Inadequate Maintenance

Hartsoe Law Firm is a recognized leader in Knoxville premises liability law. Our office serves numerous Tennesseeans and visiting tourists injured by dangerous conditions on property. We are dedicated to helping personal injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Millions of people each year are injured on property due to a dangerous condition. A dangerous condition may be inherent, created by the owner, or allowed to persist due to inadequate maintenance. Examples of dangerous conditions include:

• Spills
• Dog bites
• Broken locks
• Uneven steps
• Poor lighting
• Loose handrails
• Fallen merchandise
• Unrepaired fixtures
• Construction zones
• Inadequate security

When people enter the premises, they are usually unaware of potential dangers. Failure to warn or protect guests from dangerous conditions increases the likelihood accidents. The resulting surprise and lack of preparation can lead to serious injuries. They often involve:

• Lacerations
• Slip-and-falls
• Broken bones
• Falling objects
• Animal attacks
• Exposure to dangerous substances
• Unstable foundation
• Electrical malfunction
• Violence by third parties

Unexpected dangers may result in permanent injuries or disability arising from burns, mauling, or traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Acute or chronic exposure to toxic substances like lead or asbestos can likewise cause serious illnesses in children and adults.

Premises liability refers to an area of law protecting visitors on property. Invitees may refer to guests, employees, and anyone else present on the premises for any legal purpose. Invitees are distinguished from trespassers, who are prohibited from entering the property or do illegally. Property owners and parties in control of the premises have a legal duty to protect visitors from unreasonable harm. This requires eliminating or repairing dangerous conditions they know, or should have known, exist on the property. Grocery stores, for example, should place a sign warning customers of slippery surfaces and clean up spills immediately. Landlords and owners must also perform inspections, repairs, and maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition.

Most dangerous conditions are not new, but left in states of disrepair. Property owners are often lax in identifying and fixing dangers that ultimately harm invitees. Customers, for example, may complain of poor lighting, but only spur a reaction when someone slips and falls or is assaulted on the property. The duty to safely maintain the property requires fixing broken lights and providing adequate security to prevent such accidents from happening. Owners and retailers in especially dangerous neighborhoods may have to install video cameras or hire security guards to keep the premises safe. Failure to meet this duty results in liability for resulting injuries, including medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering. Injured victims may also be entitled to damages for emotional distress, loss of consortium, and other out-of-pocket expenses

If you were injured on public, private, or rental property, contact an experienced Knoxville premises liability lawyer at Hartsoe Law Firm today. We have extensive experience recovering compensation for victims injured by the inadequate maintenance of property. Whether your injury was caused by a new or existing dangerous condition, we thoroughly investigate the premises and find all liable parties. In order to preserve important evidence, photograph the dangerous area where you were injured as soon as possible. Pictures taken after the condition is fixed are not allowed in court. It is also important to act quickly to preserve the full value of your claim. Any delay can result in the loss of important evidence and bar your right to relief. Contact 865-804-1011 for a free consultation or contact us online.