MURFREESBORO SLIP AND FALL LAWYER
We all have a right to feel safe as we move throughout the community, but the reality is that dangerous conditions that can lead to serious injuries are everywhere. Mistakes will be made that can cause personal injury to others, even if it is just an accident.
In the event of a slip and fall accident that occurs on someone else’s property, there is a possibility that you could pursue fair compensation if the right standards of negligence are present.
Who is Responsible?
In Murfreesboro, as throughout the rest of Tennessee, every property owner, landlord, tenant, and business owner are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe. Any time someone enters a property and becomes hurt, they may be able to file a lawsuit for the owner’s negligence. Unfortunately, becoming hurt on another person’s property does not always guarantee a strong case.
A Murfreesboro slip and fall lawyer can explain the laws that govern these cases and give you the best chance of success. Plus, we offer free consultations with a free case evaluation and will help you collect evidence in the event of slip and fall accidents that led to injuries.
If you think that a dangerous condition on another property led to your accident due to the negligence of the owner, several factors will determine the strength of your claim and could indicate it is time to call slip and fall attorneys for a free consultation.
The Grounds of a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit
Generally speaking, to claim damages after a slip and fall, the accident must have been due to another person’s negligence. Negligence refers to a property owner’s carelessness in ensuring their property was in a safe condition.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining and inspecting their premises regularly to ensure visitors will not encounter any hazards. Slippery floors, unmarked changes in floor levels, and unsafe staircases are just some of the dangers that form the basis of slip and fall lawsuits.
One aspect of slip and fall lawsuits that makes them so complex is the fact that a dangerous condition is not always enough to file a slip and fall claim. Sometimes you must prove the hazardous condition existed for long enough that the owner should have addressed it. This evidence would demonstrate that the owner neglected the issue, leading to slip and fall accidents. This is most often the case when a transient liquid is spilled on the floor, such as in a grocery store or restaurant. This stipulation of Tennessee law makes cases very complicated, and a personal injury lawyer at our law firm can answer your questions.
There also needs to be a reason for pursuing a settlement. For example, did the injury result in any lost wages due to a decrease in your ability to perform your job? Are there expensive medical bills involved with your recovery from the incident, such as physical therapy for any neck injuries? What sort of emotional distress resulted from the fall?
These are compensatory damages that may cause the owner to be held liable for the accident, just know that there will be compelling evidence needed. Getting in touch with personal injury lawyers will be critical for your case.
Types of Hazards
Two kinds of hazards can be involved in slip and fall injuries. The dangerous condition that led to the accident could be classified as either a temporary hazard or a permanent hazard.
Temporary Hazard
This refers to any condition that exists for a short period. A wet floor that was recently mopped would fall under this category, as well as spillage. Anything that is not usually present is considered a temporary hazard. These conditions could complicate the case as you will have to prove that the temporary hazard was present long enough to have been neglected by the owner.
Permanent Hazard
These conditions are usually easier to prove negligence as they have existed for longer. One example could be an uneven walking surface that can cause slip and fall injuries, such as a parking lot filled with potholes. If an accident occurred as a result of this hazard, it is easier to prove negligence on the part of the owner and recover compensation.
If either of these hazards ends in a trip to the emergency room, lost wages, or other significant injuries needing medical attention, then call a law firm that handles personal injury cases. A Murfreesboro slip and fall accident attorney will know how to proceed and will advise you during a free consultation.
Determining Liability After Slip and Fall Accidents
Another element that makes these lawsuits so complex is that personal injury laws can make determining liability difficult. While everyone is responsible for ensuring their property is safe for visitors, people may hold different degrees of duty. If uncertain, you can always ask a slip and fall accident attorney about liability.
For example, a tenant may rent a space from a landlord. Although the tenant has some responsibilities for keeping the property safe, the landlord will also have a certain duty of care. If the tenant left hazards out on their porch that caused someone to trip, the tenant is liable. On the other hand, if the steps were broken and the tenant had told the landlord about the condition but the property owner neglected the issue, the landlord is liable.
As you can see, determining liability is not always easy. A Murfreesboro slip and fall accident lawyer can help identify the at-fault party, and hold them liable for paying the damages you deserve.
When pursuing premises liability cases, you need a legal team that understands Tennessee slip and fall accident laws and knows how to battle the insurance company associated with the property to ensure you are being treated fairly.
Call Our Murfreesboro Slip and Fall Lawyer
Our legal team has successfully held many property owners accountable for their negligence that causes slip and fall accidents. We will defend your legal rights, ensure that dangerous conditions are not left unchanged, and pursue maximum compensation for medical bills and reasonable care, all while protecting your medical records during the case.
An initial consultation will also determine if there are any legal issues with your claim.
If you have suffered injuries after an accident and live in Rutherford County, our Murfreesboro slip and fall lawyer at Mitch Grissim & Associates can advise on your case. Call us today at 615-255-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
