Monthly Archives: March 2016
Understanding the Dangers of All-Terrain Vehicle Use
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular choice for recreation in Tennessee. But ATV usage is also a leading cause of personal injury and even death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has tracked ATV usage since the 1980s, recently noted that Tennessee is among the top ten U.S. states for ATV-related fatalities, with… Read More »
Will Tennessee Hold Property Owners Liable If They Establish “Gun Free” Zones?
The Tennessee General Assembly recently convened its annual legislative session. Each year brings a chance for legislators to consider new laws governing matters like personal injury. And if one state senator gets his way, some Tennessee businesses may soon face a unique form of liability if they choose to keep their premises free of… Read More »
Should I Take Pictures Following My Car Accident?
Most of us carry a smart phone with a built-in camera. This can prove useful if you are in a car accident. It is generally a good idea to take pictures at the accident scene, even if you don’t see much damage, because it may provide valuable evidence in any subsequent personal injury lawsuit…. Read More »
Tennessee Judge Says Contractor Not Liable for Defect in Army Helicopter
Product liability is usually associated with events like car accidents, where a defect in the manufacturer’s design either causes or aggravates a victim’s injuries. But what about cases where a person is injured while operating a vehicle designed and manufactured for the government? A recent decision by a federal judge in Tennessee addressed such… Read More »
Insurance Exclusions May Work to the Detriment of Accident Victims
Sorting out legal liability following a car accident is often more complicated than you might think. For example, if the vehicle that causes an accident is insured, you might assume the insurance company is automatically responsible for any damages owed to the victims. But insurance policies are contracts, and there are often multiple clauses… Read More »
Federal Bailouts May Complicate Defective Product Claims Against Automakers
Car accidents are often the result of defects in the design or manufacturing of a vehicle. While automakers can (and should) be held liable for such defects, victims and their families must often overcome a number of legal obstacles. For example, the recent bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler have complicated a number of… Read More »
Can a Nursing Home Employee Be Fired for Responding to a Claim of Abuse or Neglect?
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious problem in Tennessee. Victims are often unable to stand up for themselves, and even when family members complain, nursing homes may take little or no action. And based on a recent decision by the Tennessee Court of Appeals, nursing home employees who try to protect patients… Read More »
How a Directed Verdict Can Affect Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
Judges are sometimes quick to dismiss a personal injury lawsuit that has merit. Even when a case proceeds to trial, a judge can still bypass the jury and order a “directed verdict.” A directed verdict is itself an extreme remedy which should only be employed when a judge, after hearing all of the evidence… Read More »