Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer

Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer in Memphis, TN is someone who represents people who have suffered because of the negligent or reckless behavior of someone else, or that of an entity such as a company or a government agency. If you have been injured because of someone’s neglect or reckless behavior, you may find it helpful to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer who has helped people in situations similar to yours. When you enlist the help of a Memphis personal injury lawyer from Patterson Bray you can count on us to aggressively fight those who wronged you. We will also treat you and your family with the care and respect you deserve.

Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injuries

The injuries or conditions that someone has sustained because of the neglect or reckless behavior of others may be temporary or permanent. These injuries and conditions can appear immediately because of a particular event, or they may occur gradually over a long period of time. The injuries and conditions themselves can be relatively mild or they can be life-changing. In the most extreme cases, someone’s death can be caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior.

If you have been injured because of someone else’s neglect or wrongdoing, you may be in need of an experienced Memphis personal injury lawyer. There are many situations where you may be entitled to compensation if you are injured or unwell because of what someone else did or did not do.

    • You may be concerned about mounting medical bills and lost wages.
    • You may be concerned about future earning ability, and the loss of mobility and/or abilities.
  • You may be in pain and/or suffering because of the loss of a loved one, or because you are witnessing your loved one’s pain and suffering.

It can be scary to face the reality of your situation if you or someone close to you is suffering. Having a compassionate and reputable Memphis personal injury lawyer on your side can help you to make informed decisions about what legal options to pursue.

If you are dealing with a personal injury caused through no fault of your own, you may want to speak to a Memphis personal injury lawyer from Patterson Bray Attorneys. The lawyers at our firm always have our client’s best interests in mind and strive to build good relationships with them. A lawyer may be able to help you gather the evidence and legal documentation you need to obtain the compensation you deserve for your personal injury. Call us today at 901.372.5003 to speak with a personal injury lawyer from our firm who can review your case at no charge. This initial case review can provide you with the information you need to decide if you want to move forward with a claim or lawsuit. Tips for Filing an Injury Claim After a Car Accident.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases

When a person gets hurt because of someone else’s negligence, the injured person has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of an experienced Memphis personal injury lawyer. Every case is different as are the circumstances that led to the accident, but here are some of the most common types of personal injury claims:

Slips and Falls

Whether it happens inside a grocery store or outside of someone’s home, slip-and-fall accidents can result in broken bones and other serious injuries. If a slip and fall incident occurs because the environment was unsafe, the injured person may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent property owner. Several criteria must be met for a successful suit. A Memphis personal injury lawyer can examine the details of your case and the events leading up to your injury. Patterson Bray Attorneys have the experience and legal expertise necessary to win a slip and fall personal injury cases which otherwise can be very challenging.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Versus Auto Accidents

Vehicle accidents occur every day for a variety of different reasons. Sometimes it’s due to poor weather conditions and other times it’s the result of distracted driving. If a vehicle crash occurs because of a driver’s negligence, that person may be held legally responsible for the driver’s and passengers hurt in the accident. Pedestrians are also at risk and are killed every year in the United States. If you or someone you care about was injured or killed by a negligent driver, contact a Memphis personal injury lawyer from Patterson Bray Attorneys immediately. Learn about How Negligence Is Determined in a Car Accident.

Medical Malpractice

All medical professionals are expected to provide their patients with the utmost care. Unfortunately, some of them fail to do this. If a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or doesn’t diagnose a condition in time, the patient may suffer. Another common example of medical malpractice is when the surgeon operates on the wrong body part. Or, they may not remember to extract all of their instruments at the conclusion of the surgery. This can lead to severe infection and other complications. In some cases, surgery can leave the victim worse off than they were before the operation. Injuries from any type of medical malpractice may leave serious injuries, so it’s important for victims to talk to a Memphis personal injury lawyer from Patterson Bray Attorneys as soon as possible. This can ensure that the process of getting rightful compensation can get started before the statute of limitations expires.

Workplace Accidents

If employers do not ensure that their work environment is safe, workers are at risk of getting hurt on the job. Workplace injuries can result from falling objects, machine entanglement, and slipping and falling, for example. Employees who wish to seek compensation for their injuries may want to contact a Memphis personal injury lawyer. When workers are seriously hurt on the job, they may experience pushback from the insurance company. Or, their employer may subject them to harassment in the hope that the hurt worker will quit and null their workers’ compensation package. A personal injury lawyer in Memphis, Tennessee from Patterson Bray Attorneys can protect your rights.

