We are solicitors that can claim against a shopping centre for personal injury. Catherine Smith introduces our service in this short video.

Read about how to claim against a shopping centre below, or use our free legal advice service opposite to ask us can I claim compensation from a shopping centre?

Shopping Centre Accident Claims & Compensation

Britain boasts some of the world's most impressive shopping centres. Bluewater in Kent welcomes around 27 million visitors every year, while the recently opened Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush covers 43 acres, and is expected to receive a similar number of annual visitors. The MetroCentre in Gateshead is the largest shopping mall in Europe, closely followed by Lakeside in Essex and The Trafford Centre in Manchester. Essentially shopping centres are modern marketplaces; a series of private retailers interconnected by walkways, escalators, lifts and car parks. They are mostly owned by large private organizations, and employ thousands of staff to attend to public areas. Each individual retailer has responsibility for their own premises, and must hold public liability insurance accordingly. The owners of the shopping centre itself however have responsibility for all public areas, and face a similar duty of care to visitors under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957. This requires them to take all reasonable measures to safeguard the welfare of visitors, and reduce as far as possible the risk of accidents occurring. Accidents may result from the negligence of the shopping centre's proprietors, or from the actions of a member of their staff. Employees are expected to carry out their responsibilities in a reasonably competent manner, and the employer has 'vicarious liability' for their conduct. This is important in that it creates an incentive for employers to ensure their staff are fully trained, experienced and reliable.

Read Case Study: Client Compensated After Being Struck On Head In Shop

Typical Causes Of Shopping Centre Accidents

The majority of accidents that take place at shopping centres involve slips, trips and falls. The injuries which may result range from minor cuts and bruises to fractures and dislocations. The latter type of injury is particularly serious for an older person, as their body will take longer to heal. A dislocated hip for example may require many months of recuperation and replacement surgery in extreme circumstances. Slips and falls are regularly caused spilled or discarded food and beverages. Shopping centres normally feature food courts, which at peak hours become highly congested. It is the responsibility of the shopping centre's owners to ensure that an adequate system of inspection and cleaning is in place to deal with slipping hazards. A recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) case study found that one particular shopping centre was able to reduce slipping accidents by two thirds simply by moving their cleaning staffs' meal break to a non-peak hour. Slipping accidents also commonly occur when public areas have been recently cleaned and are still wet. Such areas should be immediately cordoned off, and signs put in place to warn visitors of the hazard.

Read Case Study: Customer Sued Bank For Slipping on Wet Floor

Maintenance Flaws At Shopping Centres

More serious shopping centre accidents involve defective, faulty equipment or basic design flaws. Recent cases have involved lifts malfunctioning, crushing people between the doors. The HSE has found that 266 people have been injured in such accidents since 2002, four fatally. Escalators are also dangerous if they malfunction and clothing or feet become trapped in the gaps between steps. They may also pose a hazard if they are poorly laid out and people ascending or descending run into each other. Most accidents in shopping centres stem from poor maintenance and a corresponding disregard for public safety. Surfaces may be uneven, carpeting may be frayed, or walkways may be obstructed by electrical cables. Stairs may lack basic safety rails, or be poorly lit, causing visitors to lose their footing. In winter snow and ice which is trampled into public areas will prove hazardous, and must be dealt with within a reasonable time-frame. Finally accidents may take place in a shopping centre car park, and again are normally the result of basic maintenance flaws.

Find Out More About: Suing For An Accident In A Car Park

Shopping Centre Accident Compensation Claims

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in shopping centre compensation claims on behalf of both injured members of the public and employees. Provided your claim relates to an accident or injury at a shopping centre that has taken place in the last three years, Bartletts can represent you on a No Win No Fee basis. You are therefore assured of keeping 100% of any compensation awarded, with no deductions. In the event that your compensation claim is successful our fees are paid by the losing party to the claim or their insurance company. The vast majority of the claims we take on are successful, and where they are not we will charge you nothing.

Bartletts have been protecting and supporting clients for 150 years and enjoy a reputation nationwide for trusted legal advice. Call us today on 0800 158 2454 for a free consultation regarding your case or to begin a claim. You can also contact us for free legal advice via our new Live Chat function below.