Have you or a loved one been injured in a slip, trip and fall accident?
- Do not rely on insurance companies.
- You are our top priority.
- Stay away from a settlement mill.
We understand the hardship and loss that people suffer after a slip, trip and fall accident involving serious injury or death. Accident victims and families in the East Tennessee and North Georgia rely on the experienced slip, trip and fall accident attorneys at Dennis & Winningham Law to help them navigate the aftermath of difficult situations.
WHAT WE DO
Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents Overview
“Slip, trip and fall” is a name for situations where a person is injured by slipping or tripping and falling due to a dangerous or unreasonable condition on the premises. The fall can happen inside or outside of the property, and conditions such as a wet floor, bad flooring, poorly lit steps, a slippery sidewalk, a weather related situation, escalator, elevator, swimming pool or any hidden hazards can cause the accident.
Slip, trip and fall accidents are by far the most common type of premises liability cases in which property owners and businesses have a duty to provide a safe environment for people on their property. Accidents can result in death or serious injuries such as broken bones, amputation, traumatic brain injury, neck & back injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
Hazardous conditions related to premises liability claims include:
- Uncleaned snow
- Rotted floors or steps
- Clear ice
- Improperly secured mats and rugs
- Hidden drop-offs
- Pot holes
- Substances or water on floors
- Electrical cords
A property owner may be liable for the injury of a visiting person under the following circumstances:
If there is a failure to maintain the property by the owner or owner creates a condition that may result in injury or damage to another’s property.
If the owner knows of a danger and is aware that others will come onto to his or her property, but does nothing to eliminate the hazard, erect barriers, or warn others of the condition
If the owner’s actions – or inactions – cause damage to his or her neighbors’ property
Do Not Rely On Insurance Companies
Do not accept any claim before you speak with an attorney. Many large insurance companies have adopted settlement policies that encourage their adjusters to offer quick payments to persons involved in an accident. Insurance adjusters will contact you or your family shortly after an accident to try to gain your confidence. In doing so, insurance adjusters often try to present themselves as the friend of the injured person or the family of the person who was killed in an accident. The goal of such contact is to settle the case on terms as favorable as possible for the insurance company.
You Are Our Top Priority
Dennis & Winningham Law are old fashion Chattanooga slip and fall lawyers who limit the number of cases we take so we can give top-flight personal service. We are not a big “settlement mill” that will merely process your case. We don’t push you off on a para-legal or unexperienced “associate”. We maintain a statewide reputation for the care we take with each of our clients. Experience the Dennis & Winningham Law difference. Give us a call today at (423) 892-5533 or fill out our contact form.
Experience, expertise, and exceptional dedication to the needs of every client are the cornerstone of our reputation. Negligence causes many injuries, so it is imperative that anyone involved in an accident contact an experienced Chattanooga injury attorney. Please remember that it is vital to act swiftly after you have been injured. The sooner you involve a Chattanooga personal injury attorney, the better we will be able to preserve evidence, gather essential witnesses and address any other important factors.
You Deserve
- Medical reimbursement
- Payment for past and future income loss
- Full compensation for pain and suffering
- Peace of mind in knowing experienced Chattanooga personal injury lawyers are protecting your financial interests.
We Are There For You
- Same day, evening and weekend appointments
- Home and hospital visits for the severely injured
- Never a fee until we receive a settlement for you
- We will go to trial if a fair settlement is not obtained
- Serving Georgia and Tennessee
Determining Average Slip And Fall Settlements
Slip and fall accidents can lead to significant injuries, from minor bruises to severe fractures, and the settlement amounts can vary widely depending on specific case details. When considering a slip and fall settlement, factors such as the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering all play essential roles in determining the potential compensation. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we work with clients in Chattanooga who have suffered slip and fall injuries, helping them understand what they may be able to recover and how these settlements are typically calculated.
Factors Affecting Slip And Fall Settlements
Several key factors influence the amount of a slip and fall settlement. One of the primary considerations is the severity of the injury sustained. Severe injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries, often lead to higher settlement amounts because of the extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation required. For minor injuries, settlements may be lower, as the impact on the individual’s life may not be as long-lasting or financially burdensome.
Medical expenses are another significant factor in settlement amounts. These expenses include hospital visits, diagnostic tests, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications. Documentation of all medical costs is essential, as it forms a foundation for the settlement amount. Future medical expenses may also be considered, particularly if the injury requires ongoing treatment or if it leads to a permanent disability.
