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Nashville Catastrophic Injury Lawyer The Help You Need When You Need It Most

Dealing with a Catastrophic Brain or Spinal Cord Injury?

Our Compassionate Nashville Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Help You and Your Family

Any accident can cause injuries that disrupt your life for weeks, months or even years while you recover. However, a catastrophic personal injury completely changes your life and the lives of your family members forever. These types of injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, burn injuries and many more. Injuries like these cause permanent, disabling conditions, in varying degrees and usually require a lifetime medical care. Depending on the circumstances, a catastrophic injury may affect your ability to work, live independently, move and even breathe. Additionally, some catastrophic injuries can affect your cognitive skills and alter your personality as well. However, you can recover compensation from the party responsible for your accident, which can help you with medical bills and many other expenses.

Nashville accident lawyer Stanley A. Davis is personally committed to helping his Tennessee neighbors who are the victims of serious injuries. With his years of legal experience, attorney Stanley Davis can provide guidance to determine if the careless actions of another caused your serious injuries. Additionally, if you lost a loved one as a result of a brain or spinal cord injury, then our Nashville accident lawyer can bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent parties to help prevent this tragedy from happening again.

If you've suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (615) 866-3938 for a free consultation, and let our experienced team help you navigate your claim.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries include any injuries that have a profound, prolonged impact on the life of the victim. The most common examples include:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Any trauma or damage to the brain can have widespread negative effects on your entire body. Paralysis and/or decreased motor function are common side effects along with personality changes and other cognitive drawbacks. Furthermore, a traumatic brain injury rarely heals, though slight improvements are possible.
  • Spinal cord injury. While the bones of the spine may heal eventually, damage to the nerves of the spinal cord is often irreversible. Typically, this results in partial or total paralysis of the body below the site of the injury.
  • Severe burn injuries. A catastrophic burn injury is a burn that affects not only the skin but also the nerves and muscles beneath. Permanent loss of motor function is a common effect. Additionally, burn injuries are often disfiguring, especially if they affect the face. While skin grafts can help heal these kinds of injuries, they are costly, painful and time-consuming.
  • Traumatic amputation. An accident like a car or truck crash may result in an amputation if the victim’s arm or leg is caught or crushed between two surfaces. These injuries are often life-threatening, and result in permanent disability. Often, an amputation victim will be unable to return to work as a result, and may require extensive physical therapy and prostheses.

What are the Most Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?

A catastrophic injury may result from any kind of severe accident. Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury and other catastrophic injuries include:

  • Vehicle accidents, including car accidents and truck accidents. Any crash, especially at high speeds, can cause a catastrophic injury.
  • Slip and fall accidents. A fall can cause a traumatic brain injury or damage the spine. While falls from heights are most dangerous, even a simple slip can result in a disabling injury like this.
  • Assaults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), assault is one of the top five causes of traumatic brain injury.
  • Blasts or explosions. An explosion can cause any catastrophic injury, including amputations and severe burns.
  • Sports injuries. Contact sports, in particular, carry a high risk for concussion, which is a mild TBI. Additionally, multiple concussions can have the same effect as a single, more severe traumatic brain injury.
  • Medical malpractice. Surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis and other forms of medical malpractice can cause spine injuries, TBIs and wrongful death.
  • Birth injuries. These injuries, which can cause a lifetime of paralysis or other impairment due to a spine or brain injury at birth, are the result of medical negligence.
  • Workplace accidents, especially construction accidents. Any accident at work, particularly in a workplace with heavy machinery or fall hazards, can cause disabling injuries.

What medical treatments and rehabilitative services are typically required for individuals with catastrophic injuries?

Individuals with catastrophic injuries often require a comprehensive range of medical treatments and rehabilitative services to address their complex needs and help them regain functionality and independence. 