Dog Bites

You may be surprised to find out that dog bites result in thousands of serious injury cases every year in the country, and sadly, they are sometimes fatal. Although the majority of dog bites happen during interactions with people and dogs who are familiar with one another, they can happen under almost any circumstance. Some victims are reluctant to pursue legal action against friends, neighbors, or family members whose dog bit them. However, insurance usually covers the damages and filing a lawsuit or injury claim is simply a matter of formality. A Memphis personal injury lawyer from Patterson Bray Attorneys can help make the process go as smoothly as possible. Because medical costs to treat a serious dog bite can be very expensive, it’s unfair to expect the victim to pay when it was not their fault. In addition, they will already be dealing with the pain and discomfort of the injury. Unfortunately, many dog bites result in permanent scarring, but compensation for that can sometimes be included in the list of damages prepared by your Memphis personal injury lawyer.

Memphis Personal Injury Law Infographic

Memphis Personal Injury Law Infographic

Why You Should Not Accept a Fast Settlement

Insurance companies are in the business of making money. To do this, they must convince injured victims to accept a fast settlement, and ideally without a personal injury lawyer. Following your accident, it is very possible that you will be contacted by your insurance company or the alleged liable parties’ insurance company. They might tell you statements similar to the following:

  • “We are sorry for what happened and would like to offer you $X amount right now.”
  • “Please review our offer and agree to it to get your compensation transferred to you immediately.”
  • “You don’t need a lawyer to receive a quick settlement.”
  • “If you decline, we will fight the case, and you could lose.”
  • “By not accepting our offer, it could take months to receive anything. What will you do until then?”

These words can be disheartening and lead you on, making you feel pressured into accepting a settlement directly from the insurance company. Do not fall into this trap. In doing so, there is a very good chance that you will settle for much less than you need or deserve. All too often our Memphis personal injury lawyers have heard of people who accepted a settlement and did not get enough to cover all of their financial losses (including prospective ones). Don’t let this happen to you.

By retaining a personal injury lawyer in the Memphis area, you may be able to recover maximum damages for:

  • Medical care
  • Prospective medical treatment
  • Lost wages/loss of income
  • Loss of consortium
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages *
  • Wrongful death *

*When applicable

If you were injured in an accident, and it was not your fault (or completely your fault), please call a personal injury lawyer from our Memphis location to explore your legal options.

Statute of Limitations

Personal injury cases have a statute of limitations. If you do not proceed with your case by the time limits set forth by the state, it may be dismissed. All states have different statutes which vary from 1-6 years; however, the average is 2 years from the date of the incident. If a government entity was involved, the time to file is much less. The fact is that you should not delay. A personal injury lawyer from our Memphis firm can take care of your case, and nearly all communication, so you can focus on your recovery.

Violent Acts and Personal Injury Cases

Being a victim of a violent crime is a harrowing experience. Whether you suffer personal injuries due to assault and battery or as the result of a sex crime, it can leave physical and emotional scars which take years to recover from. To alleviate the additional burden of lost wages and mountains of medical debt in relation to your injuries, there are options available that can provide the compensation needed to meet these and other costs. To explore these options, you might be interested in speaking with a Memphis personal injury lawyer.

Violent Crimes

Thousands of people are victims of violent crimes across Memphis each year. Many of these crimes involve violent assaults and sexual crimes. Injuries that are often related to these crimes include:

  • Broken bones and soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains and sprains
  • Back and neck injuries, involving fractured vertebrae and herniated discs
  • Severe lacerations involving knife or puncture wounds
  • Major bruising, causing damage to the underlying nerves
  • Head injuries, resulting in concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal injuries, resulting in scar tissue and internal bleeding
  • Gunshot wounds, causing damage to internal organs
  • Spinal injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis

In addition to your physical injuries, the psychological damages you suffer can also be severe. Victims of violent crimes often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting in depression, sleep disturbances, and anxiety disorders. A Memphis personal injury lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for your emotional and mental-related healthcare costs.

