Slip and Fall in a Grocery Store: Loblaws, Walmart, Costco & More

Slip and falls are extremely common in grocery stores. Between wet floors, spills, freezers that leak, crowded aisles, and winter entrances covered in slush, customers often face serious hazards.

If you were injured in a grocery store such as Loblaws, Walmart, Costco, No Frills, Sobeys, Metro, FreshCo, or Real Canadian Superstore, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide explains who is responsible, how claims work, and what to do next.

Why Slip and Falls Happen in Grocery Stores

Grocery stores have a legal duty to keep customers safe. But hazards can appear quickly.

Common causes include:

• Spilled liquids or food
• Wet entrance mats
• Slush, snow, and water tracked inside
• Leaking freezers or refrigerators
• Cracked or uneven floorin
• Produce on the floor
• Poorly placed displays
• Hazards left after restocking
• Overcrowded aisles
• Poor lighting in certain sections

Stores Where Slip and Falls Commonly Occur

Slip and fall claims can happen in any grocery or big-box environment, including:

• Loblaws
• Walmart
• Costco
• No Frills
• Metro
• Sobeys
• FreshCo
• Real Canadian Superstore
• Food Basics
• Longo’s
• Whole Foods
• Independent Grocers

Whether your fall happened in a large chain or a small family-run store, the store must follow proper safety protocols.

Who Is Responsible for a Grocery Store Slip and Fall?

Under Canada’s occupiers’ liability laws, the responsible party is anyone who owns, controls, or maintains the store.

This may include:

• The store owner
• The corporate chain (e.g., Walmart HQ, Loblaw Companies Ltd.)
• The franchisee (e.g., No Frills)
• Property management
• Cleaning or janitorial contractors
• Snow and ice removal contractors (for entrances and parking lots)

Often, more than one party shares responsibility.

How Liability Is Determined

To succeed in a claim, you must show the hazard existed because the store failed to take reasonable care.

Examples of negligence include:

• Not cleaning up a spill quickly
• Failing to inspect aisles regularly
• Leaving freezers or coolers leaking
• Allowing slush to accumulate inside entrances
• Not placing warning signs
• Leaving packaging, produce, or debris on the floor
• Failing to salt or clear the entrance walkway

What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Grocery Store

These steps protect your health and your claim:

1. Get medical attention immediately
2. Take photos/videos of the hazard, aisle, lighting, and your footwear
3. Report the incident to store staff or management
4. Ask for an incident report and keep a copy if possible
5. Collect witness names and contact information
6. Keep your shoes and clothing — do not wash or discard them
7. Save receipts and medical records
8. Write down what happened as soon as possible
9. Do NOT speak to the store’s insurance company without legal advice

What Compensation Can You Claim?

A grocery store slip and fall may entitle you to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Future loss of income
• Medical and rehabilitation costs
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Housekeeping or home support
• Long-term disability benefits if you cannot return to work

Common Injuries After Grocery Store Slip and Falls

Injuries range from mild to severe, including:

• Fractured wrists, arms, or hips
• Torn ligaments
• Concussions
• Back and neck injuries
• Soft-tissue damage
• Chronic pain
• Knee and shoulder injuries
• Spinal injuries

These injuries can impact your ability to work, drive, care for family, or manage daily tasks.

Why Grocery Store Chains Push Back Hard

Large retailers like Walmart, Loblaws, and Costco often have:

• Experienced insurance adjusters
• In-house legal teams
• Extensive maintenance logs
• High-quality surveillance systems

They may claim:

• The hazard “just happened”
• You weren’t paying attention
• The spill was temporary
• Staff followed procedures
• You wore improper footwear

A lawyer will challenge these arguments and obtain the evidence needed.

Video Footage: A Crucial Piece of Evidence

Most grocery stores have high-resolution security cameras covering aisles and entrances.

But:

• Footage can be deleted quickly
• Not all stores keep videos after a short period
• Only a lawyer can formally request preservation

Acting quickly helps secure video evidence before it’s erased.

Special Note: Winter Entrance Falls

Entrances are extremely hazardous during Canadian winters due to:

• Melting snow
• Ice buildup
• Wet mats
• Slippery tiles
• High customer traffic

If your fall took place near the entrance, snow and ice maintenance may also be a factor.

When to Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer

You should get legal advice immediately if:

• You slipped on a spill or wet floor
• Store staff didn’t file an incident report
• The insurance company contacts you
• You missed work
• You’re dealing with pain or mobility issues
• You’re unsure who is responsible
• You’re worried about video evidence being deleted

Free Consultation: Grocery Store Slip and Fall Claims

A slip and fall in a grocery store can disrupt your life and your ability to work. You don’t have to fight a large corporation on your own.

• ✅ Free consultation
• ✅ No upfront fees
• ✅ Millions recovered for injured Canadians
• ✅ Canada’s most-reviewed personal injury and disability law firm

Speak to a Slip and Fall Lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP Today.