Injured on Someone Else’s Property? Your Legal Rights Explained

Accidents can happen anywhere—at the grocery store, a neighbor’s house, or even a local restaurant. But when you’re injured on someone else’s property because of unsafe conditions, you may have a legal right to seek compensation. These types of incidents fall under an area of law called premises liability.

Many people aren’t aware of their rights in these situations. Some may even blame themselves or assume it was “just an accident.” But in reality, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. If they fail to do so and you get hurt, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

In this guide, we’ll break down your legal rights, what you should do after getting injured on someone else’s property, and how a trusted team like Fox and Farmer attorney Knoxville can help you navigate the legal process.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for certain injuries that occur on their property. This includes both public and private property—stores, offices, apartment buildings, and even someone’s private home.

To file a premises liability claim, you must show that:

• You were legally on the property (not trespassing).

• The property owner was negligent in maintaining the property.

• That negligence caused your injury.

Examples of dangerous conditions include:

• Wet floors with no warning signs

• Uneven sidewalks

• Poor lighting in stairwells

• Broken handrails

• Falling merchandise in stores

• Dog bites

• Ice or snow buildup that was not removed in a timely manner

When these hazards aren’t addressed, and someone gets hurt, the property owner may be held liable.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Here are some of the most common situations where people get hurt due to unsafe property conditions:

1. Slip and Fall Accidents

One of the most frequent types of premises liability cases, slip and falls often happen in grocery stores, parking lots, or restaurants due to wet floors, spilled liquids, or icy sidewalks.

2. Trip and Fall Hazards

Uneven carpets, broken tiles, exposed wires, or debris in walkways can easily lead to someone tripping and injuring themselves.

3. Inadequate Security

Property owners must also provide adequate security, especially in places like apartment buildings or parking garages. If someone is attacked or robbed due to poor lighting or lack of surveillance, the owner may be held responsible.

4. Dog Bites

If someone’s dog bites you on their property and they knew the animal was dangerous, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries.

5. Swimming Pool Accidents

Pool owners are responsible for ensuring the area is safe, especially if children are around. Missing gates, slippery decks, or a lack of warning signs can lead to serious accidents.

What To Do After Getting Injured on Someone Else’s Property

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, there are several important steps to take right away to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Even if your injury seems minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries (like internal bleeding or concussions) may not show symptoms right away.

2. Report the Incident

Always notify the property owner or manager immediately. If the injury happens in a store or business, ask them to file an incident report. Get a copy for your records.

3. Gather Evidence

Take photos of the scene, including what caused the accident (like a wet floor or broken steps). Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.

4. Don’t Admit Fault

Even if you feel embarrassed, avoid saying things like “It was my fault” or “I wasn’t watching where I was going.” These statements can be used against you later.

5. Contact a Lawyer

Premises liability cases can be tricky. Speaking with an experienced legal team like Fox and Farmer attorney Knoxville can help you understand your rights and decide the best next steps.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability typically falls on the property owner, but in some cases, it may be:

• A property manager or maintenance company

• A business tenant renting space

• A landlord (if you’re injured in a rental property)

Each case is different, and figuring out who is legally responsible can be complicated. That’s why it’s so important to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side.

Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Case

In order to win a claim, you and your lawyer must show that the property owner was negligent. This usually involves proving that:

• A hazardous condition existed on the property

• The owner knew or should have known about the danger

• The owner failed to fix the problem or warn others

• That failure directly caused your injury

For example, if you slipped on a spill in a store that had been there for hours with no “wet floor” sign, that could be considered negligence. But if the spill happened just seconds before you walked by, the store might not have had a reasonable opportunity to clean it up.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If your case is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (current and future)

• Lost wages due to time off work

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Physical therapy or rehab costs

• Permanent disability or disfigurement

The exact amount will depend on the details of your case, but an experienced legal team like Fox and Farmer attorney Knoxville can help you maximize your recovery.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year from the date of the accident. That means you only have 12 months to file a lawsuit—or you could lose your right to seek compensation.

This deadline makes it critical to act quickly. Waiting too long could mean losing access to key evidence or witnesses.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Premises liability cases can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies who often try to downplay injuries or deny claims altogether. Having a skilled legal team on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

A trusted law firm like Fox and Farmer attorney Knoxville can help by:

• Investigating the accident

• Gathering evidence and witness statements

• Handling negotiations with insurance companies

• Representing you in court if needed

• Making sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries

You don’t have to go through this alone. With the right attorney, you can focus on healing while your legal team handles the rest.

Final Thoughts

Being injured on someone else’s property can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. Tennessee law gives you the right to hold negligent property owners accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe property conditions, don’t wait. Reach out to a qualified team like Fox and Farmer attorney Knoxville to learn about your options and protect your future. The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong case and getting justice for your injuries.