Maison Law can help you if you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a Lowe’s Home Improvement store in California. You probably understand that when you file a claim after one of these accidents, you can get a settlement. But you might be wondering what you need to do after that, especially when it comes to your taxes and the IRS. Our team can make sure you get a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do I Have to Report My Settlement to the IRS After a Slip-and-Fall at Lowe’s?
When you’re hurt in a slip-and-fall accident at Lowe’s because of someone else’s negligence, you have certain legal rights. The main one is pretty obvious: you get to file an injury claim and recover damages–given to you in a lump sum settlement. This brings up a fairly practical question: do you have to report this “income” to the IRS? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always easy to unpack. Basically, it depends on what’s included in the settlement. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- Taxable damages – These must be reported to the IRS, and generally includes things like lost wages or punitive damages.
- Not taxable damages – These don’t have to be reported to the IRS, and cover things that are most often included in a slip-and-fall settlement, like your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
While we focus on helping you get the best possible settlement after a slip-and-fall at Lowe’s, it’s also smart to speak with a tax professional. They can help you understand what parts of your settlement need to be reported to the IRS–and make sure you avoid any unexpected tax penalties.
How Can You Strengthen a Slip-and-Fall Claim Against Lowe’s?
Just filing a claim after slipping and falling at Lowe’s doesn’t guarantee a settlement–you have to prove how it happened, how Lowe’s was responsible, and how it affected you. Taking the right steps early on can make your claim–and potential settlement–much stronger:
- Report the fall – Let an employee or manager know what happened and ask them to create an official incident report. Request a copy for your records. Also, make sure to ask them for first aid.
- Document the fall site – Take photos or videos of the scene, including the hazard (like a wet floor or loose mat), your injuries, and anything else that shows negligence.
- Talk to witnesses – If someone saw you fall, get their contact information. They might be able to help back up your version of events.
- Be careful with statements – Don’t give detailed statements to Lowe’s staff or their insurance, and don’t post about it on social media. Anything you say could be used against you.
- Get medical care – Always see a doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries take time to show up, and medical records are key to proving your case.
- Keep track of your expenses – Save medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket costs, and records of missed work. These help prove the financial impact of your injuries.
If your injuries are serious, it might be hard to manage all of this yourself—but even taking a few of these steps can make a big difference. Our team is here to guide and support you through it.
What’s the Claims Process Like After a Slip-and-Fall at Lowe’s?
Legally speaking, slip-and-fall claims follow a similar process no matter where they happen. If you slipped and fell at Lowe’s because of unsafe conditions–like a wet floor, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways–Lowe’s may be legally responsible for your injuries. But in order to actually get a settlement, you have to either:
- File an insurance claim with Lowe’s liability insurance carrier
- File a personal injury lawsuit in court
Your financial support, whether through a settlement or court verdict, will cover the damages tied to your accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses, which cover your hospital visits, physical therapy, medications, and other treatment costs.
- Lost income that covers income you lose because of missed work or a loss of earning potential if you can’t work anymore.
- Pain and suffering, which relates to costs associated with your physical pain caused by the fall.
- Emotional distress, which covers the emotional/psychological side of your injuries, like anxiety, trauma, or emotional strain.
- Reduced quality of life damages cover how your injuries limit your daily activities or independence.
If Lowe’s or someone else was deemed to be “excessively” negligent, you might also be able to recover punitive damages on top of these other damages. These are rare, though, and take a higher level of evidence. Regardless, you still only have two years from the date of the fall to file a claim. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to file a claim altogether.
How Can Maison Law Help You After a Slip-and-Fall at Lowe’s?
A slip-and-fall claim against a large company like Lowe’s can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Maison Law, we help you by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options
- Gathering strong evidence to prove Lowe’s was at fault
- Handling all negotiations with Lowe’s insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit if Lowe’s won’t offer a fair settlement
You don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation–we’re here to help you recover the financial support and justice you need to get better.
