Big-box hardware stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot essentially operate as warehouses open to the public. Unfortunately, warehouses can be extremely dangerous and many individuals suffer a hardware store injury requiring medical attention. If Lowe’s or Home Depot’s employees fail to take reasonable safety precautions, or perform their task in a negligent fashion, customers can sustain serious injuries.
Among the more common examples of a hardware store injury at stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot are falling or dropped merchandise injuries. The high shelving in these stores often times hold extremely heavy, dense objects. If these objects fall because of poor placement, or are dropped by an employee retrieving the item, customers can be struck. Depending upon the type of object which falls, injuries can range from minor to life threatening.
Of course, in stores as large and diverse as Lowe’s and Home Depot, there are many other ways in which customers can be injured. Other example include fork lift incidents, slip and falls, and trip and falls.
Employees suffering a hardware store injury at places such as Lowe’s and Home Depot may have workers’ compensation claims to pursue. Customers may also be able to assert a claim for negligence if they have adequate proof that a failure by Lowe’s, Home Depot, or their employees caused the injury. Under North Carolina law, a negligence claim permits the plaintiff to possible recover damages for (1) past and future medical expenses, (2) past and future pain and suffering, (3) lost wages and diminished earning capacity, (4) permanent scarring, and (5) permanent injury.
The attorneys of Maginnis Law have experience handling claims against hardware stores and other industrial defendants. We are aware of the unique challenges presented by cases that do not fit a normal “litigation script” like rear-end car wrecks. We can assist you through the claim and litigation process by identifying the particular industry standards breached and, if necessary, hiring necessary experts to prove the breach.
To speak with a Maginnis Law attorney regarding your hardware store injury claim against Lowe’s or Home Depot, call our office at (919) 526-0450. You may also send us a message through our contact page.
