Tennessee Personal Injury Laws

Important Tennessee Personal Injury Laws

An injury can seriously disrupt your life, but with the help of our Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer, you can get some much-needed compensation. Read on to learn more about Tennessee personal injury laws, and see how they may affect your case.

In Tennessee, personal injury law governs legal disputes arising when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. As experienced Memphis personal injury lawyers, the specialists at our office are adept at navigating these laws to help our clients secure the compensation they deserve.

• Statute Of Limitations In Tennessee Personal Injury Cases

One of the most critical aspects of personal injury law in Tennessee is the statute of limitations. In Tennessee, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within one year of the date of the accident or injury. This timeframe is among the shortest in the United States, making prompt legal consultation essential. Failure to file within this period generally results in the loss of the right to have the case heard in court.

• Comparative Fault Rule In Tennessee

Tennessee follows the modified comparative fault rule, which impacts how compensation is awarded in personal injury cases. Under this rule, if you are found to be partially at fault for the incident causing your injury, your compensation can be reduced by a percentage equal to your degree of fault. Importantly, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you will not be able to recover any compensation. This makes the role of a skilled legal team crucial in presenting your case effectively.

• Caps On Damages

Tennessee law places caps on certain types of damages in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are capped at $750,000 in most cases. However, in cases involving catastrophic loss or injury, this cap increases to $1,000,000. It’s important to note that these caps do not apply to economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

• Liability In Car Accident Claims

In car accident claims, Tennessee adheres to the traditional fault-based system. The person who is legally at fault for causing the accident is responsible for any resulting harm. This system allows injured parties to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company, file a personal injury lawsuit, or pursue a claim against their own insurance if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

• Dog Bite Laws

Tennessee has specific laws regarding dog bites and owner liability. The state follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites in public places or when the victim is lawfully in a private place. This means the dog owner is liable for any damages caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. Exceptions exist, such as when the dog was provoked.

Contact Our Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer Today

When you need a personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN has a broad range of firms to choose from; however, not all are created equal. Some firms cater to all types of claims making them better suited to general legal matters rather than those specific to a personal injury. Due to the complex nature of these claims, it’s advisable to choose a Memphis personal injury lawyer who is familiar with personal injury claims and all-encompassing legislation. Patterson Bray PLLC provides the kind of lawyer you can turn to for the right kind of representation.