Average Medical Malpractice Settlement in Nashville, TN

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Harmed by Medical Negligence in Nashville? You Deserve Answers—and Compensation.

When we seek medical treatment, we put our trust in doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. But what happens when that trust is broken? Medical malpractice can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and in the worst cases, the loss of a loved one.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of medical negligence in Nashville, TN, you may be entitled to compensation—and understanding what a settlement might look like is an important first step.

At The Higgins Firm, we fight for victims of medical malpractice across Middle Tennessee. Below, we’ll break down the average medical malpractice settlement in Nashville, what factors affect your potential payout, and how our experienced attorneys can help you build a strong claim.

What is the Average Medical Malpractice Settlement in Nashville?

The average medical malpractice settlement in Nashville ranges from $250,000 to $750,000, with some cases exceeding $1 million or more, depending on the severity of the injury and other unique factors.

Here’s a general guideline:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis (without lasting harm): $100,000 – $300,000
Surgical Errors or Birth Injuries: $300,000 – $750,000+
Permanent Disability or Death from Negligence: $750,000 – $1,500,000+

These are not hard limits. Each case is highly specific, and compensation depends on a detailed evaluation of the medical error and its long-term impact on your life.

Tennessee’s Medical Malpractice Law: What You Need to Know

Medical malpractice claims in Tennessee fall under the category of health care liability and are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-26-101 and related statutes. There are a few key legal elements to understand:

1. Statute of Limitations

Tennessee law generally requires that you file a malpractice claim within one year from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered). However, you cannot file more than three years after the actual act of negligence, with rare exceptions.

2. Damage Caps

Tennessee places limits on certain types of damages in medical malpractice cases:

Non-Economic Damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress): Capped at $750,000, or $1 million for catastrophic injuries (e.g., spinal cord injuries, severe burns, amputations).
Economic Damages (medical bills, lost income): No cap—these are based on actual financial losses.
Punitive Damages: Only awarded in extreme cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct and capped at the greater of $500,000 or twice the compensatory damages.

What Affects a Medical Malpractice Settlement in Nashville?

No two malpractice cases are exactly alike. Your potential compensation depends on multiple factors, including:

1. Type and Severity of the Injury

Permanent disabilities, loss of mobility, brain injuries, or wrongful death will typically result in higher settlements than temporary or reversible conditions.

2. Medical Costs and Future Care Needs

If you require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or assistive care, your settlement should reflect those long-term costs. Expert testimony is often required to estimate future medical expenses.

3. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

A malpractice-related injury that affects your ability to work—either temporarily or permanently—can increase your damages significantly.

4. Pain and Suffering

While capped by law, non-economic damages still form a meaningful part of many settlements. This includes emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.

5. Expert Opinions

Tennessee law requires a Certificate of Good Faith, meaning a medical expert must review your claim and confirm that there’s a legitimate basis for your case. The strength of your expert’s opinion can influence the settlement value.

6. Liability and Negligence

A strong, clearly documented case of negligence—like a surgical sponge left in a patient or a medication error—will typically result in a quicker, higher settlement. If the hospital or doctor disputes liability, it may require litigation, which can affect the timeline and the amount of your compensation.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Nashville

At The Higgins Firm, we’ve seen a wide range of malpractice cases, including:

Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose serious illnesses like cancer or stroke
Surgical Errors, including wrong-site surgeries or anesthesia mistakes
Birth Injuries, such as cerebral palsy or oxygen deprivation
Medication Errors, including incorrect dosages or dangerous drug interactions
Hospital-Acquired Infections caused by negligence in care standards
Failure to Monitor post-surgery or during labor and delivery

Each type of malpractice comes with its own legal and medical complexities, which is why it’s critical to work with an experienced legal team.

How The Higgins Firm Can Help With Your Medical Malpractice Case

Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex personal injury claims in Tennessee. You need a legal team that understands both the legal and medical aspects of your case.

At The Higgins Firm, we:

Work with top medical experts to validate and support your claim
Gather extensive evidence, including medical records and expert reviews
Handle all negotiations with hospitals, insurance companies, and their attorneys
File a lawsuit and represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Our goal is not just to prove negligence but to demonstrate how that negligence has impacted your life—physically, emotionally, and financially.

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice in Nashville

If you or a loved one has suffered due to possible medical negligence, here are the steps to take:

Request Your Medical Records – This is your right and often the starting point of your case.
Get a Second Medical Opinion – This can help clarify whether the treatment you received deviated from the standard of care.
Keep Detailed Notes – Document your symptoms, medical visits, prescriptions, and how your injury affects your daily life.
Contact a Nashville Medical Malpractice Attorney – The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.

Why Choose The Higgins Firm?

At The Higgins Firm, we understand the toll medical malpractice can take on individuals and families. We believe you deserve more than just an apology—you deserve justice.

With decades of experience in injury cases and a team of respected trial lawyers, we’ve helped clients across Nashville recover substantial settlements for the harm they’ve suffered.

We treat every client with compassion, and every case with the urgency it deserves. If you’re ready to hold a medical provider accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward, we’re ready to help.