Accidents happen without warning. One moment, you are going about your day in Chattanooga, and the next, you find yourself dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. At Dennis & Winningham, our personal injury lawyers help Chattanooga residents recover what they deserve after suffering injuries due to someone else’s carelessness.
Many people feel overwhelmed after an injury. Questions fill your mind: Who will pay for my medical care? How will I make up for lost wages? What if my injuries affect me long-term? Our Chattanooga personal injury lawyers answer these questions daily for clients throughout Hamilton County and the surrounding areas.
Why Local Experience Matters in Chattanooga Injury Cases
Chattanooga presents unique challenges in personal injury cases. Each location comes with specific legal considerations, from accidents on winding mountain roads like W Road or accidents at tourist spots such as Lookout Mountain, to workplace injuries in our manufacturing facilities or shipyards along the Tennessee River.
Our firm knows Chattanooga thoroughly. We recognize how local courts handle personal injury claims and maintain relationships with medical providers throughout Hamilton County. This knowledge proves valuable when building your case and getting you proper care.
Tennessee law includes specific rules about injury claims that differ from those of neighboring Georgia or Alabama. Here, you can still receive compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Some of the personal injury cases we handle include;
- Car accidents: Traffic collisions remain among the most common causes of injuries in Hamilton County. Interstate 24, Highway 27, and Broad Street see numerous crashes yearly. Our Chattanooga personal injury lawyers help determine fault, deal with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
- Truck accidents: With major highways running through Chattanooga, commercial truck accidents occur frequently and often cause devastating injuries. These cases involve complex federal regulations and typically multiple parties, including trucking companies, drivers, and maintenance contractors.
- Slip and fall incidents: Property owners in Chattanooga must maintain safe premises. Falls at shopping centers, restaurants, or apartment complexes can lead to serious injuries. We help prove negligence in premises liability cases.
- Medical malpractice: Chattanooga hospitals and healthcare facilities usually provide excellent care, but mistakes happen. Our team works with medical experts to review your case when healthcare professionals fail to meet proper standards of care.
- Workplace injuries: While workers’ compensation covers many job-related injuries, sometimes third-party claims become necessary. This occurs when someone outside your employer contributed to your injury.
- ATV accidents: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, almost 40 percent of all ATV-related injuries occur to those younger than the age of 16. Helmets are not often worn on ATVs, and most people who ride ATVs have no training at all. If you have been injured in an ATV accident, the lawyers at Dennis & Winningham Law are ready to help you obtain a full and fair settlement.
- Motorcycle accidents: According to WATE News, Tennessee has seen a rise in fatal motorcycle crashes in 2023, with 64 fatal motorcycle crashes to date-up from 50 for the same time period in 2022. Because motorcyclists have virtually no protection in the event of a crash, they are likely to suffer serious, even catastrophic injuries. Motorcyclists may also face jurors who stereotype them as hard-living or reckless.
- Drunk driving cases can be difficult as there may also be a criminal case involved if criminal charges were filed against the drunk driver who hit you. Unfortunately, many drunk drivers have prior DUI charges so the driver who hit you may have been driving without insurance. This could mean that you will be forced to file against your own insurance company if you carry uninsured motorist coverage.
- Nursing home abuse is heartbreaking and when it happens to a loved one, you may feel helpless and hopeless. Getting solid legal assistance from a Dennis & Winningham Law attorney can help you get justice for your loved one.
Compensation Available To Injury Victims
Many clients ask what their case might be worth. While each situation differs, Tennessee law allows recovery for various damages:
- Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses that a person suffers as a result of an accident or injury. These typically include costs like medical bills, lost wages due to time away from work, diminished future earning capacity, and property damage. Because they are tied to specific expenses, economic damages are usually supported by receipts, pay stubs, invoices, and expert financial projections.
- Non-economic damages address pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life. Tennessee caps these damages at $750,000 in most cases, with exceptions for catastrophic injuries.
- Punitive damages become available in rare cases involving particularly reckless behavior. These damages punish wrongdoers and discourage similar conduct.
