Shopping at Home Bargains is usually a smooth and affordable experience. However, like any busy store, accidents can happen. If you have been injured in a Home Bargains store, warehouse, or car park, you may be wondering how much compensation you could claim.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about making a claim for a Home Bargains accident, the factors that affect how much compensation you may receive, and the steps you should take if you decide to bring a claim.
What is a Home Bargains Store Accident?
A store accident is any injury caused while shopping or working in a Home Bargains branch, where the incident was not your fault. These accidents are usually the result of negligence — for example, failing to clean up a spillage or not repairing a broken fixture.
Common examples include:
- Slips and trips – slipping on a wet floor, tripping on uneven flooring, or over items left in walkways.
- Falling objects – items falling from shelves, collapsing displays, or unsafe racking.
- Faulty equipment – defective trolleys, baskets, escalators, or automatic doors.
- Manual handling – lifting or carrying heavy objects without proper safety support.
- Car park accidents – injuries caused by poorly lit areas, un-cleared ice, or damaged surfaces.
If the accident was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
Who Can Make a Claim?
You do not need to be a customer to make a claim. Claims can be made by:
- Customers – if you are injured while shopping.
- Employees – including shop floor staff, warehouse workers, and delivery drivers.
- Visitors – anyone lawfully on the premises, such as contractors.
The important factor is that the injury was caused by the negligence of Home Bargains or its staff.
What is the Duty of Care in Home Bargains?
Home Bargains, like all UK retailers, has a legal duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. This means they must take reasonable steps to ensure the store and surrounding areas are safe for customers and visitors.
For employees, additional protection comes from health and safety legislation, which requires employers to:
- Provide proper training.
- Supply safe equipment.
- Carry out risk assessments.
- Maintain a safe workplace.
If Home Bargains fails to meet these duties and you suffer an injury as a result, they may be held liable for compensation.
What Can You Claim For?
Compensation is designed to put you back in the position you would have been in if the accident had not happened. It usually covers two main types of damages:
1. General Damages
These are awarded for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. The amount depends on:
- The type of injury.
- How severe it is.
- How long your recovery takes.
- Whether you are left with permanent symptoms.
2. Special Damages
These cover financial losses linked to your accident, such as:
- Lost earnings if you need time off work.
- Future loss of earnings if your ability to work is affected.
- Medical expenses (treatment, physiotherapy, prescriptions).
- Travel costs (getting to hospital or appointments).
- Care and assistance (paid or unpaid support from friends and family).
- Adaptations to your home if you are seriously injured.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
There is no fixed amount of compensation for a Home Bargains accident. Each case is unique, and the final settlement depends on your circumstances. However, solicitors and courts use the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to help calculate compensation for pain and suffering.
Below are some example figures from the 2022 JCG (approximate amounts):
| Injury Type | Severity | Possible Compensation |
| Back injury | Moderate | Up to £38,780 |
| Back injury | Minor | Up to £12,510 |
| Shoulder injury | Minor | Up to £7,890 |
| Shoulder injury | Moderate | £7,890 – £12,770 |
| Elbow injury | Less severe | £15,650 – £32,010 |
| Elbow injury | Minor | Up to £12,590 |
| Knee injury | Moderate | Up to £26,190 |
| Knee injury | Minor | Up to £13,740 |
| Wrist injury | Uncomplicated fracture | Around £7,430 |
| Clavicle fracture | Varies | £5,150 – £12,240 |
These figures are only guidelines. Your claim may be worth more or less depending on your specific situation, your recovery time, and the impact on your life.
Steps to Take After an Accident in Home Bargains
If you are involved in an accident at Home Bargains, there are several important steps you should take:
- Report the accident – tell a member of staff and ensure it is recorded in the accident book.
- Gather evidence – take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards.
- Get witness details – collect names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened.
- Seek medical attention – even if your injury seems minor, get checked by a GP or hospital. Medical records are vital evidence.
- Request CCTV footage – if available, this may support your case.
- Keep receipts and records – for travel, medical costs, and any other expenses caused by the accident.
- Seek legal advice – a personal injury solicitor can guide you through the claims process.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. This is known as the limitation period.
There are exceptions:
- If you were under 18 when the accident happened, the three-year period starts from your 18th birthday.
- If the injured person does not have mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until capacity is regained.
It’s best to begin the process as soon as possible, while evidence is still fresh.
How Do Solicitors Calculate Compensation?
Solicitors will consider a range of factors when valuing your claim:
- Medical reports – detailing your injuries and recovery prospects.
- The JCG guidelines – to estimate pain and suffering awards.
- Impact on your daily life – whether you can work, do household tasks, or enjoy hobbies.
- Financial losses – proven through payslips, receipts, and invoices.
A solicitor may also consider whether a lump sum settlement or periodic payments are more suitable if your injuries are long-term.
What If You Are an Employee Injured at Home Bargains?
If you work for Home Bargains and are injured at work, you may be able to claim against your employer. This could be due to:
- Lack of training.
- Inadequate equipment.
- Unsafe shelving or stock handling.
- Slips, trips, or falls in staff-only areas.
- Injuries from handling cleaning chemicals.
Your employer is legally required to have employers’ liability insurance, so any compensation would usually be paid by the insurance company, not directly by Home Bargains.
What If You Are Injured Outside the Store?
Accidents can also happen in car parks, loading bays, or other areas belonging to Home Bargains. The same principles apply: if the area was unsafe and you were injured because of negligence, you may have a valid claim.
Examples include:
- Poor lighting leading to a fall.
- Ice or snow not cleared from walkways.
- Damaged pavements or potholes in car parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes, in some cases. This is known as contributory negligence. For example, if you were looking at your phone when you tripped on an obstruction, you may still receive compensation, but the amount could be reduced.
How long will the claim take?
It varies. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while complex claims involving serious injuries could take longer, especially if medical treatment is ongoing.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. However, if Home Bargains or their insurers dispute liability, your case may need to go before a judge.
Can I claim if I didn’t report the accident immediately?
It is always best to report the accident at the time, but you may still be able to claim if you have other supporting evidence such as medical records and witness statements.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a Home Bargains store accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. The amount you receive depends on the seriousness of your injuries, the financial losses you have suffered, and how the accident has affected your daily life.
By reporting the accident, gathering evidence, and seeking medical and legal advice, you can give yourself the best chance of making a successful claim. While no amount of money can undo the pain and inconvenience of an accident, compensation can help you recover financially and move forward.