Home improvement stores, such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s, can present unique dangers to customers, which include heavy falling objects, distracted forklift operators, and sharp equipment that can cause serious injuries. Additionally, potential exposure to chemicals from products such as paints or solvents can also pose health risks if proper precautions are not taken. If someone has been injured at a Home Depot or Lowe’s in Indiana, it is imperative to seek the assistance of a skilled attorney with a thorough understanding of our state’s personal injury laws.

As with any business or residence, property owners in Indiana are required to maintain a safe premises and take reasonable steps to ensure visitors are protected from harm. Failure to do so can result in legal liability for injuries sustained on their property.

Legally known as premises liability, Indiana courts often consider the foreseeability of harm when an injured party takes legal action against a property owner. If a store had prior knowledge of similar incidents that caused an injury, it may strengthen the case for negligence.

It is important to note that Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning that an injured party’s own actions may affect their ability to recover damages. In the context of a home improvement store, an injured plaintiff must show that the store owed them a duty of care, that this duty was breached, and that the breach directly led their injuries.

Unique dangers from falling objects at Home Depot and Lowe’s exist due to the frequent practice of “stacking.” This technique is commonly used by big-box stores to maximize space, improve product visibility, and make it easier for customers to browse and access items. However, extremely heavy items, often weighing hundreds of pounds, can be stacked as high as 20 feet, increasing the chance of falling items, resulting in serious injuries or even death.

If an accident does occur, it is important to immediately notify store management and seek medical attention. Failing to report an occurrence promptly not only jeopardizes potential legal remedies, but also provides insurance companies and juries with grounds to question the credibility of the claims.

Common injuries that can occur at a home improvement store include, but are not limited to: chemical burns, broken/crushed bones, lacerations, head trauma, spinal injuries, and loss of limbs. Given Indiana’s statute of limitations, prompt initiation of legal proceedings is imperative if an injury has been sustained.

If you or a loved one have been injured at a home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, contact our office for a free and confidential consultation. You may call our main office number at 317-636-0808 or complete the contact form provided below. Hurst Limontes works on a contingency basis, meaning we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.