Home improvement stores are packed with tools, lumber, flooring materials, and heavy equipment—everything a homeowner or contractor needs for a project. While these stores are great for finding supplies, they can also be full of hidden dangers. Slip-and-fall accidents happen more often than people realize, and the injuries can be serious.
If you’ve ever walked into a home improvement store in Northbrook and noticed cluttered aisles, wet floors, or loose materials, you’ve encountered potential slip hazards. Knowing what to watch out for can help you stay safe.
Slippery Floors and Spills
One of the biggest dangers in any store is a wet or slippery floor. In home improvement stores, spills can come from a variety of sources:
- Leaking products – Paint, solvents, or cleaning supplies can leak onto the floor, creating a slick surface.
- Water tracked in from outside – On rainy or snowy days, customers bring in water, making entryways especially hazardous.
- Floor cleaning – Recently mopped floors without proper warning signs can be extremely slippery.
Stores are responsible for promptly cleaning up spills and posting warning signs in hazardous areas. Failure to do so can result in injuries to customers.
Loose or Uneven Flooring
Many home improvement stores sell flooring materials such as tiles, carpets, and wood planks. But ironically, the store itself may have uneven or loose flooring, which creates a tripping hazard. Common flooring dangers include:
- Loose floor mats – Mats near entrances or checkout areas can slide or bunch up.
- Cracked or broken tiles – Damaged flooring can cause an unexpected misstep.
- Uneven transitions – Where different types of flooring meet, raised edges may pose a tripping risk.
A simple stumble over uneven flooring can result in serious injuries, especially for older customers.
Cluttered and Overcrowded Aisles
Home improvement stores stock large, heavy items and often display bulk materials in the aisles. While this helps customers see what’s available, it also creates hazards. Common problems include:
- Boxes or merchandise in walkways – Employees may leave items in aisles while stocking shelves, creating obstacles.
- Extension cords or tools on the floor: Power tools and display setups often require cords, which can be easily tripped over.
- Cart congestion – Customers with large carts or flatbed trolleys may struggle to maneuver through tight spaces, making it easy for accidents to happen.
Stores should ensure that aisles remain clear so customers can move through safely.
Loose Debris and Sawdust
Many home improvement stores have on-site cutting stations for wood, tile, and other materials. While convenient, these areas can create hazards if sawdust or debris isn’t properly cleaned up. Common risks include:
- Sawdust buildup – Fine dust from cutting wood can make floors slippery.
- Broken pieces of tile or wood – Small, sharp fragments can cause trips or injuries if stepped on.
- Metal shavings – Cutting or shaping metal materials can leave behind tiny pieces that create a slip hazard.
Regular cleaning and proper disposal of debris can help prevent unnecessary accidents.
Poor Lighting and Visibility
Aisles in home improvement stores can be deep and crowded with products, making it hard to see potential hazards. Poor lighting increases the risk of slipping or tripping. Common issues include:
- Dimly lit aisles – Shadows in tall shelving areas can make obstacles hard to spot.
- Burnt-out lights – If overhead lights aren’t properly maintained, certain areas of the store may become dangerous.
- Glares on polished floors – Bright lighting reflecting off shiny tiles can make seeing spills difficult.
Good visibility is key to preventing falls. Stores should ensure that all areas are well-lit so customers can see where they’re walking.
What to Do If You Slip and Fall in a Home Improvement Store
If you slip and fall in a store due to unsafe conditions, taking the right steps can protect your rights:
- Report the accident – Notify a manager and ensure they create an incident report.
- Take photos – Capture the hazard that caused your fall, such as a wet floor or cluttered aisle.
- Get witness contact information – If others saw the accident, their statements may help support your case.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries like sprains or concussions can take time to appear.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer – An attorney can help determine whether you have a valid claim against the store.
Get Legal Help After a Slip and Fall Accident in Northbrook, IL
Slip and fall accidents in home improvement stores can lead to serious injuries, from broken bones to head trauma. Stores have a duty to keep their customers safe and must be held accountable when unsafe conditions lead to accidents and injuries.
If you were injured due to a slip hazard in a home improvement store, Stein & Shulman can help. Our team has extensive experience handling premises liability claims and will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
