Slip and Fall in a Supermarket: Compensation Guide

The supermarket's duty of care

Under Civil Liability legislation in each Australian state, supermarkets owe a duty of care to customers. The standard is whether they took reasonable steps to identify and address foreseeable hazards. Practical questions:

• How often were inspections done? Most chains have documented "floor walks" every 15-30 minutes
• How long was the hazard present before you slipped?
• Was warning signage present?
• What cleaning methods were used?

Supermarket cleaning records and CCTV footage are critical evidence. Both should be preserved immediately - CCTV is commonly overwritten in 14-30 days.

Evidence to gather immediately

• Report the incident to the store manager - request a written incident report
• Photograph the hazard before it's cleaned up (the spill, the surface, surroundings)
• Note the time and aisle - these match against cleaning records
• Get details of any witnesses (other customers, staff)
• Request CCTV preservation in writing within 7 days
• Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor
• Keep your shopping receipt - establishes you were a customer

Typical compensation amounts

Slip and fall settlements in Australian supermarkets vary widely with injury severity:

• Bruising, mild soft tissue injury: $5,000 – $20,000
• Wrist or ankle fracture, full recovery: $25,000 – $80,000
• Hip fracture (commonly elderly): $80,000 – $400,000
• Back / spine injury with chronic pain: $80,000 – $300,000
• Concussion / mild traumatic brain injury: $80,000 – $250,000
• Severe injury requiring surgery and long rehabilitation: $150,000 – $700,000+

Time limits

Personal injury claims under Civil Liability legislation have time limits that vary by state:

• NSW: 3 years from date of injury
• VIC: 3 years from date of injury (extension possible)
• QLD: 3 years for adults, longer for children
• WA: 3 years from date of injury
• SA: 3 years from date of injury

Some pre-litigation steps (notice of claim, mediation) have shorter sub-deadlines. Lodge promptly and don't accept early settlement offers without legal advice.