A sudden fall can leave you with more than just pain. There are also medical bills, missed work, and long-term complications. At The McMahan Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it is to recover while trying to prove someone else’s negligence. That’s why we’re here. If you were injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, you may have a premises liability case. Our Cleveland slip and fall lawyers are ready to help you build a strong claim and pursue the compensation you may deserve. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case.
A Cleveland Premises Liability Lawyer Is Here to Help
If you were hurt in a fall on public or private property, you may be entitled to compensation. The McMahan Law Firm has been representing injured individuals in Cleveland, TN, for decades, and we could help you, too. Whether your injury happened in a store, apartment complex, or on a sidewalk, we can evaluate your case for free and help you understand your legal options.
We Make It Easy
Times are hard, getting help with your claim shouldn’t be. Getting started is as easy as calling or filling out our online form for a free case review.
You Have Rights
Premises liability laws exist for a reason. Negligent property owners must be held responsible for the damages they cause. We fight for every client’s right to fair compensation for their suffering.
Don't Pay Unless We Win
Because our attorneys work on contingency, you will never pay any upfront fees. In fact, you don’t pay at all unless we win compensation for you.
Tennessee Premises Liability Laws
Slip and fall accidents are a type of premises liability claim, which arises when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property. In Tennessee, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they fail to fix or warn about hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or broken stairs, they may be held responsible for the injuries that result from their negligence.
To move forward with a claim, you’ll need to show that the property owner’s negligence caused your fall and that you were lawfully on the property when it happened. Not every fall leads to a claim, so it’s important to find out if you have a case based on the specific details of your situation.
An experienced Cleveland premises liability lawyer from The McMahan Law Firm can review what happened, explain your rights, and help you take action if compensation is possible.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late to File a Lawsuit
Tennessee law sets strict deadlines for personal injury claims, including slip and fall cases. In most situations, you have only 1 year from the date of your fall to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation altogether.
We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a fall can be, but time matters in these cases. We can help you meet all necessary deadlines, gather crucial evidence, and start the legal process so you can focus on healing. Just start by reaching out for a 100% free consultation, and we handle the rest.
Our Cleveland Slip & Fall Attorneys
How The McMahan Law Firm Can Help After a Fall
After a serious fall, you deserve a legal team that’s ready to take on the insurance company.
At The McMahan Law Firm, we’re not just Chattanooga’s largest personal injury law firm—we’re a force for injured individuals in Cleveland, TN, and across the region. With over 250 years of combined experience and the resources to match, we move fast to investigate your accident, secure critical evidence, and build a powerful case.
Insurance companies know who we are, and they know we don’t back down. While they work to minimize your claim, we push back hard, fighting for every dollar you may be owed for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
When you hire us, you send a message: you’re serious about your recovery, and you’ve got The Insiders on your side to prove it.
Proving the Property Owner Was Negligent
One of the most important parts of a slip and fall case is proving that the property owner failed to meet their legal duty of care.
We’ll investigate whether a hazardous condition existed—like a spill, obstruction, or unsafe flooring—and whether the owner knew or should have known about it.
We’ll also determine if you were legally allowed to be on the property when the incident occurred. Tennessee law generally protects those who are lawfully present on a property, such as customers in a store, guests in a home, or tenants in a rental. Trespassers, on the other hand, may not be entitled to the same legal protections.
Establishing your legal presence on the property is necessary to move your case forward, and our team knows how to gather the documentation and testimony to prove it. Whether your fall occurred at a business, residential complex, or public space, we’re here to help you hold the negligent party accountable and fight for the compensation you may deserve.
What’s Next?
If you’ve been seriously hurt in a slip and fall accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out right away. Some symptoms can be delayed, and having a medical record from the start strengthens your claim.
2. Document the Scene
Take clear photos or videos of the hazard that caused your fall. Look for things like wet floors, cluttered walkways, or uneven surfaces.
3. Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw the incident, collect their names and contact details. Their testimony may support your version of events.
4. Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, manager, or on-site supervisor as soon as possible, and ask for a copy of any formal incident report.
5. Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney
Reach out to a qualified attorney right away. If your fall occurred in Cleveland, TN, or anywhere else in the Chattanooga area, The McMahan Law Firm can help you explore your legal options.
Once you’ve taken the initial steps, here’s how our team supports you throughout the rest of the legal process:
6. Schedule a Free Consultation
We’ll review the facts of your case, answer your questions, and explain your options at no cost. We get paid contingent on the success of your case, so you risk nothing when you contact us.
