Slip and fall accidents can occur unexpectedly, leaving victims with severe injuries and financial burdens. In the state of Tennessee, premises liability law governs these incidents, holding property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions for visitors. As a resident or visitor, it is important to understand property owners' responsibilities and your rights when you are injured. Slip and fall claims are not easy to win, but with the proven experience of Pete Olson Injury Law behind you, you can rest assured that no stone will go unturned in getting you the compensation you deserve when a property owner is negligent.
Were You Injured on Someone Else's Property?
When a property owner invites the public onto his or her property, there is a duty to keep the property safe. If the property owner fails to do so and someone is injured, that person should be compensated for the injuries he or she suffered. If you were hurt on someone else's property, you may have a claim for compensation. At Pete Olson Injury Law, we can investigate the facts of your case and identify if any failings caused your injuries.
Some common types of slip and fall accidents involve:
- Grocery stores, restaurants, or home improvement stores
- Falls on uneven walkways or parking lots
- Falls in dark or poorly maintained stairways or hallways
- Workplace accidents caused by a third party's failure to maintain safe premises indoors or outdoors
The property owner, municipality, or company responsible for a hazard that causes an injury will fight the claim with their own lawyers. It is essential that you have a lawyer representing you as well.
Injuries That Can Result From Slip and Fall Accidents
Although these kinds of accidents are called “slip and falls” because they often involve slipping on spilled liquid or ice, they also include tripping on loose tiles or torn carpet, falling from a height due to a broken railing, and stumbles caused by poor lighting. Injuries caused by falls include:
- Fractures. Slip and fall accidents can lead to bone fractures, such as broken wrists, ankles, hips, or arms.
- Head and brain injuries. Falls can result in head injuries, ranging from concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) to skull fractures.
- Spinal cord injuries. Severe falls may cause spinal cord damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired bodily functions.
- Soft tissue injuries. Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and tears are common soft tissue injuries sustained in fall incidents.
- Cuts and lacerations. Falls on sharp objects or surfaces can cause cuts, lacerations, and deep wounds requiring stitches or surgery.
- Dislocations. Slip and falls can cause joint dislocations, such as shoulder or knee dislocations, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and the need for medical intervention.
- Psychological trauma. Apart from physical injuries, slip and fall accidents can also cause emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impacting a person's mental well-being.
Landowner Negligence in Tennessee
The success of a slip and fall claim is based on the plaintiff's ability to prove that the landowner allowed a dangerous condition to persist on their property without fixing it or providing adequate warning to visitors about its existence. Tennessee slip and fall claims must be able to satisfy these elements:
- The landowner reasonably should have known of the dangerous condition.
- The landowner knew of the condition but failed to repair or remedy it.
- The landowner intentionally caused the dangerous condition.
Often, people may feel that their injuries were in some way their fault. This prevents them from seeking legal assistance. At a minimum, you deserve to know whether your injuries could have been prevented. If we discover that a lack of maintenance was a factor in your case, we can build a strong case that clearly shows how your injuries were caused by the property owner's negligence.
Damages Available to Slip and Fall Victims
Victims of slip and fall accidents in Tennessee can recover compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and other income
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Additional punitive damages may be awarded in rare circumstances where the defendant acted with particularly extreme recklessness or intentional disregard for the safety of others. Our attorneys can review your case and help you pursue a settlement or jury award that compensates you for the full value of your injuries.
Securing Multimillion-Dollar Settlements and Verdicts
At Pete Olson Injury Law, we are skilled at conducting the in-depth investigations that can be necessary to build a strong slip and fall accident case. From reviewing security camera footage and maintenance logs to talking to eyewitnesses, we know what evidence we need to be successful for our clients. Clarksville slip and fall attorney Pete Olson has built a record of success over the years that includes having secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements along with favorable outcomes in thousands of cases.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else's property, turn to Pete Olson Injury Law for representation that can truly help you.