A Palm Beach County resident has filed a lawsuit against a major home improvement retailer, claiming negligence after suffering injuries from a slip and fall incident at one of its stores. On February 28, 2025, Nile McDermott lodged a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Home Depot U.S.A., Inc.
The case revolves around an unfortunate event that occurred on August 19, 2024. McDermott was shopping as a business invitee in the outdoor garden section of Home Depot's Boca Raton location when he slipped and fell due to water accumulation on the floor. The plaintiff asserts that this hazardous condition was caused by Home Depot employees watering plants without adequately managing the resulting wet conditions. McDermott's complaint outlines multiple counts of negligence against Home Depot, including statutory negligence, negligent construction, and negligent design.
McDermott accuses Home Depot of failing to maintain its premises in a safe condition and neglecting to warn customers about potential dangers. "Defendant breached its duty of care by negligently causing or contributing to the liquid substance on the floor," states the complaint. Furthermore, McDermott alleges that Home Depot did not take reasonable steps to inspect or rectify the dangerous conditions or provide adequate warnings such as wet-floor signs.
In addition to claims of negligence in maintaining the premises, McDermott argues that Home Depot is responsible for negligent construction and design of their store. He contends that defective materials were used during construction and that applicable building codes were violated. Moreover, he claims that the flooring surface lacked slip resistance despite being frequently exposed to water.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for medical expenses incurred due to permanent injuries sustained from the fall. These include disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of wages both past and future earning capacity, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. The plaintiff demands judgment for these damages exclusive of interest and costs.
Representing Nile McDermott is attorney Bradley P. Denniston from The Right Law Firm, P.A., based in Plantation, Florida. The case is filed under Case Number: 502025CA001887XXXAMB.