Slips and falls are no laughing matter. Depending on the specific slip and fall accident, injuries sustained can be incredibly severe – even life-changing in some circumstances. Slip and fall victims may suffer a variety of injuries from traumatic brain injuries to broken bones and paralysis. Typically, injuries from slip and fall accidents are the result of property owner negligence or carelessness. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a property owner’s negligence, there may be legal options available to help you recover. On this page, we’ll discuss what facts constitute a slip and fall case, how to factor in comparative negligence in a slip and fall claim, how to preserve evidence after your accident, and other frequently asked questions about these types of personal injury cases.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to our experienced Tennessee Slip and Fall Lawyers by calling 865-458-4301, or filling out our convenient and confidential contact form at the bottom of this page
Do I Have a Slip and Fall Case?
After a slip and fall accident, victims wonder if they even have merit to file a claim to seek the compensation they need and deserve. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a property owner, the answer is likely yes. If liability can be established based on negligence, carelessness, or intentional conduct, a case likely exists. To get specific information on your potential claim, it’s advisable to consult a personal injury lawyer. However, we’ll address general liability in a slip and fall case in this section.
In Tennessee, filing a negligence claim is based on four elements:
- Duty – A negligence claim must establish that a property owner had a duty or obligation to create and maintain a safe environment for customers or visitors.
- Breach of Duty – Once duty has been established, a negligence claim must prove that the defendant breached that duty putting the victim in danger of sustaining the injuries that occurred.
- Causation – The defendant’s negligence must be directly linked to the injuries sustained by the victim.
- Damages – Lastly, a negligence claim must establish that a victim suffered tangible, real losses as a result of the accident.
These four elements will be established by collecting important evidence, which we will discuss below.
Types of Slip and Fall Cases and Injuries
Dangerous injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. Some common places where slip and falls occur are:
- Restaurants
- Hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments
- Grocery stores and other retail shops
- Parking lots
- At work
- Nursing homes, hospitals, and other medical treatment facilities
- Apartment buildings
- Sidewalks, stairs, and steps
- Gas stations
- Theaters
Some common types of injuries suffered due to slip and fall incidents include:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Shoulder dislocations
- Muscle strains
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Bruises and abrasions
- Spine and nerve damage
- Back injuries
- More
Slip and fall injuries can be very serious, necessitating surgeries, continued doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and other types of medical costs. These costs may be recoverable in your slip and fall claim. To understand which expenses may be included in your personal injury settlement after a fall on public premises, consult a slip and fall lawyer.
Preserving Evidence After a Fall
To file a slip and fall claim, a plaintiff must establish that negligence existed and directly caused their injuries and subsequent losses. To do so, evidence will play a vital role. Some of the evidence to preserve and collect in these types of personal injury claims include:
- Photographs, video footage, and surveillance footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Expert witness testimony
- Written or verbal admissions by the liable party
- Records and other data collected by the liable party or affiliated parties (such as past worker’s comp claims, etc)
- Medical records and notes
- Information regarding lost income
Note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential evidence. It’s important to speak with your slip and fall lawyer to determine what type of evidentiary support will be key in your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions: Slip and Fall Claims in Tennessee
When you’re hurt in an accident, you innately have many questions. We’ve compiled some of our most-asked questions below. If you have additional concerns, we urge you to reach out to us by filling out the form below or giving us a call at 865-458-4301.
How Much Do You Get for a Slip and Fall Case?
Compensation in a slip and fall case depends on the specific facts of your case. Know that if you are hurt due to the fault of someone else, you are, generally, entitled to financial, physical, and emotional recovery. Some losses that may be recoverable after a slip and fall incident include past and future medical bills, past and future income loss, injury-related home renovations, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
Know that every case is unique, so speaking with a Knoxville slip and fall lawyer is highly recommended to ensure that you have the opportunity to recover and get your life back on track.
When Should I Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the slip and fall accident to file a claim. Tennessee has one of the shortest statute of limitations on personal injury cases. This makes time of the essence. You should call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your right to recover is protected.
Contact Our Premise Liability Lawyers – Ford, Nichols, and Frye Law Firm
Our team of experienced slip and fall attorneys cover the entire state of Tennessee, including Louden, Knoxville, and the surrounding areas. We are standing by to help you fight for your right to recover. You’re not in this alone – when the bills begin to pile up, your injuries have made work impossible, and you feel like you’re drowning in all of it, know that you may have legal options to help you get your life back on track. To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your potential options, call us at 865-458-4301, or fill out the form below.
Serving Loudon, TN and the Surrounding Knoxville Metropolitan Area
We’re located at
501 Mulberry Street
Loudon, TN 37774
We serve Loudon, Knoxville, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Maryville, Alcoa, Blaine, Farragut, Oak Ridge, Rutledge, Clinton, Bean Station, and Maynardville.
