Back and Neck Injury Attorneys in Nashville, Tennessee   

A back or neck injury involves addressing physical pain and the potential financial strain due to medical costs and lost earnings. It can be difficult, but it's critical to comprehend the legal steps for those considering a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee. 

At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, we are committed to supporting victims of back and neck injuries. We aim to provide you with the essential knowledge to seek compensation and justice effectively. We offer our services to clients across Johnson City, Chattanooga, Crossville, and Sevierville.

Reach out to us for a free consultation and get the dedicated assistance you need during this challenging period. 

Common Neck and Back Injuries from Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle accidents frequently cause various back and neck injuries, many of which can have lasting effects. Recognizing these injuries is a step towards getting the right treatment: 

• Whiplash: Typically results from the neck jolting quickly in a crash, especially common in rear-end collisions. Symptoms often include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. 

• Herniated disc: Occurs when a disc in the spine is ruptured or displaced, causing nerve pain, numbness, or weakness. 

• Spinal cord damage: This critical injury can lead to lasting changes in strength, sensation, and bodily functions below the injury level. 

• Vertebral fractures: These can be minor cracks or severe breaks in the spine's bones, leading to pain, height loss, and stooped posture. 

• Muscle sprains and ligament strains: Back injuries involving sprains and strains can cause significant discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility. 

• Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when vertebrae shift out of place, potentially compressing the nerves and causing pain. 

Understanding Tennessee Personal Injury Laws

Filing a personal injury claim in Tennessee involves understanding several key legal principles: 

• Statute of limitations: Tennessee has a deadline of one year from the injury date for filing personal injury claims.

• Comparative fault rule: Tennessee utilizes a modified comparative fault system. If you are found partially responsible for the incident, your compensation may be reduced by your fault percentage, provided it is less than 50%. Beyond that, recovery is barred. 

• Caps on damages: Tennessee imposes caps on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in most personal injury cases. This cap includes back and neck injury claims. 

• Fault in auto insurance claims: Tennessee is an "at-fault" state regarding car accidents. The at-fault driver has to compensate any party injured in a crash. Victims can claim from the at-fault driver's insurance, their insurance under certain policies, or opt for litigation. 

Steps to Take After a Neck or Back Injury

Knowing what to do following an accident can seem overwhelming. For those injured in Tennessee, the following steps are pivotal in your injury claim process: 

1. Medical treatment: Prioritize your health and thoroughly document your injuries. 

2. Incident reporting: Report the accident immediately, regardless of the setting. 

3. Evidence collection: Gather as much evidence as possible, including photographs, witness accounts, and pertinent documents concerning the incident and injuries. 

4. Legal consultation: Speak with a Tennessee personal injury lawyer who is experienced in Tennessee's state laws, such as our firm Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC. We will provide invaluable guidance to help you through your claim. 

5. Claim filing: File your claim with the help of your attorney.

6. Trial preparation: While many claims are settled outside of court, it is wise to prepare for a trial. Your lawyer will prepare your case, gather evidence, and represent you, advocating for your interests. 

Consequences of Not Filing a Claim

Failing to file a personal injury claim within the stipulated time frame can lead to several unfavorable outcomes for victims of back and neck injuries: 

• Loss of compensation: Victims may lose the right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

• Unaddressed medical issues: Without compensation, victims might struggle to afford necessary treatments, leading to prolonged recovery or permanent disability. 

• No accountability: The at-fault party is not held accountable, which may lead to repeated negligence or misconduct. 

• Financial strain: The burden of medical expenses and potential loss of income can create significant financial stress without the possibility of recovery through a claim. 

The Importance of Legal Representation

Working with a competent personal injury lawyer is very helpful for making sure your claim is properly addressed and maximizing the chances of a positive outcome. Selecting a legal ally, especially one proficient in Tennessee's specific statutes and one experienced in back and neck injury cases, will significantly increase the opportunity for your claim to succeed.  

Back and Neck Injury Attorneys Serving Nashville, Tennessee

Should you or someone close suffer a back or neck injury in Tennessee, understand you're not without support. At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC, we'll guide you through recovery and work with you to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

We proudly serve clients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and throughout Johnson City, Chattanooga, Crossville, and Sevierville.