Compensation for Victims of Violent Crimes

For violent crime victims, having to shoulder the burden of bearing the costs of medical care, lost wages, and other expenses only add to the sense of injustice they already feel. As a Memphis personal injury lawyer might tell you, compensation may be available to help offset these costs through a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party. Those who may be eligible for these benefits include victims of the following:

  • Assault and battery
  • Sexual assault and rape
  • Domestic violence
  • Hate crimes
  • Elder abuse
  • Car accidents caused by drunk drivers
  • Hit and run
  • Human trafficking
  • Robbery
  • Online crimes

Benefits may also be available to the family members of homicide and murder victims. Compensation may cover the costs of any related medical expenses, losses in income and benefits, modifications to your home or car to account for a disability, and ongoing therapy to help you recover from the crime. You may also be entitled to compensation for relocation costs, crime scene cleanup, and any other expenses you incur as a result of the crime of your injuries.

Common Mistakes With Personal Injury Cases in Memphis

While we encourage our clients to be involved in their cases, it’s easy to make mistakes in personal injury claims. Having an experienced Memphis personal injury lawyer by your side can help you avoid errors, overcome rejected claims, and get the compensation you deserve. Watch out for these common mistakes.

Not Visiting the Doctor After an Accident or Injury

Only you can decide the seriousness of the accident you were in. That said, at Patterson Bray, we often recommend clients visit the hospital before pursuing a personal injury claim.

First, even apparently minor accidents can have serious results. You may not notice the effects of head trauma or whiplash right away after a car accident, but when symptoms appear a few weeks later, you can end up experiencing chronic pain for years. It would be terrible if you had already signed away your right to sue!

Visiting the hospital is also helpful for your Memphis personal injury lawyer in building your case. One of the main burdens of proof is showing medical records related to the injuries you sustained.

Attempting To Settle Matters With the Other Party Yourself

Never try to reach an under-the-table agreement with the person responsible for your injury. Accepting any type of payment can make it hard to file a lawsuit later, and the cost of medical treatment for unexpected injuries is almost certain to exceed whatever payment you received.

Also, failing to report a serious accident to the police or your insurance company can get you into big trouble with both. Even if you think you were partly responsible for the accident, the best thing you can do is contact a Memphis personal injury lawyer for advice. When you know your options, you can make a decision that is truly best for your needs and your case.

Trying To Negotiate a Settlement on Your Own

Knowing something about the terms of your insurance agreement isn’t enough to protect your legal interests. You need an attorney with experience in personal injury litigation to get a fair deal. Insurance companies — even your insurer — look out for their bottom lines.

That’s why many personal injury claims are unjustly denied even if the person’s injuries qualify for coverage. Other insurance companies offer you a settlement that is far less than what you should receive. At Patterson Bray, we represent you both in settlement agreements and court, looking out for your interests above all else.

Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Memphis, TN First

For victims of violent crimes and their family members, our skilled personal injury lawyers in Memphis, TN act as strong legal advocates on your side. We will try to help ensure you get the benefits you and your family are entitled to. Reach out and contact Patterson Bray to request a consultation today to discuss your case and how we can help you in seeking compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered.

Determining Slip and Fall Liability 

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere and sometimes these scenarios can be just that—accidents. If you tripped over a curb you didn’t see or your high heel got caught in the sidewalk, this can be pretty embarrassing and something you may be trying to brush off for a few days. However, what if you suspect that your slip and fall accident occurred because someone else caused it? Even if someone was not setting out to harm you or someone else, it is still possible that their negligent actions or lack of care caused you to become injured through slipping and falling. 

Knowing When It Is Someone Else’s Fault 

When you are trying to determine if someone else is liable for your injuries, there are a few things your Memphis personal injury accident lawyer wants you to consider: 

  • Was there a clear danger? If there was a clear danger but no warning signs, warning cones, or attempt to fix it, then you may have tripped because of someone else’s carelessness. 
  • The property owner is supposed to have someone come out on a certain schedule to inspect the property for dangers (like the area you tripped over) but has intentionally or unintentionally avoided having anyone come out. 
  • The area where you slipped and fell would not have been nearly as dangerous had the property owner installed proper lighting fixtures. 

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you suffered a personal injury at work or during a car accident, it may be in your best interest to consult with a skilled Memphis personal injury lawyer. During your first meeting with a lawyer, he or she may ask you several questions about your case, such as where the accident happened and what type of evidence you have. It is important to answer each question truthfully and with as much detail as possible. If your Memphis personal injury lawyer determines you do not have sufficient evidence at this point, he or she may help you to obtain more.

