Shopper Sues Home Depot After Falling Vacuum Injures Her

Alice Maldonado files civil complaint alleging negligence at Lake Park store location.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:44pm

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A Palm Beach County woman has filed a civil lawsuit against Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. after she was allegedly struck and injured by a falling boxed vacuum cleaner while shopping at the company's Lake Park store in October 2025. The complaint claims Home Depot failed to maintain the premises, inspect for hazards, warn of dangers, and properly train employees, leading to the incident that caused the plaintiff bodily injury.

Why it matters

This case highlights the legal responsibility retailers have to ensure the safety of their premises and customers. Premises liability lawsuits like this are common in Palm Beach County, where property owners can be held accountable for hazardous conditions that lead to injuries.

The details

According to the complaint, Alice Maldonado was shopping at the Home Depot store in Lake Park on October 16, 2025 when a boxed vacuum cleaner that had been placed on a ladder by an employee suddenly fell and struck her in the neck, back, and shoulder. The lawsuit alleges Home Depot failed in multiple ways, including neglecting to maintain the premises, inspect for hazards, warn of dangers, and properly train staff.

  • The incident occurred on October 16, 2025 at the Home Depot store in Lake Park, Florida.
  • The civil complaint was filed on March 26, 2026.

The players

Alice Maldonado

The plaintiff who was allegedly struck and injured by the falling vacuum cleaner at the Home Depot store.

Home Depot U.S.A., Inc.

The defendant company that owned and operated the Lake Park, Florida retail store where the incident occurred.

Byron T. Jackson

The attorney from Morgan & Morgan who filed the civil complaint on behalf of the plaintiff, Alice Maldonado.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will determine if the lawsuit can proceed and set a trial date if so.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of retailers maintaining safe premises and properly training staff to prevent hazardous conditions that could lead to customer injuries. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar premises liability claims are handled in Palm Beach County courts.