Some common treatments and services include:

  • Emergency Medical Care: Immediate medical attention is crucial for individuals with catastrophic injuries to stabilize their condition and prevent further complications.
  • Surgical Interventions: Surgeries may be necessary to repair damaged tissues, bones, or organs resulting from the catastrophic injury.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and coordination after a catastrophic injury. It focuses on improving physical function and reducing pain.
  • Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy aims to help individuals relearn everyday tasks and activities, making them more independent in their daily lives.
  • Speech Therapy: For individuals with catastrophic injuries affecting speech or swallowing, speech therapy can help improve communication and eating abilities.
  • Pain Management: Catastrophic injuries often result in chronic pain, and specialized pain management techniques may be employed to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
  • Psychological Support: Dealing with catastrophic injuries can take a toll on mental health. Counseling and psychological support services can help individuals cope with emotional challenges and adjust to their new circumstances.
  • Assistive Devices and Mobility Aids: Individuals may need assistive devices such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, or adaptive equipment to enhance their mobility and independence.
  • Home Modifications: Modifying living spaces to accommodate individuals with catastrophic injuries, such as installing ramps or grab bars, can improve accessibility and safety.
  • Long-Term Care: Some individuals may require ongoing medical care, monitoring, and support to manage their condition and prevent complications.

Understanding the Legal Process for Catastrophic Injury Claims

Steps Involved in Filing a Catastrophic Injury Claim

When you file a catastrophic injury claim, it’s important to follow certain steps to ensure your case is strong:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Care: First, get the medical attention you need. Document your injuries and follow all treatment plans.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the injury to your insurer as soon as possible.
  • Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary documents, such as medical records, accident reports, and photos of injuries or the accident scene.
  • Consult a Lawyer: A legal professional will help navigate your case and deal with the paperwork.
  • File a Claim: Your lawyer will help you file the necessary paperwork with the responsible parties’ insurance or in court if necessary.

How to Prove Liability in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Proving who is responsible for your injuries is crucial:

  • Document the Incident: Show clear evidence of negligence, such as faulty equipment or unsafe conditions.
  • Gather Witness Statements: Witnesses can provide important accounts of what happened.
  • Medical Records: Your medical history and diagnosis will help prove the severity and cause of your injury.

Insurance Issues and Catastrophic Injuries

Common Challenges with Insurance Companies in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Insurance companies often try to reduce the payout or deny claims altogether. Some challenges include:

  • Delays in Processing Claims: Insurance companies may delay payments, making it harder for you to cover medical bills.
  • Lowball Offers: They might offer settlements that don’t cover all your expenses, including long-term care costs.
  • Disputes Over Fault: Insurers may argue that you were partially responsible for the injury, reducing their payout.

How to Maximize Your Insurance Payout for Catastrophic Injuries

To ensure you get the compensation you deserve:

  • Keep Detailed Records: Document everything—medical bills, treatment plans, and your progress.
  • Don’t Accept the First Offer: Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that may be too low.
  • Hire a Lawyer: A legal professional can negotiate with the insurer to secure a fair payout.

The Role of Medical Professionals in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Types of Medical Professionals and Their Importance in Building Your Case

In catastrophic injury cases, various professionals can help strengthen your claim:

  • Doctors and Specialists: They provide a diagnosis and help document the severity of your injury.
  • Physical Therapists: They can explain the rehabilitation process and future care needs.
  • Life Care Planners: These professionals assess your long-term care needs and help estimate future medical costs.

How Their Testimony Helps Prove Long-Term Effects of Injuries

The testimony from medical professionals is key in showing the long-term effects:

  • Proving Permanent Disability: They explain the lasting impact of the injury, such as loss of mobility or cognitive function.
  • Estimating Future Care Needs: Medical professionals help estimate the long-term costs of care, therapy, and medications required due to the injury.

By having these professionals involved, your case is much stronger, helping to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim?

  • The time you have to file a claim is limited by the statute of limitations. In Tennessee, for most personal injury cases, you typically have one year from the date of the accident to file. However, it’s important to act quickly, as there may be exceptions based on the specifics of your case.