Lost wages or reduced earning capacity can also affect settlement amounts. If the injury has prevented an individual from working or reduced their ability to earn in the future, these financial losses are taken into account. For example, a person with a physically demanding job who suffers a severe back injury may not be able to return to work in the same capacity, resulting in long-term financial consequences.
Pain and suffering is a more subjective factor that also influences settlements. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the injury. For serious injuries that cause significant discomfort or have a lasting psychological impact, the compensation for pain and suffering may be substantial.
Average Slip And Fall Settlement Ranges
While it’s difficult to pinpoint an “average” slip and fall settlement, many cases fall within a range depending on the circumstances. Minor cases may settle for a few thousand dollars, covering medical bills and minimal lost wages. In contrast, cases involving severe injuries can result in settlements ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. Each case is unique, and the settlement amount depends on how the factors discussed above apply to the individual’s situation.
An experienced Chattanooga slip and fall lawyer can help evaluate the specific details of your case, estimate a potential settlement range, and gather evidence to support your claim. They can also negotiate with insurance companies, who often seek to minimize payouts. Having a legal advocate helps ensure that your claim is presented strongly, increasing the likelihood of a fair settlement.
The Role Of Insurance Companies In Slip And Fall Settlements
In slip and fall cases, insurance companies often play a significant role. Property owners usually carry liability insurance to cover injuries occurring on their premises, and in most cases, these insurance companies handle settlement negotiations. However, insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts, which is why it’s beneficial to have a Chattanooga slip and fall lawyer representing your interests.
Pursuing A Fair Settlement
When you or a loved one suffers a slip and fall injury, the focus should be on recovering and getting back to normal. Working with a knowledgeable attorney who understands the unique aspects of slip and fall claims can make the process less stressful and improve the chances of a favorable settlement. If you’re in Chattanooga and need help with a slip and fall case, Dennis & Winningham Law is here to support you. Contact us today to speak with a dedicated Chattanooga slip and fall lawyer who can help you understand your options and work toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Key Differences Between Slip And Fall Claims On Public Vs. Private Property
Our Chattanooga, TN slip and fall lawyer knows that filing a claim after a slip and fall incident can feel daunting, especially when it comes to understanding whether the property is public or private. Each type of property has distinct rules and challenges when pursuing a case. Call us for a free case review today! Let’s break down the key differences so you can make informed decisions about your next steps.
- Ownership and Responsibility. On public property, ownership typically falls to a government entity such as a city, county, or state agency. In contrast, private property is owned by individuals or businesses. This difference in ownership affects who you need to notify about your claim and who may be held responsible for the incident.
- Filing Deadlines. Claims involving public property often have stricter timelines. Many government entities require you to file a formal notice of your claim within a few months of the incident. For private property cases, you typically have more time, as these are subject to standard personal injury statutes of limitations. Missing the deadline can jeopardize your ability to recover damages, so it’s essential to act promptly.
- Notice Requirements. Our slip and fall lawyer in Chattanooga knows that if your slip and fall occurred on public property, you may need to follow specific notice procedures. This usually involves submitting detailed paperwork about the incident to the appropriate agency before filing a lawsuit. Private property claims don’t have these pre-lawsuit notice requirements, making the initial process more straightforward.
- Proving Negligence. Regardless of where the incident occurred, proving negligence is key. However, the standards for proving negligence may vary slightly. On public property, you may need to demonstrate that the responsible agency had prior knowledge of the hazard and failed to address it within a reasonable timeframe. For private property, it’s often enough to show that the owner or manager knew or should have known about the danger and didn’t take appropriate action.
- Liability Caps. Many government entities impose limits on how much compensation you can recover in a claim against them. These liability caps can significantly affect the amount of damages you might receive. In private property cases, there are generally no such limits, allowing for potentially higher compensation depending on the circumstances.
- Insurance Involvement. Claims on private property are typically handled through the property owner’s insurance company. Public property claims, however, may involve governmental insurance programs or self-funded risk pools. Each scenario has unique procedures and challenges, so it’s crucial to understand how to approach the responsible party’s insurance.
- Legal Immunities. Government entities often have certain legal protections, known as sovereign immunity, which may shield them from liability in specific situations. While exceptions exist, such as cases involving gross negligence, these immunities can complicate claims on public property. Private property owners don’t have these protections, making it easier to hold them accountable in most cases.
