When people visit retail stores, hotels, restaurants or even a friend’s home, they expect the property owner to make sure it is reasonably safe. Unfortunately, people are often injured because of an unsafe condition on someone else’s property.
Injured on Another’s Property?
Property owners have a legal obligation to protect visitors from unreasonably dangerous conditions such as loose wires, uneven steps, or spills on the floor. If they fail to fulfill this duty and you suffer an injury, call our Chattanooga premises liability lawyers to explore your legal options.
Massey & Associates, P.C. helps ordinary people injured by the negligence of others. We have obtained millions in compensation for our clients. Visit our testimonials page to see what our clients have to say about their experience with our firm.
Our founder, Gary Massey, is a Tennessee native and graduate of Cumberland School of Law. He has been practicing law for more than 25 years.
We do not charge any upfront fees, are available 24/7 to assist you, and your first consultation is free.
What Types of Premises Liability Cases Do We Take On?
If you were injured on another’s property and believe the accident could have been avoided, you may have a case. However, the best way to know for sure is to speak with an experienced lawyer.
The Chattanooga personal injury lawyers at Massey & Associates, P.C. handle cases involving:
- Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores and restaurants: For example, slipping on a wet floor with no warning sign.
- Retail store and mall injuries: Tripping over a misplaced display or suffering an injury due to negligent security.
- Hotel injuries: Burns from a malfunctioning hot water system or injuries from defective gym equipment.
- Amusement park injuries: Accidents due to malfunctioning rides or poorly maintained walkways.
- School and daycare injuries: Falls from unsafe playground equipment or injuries due to lack of supervision.
- Grocery store injuries: Trips over misplaced items or slips on unattended spills.
- Sidewalk hazards: Tripping over uneven pavement or slipping on uncleared ice.
- Animal attacks: Injuries from unrestrained dogs, including deep lacerations and infections.
Many property owners put profits ahead of safety, neglecting repairs, security, and hazard prevention. If you were injured due to unsafe conditions, contact our premises liability lawyers for a free consultation.
Call Massey & Associates, P.C. today: 423-697-4529.
Time Limits to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit
Under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-104, injury claims must be filed within one year of the incident. If you wait longer, you lose the right to file a claim.
Legal Obligations of Property Owners in Tennessee
Property owners have a duty to keep visitors safe. This includes removing hazards or providing warnings about dangerous conditions they know about or should reasonably be aware of.
The level of care owed depends on the visitor’s status:
Invitees
People who visit businesses, such as retail stores or restaurants, are considered invitees. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care, including regular inspections for hazards.
Licensees
Houseguests and social visitors are licensees. Property owners must warn them of dangers that may not be obvious.
Trespassers
Property owners generally do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, except in cases involving child trespassers and attractive nuisances, such as unfenced swimming pools.
Proving a Premises Liability Case
To win a premises liability case, you must prove:
- The property owner had a duty to maintain a safe environment.
- They breached this duty by allowing hazardous conditions.
- The breach directly caused your injury.
- You suffered damages as a result.
Common Defenses Used by Property Owners
- Assumption of Risk: Claiming the victim was aware of the danger.
- Open and Obvious Hazard: Arguing the victim should have seen and avoided the danger.
- Comparative Fault: Attempting to blame the victim to reduce liability.
In Tennessee, victims can seek compensation as long as they are less than 50% at fault. If you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced proportionally.
Compensation for a Premises Liability Injury
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Including hospital bills, surgeries, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time off work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Impact on daily activities and hobbies.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability injuries can be severe and life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Sprains and fractures
- Burns and electric shocks
- Choking injuries
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims in Chattanooga.
Speak With Our Chattanooga Premises Liability Lawyers Today
If you suffered an injury on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, our premises liability lawyers want to help.
Whether your injury was caused by uneven pavement, broken handrails, or unattended spills, you may have a case against the property owner.
Premises liability cases can be complex, requiring an experienced lawyer to prove negligence. Massey & Associates, P.C. is here to guide you every step of the way.
Call us today to discuss your legal options: 423-697-4529.
