Tennessee Personal Injury Law BasIcs
After any accident in Tennessee, such as a car crash or slip and fall, you might consider filing an injury-related insurance claim or lawsuit.
Understanding key state laws can clarify the process. Tennessee's statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits gives you one year to file a case, so timely action is crucial. Missing this deadline means losing the right to seek legal remedies. However, certain situations may extend this timeframe, such as if the injured party is a minor or if the at-fault party leaves the state.
Personal injury lawsuits are typically filed in Tennessee's trial courts, usually in the judicial district where the injury occurred. Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you share some fault for the injury. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages from other parties.
Tennessee also has caps on non-economic damages, limiting them to $750,000, or $1 million for catastrophic injuries. However, there are no caps on economic damages like medical expenses and lost income. For claims against the state government, special rules apply.
For more detailed guidance tailored to your case, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer in Tennessee. They can help navigate the complexities and ensure you understand your rights and options.
