Slip and Fall in Home Depot in Naples, Florida

You deserve to enter a reasonably safe space when you visit a business, and you should not have to worry about unexpected or unreasonable obstacles and hazards. 

Business owners and operators have a duty to maintain their premises. Therefore, customers injured because of a property owner’s negligence have the right to pursue a legal claim. This is true of both small businesses and major corporations. 

For instance, Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer worldwide—the company boasts over 2,300 stores in North America. However, Home Depot employees and owners must ensure that their stores are safe for customers, and they should clearly label slick or wet surfaces to prevent accidents. 

Following a slip and fall in Home Depot in Naples, Florida, you may incur many costs and losses. Fortunately, a knowledgeable tort lawyer can help you recover the money that you are due. So if you have been hurt in a slip and fall in Home Depot in Naples, Florida, do not wait. You should contact one of the skilled attorneys at Morgan & Morgan to explore your legal options.  

Slips and falls are some of the leading causes of personal injury cases. When the at-fault party is a major company, the victim may feel unreasonably intimidated. Thankfully, Morgan and Morgan is here to help. Fill out the contact form on our website to arrange a consultation about your slip and fall case today.

Common Causes of Home Depot Slip and Falls

Many conditions can lead to a slip and fall in Home Depot in Naples, Florida. No matter the reason for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party.  

Home improvement stores such as Home Depot are full of many potential hazards and dangers. Some of the most common reasons for a slip and fall in Home Depot in Naples, Florida, include:

Wet or Slippery Floors

Slick floors are one of the most common causes of slip and fall incidents. Floors can become wet or slippery due to spills, leaks, or weather-related conditions.   

For example, Home Depot customers may track moisture from rain or snow inside. This can lead to slippery floors inside the store. For this reason, employees should always clearly label areas that are likely to become wet or slick.

Uneven Surfaces

Uneven surfaces and walkways can cause slip or trip accidents. For instance, cracked or uneven pavement can cause people to fall and become injured.  

Retail store owners have a duty to ensure their floors, sidewalks, and parking lots are properly maintained. Customers should not face unreasonable hazards like cracked or fractured pavement.

Cluttered Aisles or Walkways

One common reason for a slip and fall in Home Depot in Naples, Florida, is cluttered aisles. Objects like boxes, cords, or other products in walkways can obstruct the path of customers. This may cause store visitors to slip and fall.

Inadequate Lighting

Home Depot owners should ensure that all interior and exterior lighting is adequate.  Poor lighting can make it difficult for people to see hazards in their path. The lack of appropriate lighting can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. This is especially true in parking lots and on external sidewalks.

Lack of Handrails

Handrails provide support and stability to people while walking up or down stairs. While Home Depots are not usually multiple stories, handrails can still be critical.  

In fact, elevated sidewalks or elevated surfaces may require handrails, but the absence of handrails can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. Also, broken or loose handrails may cause customers to overestimate their stability and become injured in a fall.

Weather Conditions

Slick or icy walkway conditions caused by rain, snow, or ice can increase the risk of slips and falls. Store operators have a duty to keep their parking lot and sidewalks reasonably safe to walk on during store hours. 

Poor Store Maintenance

Home Depot has a duty to keep its premises properly maintained. Poorly maintained floors, stairs, or walkways can increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. 

You should be aware of these common causes of slip and fall accidents. Home Depot employees and managers should take steps to prevent them. If you have been harmed in a slip and fall in Home Depot in Naples, Florida, let the compassionate team at Morgan & Morgan help. 

Common Maintenance and Repairs for Home Depot Stores

Large retail chain stores like Home Depot require many types of regular maintenance and repairs. Failing to properly maintain a store or the surrounding premises makes slip and fall injuries much more likely. 

Appropriate maintenance ensures a safe, clean, and visually appealing shopping environment for Home Depot customers. Below are a few of the most common types of maintenance and repairs for Home Depot stores:

Cleaning

Daily cleaning is necessary to keep a store safe for customers. Employees and supervisors should regularly clean:  

• Floors—in aisles and open areas
• Shelves
• Windows and skylights
• Restrooms  

Cleaning is essential to preserve the appearance and safety of a Home Depot store and keep it free of hazards.

Lighting

Supervisors should keep an eye on lighting fixtures to ensure they function properly. Home Depot workers should replace burnt-out bulbs to ensure customers can easily navigate their surroundings.

Plumbing

Leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues should be addressed immediately. Doing so helps to prevent water damage.  

Plumbing repairs and maintenance also help to prevent possible slip and fall accidents. When customers slip, fall, and become injured because of wet floors caused by plumbing issues, store owners may be liable.

Electrical

Home Depot owners and operators have an obligation to fix faulty outlets and wiring. These components should be replaced as needed. Ensuring all electrical equipment is functioning properly is critical for preventing accidents and injuries on the premises.

Flooring

Businesses have a duty to repair or replace damaged flooring. This vital element of store maintenance prevents slips, trips, and falls.

Painting

Regular paint touch-ups can keep the store looking fresh and clean. However, painting can also result in wet spots on floors if done improperly. If you slipped and fell on paint in the Naples, Florida, Home Depot, contact Morgan and Morgan now. 

Product Displays and Fixtures

Supervisors should repair or replace damaged fixtures. Common examples include display cases, shelves, and cabinets. If pieces of fixtures are scattered in aisles, customers are more likely to slip and fall.

Signage

Repairing and replacing damaged signage is critical for Home Depot owners and operators. This includes exterior signs, product labels, and pricing labels. When they are loose, damaged, or broken, signage may constitute a walking hazard for customers. 

HVAC

Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems is necessary for large stores. Ensuring that the store’s HVAC is functioning properly can reduce energy costs and improve air quality for customers. It can also prevent units from dripping coolant or other liquids onto the floor, which could create hazards.

Retailers have a duty to engage in regular repairs and maintenance to protect their customers and visitors. Doing so can ensure their store remains in good, safe condition and creates a positive shopping experience for Home Depot customers.