Sainsbury’s is the UK’s second largest supermarket chain, attracting millions of shoppers every week for everything from groceries to homeware. Many stores now include Argos concessions, clothing sections, and in-store cafés. With so much foot traffic and a wide variety of services under one roof, customers expect a smooth and safe shopping experience. However, even a well-managed store can present hazards. A slip near the bakery, a falling box of seasonal stock or an undeclared allergen in a prepared meal can turn a routine visit into a stressful and sometimes painful event.
You may be able to claim compensation for your personal injury if you were injured or made ill while shopping at Sainsbury’s, in its car park, or by a product you bought there. Below we explain the most common types of incidents and what you can do next.
Food safety and allergic reactions
Sainsbury’s offers an extensive range of fresh, chilled, and frozen food, as well as many “Taste the Difference” and own-label products. With so many options and weekly promotions, mistakes can occur in storage or labelling. A chilled ready meal left out of refrigeration too long could lead to food poisoning. An incorrectly labelled ingredient in a salad pot could trigger an allergic reaction.
The presence of in-store cafés and Argos concessions can also create crossover risks, for example, where food is prepared near non-food areas or where new signage is introduced briefly for promotions. If you have suffered food poisoning or an allergic reaction to something you bought or ate at Sainsbury’s, keep the packaging, get medical attention, and consider taking legal advice.
Slip, trip and fall accidents
Because Sainsbury’s stores often combine food, clothing and household goods, spillages can occur in a wide range of areas. Water near chilled cabinets, loose produce in fruit and veggie sections, or drinks dropped in Argos collection areas can all create hazards. If staff fail to clean up promptly or place visible warning signs, a slip may result in sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
Tripping hazards are also common during busy restocking periods. Cardboard boxes, security tags or misplaced baskets can be left in the aisles. Some stores use polished flooring in clothing areas, which can become slick when wet. Taking photographs of the scene and reporting the incident straight away can help protect your position if you later decide to make a claim.
Manual handling injuries
Large supermarkets like Sainsbury’s stock heavy or awkward products, from bulk packs of bottled water to seasonal homeware. Customers may injure themselves trying to lift these without help. Staff mishandling stock can also cause injuries, for instance, if an employee loses grip on a box while filling a freezer and it strikes a shopper.
Argos concessions can add another layer of risk because customers sometimes collect bulky items like furniture or electronics directly from the store. Should staff fail to provide assistance or safe equipment and you sustain injuries while moving an item, you could potentially file a claim.
Falling objects from shelves or displays
Tall shelving and attractive promotional stands are part of Sainsbury’s shopping experience, but if displays are unstable or overloaded, items can fall. Heavy bottles, jars, or boxes can cause bruises, cuts, or even more serious injuries. Even lighter goods falling from a height can injure children or older shoppers. Stores should carry out regular checks to ensure displays are secure and accessible.
Faulty trolleys or in-store equipment
Sainsbury’s trolleys and baskets undergo heavy use. A trolley with a jammed wheel can veer off suddenly when full, leading to back strain or collisions. Some stores also provide special trolleys for Argos collections, 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 accidents
Sainsbury’s operates car parks at most of its stores, sometimes on several levels or shared with other businesses. 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. Even though the incident happens outside the store, Sainsbury’s still has a duty to keep the area reasonably safe.
Defective products purchased in store
Sainsbury’s sells far more than groceries. Defective items, from homeware to small kitchen appliances and toys, can cause burns, electric shocks, or other harm at home. If a slow cooker, heater, or children’s toy purchased at Sainsbury’s 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 an injury or illness occurs, 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, but you do not have to do it alone. Marley Solicitors has extensive experience helping clients make claims against retailers, including Sainsbury’s. 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 a Sainsbury’s store, at its Argos concession, in its car park or by a product you purchased there, reach in touch with Marley Solicitors. We can review your case without obligation, guide you through your options and, if you decide to proceed, work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for you.