Slip and fall claims in supermarkets and shopping centres are probably the most common enquiry we field in relation to Public Liability claims. Typically, you have a combination of a smooth tiled floor, with a high contamination risk from drinks, food and everyday food produce.
Simply because people fall over in these circumstances, does not mean the injured party definitely has a claim. All claims are subject to a test of reasonableness, that is, is there something that the person in control of the Centre could have done to prevent the risk. Typically, a system of cleaning where a cleaner goes by every 20 minutes will be held to be sufficient.
In these modern times, it is almost guaranteed that each and every part of a shopping centre is covered by CCTV footage. This is excellent evidence of what caused a fall and what was done or not done to prevent the same.
Obtaining this evidence is a simple matter of lodging the claim form on the owner or manager of the store or Centre and obtaining immediate disclosure of the same. A decision can then be made as to prospects of success.
