Representing Injured People Throughout Warren County, Tennessee Since 1982
When a property owner’s negligence causes an injury, the path to compensation runs through proving what the owner knew, when they knew it, and what they failed to do. That kind of case demands thorough preparation and a willingness to litigate when the insurer won’t deal fairly. At Law Offices of Galligan & Newman, we’ve represented Warren County residents in premises liability claims since 1982, and we go to court when that’s what it takes.
Premises liability covers injuries caused by unsafe or hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, whether a retail store, a private residence, or a public space. Our civil practice includes the full range of personal injury claims, from motor vehicle accidents and wrongful death to injuries caused by dangerous property conditions throughout the Upper Cumberland region.
If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Warren County or the surrounding area, call Law Offices of Galligan & Newman at (931) 473-8405 to discuss your situation.
Why Warren County Claimants Work With Law Offices of Galligan & Newman
We’ve practiced in this community for over 40 years, and our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to every case. That depth matters in premises liability, where a property owner’s insurer may contest liability, argue the hazard wasn’t foreseeable, or dispute how long the condition existed.
Our membership in the Tennessee Association for Justice reflects our commitment to injury claimants’ rights. More practically, we’re comfortable in the Warren County Circuit Court and prepared to litigate when settlement negotiations stall. That readiness changes the dynamic from the start.
“Literally Life-Changing”
“We were kept informed about everything that was happening with our case, and the positive outcome of the case was literally life-changing for us.”
Susie T.
“Forever Grateful”
“I'm forever grateful to have had them on my side.”
Mike T.
“Thanks for your help!”
“The attorneys and staff are very friendly and answered any questions at any time.”
Premises liability cases arise from a wide range of hazardous property conditions. Slip and fall accidents and dog bites are covered in detail elsewhere on this site. Beyond those, we handle claims involving:
Negligent security: Inadequate lighting, broken locks, or insufficient surveillance that exposes visitors to foreseeable criminal acts on the property
Swimming pool and water hazards: Drownings, drain entrapments, and injuries tied to missing or insufficient pool fencing
Poorly maintained building systems: Injuries caused by faulty wiring or other neglected infrastructure
Detail-Oriented Advocacy Rooted in McMinnville
Law Offices of Galligan & Newman was founded on a philosophy of discipline and careful preparation, shaped by co-founder Michael Galligan’s background as a former Marine and adjunct law professor. That approach carries through to every case file we handle today.
In premises liability, small facts determine outcomes. How long a spill sat on the floor, whether maintenance logs show a pattern of neglect, when a broken railing was first reported: these details separate a recoverable claim from a dismissed one. Our attorneys have held leadership roles in organizations like Main Street McMinnville and the Industrial Development Board, and we bring that same community knowledge and careful scrutiny to every property injury case we take on.
Tennessee Premises Liability Law: What Your Claim Must Show
Tennessee law requires property owners and occupiers to use reasonable care to prevent unreasonable risks of harm to people on their property. To hold an owner liable, an injured person generally must establish that the owner either created the dangerous condition or had notice of it and failed to address it.
Actual & Constructive Notice
Notice takes two forms. Actual notice means the owner was directly aware of the hazard. Constructive notice means the owner should have discovered it through reasonable inspection or because a pattern of similar incidents made it foreseeable. Constructive notice is often the contested issue in premises liability litigation, and it’s where documentation of the property’s maintenance history becomes critical.
Modified Comparative Fault & the 50 Percent Bar
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule established by the Tennessee Supreme Court in McIntyre v. Balentine (Tenn. 1992). An injured person whose share of fault is less than 50 percent can recover damages, reduced proportionally by their percentage of fault. A person found 50 percent or more at fault recovers nothing.
Property owners and their insurers frequently argue that the injured person was partially at fault, whether for wearing inappropriate footwear, ignoring a warning sign, or being inattentive. Building a detailed record of the property condition, the owner’s notice, and the circumstances of the incident helps counter those arguments before they gain traction.
Filing Deadlines for Warren County Premises Liability Claims
Tennessee law generally requires a premises liability lawsuit to be filed within one year of the injury, under Tennessee Code Annotated section 28-3-104. A wrongful death claim arising from a premises liability incident carries the same one-year deadline, though the date it begins to run can depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Missing this deadline typically bars any recovery through the courts.
Premises liability lawsuits in Warren County are generally filed in the Warren County Circuit Court in McMinnville, the trial court of general jurisdiction for the 31st Judicial District. Acting early can help preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and meet the statutory deadline.
Talk to a Premises Liability Attorney in Warren County
If you were injured on someone else’s property, you have a limited window to act. Our attorneys can evaluate what happened, identify what a property owner knew or should have known, and represent you through every stage of the process, including trial if necessary. Call us at (931) 473-8405 to discuss your premises liability claim.
