How much compensation for slipping on a grape in a supermarket might I be entitled to? I injured my wrist when I slipped and the supermarket has offered me 3000 Euro. Is this enough money to accept?
Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor
Editor in Chief
The amount of compensation for slipping on a grape in a supermarket that one is entitled to depends on the individual circumstances of each case. Even if the injury you sustained in your accident was the same as another person involved in a similar accident, how much compensation you both get can differ significantly. You would be well advised to consult with an experienced solicitor about the offer from the supermarket for although it may seem like an adequate sum, it may not be enough to fully compensate you for the injury sustained and the impact it has had on your quality of life.
As you have received an early compensation for slipping on a grape in a supermarket offer, the supermarket has effectively admitted their liability. It may still be worth your while to gather evidence to support your claim – should you choose not to accept their offer – advisably with the assistance of your solicitor. Witnesses details should be sought, and CCTV images obtained, if possible, and a record of your injury should be made in the supermarket’s “Accident Report Book”.
Compensation claims are usually calculated by encompassing several factors. Compensation for your physical pain and suffering can be established by measuring your injury against a claims calculator and altering the value by accounting for your age, general state of health prior to your accident and, in some cases, your sex. However, you may also qualify to claim compensation for “loss of amenity”, i.e. how your injury has affected your life in a negative way. For example, you were a keen tennis player prior to the accident but are now unable to participate in the activity you once regularly enjoyed. Additionally, you may be able to recover any expenses that you have incurred which are directly attributable to the injury you sustained after slipping on the grape – such as costs for painkillers or public transport if you can no longer drive your car.
Some unsolicited offers of compensation from the negligent party’s insurers do not consider each factor mentioned above, and a solicitor will be able to give you a preliminary indication of how much compensation for slipping on a grape in a supermarket you should be eligible to receive. Most solicitors offer a free initial consultation where they can answer any questions you may have and determine whether or not the offer given by the supermarket is fair or if they would recommend that you pursue a compensation claim through legal action.