Slip and fall accidents happen when you least expect them. Whether at a popular shopping destination in Midtown, a restaurant in Downtown Memphis, or a grocery store in East Memphis, these incidents can lead to life-altering injuries. Victims often wonder how such a simple misstep could have such devastating consequences.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a slip and fall accident can take. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you every step of the way as you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
If unsafe conditions on someone else’s property injured you or a loved one, you don’t have to go through this alone—our Memphis slip and fall lawyers are ready to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys for Your Memphis Slip and Fall Accident Case?
At Cory Watson Attorneys, our mission is clear—to advocate for injury victims and hold negligent property owners accountable. Our firm has won cases for clients across Tennessee and nationwide for more than 40 years.
Here’s why you can trust our Memphis personal injury lawyers with your slip and fall accident case:
- Proven Results: We have recovered over $4 billion in compensation for personal injury victims.
- National Reach with a Local Touch: Though we’re known nationwide, our roots and passion for helping clients run deep in Tennessee.
- No Case Too Big or Small: Whether your injuries were caused by hazardous conditions at a local neighborhood store or a corporate chain, we are prepared to fight for your justice.
- Skilled Negotiators and Litigators: From settlement negotiations to courtroom battles, our attorneys can handle cases at every level.
When you work with us, you’ll find we take a personalized approach. Every client matters to us, and we make it our mission to ensure you feel supported throughout the legal process. Don’t settle for less—choose a firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to get results.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
A slip and fall accident claim seeks to hold a property owner accountable for unsafe conditions that led to your injury. Property owners in Memphis, like elsewhere, must maintain a safe environment for visitors. When they fail to address hazards such as spills, uneven flooring, or poor lighting, accidents can occur—and victims may deserve compensation.
If you were injured on public or private property due to unsafe conditions, you may recover damages for medical expenses and other losses. These cases often hinge on one key element—negligence. Our role as your attorneys is to investigate, gather evidence, and prove the property owner’s negligence caused your injury.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards
Slip and fall injuries can arise from a variety of hazards.
Some of the most common risks include:
- Wet or Slippery Floors: Unmarked spills, cleaning solutions, or ice left untreated on walkways
- Uneven Surfaces: Damaged sidewalks, cracked pavement, or potholes
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting that obscures hazards in parking lots or stairwells
- Cluttered Walkways: Aisles blocked by misplaced items, boxes, or debris
- Broken Railings or Stairs: Failure to maintain critical safety features can lead to falls in stairwells or balconies
- Weather-Related Neglect: Property owners are responsible for clearing snow, ice, or water accumulating on their premises.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we’ve investigated dozens of slip and fall cases in Memphis and beyond. We know what to look for and how to prove that unsafe conditions caused your accident.
How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents are often underestimated, with many assuming they are minor mishaps or unavoidable events. However, the truth is far more alarming. These incidents occur regularly and can result in devastating injuries that severely impact a person’s quality of life.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls rank as the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States. Each year, over 46,000 lives are tragically lost due to falls, while countless others suffer significant injuries that require medical attention and long-term care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores the serious nature of these accidents, noting that around one in five falls results in severe injuries, such as fractures or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Although older adults face a heightened risk, people of any age are vulnerable to lasting harm from a sudden slip, trip, or stumble.
Here in Tennessee, particularly in Memphis, the danger is just as pressing. Falls remain the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among residents aged 65 and older. Areas such as Overton Square or the Cooper-Young neighborhood are not immune to these risks. Slip and fall accidents can happen in grocery stores, restaurants, sidewalks, or anywhere property owners fail to eliminate hazards.
These numbers highlight the urgency of addressing unsafe conditions and preventing avoidable injuries. If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to a slip and fall in Memphis, securing skilled legal representation can help you hold negligent parties responsible and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Do I Have a Slip and Fall Case in Memphis?
If you have suffered injuries following a slip and fall accident, you may wonder whether you have a valid legal claim. Determining whether your case qualifies requires showing that the property owner’s negligence led directly to your injuries.
Here are some basic criteria to consider:
- Hazard Present: Was there a hazardous condition, such as an unmarked spill or broken staircase, that directly caused your fall?
- Negligence: Did the property owner or manager fail to address or warn you about this hazard? For example, businesses are expected to place caution signs near wet floors.
- Your Legal Status: Were you legally on the property when the accident occurred? (For example, invited guests are generally owed a greater duty of care than trespassers.)
- Damages: Did the fall result in injuries that required medical attention, impacted your ability to work, or caused significant emotional distress?