At Patterson Bray Attorneys, we are passionate about helping individuals struggling with personal injury. You deserve justice for what happened. We offer free initial consultations with one of our personal injury attorneys and we encourage you to discuss your case with us. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Don’t let another person’s actions hinder your life. Take action and get the compensation that you deserve. Regardless of what happened, if negligence was a factor, we want to hear your story. All it takes is a phone call or email to get your free case review. To get started, call a Memphis personal injury lawyer from Patterson Bray Attorneys.

Do not wait to hire a personal injury attorney. Begin the process to receive the compensation you deserve for your injury and related accident costs. If you are searching for a Memphis personal injury lawyer, contact Patterson Bray at 901-372-5003.

In the following circumstances, it’s probably not necessary to employ a Memphis personal injury lawyer:

  • You weren’t truly hurt.

Not every accident results in injuries. Often mishaps leave you shaken up, but absolutely nothing else. Often collisions happen at low speed and although contact is made, no one gets hurt. In some cases, your injuries after an accident are exceptionally small and get better in a day or more. Sometimes accidents simply lead to damage to your car, bicycle, or personal possessions, however, you are not injured physically. Contact Patterson Bray, to learn more. 

If you weren’t injured in a mishap, or if your injuries were exceptionally minor, you probably do not need a legal representative. A lot of personal injury lawyers will tell you the same thing if you call them. If you are physically just fine, but you require to get your automobile repaired, you can most likely work straight with the insurance provider yourself. If your injuries are really small, you may still have an accident claim if it was the other individual’s fault, however, you can most likely handle this on your own, too. A lawyer’s competence and experience aren’t going to help you out much in these situations and the attorney’s cost may make any added worth disappear. The bottom line is that there is little or no advantage to working with a legal representative if you weren’t injured.

  • You don’t wish to be paid for your losses.

Some people take the attitude “let bygones be bygones.” While I’m uncertain how often this occurs in real life, I have seen it in films; 2 automobiles get in a minor car accident, the owners get out, chat briefly, and after that wave goodbye to each other and drive home for supper. It is simple to take this attitude if you weren’t injured in the accident. But often even if you suffered a minor injury or property damage, you may feel that it is no big deal. If your injuries are considerable and if you are having continuous issues, this is most likely not the mindset you take. However, if you find yourself saying the mishap was “no big deal,” then it is a waste of both your time and the attorney’s time to pursue the at-fault driver.  Contact Patterson Bray, to speak to a Memphis personal injury lawyer.

  • You are smart about insurance coverage.

Many individuals know how to buy insurance. Just leap online, key in your personal info, get a quote, and then make your premium payments. Far fewer individuals understand how to use insurance coverage; understanding what is really covered, knowing what the arrangements in insurance coverage contracts actually indicate, and understanding how the claims procedure works. An even smaller group of people know how different types of insurance plans, such as medical insurance and auto insurance coverage, coordinate protection. 

But, if you are smart about how to utilize insurance coverage (not just how to buy it) and what the provisions of an insurance coverage agreement mean and how state law affects insurance coverage, then you might be able to handle your own claim, even if your injuries are considerable. Many injury claims are resolved without lawsuits. So even if you aren’t a legal representative, if your insurance knowledge is sharp you can proceed with your claim and attempt to manage it yourself. If you fall into this classification, you may not need a lawyer to help you. Also, if you fall into this classification, I would like to have a beverage with you at some point due to the fact that I can never ever know too many individuals who enjoy insurance law.

Call Patterson Bray, to speak to a Memphis personal injury lawyer today.

How to Prepare for a Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been hurt in an accident, your next step is to schedule a consultation with a reputable Memphis personal injury lawyer. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss your case in detail and obtain legal advice. Here are some helpful tips on preparing for the consultation. 

  • Be prepared to answer questions about your case. During your initial consultation, a lawyer will want to know all the details surrounding your accident and injury. Therefore, you should be prepared to answer many questions. For example, a lawyer may ask where and when the accident occurred and the type of injury you endured. He or she may also want to know how the injury has affected your life thus far and what type of medical treatments you have had. Be completely honest with the lawyer and do not leave any details out.
  • Bring relevant documentation. You do not want to go to your meeting with a personal injury lawyer empty-handed. The more documentation you have regarding your case, the better. If the police showed up at the scene of the accident and made a report, you will want to give the lawyer a copy of the report. If you sought medical attention, you should provide the lawyer with medical records. These records should include your diagnosis, details about the treatments you have received, and the cost of your medical bills thus far. If you took photos of the accident scene, you should bring those along too. If you took down the names and contact information of witnesses, show those to the lawyer as well.
  • Ask your own questions. During the initial consultation, the lawyer should not be the only person asking questions. It is important to have questions of your own. For example, you may want to ask how many years of experience the lawyer has and what his or her success rate is. You may also want to find out about the strengths and weaknesses in your case and when you should expect your case to get resolved. Asking these questions will help you determine if the lawyer is the right person to work on your case or not. Write these questions down in a notebook to avoid forgetting them during the meeting.

