Nashville Premises Liability Lawyers
An accident or injury on someone else’s property in Nashville can leave you injured and with devastating medical bills. You may wonder if compensation is available for your harm and who would be responsible for compensating you. Premises liability law is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners accountable for maintaining safe environments for people who visit their property.
In Nashville, Tennessee, property owners must ensure that their premises are free from hazards that could cause injury to people legally on their property or to warn visitors of those hazards. When they fail to meet these obligations, accidents can occur, resulting in severe injuries or even death. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property.
The experienced Nashville personal injury lawyers at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC are dedicated to helping people who were injured in premises liability accidents obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the devastating toll that these accidents can take, and we’re committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help you rebuild your life. Call us today at 615-676-7060 for a free consultation about how we can help.
Understanding Premises Liability
Property owners owe a duty of care to people who enter their premises. This duty changes depending on the property type and why the person is entering it. Under premises liability law, people who come onto a property are divided into three categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. The property owner’s duty to each is different.
1. Invitees enter a property for business dealings with the property owner. Customers in a store or guests in a hotel are considered invitees, as are visitors in a public park or library. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. They must regularly inspect the property for hazards, promptly address dangerous conditions, and provide adequate warnings about potential risks if they cannot be immediately addressed.
2. Licensees enter a property for their own purposes but with the owner’s permission. For example, guests at a house party are licensees. Property owners have no duty to inspect the premises before the licensees enter but must warn them of known dangers.
3. Trespassers enter a property without the owner’s permission. Property owners owe the lowest duty of care to trespassers. They are not required to inspect premises, but they are required to post warnings about hazards and dangerous conditions. Property owners cannot engage in willful conduct that could cause trespassers harm.
Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability law covers many accidents where the property owner may be held responsible for injuries that occur on their property. Some of the most common types of premises liability cases our firm handles include:
Injuries from Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability accidents may result in severe and long-lasting injuries. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain.
- Fractures and broken bones may require surgery or immobilization to heal correctly.
- Lacerations may require stitches.
- Burns could require intensive treatment and leave the injured person with significant scarring.
Beyond the physical injuries, premises liability accidents can also cause emotional trauma, affecting the victim’s mental health and quality of life. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of the accident.
Types of Compensation Available
People injured in premises liability accidents in Nashville may be entitled to various forms of compensation for their accident-related losses. They could recover money for:
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Medical expenses 1
These include past and future medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication. If the injuries are severe and require ongoing medical treatment, those costs fall into this category, as well.
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Lost wages 2
An injured person can recover money for the time their injury has required them to miss work. If they are unable to return to their prior occupation and must take a lower-paying job, the difference in salary could be included in their compensation. If the person can never return to work, lost earning capacity could also be calculated and included in a settlement or award.
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Pain and suffering 3
Physical pain and emotional suffering, anxiety and depression, or PTSD caused by the accident are all subjective losses for which compensation may be available.
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Property damage 4
If personal property was damaged in the accident, the cost to repair or replace it should be included in the amount paid by the at-fault party.
Tennessee Laws That Affect Your Case
Tennessee has several state-specific rules that may affect the outcome of your case.
Tennessee law includes a modified comparative fault rule. The comparative fault rule allows injured people to recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, the court will reduce the injured party’s compensation by their percentage of fault. For example, if the injured person had $100,000 in compensable losses but they were 10% at fault for the accident, the most they could recover would be $90.000. And if the injured person is determined to be 50% or more at fault, they will be barred from getting any compensation at all.
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for a premises liability claim allows the injured party one year from the incident date in which to file a lawsuit against the property owner. If you file suit after that deadline passes, the court will likely dismiss your case without hearing it.
Tennessee caps the amount of money an injured person can receive for “non-economic” losses, such as pain and suffering. In most personal injury cases, compensation for non-economic losses cannot exceed $750,000.
Contact Premises Liability Lawyers in Nashville
Why Choose Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC?
At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to Nashville residents who were injured on the property of others. Here are several reasons why you should choose our firm:
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Extensive Experience 1
Our legal team has more than 60 years of combined experience, and we have successfully handled numerous premises liability cases. We have won numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we are willing to work just as diligently on your case.
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Award-winning Lawyers 2
Our lawyers have been recognized by the National Law Journal, America’s Leading Litigation Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers Magazine and others for our consistently high-quality representation of our clients.
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Personalized Attention 3
Every client deserves personalized attention and a tailored legal strategy. When you work with us, you can expect one-on-one support from an attorney dedicated to your case.
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No Upfront Fees 4
Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. You won’t owe us any money until we obtain compensation for you. We’ll take our fee as an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or award.
The Legal Process for Premises Liability Claims
The most crucial consideration following any accident is to ensure your safety and seek medical care. After you have received the necessary emergency treatment, you should hire an attorney to begin your legal claim. The legal process can be overwhelming, but our experienced premises liability attorneys can guide you every step of the way.
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Initial Consultation 1
In your free consultation with our seasoned premises liability lawyers, we will review the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and discuss your legal options.
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Investigation 2
After you hire us, our team will conduct a diligent investigation into the circumstances of the accident. We will obtain any accident reports, witness statements, medical records and reports, and other relevant evidence to support your claim.
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Filing the Claim 3
We’ll file a claim with the defendant’s insurance company on your behalf. We’ll submit all necessary documentation and evidence to support your compensation claim.
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Negotiation and Settlement 4
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will negotiate with the insurer to obtain an appropriate settlement that provides the compensation you deserve.
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Trial 5
We will take your case to court if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached. Our seasoned trial lawyers will present your case before a judge or jury, advocate for your rights, and pursue the maximum possible compensation for the harm you endured.
Hiring an Attorney
At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we understand that the aftermath of a premises liability accident can be challenging. You may be handling physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. We dedicate ourselves to helping Nashville residents who were injured in premises liability accidents seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve. We are committed to providing our clients with support and advocacy during this turbulent time in their lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a premises liability accident in Nashville, contact Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC today. Our compassionate team will fight for justice and compensation for you. Call us at 615-676-7060 or contact us online to get your free consultation, where you can learn what we can do for you.