Chattanooga Slip and Fall Lawyers

Injured in a Slip and Fall?

If you slipped and fell on someone else’s property and suffered a serious injury, you should consider contacting a Chattanooga slip and fall lawyer to discuss your legal rights. At Massey & Associates, P.C., we understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to helping victims seek justice and full compensation.

Our team has been securing compensation for personal injury victims for decades. We represent slip and fall victims with no upfront costs. Your initial legal consultation to discuss working with our firm is free of charge.

How Could Our Chattanooga Slip and Fall Lawyers Help You?

Are you unsure if you need a lawyer?

These are some of the many benefits of hiring a Chattanooga personal injury lawyer to represent you after a slip and fall injury caused by negligence:

Vast Legal Knowledge

It can be difficult to prove a slip and fall case, as there are many factors involved. Our attorneys have the depth of knowledge that you need to build a strong case that makes a solid argument about negligence. We also know what it takes to establish the fair value of a claim for compensation.

Comprehensive Investigation

We handle the investigation on your behalf. We know what to look for and how to preserve vital evidence, including pictures, witness statements, medical records and, if available, surveillance footage. This meticulous approach is crucial for establishing liability and proving the property owner’s negligence.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies routinely try to settle for far less than claims are worth. When you hire a lawyer, insurers often feel more motivation to offer more compensation. They would like to avoid the courtroom because they know an experienced lawyer is more likely to present a strong case.

Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who have many years of combined experience and a track record of success in securing favorable settlements for our clients.

Compassionate Support

This is a difficult time in your life. We know you have a lot to deal with and we are here to support you every step of the way. In fact, hiring a lawyer can help relieve some of your stress. You do not need to worry about negotiating with the insurance company or the other steps in the process. We handle it on your behalf.

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

While it is true that most cases are settled out of court, hiring a lawyer gives you the option of taking the case to court. This is important, because without the possibility of going to court, the insurance company may not increase its offer of compensation.

If you suffered a serious injury in a slip and fall accident, reaching out to our dedicated legal team can be an important step in your recovery.

What Are the Types of Slip and Fall Accidents in Tennessee?

There are three main types of slip and fall accidents:

• Slip and fall accidents occur when you lose traction and slide, resulting in a fall.
• Trip and fall accidents happen when you trip over something and fall, often falling forward.
• Step and fall accidents involve an unexpected step down, such as in a pothole in a parking lot or on uneven stairs.

Do I Have a Valid Chattanooga Slip and Fall Case?

There are various elements of a slip and fall case, so it is difficult to determine if you can pursue compensation without talking to a Chattanooga slip and fall lawyer.

Hazardous Condition

Your lawyer must establish that there was a dangerous condition on the property that directly led to your injury. Examples of slip and fall hazards include:

Awareness of the Hazard

You must prove the property owner was aware of the hazard, which is known as actual knowledge. If the property owner did not have actual knowledge, you could prove constructive knowledge. This means there was a reasonable expectation that the property owner would have known about the hazard, such as if:

• An employee created the hazard
• Employees were aware of the hazard but failed to address it appropriately
• The hazard had been present long enough that the owner or employees should have identified and rectified it before the slip and fall occurred. For example, there may have been other accidents caused by the hazard.

Neglect in Rectifying the Condition

The property owner did not take sufficient measures to correct the hazardous condition or provide adequate warnings, such as displaying a wet floor sign or roping the area off.

Injuries Leading to Damages

Your lawyer must demonstrate that your injuries resulted in medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering or other damages. Without this proof, there is no case.

Legal Right to Enter the Property

Another vital element of any slip and fall case is whether the victim had a legal right to be on the property at the time of the incident. The victim’s legal status determines the duty of care owed by the property owner.

There are generally three different types of visitors on a property:

Invitees

Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. Customers at retail stores are considered invitees, as they are invited guests of the property owner. Your presence benefits you and the property owner.

Business and property owners should take reasonable precautions to eliminate unreasonable slip and fall hazards. If they do not remove the hazardous condition, they should post adequate warnings about it. Property owners may also be expected to routinely inspect their properties for obstacles.

Licensee

A lesser duty of care is owed to licensees. If you were on the property for social purposes, such as a party guest, you are considered a licensee.

Property owners do not need to inspect their property for danger. However, they do need to warn guests about dangers they are unlikely to discover on their own.

Trespasser

Trespassers are on the property illegally. Generally, property owners do not owe any duty of care to trespassers. However, there may be instances where the property owner may still be liable for injuries, such as if they intentionally caused harm to the trespasser.

If you are unsure about the merits of your case, call a Chattanooga slip and fall lawyer today. We can review what happened and give you an honest assessment of your options.

What Is My Slip and Fall Case Worth?

Every slip and fall case is different. The value of your claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life and the specific details of your accident. Our experienced legal team will meticulously assess the specifics of your situation to determine the damages that may be available for your claim.

Typically, slip and fall victims can seek the following forms of compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to the inability to work.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your earning capacity moving forward.
• Lost Enjoyment of Life: If you cannot take part in the activities you once enjoyed.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Chattanooga Slip and Fall Injury Claim?

The statute of limitations establishes the timeframe for filing your injury claim. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including a slip and fall, is generally one year from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Regardless of the statute of limitations, you should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible, because there are exceptions that might extend or shorten this timeframe.

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

There are a few things you can do right after a slip and fall to help protect your legal claim. For example, taking pictures at the scene and completing an accident report. You should also seek medical care right away, as this helps link your injuries to the accident.

It is also important to avoid discussing the accident with the insurance company or other liable parties. You could say something that hurts your case or implies you are partially to blame.

Finally, you should call a lawyer to discuss what happened and if you have a valid case.

Where do Slip and Fall Accidents Often Happen?

Slip and fall accidents happen in a wide variety of locations, including:

Call Our Chattanooga Slip and Fall Lawyers About Your Claim

Slip and fall accidents can have a profound impact on your life, but you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Massey & Associates is dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced team offers free consultations, no upfront fees and is available 24/7 to assist you. Take the first step toward recovery by contacting our law firm.

Call us today at (423) 396-0720 to discuss your case.