The Legal Process In Chattanooga Personal Injury Cases
Most personal injury claims follow a similar path. First, we investigate thoroughly, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. Next, we calculate your full damages, including future expected costs.
Our team then typically sends a demand letter to the responsible party’s insurance company. Many cases settle during subsequent negotiations. If necessary, we file a lawsuit in the appropriate Chattanooga court and prepare for trial.
Throughout this process, we maintain clear communication with you. Our clients make all major decisions, such as whether to accept settlement offers.
Once you have hired an attorney from Dennis & Winningham Law, the claims process will likely go as follows, taking into consideration the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
- Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your accident, with the goal of definitively proving liability.
- If more evidence is required, we will hire an investigator or accident reconstructionist.
- Our attorneys will comprehensively evaluate your injuries, your medical costs, lost wages, potential future lost wages, and pain and suffering in order to accurately calculate your damages.
- Once we have arrived at a number for your damages, we will submit a demand letter to the insurance company of the at-fault party or parties.
- Negotiations will ensue between your attorney and the insurer.
- If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s insurance will be filed, and your case will be litigated.
- A settlement will be reached, either through negotiations or litigation, and you should receive your check within about six weeks from the settlement date or verdict.
How to Choose A Chattanooga Accident Lawyer
Choosing a Chattanooga accident and injury lawyer from Dennis & Winningham Law can truly make a difference in the outcome of your accident. You may have asked for an attorney referral from a friend, family member, or co-worker, or perhaps you looked online to find a law firm that seemed like a good fit for you and your situation. The qualifications of your chosen attorney are important. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we understand that there are many choices out there for a Chattanooga injury lawyer. We also believe strongly that once you have spoken to Tricia Dennis and Lupton Winningham, your choice will be clear. Choosing Dennis & Winningham Law provides you with the following benefits:
- You will work with your attorney, not a paralegal
- Our experience is unparalleled-75 years of personal injury experience between us
- We make sure we only take cases we believe in for people who need our assistance-in other words, we maintain a focused caseload
- We provide every client with flexibility-if you are unable to come to us because of your injuries, we will meet with you at the hospital or your home. If normal business hours don’t work for you, we will see you after hours or weekends. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and safe, with confidence that we will work hard on your behalf.
- We create highly tailored strategies for each and every client that factor in the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident.
- While you will receive the personalized attention of a smaller law firm, we have the resources of a large firm, including investigators, expert witnesses, and highly experienced trial lawyers.
- Our reputation is impeccable in the industry and our track record of success is impressive.
Dennis & Winningham Law have won millions of dollars for injured people across Tennessee and Georgia. If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, we can help. We believe that every client deserves honest, compassionate legal counsel tailored to their unique needs. If you have recently suffered an injury in Chattanooga (or the surrounding regions), you deserve fair compensation from the responsible party.
In almost all personal injury claims, insurance companies will offer you significantly less than what you deserve. It’s tempting to accept the first offer, especially if you are in a great deal of pain and unable to return to work. But if you’ve already taken a devalued settlement from the insurance company and your medical bills start to pile up, there’s little legal recourse to ask for more. That’s why it’s crucial to involve a Chattanooga personal injury lawyer before you even file a claim.
With over 75 years of combined experience, the experienced attorneys at Dennis & Winningham Law will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, working tirelessly to secure a more substantial settlement than likely without skilled legal representation. If the adjuster doesn’t offer fair compensation, we can bring a lawsuit against the company. In other words, we will do the legwork so that you can focus on healing.
Benefits Of Hiring A Local Chattanooga Personal Injury Lawyer
When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, choosing a personal injury lawyer can be one of the most important decisions you make. A local Chattanooga personal injury lawyer offers unique advantages that can make a real difference in your case. By working with a legal team based in your area, you gain valuable insight, convenience, and support that can ease the process and potentially improve the outcome. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we are committed to serving the Chattanooga community and helping our clients navigate the challenges of personal injury claims.