7. We Investigate Your Case
Once we have determined that you have a case and you choose to work with us, our team begins collecting important evidence. This includes accident scene photos, witness statements, incident reports, and any available security footage or property records.
8. Document Your Injuries
We will work directly with your medical providers to gather treatment records, bills, and other documentation. We may also bring in medical experts to support your claim.
9. File the Insurance Claim or Lawsuit
After building a strong case, we’ll file with the property owner’s insurance. If they don’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to escalate your case to court.
10. Negotiate a Settlement or Go to Trial
Our attorneys aggressively negotiate on your behalf. While most cases settle outside of the courtroom, we’re fully prepared to represent you at trial if that’s what it takes to pursue the compensation you are potentially owed.
11. Receive Compensation
When your case is resolved, we’ll help ensure your compensation is properly distributed. This can include money for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Slips, Trips, & Falls: Causes & Injuries
Slip and fall accidents may seem minor at first, but they can lead to serious injuries and conditions such as:
- Broken bones
- Concussions or other head trauma
- Back and spinal injuries
- Sprains and soft tissue damage
- Long-term mobility issues
Many of these injuries occur because of unsafe property conditions that should have been fixed or clearly marked. Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Torn or loose carpeting
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Poor lighting in hallways or stairwells
- Ice or snow accumulation
- Broken or missing handrails
- Obstacles or clutter in walkways
Where Do Slips and Falls Happen?
Slip and fall incidents can happen almost anywhere, but some of the most common locations include:
- Sidewalks: Cracks, ice, or uneven pavement can easily cause a fall. Property owners and cities may be liable if they fail to maintain walkways.
- Apartments and rental properties: Poorly maintained stairs, slippery common areas, and a lack of lighting in hallways can create dangerous conditions for tenants and their guests.
- Grocery stores and retail shops: Spills, unattended debris, or wet floors without warning signs frequently lead to falls.
- Restaurants and bars: Spilled drinks, slick tile floors, and dim lighting can all contribute to fall risks.
- Parking lots and garages: Potholes, poor lighting, and icy conditions can cause accidents before you even enter a building.
No matter where it happened, if your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal claim.
Our Results Speak For Themselves!
Cleveland, TN, Slip & Fall FAQs
Settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, lost wages, and how clearly the property owner’s negligence can be proven.
Some slip and fall claims may settle for a few thousand dollars, while others, especially those involving permanent injuries or long-term care, can reach tens of thousands or more. The best way to get an idea of your case’s value is to speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the details.
To win a slip and fall case, you’ll need to prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. That means showing the following:
- A dangerous condition existed.
- The owner knew or should have known about it.
- They failed to fix it or warn you.
You’ll also need to demonstrate that the hazard directly caused your injuries. Evidence like photos, incident reports, medical records, and witness statements can all help build a strong case.
While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, having an attorney from The McMahan Law Firm significantly increases your chances of success.
Premises liability cases can be complex, especially when dealing with uncooperative property owners or aggressive insurance companies. We can handle the legal work, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you may deserve so that you can focus on healing.
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win your case. If we’re successful, our fee is a percentage of your settlement or court award. This ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of financial situation.
Contact The McMahan Law Firm for a Free Case Review
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can begin building a strong case for the compensation you could be owed.
We’ve helped countless Tennesseans take action after serious falls. We know how to handle difficult insurance companies, prove negligence, and fight for fair results. And the best part? You won’t owe us anything unless we win.
Reach out today to schedule your free case review. We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
Choose Board Certified—Not Just Billboard
Advertising can make a law firm familiar, but it doesn’t tell you whether an attorney has demonstrated advanced qualifications in civil trial law. Board certification does.
Jay Kennamer, Brent Burks, and Herbert Thornbury are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Board certification is voluntary and requires qualifications beyond those needed to practice law. Certification standards include substantial involvement in the practice area, peer review, additional legal education, and a written examination.
For an injured client, this distinction provides meaningful information when choosing a lawyer. It shows that an attorney’s civil trial knowledge and experience have been evaluated through an independent certification process—not simply described in an advertisement.
Why Trial Experience Matters Even If Your Case Settles
Many personal injury cases settle without a trial, but the strength of a settlement claim depends partly on whether the legal team is prepared to take the case further. Insurance companies evaluate the evidence, the damages, and the risk they would face if a lawsuit proceeds.
A board-certified civil trial attorney can prepare the case with that possibility in mind from the beginning. This may include preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, documenting future losses, working with qualified professionals, and developing a clear account of how the injury changed the client’s life.
Board certification doesn’t guarantee a particular result. It does, however, help injured people identify attorneys who have met recognized standards in civil trial advocacy.