Do you have an injury claim in Tennessee? Learn about the tort laws and how Hughes & Coleman can protect your rights.

Do You Have an Injury Claim in Tennessee? The Tort Laws Are on Your Side

January 23, 2025

What is a Tort?

In the simplest terms, a tort is an action or lack of action that leads to harm on another person or property. Tort can include driving offenses that lead to accidents and negligence that leads to a slip and fall which causes an injury. If you live in Tennessee, a tort is defined as “a wrongful act other than a breach of contract for which relief may be obtained in the form of damages or an injunction.”

In The Article

Tort Laws and How They Work

Every state has different tort laws that protect victims of negligence and personal injury to ensure that they get the compensation they deserve based on the circumstances surrounding their injuries. However, the majority of tort laws center on victims’ rights to recovery (generally financial recovery) based on damages. The variations in tort laws by state can include compensation caps, who is liable for the injury, and whether or not you can sue the entity.

For example, there are some states in which you are not allowed to sue the state itself. Other states have stipulations and limitations on tort claims against the state.

So, what if you live in Tennessee?

What is the Tort Law in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, you are able to sue for damages you obtained in a personal injury or property damage situation that was the direct result of someone else’s negligent act. If the act was caused by a government official or employee, you are able to sue, but there may be additional issues you have to address. That is where the Tennessee Tort Claim Act comes into play.

What is the Tennessee Tort Claim Act?

Under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act, local governments have absolute immunity, with exceptions that make them liable for certain actions or inactions, based on negligence. These exceptions can include operation of motor vehicles, dangerous structures (public buildings, dams, etc.), and negligent acts of state employees.

In cases in which you were harmed due to government negligence, the acts of a government official, or a government employee while on duty, you may find it difficult to even create your claim without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Tennessee injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal system when it comes to filing a tort claim against your local government. They can also help you establish liability for your tort claim.

What is Liability in Tort Law?

The liable party in a tort case is the responsible person(s) or entity that caused damage to the victim or the victim’s property. In the simplest terms, liability means “blame.” If you are liable for a slip and fall injury, this means that you will take blame for the injury and can be sued for damages in the tort claim.

Is Tennessee a Tort State?

Yes, Tennessee is considered a tort state. In Tennessee, tort laws cover personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage. This means that you can seek recovery for damages related incidents that resulted in any of the three items above.

Do You Need a Lawyer For a Tort Case in Tennessee?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury, contacting a personal injury attorney in Tennessee can help you get maximum compensation for your claim. In a lot of cases, liable parties in tort cases will revert to their insurance companies to cover compensation. Insurance companies tend to think in numbers, and they’ll try to offer you much less than your case is worth. In these cases, it can be difficult for citizens to go up against insurance companies, and it could be in your best interest to hire an attorney that can help you negotiate a higher settlement for your case.

Additionally, personal injury lawyers aren’t afraid to take your case to court if the insurance company continues to fight against the compensation you deserve for your case.

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, Hughes and Coleman Injury Lawyers is here to help. We protect injured people and their families from getting screwed over by insurance companies who want to save as much money as possible by not paying victims what they deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about your rights as an injury victim.

TORT Liability

tort | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute

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