The City of Chattanooga is home to nearly 182,000 Tennesseans, comprising about half the population of Hamilton County. Each individual is entitled to the best possible representation when injured due to another person’s actions, recklessness, or negligence.
Whether you are on the road, behind your desk, or in your yard, injuries can occur at any time in Chattanooga. When the injury is preventable, or caused by the recklessness or negligence of another person or entity, you need Chattanooga Personal Injury Attorneys who can be fighters in the courtroom and provide care and support outside of it.
Let’s discuss why how you react – and how quickly – can make all the difference when filing a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee.
Tennessee Statute of Limitations
Tennessee is one of many states with various time limits for different kinds of civil actions. As per Tenn. Code § 28-3-104(a)(1) (2022), plaintiffs have one year from the date of the injury in which to file a lawsuit for personal injury.
This includes death or injuries stemming from:
- Bicycle accident
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Motorcycle accident
- Motor vehicle collision
- Slip and fall, and other catastrophic injuries.
While you undergo medical treatment, you should also hire a Chattanooga injury lawyer to assess your claim. Your Chattanooga injury lawyer will guide you on how you should continue to seek treatment, pay your medical bills and strategize for compensation ahead of a verdict or settlement.
What Happens If You Do Not File A Lawsuit In Time?
A judge can toss the case out of court if the deadline passes and the responsible party will not have to pay any compensation. Special circumstances apply if you are injured at your workplace, and you may qualify for workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation and disability and death benefits (provided to family members).
If you were injured on public property, then you have even less time to file a suit and notify the government agency – typically only six months.
It is crucial to understand that statutes of limitations can change, and there may be specific circumstances that can alter the time limit. Exceptions exist, but you should not rely on them. Instead, reach out immediately to a personal injury attorney located near you in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
How To Strengthen Your Injury Claim In Tennessee
There are steps you can take immediately after an injury to protect yourself and your rights and secure the compensation you deserve:
1. Gather contact and insurance information of the driver, or vehicle or property owner.
2. Take pictures of the damage and of the scene.
3. Seek medical attention. Get assessed by a doctor within 72 hours to ensure that no serious injuries or conditions have gone undetected.
4. Report the accident to your insurer, and provide the details and photos.
Over the course of the year, the Chattanooga injury lawyer can also ensure that all legal requirements associated with filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit are met so they are not dismissed due to a technicality or oversight.
Maintaining your physical health while protecting your rights might make you feel like you are underwater. Pritchard Injury Firm can help you find your way back to land.
Your Chattanooga and Tennessee Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence of another person, our attorneys are here to help. The mission of Pritchard Injury Firm is to provide you and your family with the highest quality of legal help available and a professional, stress-free experience. Contact us today.