Tesco is the UK’s largest supermarket, with everything from small Express stores to huge Extra branches offering groceries, F&F clothing, homeware and Click & Collect services. Many stores also have in-store bakeries, pharmacies and self-scan Clubcard areas. With so much going on under one roof, customers expect a smooth and safe experience. However, even well run supermarkets can present hazards. A slip near the bakery, a falling case of drinks from a high shelf, or an accident in the parking lot can turn a routine shopping trip into a stressful event.
If you have been injured or made ill while shopping at Tesco, using its Click & Collect point, in its car park or with a product you purchased there, you may be able to claim compensation. Below we explain the most common types of incidents and how to protect your rights.
Food safety and allergic reactions
Tesco sells an enormous range of fresh, chilled, and frozen foods alongside its own “Finest” label and budget lines. Mistakes can occur in storage or labelling, especially with new products and promotions. A chilled ready meal left out of refrigeration too long could cause food poisoning. An incorrectly labelled ingredient in a salad or bakery item could trigger an allergic reaction.
Self-scan and Clubcard areas sometimes host temporary promotions and sampling stations. If food is handled incorrectly at these points or cross-contamination occurs, you may become ill. If you suffer food poisoning or an allergic reaction from something you bought or ate at Tesco, keep the packaging, get medical attention, and consider taking legal advice.
Slip, trip and fall accidents
Because Tesco stores combine groceries, clothing and non-food sections, spillages can happen almost anywhere. Water near chilled cabinets, loose produce in fruit and vegetable sections, flour from the bakery, or drinks dropped in self-scanning areas can all create hazards. If staff do not tidy up promptly or place clear warning signs, slips can result in sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
Trips are also common during busy restocking periods. Cardboard boxes, clothing tags from the F&F section or misplaced baskets can be left in the aisles. Some larger Tesco Extras have mezzanine levels or staircases, which require adequate lighting and maintenance. Taking photographs of the scene and reporting the incident straight away helps protect your position if you later decide to make a claim.
Manual handling injuries
Tesco stocks heavy and awkward products, from bulk packs of bottled water to large bags of pet food. Customers may injure themselves lifting 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.
Click & Collect and homeware sections add extra risks because customers often collect bulky items like furniture or televisions. If assistance is not provided or safe equipment is unavailable, and you are injured 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 Tesco’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
Tesco’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 larger trolleys for Click & Collect or F&F clothing purchases, which may be heavier or less stable. Self-service checkouts, coffee machines and bagging areas need regular maintenance, too. In the event of equipment malfunction resulting in injury, please report it promptly to ensure it is documented.
Car park accidents
Tesco 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, Tesco still has a duty to keep the area reasonably safe.
Defective products purchased in store
Tesco 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 Tesco 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, but you do not have to do it alone. Marley Solicitors has extensive experience helping clients make claims against retailers, including Tesco. 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 Tesco store, at its Click & Collect point, in its car park or by a product you purchased there, speak to 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.