Woman trips on protruding pallet, sues Home Depot

A Hardin County woman is suing Home Depot USA Inc., claiming she was injured after she tripped over a low-lying pallet.

Frances Ann McWilliams says she was shopping at a Home Depot in Jefferson County on May 12, 2008, when she tripped on the edge of a pallet protruding from under a merchandise shelf.

Because of her trip, McWilliams suffered great physical and mental pain, suffering and anguish, which will likely continue into the future, according to the complaint filed June 16 in Jefferson County District Court.

She also incurred medical expenses and experienced physical impairment and an impaired ability to attend to her customary household duties and occupations, the complaint says.

Home Depot failed to properly store the pallet in a safe manner, allowed the pallet to extend into the aisle, failed to inspect the premises to discover the dangerous condition, failed to correct the dangerous condition and failed to warn patrons about the dangerous condition, the suit states.

McWilliams is seeking an unspecified judgment within the minimum jurisdictional requirements of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest legal rate and other relief to which she is entitled.

Stewart M. Butler of The Butler Law Firm in Kountze will be representing her.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: B184-306.