Chattanooga Premises Liability Lawyers

Legal Aid for Injury Victims on Public & Private Property in TN 

Tennessee law requires public and private properties that are open to the public or invited guests to be kept in reasonably safe condition. If you are a victim of an injury caused by a responsible party neglecting to remedy or warn about a hazard, then you may be entitled to receive compensation for the harm you suffered.

The Chattanooga premises liability attorneys at Berke, Berke & Berke provide proactive representation for our clients in Hamilton County, Marion County, and throughout Tennessee who have suffered falls or other injuries. With our team, you won't have to manage this situation alone. Allow our premises liability lawyer in Chattanooga to guide you as you focus on recovery.

We handle the following premises liability claims:

• Slip and falls
• Negligent security
• And more

All of our accident cases are handled on a contingency plan, meaning there is no charge to you unless we recover a monetary award through trial verdict or settlement. Contact us online or by calling (423) 266-5171 today to speak about your premises liability accident in Chattanooga, TN.

What Causes Premises Liability Accidents?

Premises liability incidents can occur due to a number of reasons.

Common premises liability causes include:

• Dark stairways
• Faulty steps or railings
• Wet floors
• Loose tiles
• Accessible elevator shafts
• Uneven pavement
• Potholes
• Accessible manholes

These conditions can occur almost anywhere in and around Chattanooga, including grocery stores, apartment complexes, office buildings, parking garages, and public walkways. When we handle a claim, we look not only at what caused the fall or other injury, but also at how long the danger existed, whether prior complaints were made, and whether reasonable inspections would have uncovered the problem. 

Steps to Take After a Premises Injury in Chattanooga

A sudden fall can change your life in an instant, causing a lifelong disability. However, proving your disability and recovering compensation is not so straightforward. It is critical that you document your fall and injuries carefully. 

These steps support your path to recovery:

1. Report the accident: Inform the property manager of your accident and ask for a copy of the accident report.
2. Take pictures: Capture clear, unmistakable photo evidence of what caused your injury.
3. Collect contacts: Make sure you gather contact information from any witnesses.
4. Seek medical attention: Immediately seek a medical evaluation by a professional.
5. Retain an attorney: Contact and retain an experienced premises liability attorney in Chattanooga who strengthens the presentation of your claim.

After you leave the scene, it can also be helpful to write down everything you remember about the incident while it is still fresh in your mind. Note the time of day, lighting conditions, weather, what you were doing just before the fall, and anything the property owner or employees said to you afterward. Keeping copies of medical records, bills, and any incident reports created by the business gives a Chattanooga premises liability attorney a much stronger foundation for presenting your claim to an insurance company or in court. The more detail you save, the harder it is for the property owner to dispute what happened.

Understanding Trespassing & Attractive Nuisance In Tennessee

Trespassers generally cannot receive compensation for their injuries caused by unsafe conditions on private properties. There exists an exception known as attractive nuisance.

This exception recognizes that certain buildings, equipment, structures, materials, or remains can lure trespassers, especially children, onto the property where they can be injured. If your child suffered injury because a neighbor negligently left a dangerous condition on the property and your child was drawn to it, there may be a chance for recovery.

Chattanooga Premises Liability Providing In-Depth Case Investigations & More

Our Chattanooga premises liability attorneys thoroughly investigate the venue of your injury to determine the immediate cause and reveal patterns of negligence that help us prove your case for recovery.

Clients also hire us for our:

• Experience: We've been serving clients and families since 1934, bringing an extensive amount of knowledge to each case we take on.
• Proven success: Our team has obtained millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
• Contingency fees: There are no fees unless a verdict or settlement is reached.
• Tailored guidance: No two cases are alike, which is why we provide personalized guidance and solutions. 

Locales that serve public or private residents by law must maintain a regular plan of maintenance and respond swiftly to reports of unsafe conditions. Failing to inspect and maintain elevators on schedule can indicate negligence for the responsible party. When this happens, you can look to our team for support.

To schedule a free consultation with a qualified Chattanooga premises liability lawyer at Berke, Berke & Berke, contact us today at (423) 266-5171. We serve Hamilton and the surrounding counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Claim in Tennessee?

Most premises liability claims in Tennessee must be filed within a specific time limit known as the statute of limitations. In many personal injury cases, that deadline is one year from the date of the injury, but there can be exceptions depending on the facts. However, since missing this deadline can prevent a court from hearing your case, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can so your situation can be evaluated under the applicable Tennessee laws.

Do I Have a Case If I Was Partly at Fault for My Premises Liability Accident in TN?

According to the modified comparative fault rule in Tennessee, an injured person may still recover damages even if they share some responsibility for what happened, as long as their share of fault does not exceed 50%. Your recovery will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. When evaluating these situations, courts and insurance companies look closely at all of the circumstances, so it can be helpful to discuss the details with a Chattanooga premises liability lawyer before deciding that you do not have a case.