The premises liability attorneys at The Terry Law Firm have over 50 years of combined legal experience getting injured people in Tennessee the help they need after accidents that weren’t their fault. Our reputation for compassionate and aggressive advocacy lets us negotiate effectively with insurance companies while looking out for your best interests.
We thoroughly investigate liability claims and work efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays. Our local roots in the community, combined with big-firm resources, give us a winning edge. If you want trusted legal counsel on your side, choose The Terry Law Firm.
What Is a Premises Liability Case?
Anyone who owns or manages a property has a responsibility to make reasonable efforts to protect the health and safety of those who visit their premises. For example, shopkeepers must ensure that their floors are clear of slipping or tripping hazards, their stairways are fit for purpose, and their buildings meet basic fire code standards.
If such a person neglects these responsibilities and a visitor suffers harm as a result, that visitor has a legal right to claim compensation from them. Premises liability claims allow injured parties to recover money for their injury-related losses – including financial ones like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-financial ones like pain and suffering.
Types of Visitors in Premises Liability Cases in Sevierville, TN
Premises liability laws classify visitors based on their reason for being on the property.
The duty of care the property owner owes depends on the visitor’s status:
- Invitees are customers, clients, and others invited to the premises for the property owner’s benefit. Owners owe invitees the highest duty of care to inspect for and remove hazards.
- Licensees are social guests and others permitted but not directly invited, like door-to-door salespeople. Property owners must warn licensees about known dangers.
- Trespassers enter without permission. Owners only have a duty not to intentionally harm trespassers.
- Children are held to the standard of care appropriate for their age regardless of technical visitor status.
Common Causes and Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Some common examples of premises liability cases include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, etc. This is perhaps the most frequent type of premises liability claim.
- Injuries from unaddressed maintenance issues like broken stairs, defective doors or handrails, unstable shelves or furnishings, etc.
- Swimming pool accidents due to lack of appropriate barriers, life-saving equipment, or supervision
- Inadequate security precautions leading to assaults in parking lots, common areas, or businesses
- Dog bites when a property owner fails to restrain or control a dangerous dog
Places Where Premises Liability Accidents Often Occur in Sevierville
Accidents frequently occur on Sevierville premises like:
- Retail stores, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, and other businesses
- Parking lots and common areas of apartments, condos, or housing developments
- Swimming pools at hotels, fitness centers, and residential communities
- Private homes where conditions are unsafe for social guests
- Parks, campgrounds, entertainment venues, and other public spaces
Statute of Limitations and Filing a Premises Liability Claim in TN
Tennessee law places a strict deadline on filing a premises liability lawsuit. The statute of limitations stipulates that the injured party must initiate legal action within one year of the accident date. Because gathering evidence and filing a claim can take several months, you should contact our skilled premises liability lawyers in Sevierville as soon as possible to avoid missing this crucial deadline.
Compensation and Damages in Premises Liability Cases
While each premises liability claim differs, the compensation you may be eligible to receive includes money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income due to your injury
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to the same job
- Transportation and accommodation if you must travel for treatment
- Assistive devices
- Pain and suffering
Our Tennessee premises liability attorneys are ready to analyze your specific case and help you understand what you could reasonably expect to recover.
Premises Liability Claims Process in Sevierville
The claims process typically begins with your lawyer sending a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer. The letter asserts why the at-fault party is liable and includes a request for compensation. The next step is negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer. Renters’, homeowners’, and general liability insurance should all cover injuries third parties sustain on the policyholder’s property.
If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit. Lawsuits often compel defendants to agree to a satisfactory settlement before trial. If necessary, your lawyer will vigorously litigate your case in court to seek the compensation you require to cover your losses.
Importance of Legal Representation in Sevierville, TN
Insurance companies love it when injured parties file claims without the help of an attorney. They often don’t know what their claim is truly worth, are more susceptible to intimidation tactics, and might be too severely injured to pursue their claims effectively. Don’t fall into this trap. Instead, turn to the seasoned attorneys at The Terry Law Firm, who can help you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating the true value of your losses
- Negotiating aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Taking the at-fault party to court if necessary
Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
Talk to Our Sevierville Premises Liability Attorneys Now for Free
If you have suffered injuries on someone else’s property, don’t leave your finances and future to chance. Protect your rights by contacting The Terry Law Firm today. Our experienced Sevierville premises liability lawyers are ready to provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call us now or reach out online for a free consultation to discuss your case and start building your claim today.