Qualities to Look for in a Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer 

If you are being faced with finding a Memphis personal injury lawyer then you should know that it is essential to hire the right fit for you. You want someone that is going to have your interests in mind and has the experience to take on your case. A personal injury lawyer is an important choice and one that you should dedicate the time to finding. A personal injury case is one that can be complicated as there are often many different factors at play. 

When you decided to start your search here are the qualities that you should keep in mind as you look for your personal injury lawyer. 

Experience  

You want a personal injury lawyer that is going to have experience with a case like yours. The truth is, you want someone who understands the unique needs of your case and has the tools to take it on. While a new lawyer may be on your list, think about what their experience is like and if they can help you. You also want someone who works with personal injury law. Just like you wouldn’t want your general practitioner performing heart surgery, you don’t want just any general lawyer to handle your case. 

Availability

It is so important that you find yourself a lawyer that is readily available whenever you require their services. When you first meet up with a lawyer ask them about their availability. If they are not going to be able to communicate with you in an effective way then move on. You need someone that is going to take the time to listen to you and understand your needs. If it takes days to get back to you with no response then it is time to move on. 

Results 

You are going to want someone that provides results. If the lawyer you are with has a pretty poor win ratio then you should find someone new. Remember, not all personal injury lawyers are created equal. The good ones will be able to show you their results and be honest with you. You also want someone who doesn’t turn to shady methods to win a case. Judges look down on lawyers who go out of their way and it could hurt your case. 

References and Reviews

Just like when you start looking for a new doctor or even a new restaurant you want to know what people before you thought. This is where reviews come in. You want someone with good reviews from past clients. A good lawyer is going to give you references too. These could be to former clients or other professionals in the area. If your lawyer won’t provide you with these things then it is best to move on and find someone else. 

When it is time for you to start searching for a Memphis personal injury lawyer you can know that you are in good hands here at Patterson Bray Attorneys. Don’t hesitate to call us today to learn more about what we can do for you. 

Debunk the Myths About Personal Injury Lawsuits

Some people avoid hiring a Memphis personal injury lawyer because of personal injury lawyer’s bad reputation. Those who never suffered injuries because of another person’s negligence may think that a personal injury lawsuit is similar to a lottery win. One injury can cost the victim thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in damages. If you suffer an injury where you cannot work to cover your bills or you have mounting medical debt, you may be entitled to compensation.

If the myths turn you away, the most common myths are debunked.

Lawyers Are Unnecessary if You Have Insurance

While having insurance is beneficial when suffering injuries at someone else’s negligence, it does not mean that you don’t need a lawyer. Insurance companies may not want to pay as much as you deserve. Many companies attempt to pay out less. They may fight a claim or suggest that your injury wasn’t caused by accident. A lawyer understands the ins and outs of the insurance industry. They know how to value a personal injury claim and negotiate a fair settlement for their clients.

Lawyers Are Too Expensive

When most individuals think about lawyers and prices, they think about criminal defense lawyers. Many defense attorneys charge by the hour and may be difficult to afford for some individuals. A Memphis personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, is usually paid through a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer only gets paid when you do. He or she receives a percentage of your compensation, so you don’t have to worry about paying if you don’t have a settlement.

Lawyers Are a Last Resort

Some people choose to wait to file a personal injury lawsuit or hire a lawyer until after receiving their settlement from the insurance company. Unfortunately, when you wait too long or if you accept too small of payment, you may lose your ability to file a claim altogether. Instead of working with the insurance company before you contact a Memphis personal injury lawyer, you should contact a lawyer shortly after your accident. He or she can help you negotiate your insurance payments and may help you avoid going to court for a lawsuit.

Consulting with a Memphis personal injury lawyer is always better than waiting too long to hire one. Before deciding whether to contact a lawyer, it is best to think about the misconceptions and truths behind them.

