Fractured Pelvis Claim After a Fall in a Supermarket

Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by tanya

Fractured Pelvis Claim After a Fall in a Supermarket

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

Compensation for an Injury in a Public Place

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common accidents in public places and you may want to make a fractured pelvis claim after a fall in a supermarket. If there were unsafe conditions and the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. This is whether I happened in a supermarket, shop, car park or another public place. The law allows for compensation to help you cover the pain and suffering of surgery, as well as medical treatment costs and time away from work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has comprehensive guidelines for slips risks on a supermarket floor.

 

Why Fractured Pelvis Injuries Deserve Serious Compensation

A fractured pelvis is not only painful, it may also disrupt your life in ways you don’t expect. Depending on the severity, recovery may involve surgery, metal plates or screws, months of physiotherapy, and restricted mobility. Some victims are unable to walk unaided for a long time, while others face permanent complications.

Compensation is designed to put you back, as much as possible, in the position you would have been in had the accident not happened. Therefore, it generally covers:

 

  • Medical treatment – hospital stays, surgery, and physiotherapy
  • Loss of earnings – including future income if you can’t return to your previous job
  • Travel expenses – for hospital appointments and rehabilitation sessions
  • Care and assistance – whether from professionals or family members
  • Adaptations – such as mobility aids or home adjustments
  • Pain and suffering – for the physical and emotional impact

 

Common Causes of Supermarket and Public Place Falls

To make a successful claim, your solicitor must show that negligence caused your accident. Some of the most common hazards include:

 

  • Wet or freshly cleaned floors without warning signs
  • Spillages left unattended in supermarkets
  • Uneven or broken flooring in shops, pavements, or car parks
  • Poor lighting in stairways or aisles
  • Obstacles left in walkways
  • Snow, ice, or slippery surfaces not treated properly

 

If the supermarket or premises owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe, they may be held legally responsible.

 

Step 1: Report the Accident Immediately

After your fall, tell staff straight away. In supermarkets, insist the accident is written in the accident book and ask for a copy of the report. If you’re in another public place, record the details with whoever manages the premises.

This record will act as crucial evidence when proving your case.

 

Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene

The more evidence you collect, the stronger your claim will be. If possible, helpful evidence includes:

 

  • Photos of the accident location, showing what caused your fall
  • Witness statements and their contact details
  • CCTV footage (request it quickly before it’s deleted)
  • Clothing or shoes damaged during the fall
  • Your own notes on how the accident happened

 

Step 3: Get Medical Treatment

If you suspect a fractured pelvis, you should go to A&E immediately. Even if paramedics attended, make sure you follow up with your GP or specialist.

Medical reports will not only ensure proper care, but they also serve as crucial evidence in your claim to prove the severity of your injuries.

 

Step 4: Speak to a Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor

Personal injury solicitors deal with supermarket accident and public liability claims daily. We partner with highly experienced lawyers in this field and they will:

 

  • Assess your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis
  • Collect evidence and medical reports
  • Negotiate with the supermarket’s insurers
  • Fight to maximise your compensation payout

 

Attempting to negotiate with insurers directly yourself often results in lower settlements. A solicitor will ensure you don’t accept less than you deserve and get you maximum compensation.

 

Step 5: Knowing Time Limits for Claiming

You normally have three years from the date of your accident to start a personal injury claim. Exceptions apply for:

 

  • Children – the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday
  • People lacking mental capacity – where no strict time limit applies

 

Starting your claim as soon as possible gives your solicitor more time to gather strong evidence, such as CCTV footage before it may possibly be deleted.

 

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Fractured Pelvis?

The amount varies depending on the severity of your injury, your recovery time, and its impact on your daily life. For example:

 

  • Minor fractures that heal without lasting effects may range between£4,500 up to £15,000.
  • Serious fractures requiring surgery, mobility aids, or leading to permanent disability may be worth tens of thousands of pounds.
  • Severe, pelvic fractures with long-term complications can exceed £100,000.

 

Therefore, your solicitor will calculate both general damages (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses) and provide you with an estimate regarding your specific case.

 

Maximising Your Claim

To strengthen your case, make sure you:

 

  • Keep a diary noting your pain levels, mobility, and the impact on daily life
  • Save receipts for travel, prescriptions, and care costs
  • Follow medical advice to show you’re taking recovery seriously
  • Contact a solicitor quickly to avoid missed deadlines

 

People Also Ask: FAQs on Fractured Pelvis Compensation

Can I claim compensation if I fell in a supermarket car park?

Yes. Supermarkets are responsible not only for their aisles but also for car parks and entrances. If poor maintenance or unsafe conditions caused your fall, you can claim.

 

Do I need CCTV footage to win my case?

Not necessarily. While CCTV strengthens your claim, other evidence such as witness statements, photos, and medical reports can still prove liability.

 

How long does a fractured pelvis compensation claim take?

Straightforward claims may settle within 6–9 months. Complex cases involving disputed liability or severe injuries can take longer, sometimes 12–24 months.

 

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

You may still claim under contributory negligence. For example, if you weren’t looking where you were walking but the supermarket still failed to warn of a spillage, your compensation may be reduced rather than denied.

 

Do I have to go to court for a fractured pelvis claim?

Most claims are settled out of court. Court is only necessary if the defendant denies liability or settlement negotiations fail.

 

Can I claim on behalf of someone else?

Yes. You can act as a litigation friend for a child or someone who lacks mental capacity.

 

Need help now?

A fractured pelvis can have a devastating impact on your health, finance and independence. . By reporting the accident, gathering strong evidence, getting proper medical care, and working with an experienced lawyer, you can make a successful compensation claim.

To discuss your case in confidence, contact our team at First Personal Injury. We specialise in helping individuals affected by workplace negligence.

We work with expert lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.