Suffering from a Life-Changing Injury?

Some injuries affect victims for the rest of their lives, such as spinal cord injuries that cause permanent paralysis or limb amputations. Life-changing injuries like these require long-term medical care and management. Victims may never be able to return to work, and the pain and suffering can be overwhelming.

If you are suffering from a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or criminal actions, you could be entitled to compensation for the various damages you suffered. Contacting a Chattanooga catastrophic injury lawyer can be an important step during this difficult time.

At Massey & Associates, P.C., we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in catastrophic injury cases, recovering millions on their behalf. Our team is available 24/7, offering free consultations with no upfront fees.

  • $268,000,000

    Product Liability

    This was a national case covering hundreds of plaintiffs when an implanted heart defibrillator malfunctioned, injuring many and even killing some people.

  • $2,000,000

    Medical Malpractice

    Husband of a young mother who died due to the failure to diagnose a pulmonary embolism

  • 1,311,750

    Motor Vehicle Accident

    Boy injured in a jet ski accident

What Should I Do After a Catastrophic Injury?

Your actions after suffering a catastrophic injury can significantly impact the outcome of your claim for compensation.

Our Chattanooga personal injury lawyers have compiled a list of steps victims should take to protect their rights:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: The sooner you see a doctor, the better. Qualified medical professionals can stabilize your injuries and prevent them from worsening. Quick treatment could also improve your chances of a recovery, or at least ensure the best recovery possible for your injury. Seeking treatment soon after the injury helps link the injury to the accident, strengthening your case.
  • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses and any communications related to the accident.
  • Report the Incident: Notify relevant authorities or parties, such as the police after a car crash, your employer after a workplace accident or the property owner in a premises liability case. Failure to report your accident could lead to your claim being denied. Reporting an incident generates documentation that helps to prove your case.
  • Gather Evidence: Take photographs of the accident scene, obtain contact information of witnesses and collect any other relevant evidence. Your lawyers can assist in determining the evidence you need to build a strong case.
  • Avoid Making Statements to Insurers and Other Liable Parties: Refrain from making detailed statements to insurance companies or signing any documents without consulting a lawyer. You can report the accident, but saying too much could be a bad idea. Your statements could be used to discredit you or undervalue your claim.
  • Contact a Chattanooga Catastrophic Injury Lawyer: Reach out to one of our experienced lawyers to discuss your legal options and begin the process of filing a claim.

At Massey & Associates, P.C., we are committed to advocating for your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome. We represent catastrophic injury victims at no upfront cost.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

There is no single definition for “catastrophic injury.” Generally, this term refers to serious injuries that require long-term or permanent medical treatment. These injuries also have a lasting effect on the victim’s ability to work. Many victims can no longer work, or they must work in a different industry or fewer hours than before.

Common examples of catastrophic injuries suffered in the Chattanooga area may include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs are often caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head, potentially resulting in brain dysfunction.
  • Loss of limbs: This injury occurs when a limb is severed or so severely damaged that it requires amputation, often due to severe trauma or accidents.
  • Paralysis: Paralysis can result from damage to the spinal cord or brain, rendering muscles unable to move.
  • Disfigurement: Disfigurement involves permanent bodily scarring or deformation, typically resulting from severe burns, deep cuts or other traumatic injuries.
  • Development of a chronic illness: This can be triggered by long-term exposure to harmful substances or persistent stress on the body leading to diseases like asthma or diabetes.
  • Stroke: A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cell damage.
  • Spine injuries: These injuries can occur from impacts or falls that damage the vertebrae, leading to chronic pain or immobility.
  • Crushed bones: Bones can be crushed due to heavy impacts or pressure, often seen in car accidents or industrial incidents.
  • Third-degree burns: Severe burns that destroy all layers of the skin can be caused by prolonged exposure to fire, chemicals or hot liquids.
  • Loss of sight or hearing: This can result from direct trauma to the eyes or ears, or from neurological damage affecting these senses.
  • Crush injuries: These are caused by extreme and prolonged force or pressure on a body part, leading to severe damage to muscles, nerves and tissues. Crush injuries could also lead to amputations.

These types of injuries often require extensive medical care. This could include physical therapy, surgical procedures, medications and visits to specialists. Injured victims who cannot fully recover may also need expensive in-home care for months or years to come.

These injuries are financially devastating, as victims have significant medical expenses and often cannot work to support themselves. This is one reason why victims should reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A lawsuit may provide the compensation you need to manage your condition and support yourself and your family.

Am I Eligible to File a Lawsuit?

Many injury claims are resolved through a settlement, even catastrophic injury claims. Your eligibility for an insurance settlement depends on many factors, including:

  • How your injury occurred
  • Evidence of negligence
  • Available insurance coverage
  • And more

However, sometimes it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. There are a few factors that may determine your eligibility for a lawsuit for compensation for your catastrophic injury:

  • Claim Denial: If your insurance claim was denied and you believe the denial was unjustified, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
  • Insufficient Settlement Offer: When the insurance company’s settlement offer does not adequately cover your damages and losses, a lawsuit may be the best option.
  • Bad Faith Practices: If the insurance company acts in bad faith, such as by delaying the claim process or unfairly denying coverage.
  • Non-Covered Damages: When the damages are not covered by your insurance policy, but you believe another party is liable.
  • Significant Compensation: If the value of your damages exceeds the policy limits of the liable insurance policy.

What Is the Value of a Tennessee Catastrophic Injury Claim?

In Tennessee, those hurt due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or criminal behavior can sue the person responsible for their personal injuries with the assistance of a Chattanooga catastrophic injury lawyer.

Personal injury damages can be divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the quantifiable losses victims suffered, such as:

  • Future medical expenses
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Home modifications and assistive devices
  • Past medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • And more

Non-economic damages are often referred to as pain and suffering. Under state law, a catastrophically injured victim can receive up to $1,000,000 for their pain and suffering. The state defines catastrophic injuries as those that are permanent or life-altering, including:

  • Severe spinal cord injuries
  • Amputation
  • Severe burns
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Wrongful death

The value of each case depends on numerous factors, especially the severity of the victim’s injuries and how those injuries affect various aspects of his or her life. Injured victims should contact a Chattanooga catastrophic injury lawyer to discuss how much compensation may be available.

  • Gary Massey

    Gary Massey

    Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.

    Read Bio: Gary Massey

Experienced Chattanooga Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Ready to Help. Call Today

Catastrophic injuries in Chattanooga can have far-reaching effects on your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Understanding your legal rights and the steps necessary to file a claim is essential for securing the compensation you need to move forward. Massey & Associates, P.C. provides experienced legal representation and compassionate support to injury victims.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, do not hesitate to contact us. There are no upfront fees for our services.

Call us at (423) 396-0720 to schedule your free consultation.


  • No upfront cost if we handle your case.
  • Our team has seasoned, dependable lawyers with a history of delivering results.
  • MILLIONS recovered for our clients.