Knowledge Of Local Laws And Court Systems
One of the main benefits of hiring a local Chattanooga personal injury lawyer is their familiarity with Tennessee’s laws and court systems. Each state has its own statutes, filing requirements, and deadlines for personal injury cases, and an attorney with experience in Chattanooga will understand these details thoroughly. From specific statutes of limitations to unique filing rules, a local lawyer has the knowledge needed to ensure your case proceeds smoothly and that all requirements are met.
A Chattanooga-based lawyer will also be familiar with local judges and court personnel, which can provide an added layer of support during proceedings. This insight can be beneficial when building a strategy that aligns with the local legal environment.
Personalized Service And Accessibility
When working with a local attorney, you have the advantage of personalized service and accessibility. A Chattanooga personal injury lawyer is close by, allowing for more convenient in-person meetings and direct communication. With a local attorney, you’re more than just a file number; they will get to know you, understand the unique details of your case, and provide the personalized attention you deserve.
This accessibility also extends to updates on the progress of your case. A local lawyer is just a short drive away, so if you have questions or concerns, it’s easy to schedule meetings or communicate with them directly. For many people, this close connection can be reassuring during an otherwise stressful time.
Understanding Of Local Insurance Practices And Providers
A Chattanooga personal injury lawyer often has experience dealing with local insurance providers, which can make a big difference when negotiating settlements. Insurance companies operate with their own processes and strategies, and an attorney who understands these tactics and has a history with local adjusters may be able to negotiate more effectively on your behalf. With this knowledge, your lawyer can anticipate potential challenges and handle them proactively, improving the chances of reaching a fair settlement.
Commitment To The Chattanooga Community
Hiring a local lawyer also means working with someone invested in the Chattanooga community. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we have a commitment to serving our neighbors and building relationships with clients based on trust and understanding. A lawyer with strong community ties will approach your case with a genuine dedication to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. We understand the impact an accident can have on your life, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Dennis & Winningham Law Immediately After an Accident
One of the most important steps that you can take in the wake of an accident is contacting an experienced Chattanooga personal injury attorney from the law firm of Dennis & Winningham Law. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of accident in Chattanooga or the surrounding area, call (423) 892-5533 for a free strategy session.
Personal Injury FAQs
Can I settle my own Chattanooga personal injury case?
Of course. However, you really should still speak with a Chattanooga personal injury attorney to ensure you are properly represented and compensated.
What Are Personal Injury Cases?
Personal Injury cases involve claims against a negligent individual or corporation, the result of which causes an innocent party to incur medical expenses, wage loss, and pain and suffering.
Should I speak to the insurance adjuster about my Tennessee or Georgia personal injury accident?
Yes, you can. Just make sure you know your rights under Georgia or Tennessee personal injury law. Keep in mind, the insurance company can use anything you say to an insurance adjuster against your claim.
Should I sign the medical records release for the insurance adjuster in my Tennessee or Georgia personal injury claim?
You can if you don’t care who sees your confidential medical records. (By the way, you probably should care who sees your confidential medical records.)
Who will pay my medical bills for my personal injury case until my case settles?
Unlike “no-fault states”, car insurance companies do not pay your medical bills as you go, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. (The exception is if you carry something called “med-pay” on your own car insurance.) If you have health insurance, submit your bills to your health insurance company. If you don’t have health insurance, you will need to arrange a payment plan with your doctor or hospital. We know many doctors and physical therapists who will treat you if you don’t or can’t pay up front. Dennis and King can help you get medical care without upfront charges. Give us a call. We can help.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
The cost of hiring a personal injury attorney varies widely from case to case. Fortunately, most injury lawyers charge on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you do. The contingency fee is a percentage of the settlement, and is usually approximately one-third of the total payout.
What Types of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
The most common types of personal injury cases include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents, product liability, nursing home negligence, and wrongful death. Although most personal injury lawyers handle virtually any case in which one party’s negligence caused injury to another party, many specialize in certain areas. For example, one firm might specialize in car accident cases, while another specializes in medical malpractice. Sometimes each lawyer at a firm has a particular practice area of focus. In any case, ensure that the lawyer you choose has extensive experience with cases like yours. Personal injury is not a one-size-fits all area of law.
