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Chattanooga Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Dedicated Chattanooga spinal cord injury attorneys fighting for victims of catastrophic trauma. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, The Higgins Firm will help you secure the lifetime of care and compensation you deserve.

Serious Injuries Deserve Exceptional Legal Representation

In an instant, everything changed. A car crash, a workplace accident, a dangerous fall—and now you or someone you love is facing life with a spinal cord injury.

The medical bills are overwhelming. The future is uncertain. Questions about long-term care, accessibility modifications, and financial security keep you awake at night.

This isn’t just another injury case—it’s your life.

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic injuries a person can suffer, often resulting in permanent paralysis, loss of independence, and the need for lifelong medical care. The financial and emotional impact extends far beyond the initial trauma, affecting every aspect of the victim’s and family’s lives.

At The Higgins Firm, our Chattanooga spinal cord injury lawyers understand what you’re facing. We have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the full compensation you need—not just for today’s expenses, but for a lifetime of care.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Effects

Spinal cord injuries involve damage to the bundle of nerves that runs through the spinal column, carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body. These injuries are classified by:

Severity and Completeness

  • Complete injuries: Result in total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site
  • Incomplete injuries: Allow for some function below the injury site, with varying degrees of impairment

Level of Injury

  • Cervical (C1-C8): Affects the neck, potentially causing quadriplegia or tetraplegia
  • Thoracic (T1-T12): Affects the chest and mid-back, often resulting in paraplegia
  • Lumbar (L1-L5): Affects the lower back, potentially causing partial paraplegia
  • Sacral (S1-S5): Affects the hips and pelvic organs, causing varying degrees of lower limb weakness

Common Complications

  • Respiratory problems
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Chronic pain
  • Bowel and bladder dysfunction
  • Pressure sores
  • Depression and psychological trauma
  • Spasticity and muscle contractures

Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Chattanooga

At The Higgins Firm, we’ve represented spinal cord injury victims whose injuries resulted from:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and commercial truck collisions
  • Falls: Especially from heights or due to dangerous property conditions
  • Workplace accidents: Particularly in construction, manufacturing, and transportation
  • Sports and recreation injuries: Diving accidents, extreme sports, and athletic events
  • Acts of violence: Including gunshot wounds and assault
  • Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, anesthesia complications, and birth injuries
  • Defective products: Including vehicle components, safety equipment, and recreational gear

Each case requires a unique approach to establish liability and secure proper compensation. Our Chattanooga personal injury attorneys have extensive experience with all types of spinal cord injury cases and the specialized knowledge needed to maximize your recovery.

The Lifelong Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries

The financial impact of a spinal cord injury extends far beyond initial hospitalization. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, lifetime costs can reach millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury and the age at which it occurs.

These costs typically include:

  • Emergency medical treatment and acute care
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Ongoing medical care and medications
  • Home modifications for accessibility
  • Specialized equipment (wheelchairs, lifts, etc.)
  • Personal attendant care
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Psychological counseling
  • Transportation modifications
  • Vocational rehabilitation

Our Chattanooga spinal cord injury lawyers work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to calculate the full lifetime cost of your injury, ensuring your settlement or verdict accounts for all current and future needs.

How The Higgins Firm Builds Your Spinal Cord Injury Case

Spinal cord injury cases demand a sophisticated legal approach. Our strategy includes:

Thorough Investigation

We investigate every aspect of your accident to identify all liable parties. This may include:

  • Accident reconstruction experts
  • Workplace safety specialists
  • Property hazard assessors
  • Product design engineers
  • Medical specialists

Comprehensive Documentation

We compile extensive evidence of your injuries and damages:

  • Complete medical records and diagnostic imaging
  • Expert medical testimony on your prognosis
  • Life care planning reports
  • Economic loss assessments
  • Day-in-the-life videos showing your challenges
  • Testimony from family members about lifestyle changes

Expert Network

We collaborate with specialists in:

  • Neurology and neurosurgery
  • Rehabilitation medicine
  • Occupational therapy
  • Life care planning
  • Economics and vocational assessment
  • Accessibility design

Strategic Negotiation and Litigation

With compelling evidence in hand, we:

  • Present detailed demand packages to insurance companies
  • Negotiate aggressively for fair settlement
  • Prepare thoroughly for trial when necessary
  • Present your case with clarity and impact to judge and jury

Settlements and Structured Planning

Once we secure compensation, we help you:

  • Establish special needs trusts if appropriate
  • Plan for long-term financial management
  • Connect with resources for ongoing care

Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Tennessee law allows spinal cord injury victims to seek compensation for:

Economic Damages

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Home and vehicle modifications
  • Assistive technology and equipment
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Long-term care and personal assistance
  • Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium (for spouses)
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of independence

Punitive Damages

In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Tennessee’s modified comparative fault system established in McIntyre v. Balentine (833 S.W.2d 52) allows recovery even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed the defendant’s. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Time Limits for Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Chattanooga

Tennessee has a strict one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. This means you must file your lawsuit within one year of the date of injury, or you may lose your right to compensation forever.

There are limited exceptions to this rule, including:

  • Cases involving minors
  • Cases where the injury wasn’t immediately discoverable
  • Cases against government entities (which may have even shorter notice requirements)

Don’t risk losing your rights. Contact our Chattanooga spinal cord injury attorneys as soon as possible after your accident to preserve all available legal options.

Local Chattanooga Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

The Higgins Firm has deep roots in the Chattanooga community. We understand the local medical facilities, rehabilitation centers, and support services available to spinal cord injury victims in Hamilton County and throughout East Tennessee.

Our attorneys have established relationships with leading medical professionals at Erlanger Health System, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, and other specialty care providers who can help document your injuries and treatment needs.

With offices throughout Tennessee, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and right here in Chattanooga, we’re ready to provide powerful representation no matter where you’re located.

Take the First Step Toward Justice and Recovery

Living with a spinal cord injury presents enough challenges without having to fight insurance companies and navigate complex legal processes alone. Let our Chattanooga spinal cord injury lawyers shoulder that burden while you focus on your recovery and adjustment.

We offer free, compassionate consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Call The Higgins Firm today or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.

Meet the team

The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.

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