Maison Law guides people through the claims process when they’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a California Home Depot. Most of the time, you’re probably focused on what you can do when you slip-and-fall. While you have legal options, you’re not the only one that can file a claim when these things happen. Our team can explain all your options and how you can put together a strong claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Who Can File a Claim After a Slip-and-Fall Accident at a Home Depot?
When you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident at Home Depot, and it was caused by the store’s (or someone else’s) negligence, you have the legal right to file an injury claim. But Home Depot’s legal responsibilities extend to every person that’s in the store. As you probably know, this doesn’t just include you or other customers. It also includes children, older people, contractors, and outside delivery people.
All of these people have legal protections against negligence, meaning they can file an injury claim when they’re hurt in a slip-and-fall. But specifically, it must be shown that:
- Home Depot knew or should have known about the potential fall risk.
- The dangerous condition was not fixed or warned about in a reasonable time.
- This directly caused your fall and injuries.
With this established, you or another adult can file the claim. But this brings up another question: why should you file a claim in the first place?
Why Do You Need to File an Injury Claim After a Slip-and-Fall at Home Depot?
The main reason you would need to file an injury claim after a slip-and-fall accident at Home Depot is simple: it gives you access to certain financial support for your injuries and other losses. In legal terms, these are known as “damages,” and they include things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers costs for any treatment due to your injury, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, therapy, and equipment like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Lost income – If you miss work because of your injuries, lost wages compensate for the money you would have earned if you were able to work.
- Property damage – This covers repair or replacement costs for your damaged property, like your phone, glasses, clothing, or anything else that’s damaged in the fall.
- Pain and suffering – This includes costs relating to the physical pain from your injuries and the mental pain from the accident.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, this covers costs for the emotional strain caused by the accident, such as fear, anxiety, depression, or trauma you may experience as a result.
- Reduced quality of life – This covers costs associated with the effect the injury has on your relationships and daily life, such as being unable to spend time with loved ones or enjoy hobbies you once did.
The damages you can claim depend on the specifics of your situation, so it’s important to clearly connect your injuries to what happened during the accident. But again, anyone that’s injured because Home Depot failed in their legal duty to keep them safe can file a claim.
What Steps Need to Be Taken to Strengthen a Slip-and-Fall Claim Against Home Depot?
Being hurt in a slip-and-fall accident at Home Depot is never something you expect, especially when you’re there for a quick home improvement project or to pick up supplies. Unfortunately, accidents like this can happen. While you have the legal right to file an injury claim, taking a few crucial steps can help strengthen your case and protect your health:
- Get medical care – If you’re hurt, see a doctor right away. Home Depot may have first aid on-site, but if it’s serious, call an ambulance. Keep all records, like bills, receipts, and follow-up visits, as they’re important for your case.
- Report the fall – Tell a Home Depot employee or manager about the accident immediately. This alerts them to the danger and helps prevent future incidents. Make sure to ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Collect evidence on-site – Take photos or videos of the area where you fell, especially if there’s something hazardous, like wet floors. Note the time and date, and get contact info from any witnesses.
- Preserve evidence – Keep any damaged items, like clothes or shoes, as evidence. Don’t fix or clean anything–it’s important to keep things as they are.
- Watch your statements – Be careful what you say about the accident. Don’t admit fault or apologize, as these statements could be used against you later. Insurance companies will look for any reason to lower your claim.
By taking these steps, you can strengthen your potential claim. Ultimately, though, it’s your responsibility to show the full extent of your injuries and losses. But you’re not alone–our team of Home Depot slip-and-fall accident lawyers at Maison Law can help explain your options, gather evidence, negotiate for a fair settlement, or even file a lawsuit for you. We want to make things easier while you focus on getting better. So if you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these accidents, contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options.
