Shopping centres in Gateshead, such as the Intu Metrocentre and Trinity Square, welcome thousands of visitors each day. These locations are meant to be safe, accessible and well-managed. But accidents do occur – often due to negligence. If you’ve suffered an injury in a shopping centre, you may be entitled to compensation.
This guide explains how to claim for a shopping centre injury in Gateshead, what your rights are, and how Marley Solicitors can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Common accidents in Gateshead shopping centres
Accidents can happen in any public place, but shopping centres pose specific risks due to their size, heavy foot traffic, and numerous premises. Some of the most frequent causes of injury include:
- Slips, trips and falls: Wet floors, recently cleaned surfaces, worn or uneven tiles, loose mats, or poor lighting can all lead to serious falls.
- Falling objects: Poorly stacked merchandise, faulty shelving, or ceiling fixtures can fall onto shoppers unexpectedly.
- Escalator and lift malfunctions: Sudden stops, jerky movements or lack of maintenance may cause falls or trapping injuries.
- Crowd-related injuries: Large crowds during sales or events can result in crush injuries, trampling or collisions.
- Food court hazards: Spills, hot liquids, food allergens, and poor hygiene can cause burns, slips, or allergic reactions.
- Car park incidents: Poorly designed or maintained car parks may result in collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
Even minor injuries can have lasting consequences. Some may prevent you from working, disrupt your mobility or cause long-term health complications.
Who is responsible for your injury?
Responsibility usually lies with the party responsible for maintaining a safe environment. This could include:
- Shopping centre operators (e.g. intu Metrocentre management)
- Individual retailers operating within the premises
- Cleaning companies, security contractors or maintenance firms
- Food vendors or hospitality outlets
These parties all owe you a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, which requires those in control of premises to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe.
If they fail to take reasonable precautions, such as cleaning up spills promptly to avoid slips and trips, maintaining lifts and escalators, or carrying out risk assessments – they may be held legally responsible for the injuries caused.
What to do after a shopping centre accident in Gateshead?
If you’re injured in a Gateshead shopping centre, your first steps are crucial in protecting both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention: If seriously hurt, go directly to A&E at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead. Otherwise, visit your GP or walk-in clinic for treatment. Medical records will serve as key evidence.
- Report the accident: Notify centre staff or shop managers immediately. Ask for the incident to be logged in the accident report book.
- Collect evidence:
- Take photos of the hazard and the area
- Keep your clothing or shoes if damaged or stained
- Get names and contact details of any witnesses
- Preserve documentation:
- Keep medical notes, prescriptions and receipts
- Record time off work and loss of earnings
- Track taxi or transport costs
- Do not sign anything from insurers or management without legal advice.
- Speak to a solicitor: Contact a personal injury expert to assess your case and explain your options.
How to make a shopping centre injury claim
When you contact Marley Solicitors, here’s how we’ll help:
- Free consultation
We start with a no-obligation phone or in-person consultation to understand what happened and explain whether you’re likely to have a claim.
- Evidence gathering
We obtain medical records, witness statements, CCTV footage, maintenance logs, risk assessments and staff training records to build your case.
- Identifying the responsible party
Depending on where and how the accident occurred, responsibility may rest with the shopping centre operator, an individual shop, or an external contractor.
- Claim submission
We notify the responsible party and their insurer of the claim, outline the incident, and provide supporting evidence.
- Settlement negotiation
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. We negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf, including compensation for pain, suffering and financial losses.
- Court proceedings (if necessary)
If the other side denies liability or offers an unfair sum, we can issue court proceedings. Marley Solicitors are experienced litigators and will represent you throughout.
What can you claim compensation for?
Compensation can be awarded for both the physical and financial impact of your injury:
General damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of amenity (e.g. hobbies or quality of life)
- Psychological distress
Special damages
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Private medical care or treatment
- Prescription or travel costs
- Care or assistance
- Costs of physiotherapy, mobility aids, home adaptations
The value of your claim will depend on the severity and duration of your injury.
Local medical support in Gateshead
Injury victims in Gateshead have access to several key services:
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital – Emergency care, imaging, and outpatient services
- Bensham Hospital – Rehabilitation and support
- Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust – Covers most public health services in the area
- GP practices like Bewick Road Surgery and Teams Medical Practice
- Dental clinics for oral trauma or cosmetic injury following falls
We will help you coordinate medical appointments, rehabilitation and expert assessments for your claims.
Time limits for making a claim
You usually have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim. There are exceptions for:
- Children: Claims can be made any time before they turn 18, after which the three-year limit applies.
- Lack of capacity: No time limit applies if the injured person lacks mental capacity.
- Fatal accidents: Claims by family members must be brought within three years of death.
It’s always better to act early, the sooner we can collect evidence and speak to witnesses, the stronger your claim will be.
Can you claim on a no win no fee basis?
Yes. At Marley Solicitors, most shopping centre injury claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- If we don’t win, you pay nothing at all
- If we do win, our fee is capped and comes from your compensation (usually no more than 25%)
This allows you to pursue justice with zero financial risk.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
We are a dedicated personal injury firm with deep knowledge of Gateshead and the North East. Here’s why clients choose us:
- Local expertise: We understand Gateshead shopping centres, insurers and courts
- Clear communication: We explain everything in plain English
- Strong track record: We’ve secured thousands in settlements for local clients
- Personal service: Your case will be handled by a named solicitor, not passed between departments
Related services
If your injury involves negligent treatment after the accident, visit our medical negligence page. If you’re concerned about legal costs, read more about our no win, no fee service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim a shopping centre injury in Gateshead if I am partly at fault?
Yes. You can still claim even if you were partially to blame (e.g. not watching where you were going), although your compensation may be reduced to reflect shared responsibility.
How long does a shopping centre claim take?
Straightforward claims may settle in 6–9 months. More complex or disputed cases can take longer, especially if court proceedings are needed. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Start your claim today with Marley Solicitors
If you’ve been injured in a Gateshead shopping centre, don’t wait. Marley Solicitors offer expert legal advice and dedicated support from day one.
Contact us for a free consultation and find out if you’re entitled to claim. Call now or fill out our quick enquiry form to speak with one of our personal injury specialists.
