Booths is often called the “Waitrose of the North” because of its focus on high-quality produce, local suppliers and a more upmarket shopping experience. Customers expect well-presented stores, artisan counters, and helpful staff when they visit. However, even premium supermarkets have to follow the same health and safety rules as budget chains. A slippery floor near the fish counter or a falling jar of preserves can still cause serious harm.
If you were hurt or sickened by a Booths product, you may be entitled to compensation. Knowing the risks that are specific to this type of store can help you take action quickly.
Food safety and allergic reactions
Booths has an extensive range of deli, bakery and prepared foods, much of it sourced from local suppliers. While this is part of the appeal, it also brings potential food safety challenges. Products made off-site may be delivered fresh and then chilled or frozen in store. If the cold chain is broken, bacteria can develop. For example, a batch of prepacked pies left out of refrigeration before reaching the shelves could lead to food poisoning.
Allergic reactions are another concern. Booths’ changing seasonal ranges and artisan suppliers can result in variable packaging and labelling. An unlabelled ingredient in a homemade-style cake or a salad dressing with hidden sesame oil can trigger a severe allergic reaction. If you experience a reaction after eating something bought at Booths, keep the packaging, get medical help; and consider seeking legal advice.
Slip, trip and fall accidents
Because Booths offers fresh fish, meat, and bakery counters, spillages of water, flour, and other items can occur more frequently than in purely packaged food stores. If the staff fails to promptly clean up or display warning signs, it can lead to customers slipping and falling. Such falls can cause anything from bruises to serious fractures or head injuries.
Tripping hazards also arise when displays are being replenished. Crates, cardboard or discarded wrapping left in the aisles during busy times can cause shoppers to trip. Some Booths stores use tiled or stone floors for a premium look, which can become especially slippery when wet. Taking photographs of the scene and reporting the incident immediately can help protect your position if you later decide to claim.
Manual handling injuries
Booths sell many heavy items, such as wine cases, large catering packs, and seasonal hampers. Customers may injure themselves trying to lift these without help. Staff mishandling stock can also cause injuries, for instance, if an employee carrying a heavy crate loses grip and it strikes you. Proper training and assistance can prevent these avoidable incidents.
Falling objects from shelves or displays
High shelves and attractive stacked displays are part of the Booths shopping experience. However, if displays are unstable or overloaded, jars, bottles or boxes can fall on customers. A dropped bottle of olive oil or a heavy glass jar can cause cuts, bruises or even more serious injuries. Regular safety checks should prevent this, but if they are neglected, the store may be responsible for your injuries.
Faulty trolleys or in-store equipment
Because Booths stores are often busy at peak times, trolleys and baskets receive heavy use. A trolley with a stuck wheel can twist suddenly when full of shopping, causing strain or even toppling into someone. Self-service checkouts, coffee machines and deli counters also need regular maintenance. A malfunctioning hot drink dispenser or a broken scale can cause burns or other injuries. Report any defects immediately if you are harmed.
Car park accidents
Many Booths stores are located on retail parks with large car parks, while others sit on high streets with shared parking areas. Customers may trip and fall due to potholes, cracked paving, or ungritted icy surfaces as they load their shopping into their cars. Vehicle collisions or pedestrian strikes may also occur due to poor signage or unclear lane markings. Even though the incident happens outside the store, Booths and the site management still have a duty to keep the area reasonably safe.
Defective products purchased in store
Booths sell much more than food; seasonal goods, such as kitchen equipment, candles, and glassware, are common. If a slow cooker, heater, or decorative light purchased at Booths turns out to be defective and causes burns, electric shocks, or other harm, you may be able to file a claim under product liability laws. Keep the product, packaging and proof of purchase to support your case.
What actions should you take in the event of injury or illness?
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident 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:
- Compensation may include coverage for 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
Facing a large retailer can feel intimidating, especially when you are recovering from an injury or illness. Marley Solicitors has extensive experience helping clients make claims against supermarkets like Booths. We will listen to your story, explain your legal rights clearly and handle paperwork and negotiations on your behalf. Our goal is to secure fair compensation so you can focus on getting better.
If you have suffered an injury or illness connected to Booths, whether in store, in the car park or through a defective product, obtain in touch with Marley Solicitors. We can assess your case without obligation, give you clear guidance on your options, and, if you decide to proceed, we will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for you.