Every slip and fall case is unique, and minor differences can make or break a claim. At Cory Watson
Attorneys, we take the time to review all the details—visiting the accident site, gathering photos or videos of the hazard, and consulting experts if necessary—to build the strongest possible case.
Who May You Hold Liable in a Memphis Slip and Fall Claim?
Liability for a slip and fall accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the incident and the type of property where it occurred. Below are the key parties that may be held responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions:
Property Owners
Property owners, whether they own residential homes, commercial buildings, or public spaces, have a duty to maintain their premises. If their negligence, such as failure to repair a hazard or warn of unsafe conditions, caused your accident, they may be liable for your injuries.
Business Operators
Restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues, such as those around Overton Square, are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for visitors. This includes promptly addressing spills, repairing broken flooring, and posting warnings about known hazards.
Landlords and Property Managers
If you rent a home or apartment and slip due to poor maintenance—such as a broken staircase or unremoved ice on walkways—the landlord or property management company may be liable for failing to address known issues.
Maintenance Companies
Some property owners hire third-party maintenance or cleaning companies to manage the upkeep of their spaces. If their negligence, like incorrect cleaning practices or ignoring safety standards, played a role in your fall, they could share responsibility.
Governmental Entities
If your slip and fall occurred on public property, such as a sidewalk or government building in Memphis, you can hold a city or state entity liable. Filing against a government body involves specific processes and strict deadlines, which our attorneys can help you navigate.
Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers
Tennessee law classifies people on a property into three categories—invitees, licensees, and trespassers. These designations affect the level of care property owners owe to visitors:
- Invitees: An invitee enters the property for business purposes or mutual benefit, such as a shopper at Target or a diner at Beale Street hotspots. Invitees deserve the highest duty of care, and property owners must actively inspect for hazards and warn of dangers.
- Licensees: Licensees enter properties for social reasons, such as guests at a private home. Property owners must warn licensees about known dangers but do not have to inspect for unknown hazards.
- Trespassers: Trespassers are on the property without permission. While property owners generally owe no duty of care to trespassers, they cannot intentionally create dangerous conditions to harm them.
Understanding your legal status at the time of the accident is key to determining liability. Our experienced lawyers carefully assess the circumstances of your slip and fall to ensure all applicable laws are considered.
What Damages Can Slip and Fall Accident Victims Recover in Memphis?
If a slip and fall accident in Memphis injures you, you may recover damages to aid in your recovery.
These can include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy
- Lost income and diminished earning potential if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering caused by physical injuries and emotional distress
- Costs for ongoing care or household assistance due to long-term impacts of the injury
- Compensation for property damage, such as broken belongings during the accident
- Support for lifestyle adjustments, such as home modifications or mobility aids
- Reimbursement for transportation to and from medical appointments
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we are committed to helping you pursue the full compensation you need to recover and move forward. Our team will carefully evaluate the circumstances of your case to ensure every damage is accounted for.
Memphis Slip and Fall Accident FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about slip and fall accidents in Memphis:
What is the statute of limitations for a slip and fall claim in Memphis?
Tennessee law gives slip and fall accident victims one year from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Failing to act within this period may bar you from recovering compensation. However, starting your case as soon as possible allows your attorney to gather crucial evidence and submit all necessary paperwork on time.
How much does it cost to hire a Memphis slip and fall accident lawyer?
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any upfront fees.
Our legal fees are a portion of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t recover compensation in your case, you owe us no attorney’s fees. This arrangement ensures anyone can get high-quality legal representation, regardless of financial resources.
What if I’m partly to blame for my slip and fall accident?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. An experienced attorney can help minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
Contact the Trusted Memphis Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys Today
A slip and fall accident can leave you facing steep medical bills, lost income, and physical pain. However, having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference.
Here’s how Cory Watson Attorneys can help you:
- Investigate Your Case: We gather evidence, review medical records, and interview witnesses to build a compelling claim.
- Identify Liable Parties: From negligent property owners to maintenance companies, we ensure accountability where it belongs.
- Negotiate With Insurers: Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements. We’ll handle all negotiations to fight for the maximum compensation.
- Represent You in Court: If necessary, we’re ready to take your case to trial and argue passionately on your behalf.
- Provide Compassionate Support: Our attorneys keep you informed throughout your case and ensure you feel heard and supported.
Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them, but your road to justice starts here. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today at (901) 479-0227 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you’ve been through enough—let us handle the legal details.
Memphis Office Location
254 Court Avenue, Suite 511Memphis, TN 38103