Maison Law helps anyone that’s been injured in slip-and-fall accidents at a California Lowe’s Home Improvement store. There are many ways a slip-and-fall can happen to you at a Lowe’s, but one of the most common causes is tripping over boxes or other items in your way. If this happens, the question is simple: what should you do? Our team is ready to answer this and any other questions you have. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do If I Trip on a Box at Lowe’s?
You don’t go into Lowe’s expecting to get hurt, but with so many products and boxes in the aisles, tripping hazards can be everywhere. It’s not surprising that accidents like this happen, but what steps should you take if it happens to you? First, your health should be your top priority. Once you’re safe, gathering key information is crucial. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the accident – Tell a Lowe’s employee or supervisor about your tripping accident and ask them for first aid. Company police probably require them to also make an incident report, but that might not happen.
- Take photos and videos – On your own, document the box, its placement, and any warning signs (or lack of them). Record the time, date, and store location to support your account of the incident.
- Talk to witnesses – If anyone saw you trip, get their name and contact details. Their testimony can be helpful in showing that the box was a hazard and that you weren’t at fault.
- See a doctor – Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out. Injuries like sprains, fractures, or head trauma may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time. Medical records will help support your claim.
- Keep important records – Retain all medical bills, doctor’s notes, and any communication with Lowe’s or their insurance company. These documents are vital in proving your injury and the associated costs.
- Watch what you say – Stick to the facts when talking with store employees or insurance representatives. Don’t admit fault or say sorry. This might be used to reduce your claim.
It’s obviously pretty frustrating being injured when you’re in Lowe’s, especially tripping over boxes or other clutter. But this plays into why taking these steps are so important: it sets the foundation for your potential injury claim.
What Options Do You Have When You’re Hurt After Tripping Over a Box at Lowe’s?
If you’ve ever walked through a Lowe’s, you know it’s easy to run into boxes, carts, or tools left in the aisles. But what makes this a potential legal situation is showing negligence. In this situation, you’d have to establish that:
- Lowe’s knew or should have known that boxes or cluttered walkways were a hazard and they didn’t fix it.
This isn’t always straightforward, but generally, Lowe’s and its employees are going to be responsible when you trip over a box and get hurt because they have a legal duty to make sure boxes aren’t in the way where you and other shoppers will be walking. But remember, California uses a rule called “comparative negligence.” This means if you weren’t paying attention or went somewhere you weren’t supposed to be, any potential damages you get could be reduced.
In terms of your options for getting your damages, you can either:
- File an insurance claim
- File a lawsuit
Filing a claim with Lowe’s liability insurance is usually faster and less formal since it happens outside of court. But remember, the insurance company is in control. They decide how much money to offer, and they often try to pay as little as possible. So, filing a lawsuit is more formal and usually takes longer, but it can lead to a fairer outcome. It gives you a better shot at getting the full damages you deserve, including payment relating to your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Legally, you have the right to get these damages no matter what. But in reality, you’ll need solid evidence to support your case. The more proof you have, the better your chances of getting a full and fair recovery. Outside of that, working with our experienced Lowe’s slip-and-fall accident lawyers at Maison Law can be extremely beneficial.
How Can Maison Law Help You After Being Injured From Tripping Over a Box at Lowe’s?
Tripping and falling over a box at Lowe’s isn’t just embarrassing–it can lead to serious injuries and costly medical bills. While you’re not required to get a lawyer, having legal help can make a big difference, especially if your injuries are serious.
Here’s how we can help:
- Explain your legal rights and next steps
- Gather important evidence, like store policies or security footage
- Investigate what happened and who’s responsible
- Talk with witnesses and experts to build your claim
- Negotiate with Lowe’s or their insurance company for a fair settlement, whether in or out of court
Dealing with legal paperwork and insurance adjusters is the last thing you need while trying to recover. We’re here to take that off your plate and fight for the results you need to get better. Contact us today for a free consultation–we’re ready to help.
