Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events that can leave victims and their families reeling. These injuries, which include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, and amputations, often result in permanent disability, extensive medical treatment, and ongoing care needs. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it’s crucial to have an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer on your side. At The Higgins Firm, we understand the impact these injuries have on every aspect of your life. We’re here to provide the compassionate support and tenacious legal representation you need during this challenging time.
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Our seasoned attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of catastrophic injury cases. Some of the most common types we see include:
Traumatic brain injuries (concussions, skull fractures, etc.) can occur in car accidents, falls, and other incidents involving a blow to the head or a violent jolt. The long-term effects of a TBI can be profound and may require extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or total paralysis below the site of the injury. These injuries are categorized as complete (no sensation or motor function below the injury) or incomplete (some remaining function). Vehicle accidents, particularly those involving motorcycles or commercial trucks, are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries.
The lifelong complications and costs associated with paralysis are staggering. Our Chattanooga catastrophic injury lawyers work closely with medical experts and life care planners to ensure your claim accounts for all current and future needs.
Burn injuries are classified by degrees, with third and fourth-degree burns being the most catastrophic. These injuries can occur in workplace accidents, explosions, electrical accidents, and premises liability cases. Victims often face excruciating pain, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma.
Losing a limb is a devastating experience that can happen in workplace accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other catastrophic events. Amputees face significant challenges, including relearning daily tasks, adapting to prosthetics, and dealing with ongoing medical needs.
Our attorneys work to ensure your claim covers the cost of state-of-the-art prosthetics, home modifications, and any diminished earning capacity you may experience due to your injury.
To succeed in a catastrophic injury claim, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries.
Under Tennessee law, negligence is established by showing:
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Our attorneys know how to build strong cases that prove negligence and protect your right to compensation. We act quickly to gather and preserve vital evidence, including accident scene photos, witness statements, and expert analysis. In catastrophic injury cases, expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists is often critical to establishing liability and damages.
Catastrophic injury claims typically involve substantial damages due to the severity of the injuries and their long-term consequences.
Our attorneys pursue full and fair compensation for:
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional.
Calculating long-term costs is complex in catastrophic injury cases. Our attorneys work with medical experts and life care planners to develop detailed projections of your future medical needs, ongoing care costs, and other expenses. We use this information to negotiate with insurance companies and build persuasive cases for trial.
At The Higgins Firm, we’re committed to providing the highest level of representation and support to catastrophic injury victims and their families. When you work with us, you can expect:
We understand that no amount of money can erase the trauma of a catastrophic injury. However, a successful claim can provide the financial security and sense of justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact an experienced Chattanooga personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
At The Higgins Firm, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and skill. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and resources you need to move forward after a devastating injury.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
You Have Questions. We Have Answers.
In most cases, you have one year from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee (Tennessee Code Annotated section 28-3-104). However, there are some exceptions, so it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
The injured party can file a claim or lawsuit. If the victim is a minor, their parent or legal guardian can file on their behalf. In cases of wrongful death, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can bring a claim.
Many catastrophic injury cases settle out of court. However, our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach often leads to better settlements and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the available insurance coverage. Our attorneys will provide a thorough assessment of your case value and work to maximize your recovery.
