A 42-year-old woman named Sammi Mai is taking legal action against Waitrose after a cauliflower fell on her head while she was shopping in one of their stores. Mai, from Kingston, claims that the incident has caused her long-term health issues, preventing her from working and impacting her quality of life significantly.
Mai was on holiday in Bath when the incident occurred. She was browsing the reduced section of produce when a two-pound cauliflower fell from a shelf above her, knocking her unconscious. She was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, which has led to ongoing symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, and fatigue.
Since the incident, Mai’s health has deteriorated, and she has been unable to return to work due to head and neck pain and increased anxiety. She expressed frustration with Waitrose’s response, stating that the staff did not take the incident seriously. Despite offering her a £25 voucher and taxi fare as a goodwill gesture, Mai found the offer insulting given the severity of her injuries.
Waitrose has denied legal responsibility for the incident but expressed concern for Mai’s well-being. They stated that they take customer safety seriously and have thoroughly investigated the matter. However, Mai believes that storing heavy items like cauliflowers on high shelves poses a safety hazard and is considering legal action to seek fair compensation for her injuries.
The case has highlighted concerns about the safety of storing heavy items on high shelves in supermarkets. Mai emphasized the need for proper safety measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Waitrose has stated that they are open to receiving further information from Mai but maintain that all safety protocols were followed.
Mai’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring customer safety in retail environments and the potential consequences of negligence. As she continues to seek justice for the impact the incident has had on her life, it is essential for companies to prioritize safety measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring.