Memphis Personal Injury Law FAQs

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help You? 

A trusted Memphis personal injury lawyer may be worth consulting with if you have suffered injuries in an accident that you did not cause. When you need to pay for medical expenses such as treatment and rehabilitative services, the costs can quickly add up. With the right legal support, your odds of achieving the ideal results that you want out of your case are much higher. A trusted Memphis personal injury lawyer like one from Patterson Bray PLLC can help you recover the compensation that you are entitled to. 

What cases does a personal injury lawyer work on?

Personal injury is a practice area that covers a wide range of accident scenarios. Car accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, product defects and slip and fall accidents are just some of the common cases that they handle. If your injury was due to one of these types of accidents, you are encouraged to talk to a personal injury lawyer as they can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options. 

What should I consider when hiring a personal injury lawyer? 

When you are looking into personal injury lawyers to handle your case, there are several things that you want to consider. Personal injury is a practice area that includes a variety of topics, such as auto accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. Evaluate a lawyer based on their background, skillset, and cases they have achieved great outcomes for. Find a lawyer who has experience handling your particular case. For example, if you are filing a medical malpractice claim, the lawyer you hire should be knowledgeable about the healthcare industry or laws that affect the healthcare system.

What types of damages can I be awarded? 

You are entitled to many types of damages if you file a personal injury claim. General damages that claimants are usually awarded in a personal injury case are expenses for immediate and future medical treatment, lost wages, reduced quality of life, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. A lawyer will compute all of the damages so that nothing is missed and you can recover compensation for all damages you are rightfully owed. 

Are there ways to increase my settlement? 

Many clients do not know that it is possible to increase their settlement if they just take the recommended steps. These include retaining all records that could be related to your accident and can help support your case. Personal injury accident victims should also not accept the initial settlement offer that the insurance company gives them, and instead ask a lawyer to negotiate on their behalf to increase their settlement amount. 

Finding the right lawyer to assist you with your legal claim is important if you want to obtain the best results that you can. Take the time to do research and hire a lawyer like one from Patterson Bray PLLC who has the right background and experience. They should have had a record of achieving results handling cases that are similar to yours. Meet with a qualified Memphis personal injury lawyer for personalized legal assistance if you need urgent help with your claim. 

How can I prove someone else is responsible for my injuries? 

Often, when you seek help from a lawyer you will be getting a whole team of people with different skills who are there to help prove someone else was acting recklessly or negligently. So, when you say that the area you were in was dangerous, your lawyer will make sure someone goes out to examine the area, take pictures, and document it. They will also likely be able to tell if a quick fix happened after your accident to try to cover their tracks. 

That said, it is always best to document as much of the accident scene as you can before leaving. This will provide your lawyer, and the insurance agents involved, with the necessary evidence immediately following the accident to help support your claim. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted lawyer when you need help with your slip-and-fall claim. Many insurance agents are hoping to get in touch with people who have not started talking with a lawyer. To better defend your claim, reach out to our team now. 

Memphis Personal Injury Law Statistics

According to the United States Bureau of Justice, out of the almost half million personal injury cases that are filed each year, just under 5 percent – or 16,000 – of those cases actually end up being litigated in court. The majority of cases are usually settled long before lawsuits are filed. This is why having a personal injury lawyer who is skilled in negotiations with insurance companies is critical to a successful outcome.

Benefits of Retaining a Memphis, TN Personal Injury Attorney

Are you undecided about whether or not you should contact a skilled personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN offers after being involved in an incident that caused you harm? If you feel that you have a legal claim, contact Patterson Bray for a free consultation. Our lawyers work diligently with clients in the Memphis and Nashville area and are prepared to seek due justice after a personal injury.

Lawyers typically focus on one or two areas of the law. Therefore, when you are interested in filing a claim for an injury or accident, you may want to look for a personal injury lawyer in Memphis, TN trusts. To further understand the importance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, please consider the following benefits:

