Hurt at the Supermarket? What the Law Says

Plain English advice from a Queensland personal injury lawyer

You were just doing your groceries.

Then — BAM! You slip, fall, or get hurt. 😣

Now you're in pain, embarrassed, and unsure what to do.

❓“Is the supermarket responsible?” ❓“Can I make a claim?” ❓“What if no one saw it?”

Let’s break down exactly what the law says if you’re injured in a supermarket in Queensland 👇

🚨 First: Supermarkets Must Keep You Safe

Under Queensland public liability law, supermarkets have a legal duty of care to:

• Keep aisles clean and safe

• Check for hazards regularly

• Fix known dangers

• Warn customers about risks (e.g. signs)

If they fail to do this, and you get hurt, they may be legally liable.

⚠️ Common Supermarket Hazards

🧃 Hazard	💥 Example
Spills	Juice, milk, oil, water
Loose items	Grape on floor, dropped packaging
Cleaning hazards	Wet floor with no warning sign
Broken flooring	Cracked tiles, torn mats
Unsafe shelving	Falling products, sharp edges

💡 Just because you fell doesn’t mean you were “clumsy” — the store may be at fault.

🧾 You May Be Able to Claim Compensation If:

✔️ You were injured on the supermarket’s property

✔️ The injury was caused by negligence (they didn’t clean or warn)

✔️ You needed medical treatment

✔️ The injury affected your work, income, or daily life

This is called a public liability personal injury claim — and it’s handled by the store’s insurance company.

💰 What Can You Claim?

📋 Category	✅ Examples
Medical costs	GP, hospital, physio, scans, medication
Lost income	Time off work, reduced hours
Pain & suffering	Physical pain, emotional distress
Future care	Surgeries, rehab, ongoing treatment
Home help	Cleaning, childcare, transport

🧠 Real Case Example (QLD)

A woman slipped on a grape in a Brisbane supermarket. There were no wet floor signs. She tore her ACL and couldn’t return to her job. 💰 She received over $110,000 in compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain & suffering.

🛠️ What to Do If You Get Hurt at the Supermarket

✅ 1. See a Doctor

Even if you’re just “sore,” see a GP within 1–2 days.

Ask them to record your symptoms + cause of injury.

✅ 2. Take Photos

• The spill or hazard

• The floor or aisle condition

• Lack of warning signs

• Your injuries

• Your clothing/shoes (if they try to blame you)

✅ 3. Report It

Tell a manager or staff. Ask them to:

• File an incident report

• Give you a copy or reference number

• Get witness names if anyone saw it 👀

✅ 4. Keep Everything

• Medical receipts

• Time off work notes

• Pain diary (log your daily symptoms)

📅 Queensland Claim Time Limits

You must:

• Notify the supermarket’s insurer within 9 months

• Begin legal action (if needed) within 3 years

⏰ The earlier you act, the stronger your case.

⚖️ Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Yes — supermarkets (and their insurers) rarely admit fault.

They often say:

❌ “There was a sign, you just didn’t see it.” ❌ “You should’ve been more careful.” ❌ “It was just an accident.”

A lawyer can:

✅ Prove the store’s negligence

✅ Collect expert evidence

✅ Maximise your compensation

✅ Handle the insurance company

✅ Work on a No Win, No Fee basis

❌ Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case

❌ Mistake	⚠️ Why It’s a Problem
Not seeing a doctor	No medical proof = weak claim
Not reporting the incident	No record = store can deny it
Saying “I’m fine”	Can be used against you later
Accepting a quick offer	May be much lower than what you're owed
Not getting legal advice	Missed deadlines, lost money

✅ What the Law Says About Supermarket Injuries

🧾 If You...	✅ Then...
Got injured at a store	You may be able to claim
The store didn’t clean or warn	They may be liable
You saw a doctor + reported it	You’ve got a strong case
You talk to a lawyer early	You’ll avoid costly mistakes