Practice area
Personal injury
Meridian Law's Franklin personal injury lawyers represent people hurt in traffic accidents, slip and falls and nursing home abuse cases, and defend businesses against negligence claims, across Williamson County and Middle Tennessee.
Personal injury overview
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a request for compensation when someone is hurt because another person or business failed to act with reasonable care. Most claims are based on negligence: the injured person generally has to show that the other party owed a duty of care, breached it, and caused the injury and the resulting losses. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Many claims are resolved with the at-fault party's insurer, and some go on to a lawsuit. The matters we handle include:
- Traffic accidents, including car accidents in Brentwood, Franklin and across Williamson County
- Slip and fall and other premises injuries
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Defense of businesses and individuals facing negligence claims (see insurance defense)
Tennessee deadlines and fault rules
Tennessee gives injured people a short window to act. The deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits in Tennessee is generally one year from the date of injury, which is shorter than in many states, and some claims have different or additional requirements. Tennessee also follows a modified comparative fault rule: an injured person's recovery is generally reduced by their share of fault, and barred if they are found 50 percent or more at fault. Tennessee also limits certain non-economic damages; we explained one decision on that cap in Honey, I Shrunk Your Damages!
Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
Not every injury needs a lawyer, but it is worth talking to one if you were seriously hurt, if fault is disputed, or if an insurer is asking you to sign a release or give a recorded statement. A lawyer can gather evidence, deal with the insurer, and make sure a claim is filed before the deadline. Medical bills are often challenged, so documentation matters; our article on how medical bills are challenged in injury suits explains why. Many cases settle, sometimes through mediation. To talk through your situation, contact us.
FAQs
Personal injury: common questions
What is a personal injury claim?
It is a claim for compensation when you are hurt because someone else did not act with reasonable care, for example a driver who caused a crash or a business that left a hazard in place. Most personal injury claims are based on negligence and seek money for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Many are resolved with an insurer before any lawsuit is filed.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer in Tennessee?
Not always. For a minor injury that heals quickly, some people settle directly with the insurer. It makes sense to talk to a lawyer if you were seriously hurt, if fault is disputed, if your treatment is ongoing, or if you are being asked to sign a release. Tennessee's filing deadline is short, so it is better to ask early.
Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney?
It often depends on how serious the injury is and how contested the claim is. A lawyer can help you understand what the claim may be worth, avoid mistakes such as signing a release too early, and meet Tennessee's filing deadline. A consultation is a straightforward way to find out whether hiring a lawyer makes sense for your situation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee?
For most personal injury claims in Tennessee, generally one year from the date of the injury. Some claims follow different rules, such as claims against government entities or claims involving medical care, and some circumstances can affect when the time starts to run.
Because the period is short, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can after an injury.
Contact Meridian today
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