability claims. If you have suffered an injury in the workplace get in touch on 033 3344 9600 or email [email protected].
