If a loved one has passed away due to a workplace accident at Lowe’s, the dependent relatives may be entitled to collect compensation as a result of the company’s workers’ compensation insurance. In certain circumstances, the dependent relative(s) may instead have the opportunity to sue the employer or another negligent party if negligence caused the death. It is important to get good legal advice before filing either a workers’ comp. or wrongful death claim. Company Profile: Lowe’s Lowe’s is one of North America’s largest home improvement chains, with over 2,300 stores scattered across the U.S. and Canada. It employs a huge number of people working as store assistants, warehouse workers, drivers and office workers. Jobs at any Lowe’s store, warehouse or distribution center can be demanding and often physical, so injuries can be serious enough to lead to a fatality. Typical Fatal Workplace Accidents at Lowe’s There are several typical workplace accidents that can lead to fatalities. Lowe’s drivers are constantly at risk when they are on the road delivering goods between Lowe’s distribution centers and warehouses. Warehouse workers may be hit fatally on the head by a falling object or fall off a height e.g. from a ladder, staircase or when trying to retrieve a large item stacked up high. Some fatalities are caused by fork lift truck accidents, either when the forklift topples over or fails to stop when moving around the yard. Even sales assistants may face potentially fatal accident conditions if they slip, trip or fall on something particularly hard or sharp. Most employees working in a store do a variety of jobs, including restocking shelves. This often involves handling large loads or using a ladder to reach a shelf. A fall, perhaps because of a faulty ladder, can lead to a death if the employee falls on their head. Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Workplace Fatality at Lowe’s Generally, it is not possible for a surviving relative to sue Lowe’s for damages if the company has a workers’ compensation scheme in place. Workers’ comp. claims are a lot easier than wrongful death claims because they are not dependent on proving that negligence has occurred. However, even though they are a no-fault policy, they are designed to protect the employer from lawsuits as much as the employee’s family from financial deprivation. If the death occurred because of a third party, e.g. a contractor working on site at Lowe’s, or if the company or company’s insurer denies a workers’ comp. claim, then you may be advised to sue the negligent party through a wrongful death claim. Typically, if a lawsuit such as this is successful, it will yield a greater amount in compensation than a workers’ comp. claim alone. A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You with Your Claim If you are dissatisfied with the company’s response to ordinary workers’ compensation following a death at work, then you should discuss the circumstances with an experienced wrongful death attorney. The attorney may advise you to pursue a lawsuit against the company or whoever was at fault, but you would need to be prepared for this to take much longer to come to any useful result. Additional Resources FAQs When Filing Against Lowe's Ways to Prove You Were Injured at Lowe's *Disclaimer The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Lowe’s, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
