There are a myriad of possible safety threats to those here in Tennessee who venture out on a daily basis. You are probably aware of many of these hazards while traveling to your destinations; however, the potential for an accident doesn’t end once you arrive and are no longer behind the wheel of your vehicle. Sadly, there are far too many slip-and-fall accidents suffered by victims through no fault of their own at some type of commercial property or venue.
Some of the most typical locations where you or a loved one could unknowingly be in harm’s way include shopping malls, restaurants, grocery stores, parks and playgrounds, along with many sidewalks and parking lots. The primary cause for a multitude of these unfortunate incidents is a lack of upkeep or negligence by the property owner. If you believe you were a victim because of this, you may have the right to seek justice and compensation to help with your recovery.
Specific dangerous property conditions that could threaten your safety
Staying vigilant for any of the following conditions can help decrease your chances of being involved in a slip-and-fall accident:
- Potholes in parking lots
- Wet or slippery floors
- Obstructed sidewalks and walkways
- Defective floorboards and staircases
- Lack of handrails or other critical safety features
- Uneven or torn carpeting
- Areas with insufficient lighting
Property owners must follow a proper duty of care to create and maintain a safe environment. This should include both the maintenance and repair of unsafe areas along with adequate warning signs and safety measures to make the general public aware of certain hazards to avoid. If there is a failure to follow this duty of care and an accident occurs, victims are entitled to pursue a premises liability claim in a Tennessee civil court.
Potential damages from a successful claim
The aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident can present you with many challenges, including dealing with the insurance companies, mounting medical bills and the loss of income from being unable to work. Fortunately, there is professional help and support readily available to you during these trying times. An experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney can help guide you through every step of the process of filing your claim, including handling all your insurance-related interactions.
A successfully litigated premises liability lawsuit has the potential to provide you with monetary relief for rehabilitation costs, medical bills and lost income. You could also receive non-economic damages for your pain and suffering, loss of consortium with those closest to you and your overall emotional distress.