In Tennessee, there are laws in place that require property owners, managers and landlords to properly maintain and monitor their premises. When a customer or guest is injured after slipping and falling on a wet floor or being attacked at a poorly monitored apartment complex, he or she may be able to file a lawsuit against the person/entity responsible for maintaining the area where the incident occurred.
While each case is different, Morgan & Morgan has recovered millions in premises liability lawsuits and can help ensure your rights are protected after an accident on someone else’s property. Our attorneys in Nashville have experience investigating these cases, negotiating settlements, and litigating cases in court.
The attorneys in Morgan & Morgan’s Nashville office handle all types of premises liability lawsuits, including those involving slip and falls. If you were injured on another’s property, contact us today to find out whether you have a case. We are offering free case reviews to all potential clients.
What Are the Grounds for a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
In general, your injuries must have been directly caused by another’s negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails to act as another reasonably prudent person would have acted. In these cases, property owners, business owners and/or landlords may be considered negligent if they failed to maintain and monitor their premises or adequately warn patrons about potentially dangerous conditions.
Our attorneys have handled slip and fall cases involving:
- A sudden, unmarked change in floor level
- A wet, slippery or icy surface, such as a floor, patio or walkway
- Unsafe staircases
- Holes in the ground
- Dimly lit walkways and parking lots
What About Premises Liability Cases?
Premises liability is a general term that refers to property owners’ obligations to keep their premises reasonably safe. Slips and falls are not the only type of accidents that can lead to a premises liability lawsuit. For instance, if a hotel fails to provide adequate security and someone is attacked as a result, the victim may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit for negligent security. Other accidents and violent crimes that may be the subject of a premises liability lawsuit include:
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Rape and assault
Like slip and fall lawsuits, these cases will also allege that the property owner or other party was negligent in maintaining the premises.
What Will My Slip and Fall Attorney Do?
Morgan & Morgan’s Nashville attorneys can help determine whether you can file a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for maintaining the area where your accident occurred. If we believe you have a viable case, we may:
Gather Evidence
We may speak with witnesses and obtain surveillance camera footage to determine whether a dangerous condition existed at the time of your accident. This evidence may also provide insight into whether the property owner, manager and/or landlord had knowledge of the problem and took any precautions to warn patrons about the potential hazard.
Draft a Complaint
Using this evidence, our attorneys may compile a legal document known as a complaint, which will officially begin your lawsuit. In the complaint, we will outline the details of your slip and fall, how the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries, and the type of compensation you should receive for your losses.
Negotiate Settlements
The property owner, manager or landlord, as well as their insurance companies, may offer you a settlement rather than face the expense and uncertainty of a jury trial. Our lawyers can help assess any of these offers and negotiate for a higher settlement amount if the original offer does not provide adequate compensation for your injuries.
Represent You in Court
If settlement negotiations do not produce an acceptable offer, we will take your case to trial and represent you in court. At Morgan & Morgan, we are proud of our reputation as a trial law firm and our attorneys are determined to do what it takes and will go to court to get their clients the compensation they deserve.
How Much Is My Slip and Fall Lawsuit Worth?
Each slip and fall lawsuit is unique, so the compensation you may recover will depend on the specifics of your case. A lawsuit may provide you with compensation for damages related to your injuries, such as medical expenses, loss of expected wages and pain and suffering; however, the compensation you receive, if any, will be decided based on a number of factors in your case, including the severity of your injuries and your own carelessness in causing the accident.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Our lawyers only receive a fee if they are able to obtain compensation for you. If your case is successful, we will collect a percentage of your award.
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for maintaining the area where your accident occurred. To see if you could be able to file a slip and fall lawsuit, contact our Nashville office today for a free, no-obligation case review.