Asda is one of the UK’s best-known supermarkets, serving millions of shoppers every week. Many stores include large George’s clothing sections, cafés, and even petrol stations alongside the main grocery aisles. This mix of services makes Asda convenient, but it also means there are more potential hazards than in a standard store. A slip near a fresh food counter, an allergic reaction to a mislabeled ready meal, or an accident in the forecourt can turn a routine shopping trip into an upsetting experience.
If you have been injured or made ill while visiting Asda, its petrol station or by a product purchased there, you may have grounds to claim compensation. Below, we outline the main risks and how to protect your rights.
Food safety and allergic reactions
Asda sells a wide range of fresh, chilled and frozen goods, alongside branded items and its own-label “Extra Special” range. With such a variety, mistakes in storage or labelling can occur. For example, a chilled ready meal left out of refrigeration too long may lead to food poisoning. A bakery item prepared on site without the correct allergen notice could cause a severe reaction.
The George clothing and café areas can also lead to crossover risks, where new signage or temporary promotions are introduced quickly. If you suffer food poisoning or an allergic reaction to something you bought or ate at Asda, keep the packaging or receipt, seek medical help, and consider speaking to a solicitor.
Slip, trip and fall accidents
Because Asda stores combine groceries, clothing and other departments, spills can occur in many areas. Water from chilled cabinets, loose produce in fruit and veggie sections, or drinks dropped near the café can all create hazards. Staff should mop up promptly and display clear warning signs. If they do not, slips can cause sprains, fractures or head injuries.
Trips are also common during busy restocking periods. Cardboard boxes, discarded hangers from the George clothing section or misplaced baskets can be left in the aisles. Some larger stores have mezzanine levels or staircases, which require adequate lighting and maintenance. Taking photographs and reporting the incident straight away helps protect your position if you later decide to make a claim.
Manual handling injuries
Large supermarkets like Asda stock heavy and awkward products, from bulk packs of bottled water to large bags of pet food. Customers may hurt themselves trying to lift these without help. Staff mishandling stock can also cause injuries, for example, if an employee loses grip on a box while filling a freezer and it strikes a shopper.
The petrol station and George sections introduce additional risks. Shoppers often collect large items such as flat-packed furniture or car accessories from these areas. If assistance is not provided or safe equipment is unavailable, and you sustain an injury while moving an item, this may be grounds for a claim.
Falling objects from shelves or displays
Tall shelving and stacked promotional stands are a feature of Asda’s layout. If displays are unstable or overloaded, goods can fall onto customers. Heavy bottles, jars, or boxes can cause bruises, cuts, or even more serious injuries. Even lighter items falling from a height can harm children or older shoppers. Stores should carry out regular checks to ensure displays are secure.
Faulty trolleys or in-store equipment
Asda’s trolleys and baskets undergo constant use. A trolley with a jammed wheel can veer off suddenly when full, leading to back strain or collisions. Some stores also provide larger trolleys for George clothing or petrol station purchases, which may be heavier or less stable. Self-service checkouts, coffee machines and bagging areas need regular maintenance, too. If you experience an injury due to equipment malfunction, please report it promptly to ensure it is documented.
Car park and petrol station accidents
Asda operates large car parks at most of its stores, often combined with petrol stations. Slips and trips can occur due to potholes, uneven paving, or ungritted icy patches. Poor signage or unclear lane markings may lead to vehicle collisions or near misses with pedestrians. Fuel spills on forecourts can create additional slip hazards. Even though the incident happens outside the store, Asda still has a duty to keep these areas reasonably safe.
Defective products purchased in store
Asda sells far more than groceries. From small kitchen appliances to toys and George’s clothing accessories, defective items can cause burns, electric shocks, or other harm at home. If a slow cooker, heater or children’s toy purchased at Asda turns out to be unsafe, you may have a claim under product liability laws. Keep the product, packaging and proof of purchase as evidence.
If you sustain an injury or become ill, what should you do?
Acting quickly can make a big difference to your claim. You should:
- Report the incident to a member of staff and ensure it is recorded in the accident book
- Take photographs of the hazard, your injuries and the wider area
- Collect names and contact details of any witnesses
- Keep receipts, packaging or the product involved
- Seek medical attention promptly so your injuries or illness are documented
A solicitor experienced in supermarket claims can advise you on what else to collect and how to present it.
What compensation can include
Compensation aims to restore you to your pre-accident or pre-illness state. Depending on your situation, it may cover:
- Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Time off work and loss of earnings
- Rehabilitation, physiotherapy or counselling
- Travel costs for medical appointments
- Replacement of damaged personal items such as clothing, glasses or phones
Every claim is different. The value depends on how severe the injury or illness is and how it affects your day to day life.
How Marley Solicitors can support you
Making a claim against a national supermarket can feel daunting, especially if it involves a petrol station or a third-party concession. Marley Solicitors has extensive experience helping clients make claims against retailers, including Asda. We will listen to your story, explain your legal rights clearly and handle paperwork and negotiations on your behalf. We aim to secure fair compensation so you can focus on your recovery.
If you have been injured or made ill in an Asda store, at its gasoline station, in its car park, or by a product you purchased there, contact Marley Solicitors. We can review your case without obligation, guide you through your options and, if you decide to proceed, work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for you.