Premises Liability | The Evans Law Firm
Tennessee Personal Injury
& Civil Litigation
Knox, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, and other counties in East TN.
Most Personal Injury Cases Begin With One Core Legal Concept: Negligence
Knoxville Premises Liability Attorney
Injured on Someone Else's Property? You May Have a Right to Compensation
Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors.
When they fail to fix dangerous conditions, ignore known hazards, or neglect basic safety measures, innocent people can suffer serious injuries.
A simple trip to a grocery store, apartment complex, restaurant, hotel, or business can quickly become life-changing when a preventable accident occurs.
If you were injured on someone else's property in Knoxville or anywhere in East Tennessee, The Evans Law Firm can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today for a free consultation.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners and occupiers responsible when dangerous conditions cause injuries.
Not every accident creates legal liability. However, when a property owner knew—or should have known—about a dangerous condition and failed to address it, they may be financially responsible for the resulting injuries.
These cases often involve businesses, apartment complexes, homeowners, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and government entities.
Common Premises Liability Cases
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims.
They often involve:
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Wet floors
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Spilled liquids
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Poorly maintained walkways
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Uneven surfaces
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Ice or snow accumulation
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Missing warning signs
Even a seemingly minor fall can cause serious injuries, especially for older adults.
Trip and Fall Accidents
Dangerous walking surfaces frequently cause injuries due to:
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Broken sidewalks
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Cracked pavement
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Torn carpeting
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Uneven flooring
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Hidden obstacles
Property owners are responsible for addressing hazards they know about or reasonably should discover.
Negligent Security Claims
Property owners may be liable when inadequate security contributes to criminal attacks.
Examples include:
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Apartment complex assaults
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Hotel attacks
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Parking lot robberies
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Inadequate lighting
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Broken security gates
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Lack of security personnel
These cases often arise when previous incidents made criminal activity foreseeable.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can result in:
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Severe lacerations
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Permanent scarring
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Nerve damage
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Emotional trauma
Tennessee law may allow injured victims to recover compensation from the dog's owner under certain circumstances.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Property owners must take reasonable steps to protect guests from dangerous conditions around pools.
Common issues include:
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Lack of fencing
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Inadequate supervision
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Defective equipment
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Dangerous pool conditions
Falling Objects
Customers and visitors can suffer serious injuries when merchandise, equipment, or other objects fall from shelves, displays, or elevated areas.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Unsafe property conditions can lead to significant injuries, including:
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Broken bones
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Concussions
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Back injuries
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Neck injuries
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Spinal cord injuries
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Shoulder injuries
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Knee injuries
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Hip fractures
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Lacerations
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Permanent disabilities
Many victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.
What Should You Do After an Injury?
The actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly affect your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health comes first.
Even injuries that seem minor initially can worsen over time.
Prompt treatment also creates important documentation connecting your injuries to the accident.
Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, manager, or business immediately.
Request that an incident report be created and obtain a copy if possible.
Photograph Everything
Take photographs of:
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The hazard
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The surrounding area
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Warning signs (or lack thereof)
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Your injuries
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Lighting conditions
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Weather conditions
Dangerous conditions are often repaired shortly after an incident.
Gather Witness Information
Witnesses can provide valuable testimony regarding what happened and the condition of the property.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance companies may contact you shortly after the accident.
Before providing detailed statements, consider speaking with an attorney.
Tennessee Premises Liability Law
Property owners are not automatically responsible every time someone is injured on their property.
Generally, an injured person must prove:
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A dangerous condition existed
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The owner knew or should have known about it
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The owner failed to correct or warn about the danger
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The dangerous condition caused the injury
Evidence may include:
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Surveillance footage
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Maintenance records
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Inspection reports
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Employee statements
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Witness testimony
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Expert analysis
Visitor Status Matters
Tennessee law may impose different duties depending on why someone was on the property.
Invitees
Invitees are individuals who enter property for the benefit of the owner, such as customers in a store.
Property owners generally owe the highest duty of care to invitees.
Licensees
Social guests and others who enter property with permission may fall into this category.
Trespassers
Property owners generally owe limited duties to trespassers, although exceptions can apply in certain situations.
Comparative Fault in Tennessee
Property owners and insurance companies frequently argue that the injured person was partially responsible.
Examples include claims that the victim:
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Was not paying attention
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Ignored warnings
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Was wearing improper footwear
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Entered a restricted area
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system.
You may still recover compensation if you are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
Because insurers often try to shift blame, a thorough investigation is critical.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
Medical Expenses
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Emergency treatment
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Hospital bills
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Surgery
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Physical therapy
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Future medical care
Lost Wages
Compensation for income lost because of your injuries.
Future Loss of Earning Capacity
Serious injuries can impact your ability to work for years to come.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation may be available for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Permanent Disability
Long-term impairments may justify significant additional compensation.
Why Premises Liability Cases Are Often Challenged
Property owners and insurance companies rarely admit fault.
Common defenses include:
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The hazard was open and obvious
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The owner lacked notice of the danger
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The injured person caused the accident
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The injuries existed before the incident
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The hazard appeared moments before the accident
Our firm works to gather evidence quickly before it disappears.
How The Evans Law Firm Can Help
Successful premises liability cases often require immediate investigation.
Our firm helps clients by:
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Conducting property inspections
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Obtaining surveillance footage
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Interviewing witnesses
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Reviewing maintenance records
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Working with safety experts
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Negotiating with insurance companies
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Filing lawsuits when necessary
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Preparing cases for trial
We focus on building strong cases that maximize compensation for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the property owner says they didn't know about the hazard?
Property owners may still be liable if they should have discovered the dangerous condition through reasonable inspections.
What if there was a warning sign?
Warning signs do not automatically eliminate liability. Each case depends on the facts and circumstances.
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim?
Tennessee generally imposes a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still recover compensation under Tennessee's comparative fault rules if you are less than 50% responsible.
How much is my premises liability case worth?
The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the long-term impact on your life.
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability attorney?
Most premises liability cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fee unless compensation is recovered.
Contact The Evans Law Firm Today
An injury caused by unsafe property conditions can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and significant pain.
You should not have to fight insurance companies on your own.
The Evans Law Firm is prepared to investigate your case, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after a serious premises liability accident.