- Potential Defendants. On public property, determining liability might involve multiple parties, including different levels of government and their contractors. For private property, the responsible party is often limited to the owner or their designated property manager. This difference can impact the complexity of your case and the time it takes to resolve.
When you’re deciding how to proceed after a slip and fall incident, it’s critical to understand these distinctions. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we’ve helped countless clients recover compensation for injuries on both public and private properties. Let us evaluate your case and guide you toward the best path forward. Our firm helped one client win a settlement of $70,000 for their slip and fall claim and we can help you too. Contact our trusted slip and fall lawyer in TN today to schedule a consultation and get started.
Our firm offers a free initial strategy session to all prospective clients, where you can discuss your case with Lupton Winningham or Tricia Dennis.
You have nothing to lose by calling our office at (423) 892-5533 or booking a free strategy session to speak with one of our experienced Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers.
NEW
Unexpected falls can change lives in seconds. At Dennis & Winningham, our Chattanooga slip and fall lawyers help injured people get back on their feet, both physically and financially. Walking through grocery store aisles, entering office buildings, or stepping onto restaurant patios should not lead to hospital visits. Yet slip and fall accidents remain among the most common injuries in Tennessee.
How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Chattanooga
The scenic city presents unique hazards year-round. During winter months, Chattanooga businesses must address icy walkways and entrances. Summer brings heavy rainfall that creates slippery surfaces throughout downtown and shopping areas. Regardless of the season, property owners must maintain safe premises.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents in Chattanooga include:
- Wet floors without warning signs in local stores
- Uneven pavement on commercial properties
- Poor lighting in parking garages and stairwells
- Loose carpeting or flooring in hotels and restaurants
- Cluttered walkways in retail spaces
- Hidden steps without proper markings
Many local businesses near the Tennessee Aquarium, Hamilton Place Mall, and Northgate Mall experience high foot traffic, which increases accident risks when safety measures lapse. Our firm knows these areas well and investigates exactly how negligence contributed to your injuries.
Injuries That Change Everything
Slip and fall accidents often cause serious harm that affects your ability to work, enjoy life, and handle daily tasks. Many fall victims suffer from:
- Head trauma and concussions
- Broken hips and pelvic fractures
- Sprained ankles and wrists
- Torn ligaments requiring surgery
- Back injuries and spinal damage
- Shoulder dislocations
These injuries lead to substantial medical bills, lost income, and ongoing treatment costs. Your recovery deserves full financial support from those responsible for your accident.
Tennessee Law Protects Fall Victims
Tennessee premises liability laws require property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions. This legal duty means businesses and property managers must:
- Regularly inspect their premises
- Repair dangerous conditions promptly
- Warn visitors about hazards they cannot immediately fix
- Train staff to follow proper safety protocols
However, Tennessee also follows comparative fault rules. The insurance company might claim you were partly responsible for your fall. Their tactics aim to reduce your compensation or deny your claim entirely. This makes legal representation crucial for protecting your rights.
Local Knowledge Makes the Difference
Dennis & Winningham Chattanooga slip and fall accident attorneys know Chattanooga inside and out. We understand local building codes, weather patterns that create hazards, and how businesses throughout Hamilton County should respond to dangerous conditions.
Our team investigates thoroughly:
- Gathering maintenance records and safety logs
- Interviewing witnesses who saw what happened
- Consulting with medical experts about your injuries
- Documenting the accident scene before changes occur
- Analyzing similar incidents at the same location
This comprehensive approach identifies all parties who share responsibility for your injuries.
Sometimes multiple entities, namely property owners, management companies, and maintenance contractors, contribute to unsafe conditions that caused your fall.
Time Matters in Slip and Fall Cases
The clock starts ticking immediately after your accident. Tennessee law gives you just one year to file a personal injury lawsuit, which is among the shortest deadlines nationwide. Missing this window closes your opportunity for compensation forever.
Evidence disappears quickly, too. Security camera footage might be erased, witnesses become harder to locate, and accident scenes change. Acting fast helps preserve the proof needed to build your strongest case.
Your Recovery Comes First
While handling the legal process, we encourage you to focus entirely on healing. Document your medical treatment, follow doctor recommendations, and keep track of how your injuries affect daily life. These details strengthen your case while you concentrate on recovery.
If a slip and fall accident disrupted your life in Chattanooga, contact us for a consultation. Our Chattanooga slip and fall accident lawyers will evaluate your situation and explain your options without obligation.