Can I file a claim if the injury occurred at work?

  • Yes, if your injury happened at work, you may be able to file a workers' compensation claim. Workers' compensation provides benefits for medical care and lost wages, but if negligence played a role in the injury, you might also have the option to pursue a third-party liability claim.

Do I need to go to trial for a catastrophic injury claim?

  • Not necessarily. Most catastrophic injury claims are settled before going to trial through negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to court.

How is fault determined in catastrophic injury cases?

  • Fault is determined by gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness testimonies, and expert opinions. A lawyer will work to prove that the other party's negligence or recklessness caused the injury.

Can I pursue a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

  • Yes, Tennessee follows a comparative fault rule. If you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you will receive 80% of the total compensation.

What happens if the responsible party doesn’t have insurance?

  • If the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance or lacks enough coverage, your own insurance policy may cover the costs through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This is why having appropriate coverage is important.

Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?

  • While many cases settle outside of court, some catastrophic injury claims go to trial. A lawyer will guide you through the process and advise you on whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial, based on the strengths of your case.

Seek Justice with a Nashville Injury Lawyer: Financial Recovery for Spine and Brain Injuries

Doctors often recommend extended medical care and physical therapy to victims of spinal cord injury or brain injury. This is because the pain and resulting conditions may continue indefinitely. Nashville accident lawyer Stanley Davis will stand by you through your treatment process and keep accurate records of your progress. He is also able to represent you and your family in seeking injury compensation from those at fault. This recovery can help cover your medical bills and attempt to compensate you for your pain and suffering.

Since 1997, our personal injury law firm has committed itself to representing accident victims and families throughout Tennessee. During this time, we have successfully obtained millions of dollars in accident settlements and verdicts for residents hurt in Middle and East Tennessee accidents.

Our accident lawyer may be able to help you get fair personal injury compensation or wrongful death damages, so that your family can worry a little less about affording the medical care your loved one needs or bills now that your loved one is gone.

Your path to recovery starts with the right legal support. Contact us now at (615) 866-3938 and let our dedicated professionals fight for the compensation you need and deserve. 

Your Success Is Our Success

Real Injuries. Real Recoveries.


  • $425,000 Settlement Injury & Property Damage

    Our Nashville auto accident lawyer handled a car accident settlement for a 70-year-old man hit by a young girl who failed to yield the right of way in Nashville, Tennessee, resulting in a car crash with moderate property damage.

  • $650,000 Recovered Tractor-Trailer Accident

    Our Nashville personal injury attorney recovered $650,000.00 for an individual who sustained injuries when the defendant, a tractor-trailer driver, caused a car and truck accident by failing to yield the right of way.

  • $3.0 Million Verdict Severe Injuries & Property Damage

    Plaintiff was cautiously and carefully traveling on a two-lane rural road when he saw a camel suddenly come onto the roadway toward his vehicle.  Despite evasive action, the camel charged his vehicle causing a significant crash and causing Plaintiff to suffer severe injuries and property damage.

  • $1.0 Million Settlement Head Injury

    Using his knowledge as a brain injury attorney and Nashville car accident lawyer, Nashville attorney Stanley A. Davis made sure his clients got their deserved justice for a serious closed head injury sustained in a car accident.

  • $300,000 Settlement Dog Bite

    A golden retriever bit a 7-year-old boy, causing injuries that required $18,000.00 in medical bills. The family had continuing problems coping with the dog attack. Our personal injury and dog bite lawyer helped gain a settlement that covered future counseling and treatment.

  • $1.5 Million Verdict Failure to Yield

    The victim was injured when the defendant failed to yield the right of way, causing him to suffer a ruptured disc in his lower back. Nashville auto accident attorney Stanley A. Davis prosecuted the claim and obtained this verdict for the victim.

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