Slipped in a Store? You Might Be Able to Claim

leebrotherslegal91
Jul 9
3 min read

Personal Injury Lawyer Advice for Queensland Shoppers

🛒 Slip, fall, ouch… and now what?

You were shopping.

You slipped.

Your back hurts. Your pride hurts. And now you’re wondering:

💬 “Can I sue the store?” 💬 “Do I have a claim?” 💬 “What if I didn’t report it right away?”

Let’s break it down. This post is written for real people, not lawyers — and explains how personal injury claims work for slip-and-fall accidents in Queensland.

🧠 First: Know This Isn’t Just “Bad Luck”

If you slipped because the store:

Didn’t clean up a spill 🧃
Didn’t put up warning signs ⚠️
Left items on the floor 🚧
Had a wet or oily surface 🧽
Didn’t maintain their tiles, carpets or mats 🔧

…then the store may be legally responsible for your injury.

This falls under public liability law, and yes — you might be able to make a personal injury claim 💼

🤕 Common Injuries from Store Falls

Even a simple fall can cause:

Sprained ankles
Broken wrists or hips
Concussion or head injuries
Back or neck damage
Ongoing pain or limited movement

These injuries can cost thousands in time off work, physio, scans, and pain management — and you don’t have to pay for all of it alone.

✅ When Can You Claim Compensation?

You may have a claim if:

✔️ You were injured in a store (supermarket, retail shop, shopping centre, etc.)

✔️ The store was negligent (they failed to clean or warn you properly)

✔️ You needed medical treatment

✔️ Your injury affected your work or daily life

📋 What Should You Do After a Slip?

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to protect your claim:

🏥 Step 1: See a Doctor ASAP

Even if you “just feel sore”
Get it written down ✅
Keep records of every appointment, scan, or medication

📸 Step 2: Take Photos

The floor condition (spill, leak, item)
Warning signs (or lack of them)
Your injury (swelling, bruises, etc.)

🧠 Photos are powerful evidence.

🗣️ Step 3: Report It

Tell the store staff or manager
Ask them to file an incident report
Get a copy (or take a photo of it)
Get names of witnesses 👀

🧾 Step 4: Keep Receipts

Medical bills 💊
Travel costs to appointments 🚗
Loss of income records 💼

📆 How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?

In Queensland, you must:

Start the personal injury claim within 3 years of the accident
But ideally speak to a personal injury lawyer within weeks or months, not years

⏳ The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather evidence and protect your rights.

⚖️ What Can You Claim For?

💰 Type of Compensation	📖 Examples
Medical expenses	GP, physio, X-rays, scans
Lost income	Time off work, reduced hours
Pain & suffering	Physical and emotional impact
Future costs	Surgery, rehab, ongoing care
Home help	Cleaning, shopping, childcare

😬 Real Example (QLD Case):

A woman slipped on a grape in a supermarket aisle. There were no warning signs. She injured her back and needed surgery. She couldn’t return to full-time work. ✅ Her total compensation: $230,000

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake	⚠️ Why It Hurts Your Case
Not reporting the fall	No record = no claim
Saying “I’m fine” to staff	Can be used to deny your injury
Waiting too long to see a doctor	Makes it look less serious
Accepting a quick payout	May be far less than you're owed
Not using a lawyer	You’ll likely get less money

👨‍⚖️ Should You Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Yes, absolutely.

A lawyer can:

Tell you if your case is strong
Help you gather the right evidence
Deal with the store and insurers
Work on a No Win, No Fee basis
Maximise your payout — and take away your stress 😮‍💨

🧠What to Do If You Slip in a Store

🧩 Step	💬 Why It Matters
Get medical help	You need evidence of injury
Report it to the store	Creates an official record
Take photos	Proves the scene & conditions
Keep receipts & notes	Supports your compensation claim
Talk to a lawyer	They do the hard stuff for you

📞 Hurt in a Slip and Fall? You’re Not Alone.

You have rights — and we’re here to help you protect them.

🧑‍⚖️ Free consultation with a Queensland personal injury lawyer

📍 Gold Coast