Lexis Nexis
Gary W. Starnes Attorney at Law
736 Georgia Avenue
Suite 404 Dome Bldg.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone (800)281-2403
Fax (423) 266-7193
Email: gstarnes@volstate.net
Slip and Fall Attorney
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Slip and Fall Accidents
*=required | Privacy Policy
Property owners have a duty to keep their property safe. Property owners are responsible for inspecting their property, making repairs, removing or repairing dangerous conditions, and warning people of any dangers. This applies to risks both known to them and those that should have been known to them, which is why it is so important to perform regular thorough inspections.
The clause, “…should have been known to them,” is a key factor regarding premises liability claims. Many property owners try to avoid liability by claiming that they didn’t know a danger existed. While it may be true that a property owner wasn’t aware of the danger, that won’t relieve him of liability should it cause someone’s injury or death. The reason is that property owners owe “due diligence” to inspect their property to be sure that it is safe. This includes inspecting stairs–both their condition and adequate safety markings, handrails, floors and carpets, spills or objects that can be tripped over, and even safe conditions outside of the building walls.
If a spill or breakage can’t be wiped up or removed immediately or the floor is wet from having been mopped, the area must be clearly marked with warning signs, and the unsafe area secured behind a barrier. This can become an issue for store owners because customers and children often spill liquids, leave things on the floor that have fallen, and create hazards that the owner cannot know about until he either happens onto it or is told about it. Often employees leave boxes and carts in aisles, which pose only a small risk, but a risk, never the less.
Personal injury accidents, such as slip and fall accidents, can occur just about any place, both public and private. Falls are of such concern that their prevention is one of the top priorities in the Healthy People 2010 initiative. Falls can cause injuries that can lead to wrongful death either directly or as a result of complications, such as pneumonia contracted while the injured victim recovers from surgery. They can cause spinal cord injuries that last a lifetime, broken bones, traumatic brain injury and other injuries that temporarily or permanently disable people.
Have you been injured by a slip or fall accident? If so, you should know your rights. You have a limited amount of time to take action, so don’t wait until it’s too late. An experienced slip and fall attorney can advise you of your rights and the steps you need to take to protect your rights.
Please contact slip and fall lawyer, Gary Starnes, Attorney at Law, Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving clients in Tennessee and Georgia for a complimentary evaluation of your slip or fall injury claim. Or Call 1-800-281-2403 and schedule an appointment.