  1. A personal injury lawyer may have fought similar claims. Personal injury claims must adhere to or meet specific guidelines, laid out in complex laws, case histories, or insurance contracts. Through the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Memphis, TN respects, your time and mental energy may be saved. More importantly, you might feel an increase in confidence by knowing you’re working with someone who understands how to navigate the legal system.
  1. Fees are generally based upon contingency. Every law firm has its own policy regarding personal injury. However, many firms, including Patterson Bray, work on a contingency fee basis. Through this structure, you are not obliged to pay any money or fees upfront; rather, fees shall be settled once a case has been won.
  1. Objective thinking may be implemented. A personal injury lawyer in Memphis, TN may develop strong cases through objective, logical thinking. Such a mindset requires the careful consideration of fine details, which could prove your claim. This way of thinking may trickle down into any court proceedings in which precise attention to language and words will be of the utmost priority.
  1. Discovering alternative options. Sometimes a negotiation or settlement offered is not up to par with expectations. Should this happen, a personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN can count on may look for alternative methods to a suitable resolution. These could include arbitration, mediation, or trial.
  1. Settlements may be higher than insurance claim offers. An insurance company or third party may be very determined to get you to agree to settlements or negotiations. It may be advisable to politely decline until you consult with a personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN residents have on their side. A lawyer may provide you with honest advice of any offers on the table, or aim to re-negotiate the settlement so you get more appropriate compensation.

When you need a personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN has a broad range of firms to choose from; however, not all are created equal. Some firms cater to all types of claims making them better suited to general legal matters rather than those specific to a personal injury. Due to the complex nature of these claims, it’s advisable to choose a Memphis personal injury lawyer who is familiar with personal injury claims and all-encompassing legislation. Patterson Bray provides the kind of lawyer you can turn to for the right kind of representation. If you would like to know more about our reputable firm, please call us now for a free consultation.

Memphis Personal Injury Laws

An injury can seriously disrupt your life, but with the help of a Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer, you can get some much-needed compensation. Read on to learn more about Tennessee personal injury laws, and see how they may affect your case.

Tennessee Personal Injury Law Overview

In Tennessee, personal injury law governs legal disputes arising when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. As experienced Memphis personal injury lawyers, the specialists at our office are adept at navigating these laws to help our clients secure the compensation they deserve.

Statute Of Limitations In Tennessee Personal Injury Cases

One of the most critical aspects of personal injury law in Tennessee is the statute of limitations. In Tennessee, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within one year of the date of the accident or injury. This timeframe is among the shortest in the United States, making prompt legal consultation essential. Failure to file within this period generally results in the loss of the right to have the case heard in court.

Comparative Fault Rule In Tennessee

Tennessee follows the modified comparative fault rule, which impacts how compensation is awarded in personal injury cases. Under this rule, if you are found to be partially at fault for the incident causing your injury, your compensation can be reduced by a percentage equal to your degree of fault. Importantly, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you will not be able to recover any compensation. This makes the role of a skilled legal team crucial in presenting your case effectively.

Caps On Damages

Tennessee law places caps on certain types of damages in personal injury cases. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are capped at $750,000 in most cases. However, in cases involving catastrophic loss or injury, this cap increases to $1,000,000. It’s important to note that these caps do not apply to economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Liability In Car Accident Claims

In car accident claims, Tennessee adheres to the traditional fault-based system. The person who is legally at fault for causing the accident is responsible for any resulting harm. This system allows injured parties to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company, file a personal injury lawsuit, or pursue a claim against their own insurance if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Dog Bite Laws

Tennessee has specific laws regarding dog bites and owner liability. The state follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites in public places or when the victim is lawfully in a private place. This means the dog owner is liable for any damages caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. Exceptions exist, such as when the dog was provoked.

Your Advocates In Personal Injury Cases

At Patterson Bray PLLC, we understand the complexities of Tennessee’s personal injury laws. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation to each client. If you have suffered an injury in Memphis due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to us. Together, we will explore your legal options and work tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Get in touch with us today, and see how a Memphis personal injury lawyer from our office can show you your next steps.

Patterson Bray Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer


Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer Google Review

“We were very satisfied with working with Patterson Bray PLLC. They were very knowledgeable and excellent at walking us thru what Trust is, the benefits to it and they were with us every step of the way. They made a very daunting task painless!” – Jennifer L.

Patterson Bray: Personal Injury Lawyers You Can Trust

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that may have been caused by negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to receive compensation. Patterson Bray has a team of lawyers who understand what you may be going through and are ready to give you the support and guidance you may need. If you would like to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN residents can count on, please call 901.372.5003.

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“My husband and I were in the market for an Estate Planning Attorney and came across Patterson Bray. Our experience could not have been better. Lindsay Jones was extremely knowledgeable with regards to estate planning. I would highly recommend Patterson Bray!”
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