True living – Product Liability Lawyer

2026-04-20 – A step stool sold at Dollar General reportedly snapped in half while a consumer was using it, causing a fall and a foot injury. The incident, involving a True living brand step stool manufactured by Dollar General Corporation, was filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as a fall hazard. The report, filed on SaferProducts.gov, highlights a potential design defect that could pose risks to consumers.

Product Details

Brand Name: True living
Manufacturer: Dollar General Corporation
Retailer: Dollar general zillah wa
Incident Report Number: 5974906
Severity Type Name: First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
Severity Type ID: 7

Incident Overview

On March 31, 2026, a consumer in Zillah, Washington, was using a True living essentials step stool purchased from a local Dollar General store. The consumer, weighing 165 pounds, stepped onto the stool, which was advertised as holding over 300 pounds and intended for adult use. According to the incident report filed with the CPSC, the stool snapped in half without warning, causing the consumer to fall onto a tile floor. During the fall, a broken piece of the stool stabbed into the consumer's foot, resulting in an injury that required first aid from a non-medical professional.

The consumer reported that the stool appeared to be unable to support more than 100 pounds, despite the manufacturer's online claim of a 300-pound capacity. The consumer retained the broken stool and noted that the product was sold at Dollar General. The incident report, filed on SaferProducts.gov (Report ID 5974906), describes the stool as a design defect, as it failed under normal use conditions well below its advertised weight limit.

Safety Concerns

Immediate Dangers: When a step stool fails under load, the user can fall from height onto hard surfaces, leading to fractures, head injuries, or lacerations from broken components. In this case, a snapped piece stabbed into the consumer's foot, illustrating the risk of puncture wounds from sharp edges.

Long-Term Risks: Repeated use of a structurally compromised stool may lead to sudden collapse, increasing the likelihood of severe injury. Even if the stool appears intact, hidden flaws in the design or materials can cause failure without warning, as reported here.

Who Might Be Affected: Adults who use the stool as intended—for tasks like reaching high shelves—are at risk. The stool's advertised weight capacity of 300 pounds may give users a false sense of security, leading to use by individuals weighing significantly less but still exceeding the actual safe limit.

Warning Signs: The incident suggests no obvious warning signs preceded the collapse. Consumers should look for cracks, bending, or instability when stepping onto the stool, but the abrupt failure described indicates that the stool may break without prior indication.

What Our Clients Say

What Consumers Should Do

Stop Using Immediately: If you own a True living essentials step stool, discontinue use right away, especially if you weigh more than 100 pounds or notice any signs of weakness.

Preserve the Product: Keep the stool in its current condition—do not discard or attempt repairs. The broken product may serve as important evidence if you seek compensation for injuries.

Document the Incident: Take photographs of the damaged stool and the area where the incident occurred. Write down details such as the date, time, and how the product failed. Save receipts or packaging that show the retailer and purchase date.

Seek Medical Attention: If you were injured, have a medical professional evaluate the wound, even if it seems minor. Puncture wounds can lead to infection or other complications.

Report to the CPSC: File a report on SaferProducts.gov to help regulators track hazardous products. Include details about the failure and any injuries sustained.

Check for Recalls: Visit CPSC.gov to see if the manufacturer has issued a recall or safety warning for this step stool model.

Manufacturer's Response

The manufacturer's official response to this specific incident report is not publicly available at the time of this writing.

Legal Help Available

H Law Group is a California product liability law firm representing individuals injured by defective products. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Our team offers free consultations to discuss your situation and legal options. If you or a loved one was injured by True living or a similar product, contact H Law Group at (888) 499-4948 for a free, no-obligation consultation.