Since 1973, Butler Vines & Babb has been representing individuals and companies needing a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville. In that time, we have built a reputation for outstanding results, effective trial preparation, and excellent client representation. Every case and client is important, whether a large corporation or an individual. We aim to share our knowledge and guide our clients through what can be a difficult experience. We understand that there will often be questions and will do our best to put your mind at ease. That’s why we have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we hear as a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville.

Should I Accept A Settlement From The Insurance Provider?

When you have suffered an injury because of an accident, it is common for insurance companies to reach out quickly with a settlement offer. We are often asked if it is okay to accept that offer. This isn’t a black-and-white answer, as there are many factors to consider. It is always our recommendation that you speak with a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville before responding to any communications from an insurance provider. Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart, despite what they might want you to think. They do not want to pay out on claims, and when they do, they aim to pay as little as possible. It is common for them to offer to cover expenses without using the term settlement, but accepting this payment often releases them from any future liability or claim. It is also common for them to offer a lower settlement. While you might think it is generous at the time, accepting payment too early can leave you with uncovered expenses once you have a true picture of what your ongoing needs will be. The best option is to be patient and work with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Knoxville to get the level of compensation that you deserve.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Personal Injury Case?

There are three basic elements to every personal injury lawsuit. These need to be satisfied in order to move forward with the case. These elements are as follows:

  1. Someone Must Have Owed You a Duty of Care - For example, a driver on the road must drive with reasonable care and attention. Similarly, if you enter a store or restaurant, the owner has a duty to ensure the property is safe. In the case of medical malpractice, your doctors have a duty of care to provide appropriate treatment.
  2. The Expected Duty of Care Must Have Been Breached - In many cases, the duty of care is breached by negligent behavior. For example, a store not putting a ‘wet floor’ warning out after mopping, or a driver not adhering to the posted speed limit.
  3. Your Injury Must be a Direct Result of the Duty of Care Being Breached - There must be a connection between your injury and the negligent behavior.

Of these three elements, proving negligence is usually the most challenging, but they all need the appropriate evidence. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Knoxville is important to ensure you have a solid case to put forward.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Was Not Treated at The Scene?

As a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville, we always recommend seeking medical treatment as soon after an accident so that you can have your injuries properly documented. However, some injuries may not become apparent right away; it could be days or even weeks before you visit a doctor. This can make it more difficult to link the injuries to the accident, but it is not impossible, and you can still file a lawsuit with the help of a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville.

What Type of Compensation Can I Expect to Receive?

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, there are three different types of compensation that you may be able to claim:

  • Economic Damages - Economic damages cover financial losses and expenses caused by your accident, such as medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage.
  • Non-economic Damages - This type of compensation relates to the more intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
  • Punitive Damages - Punitive damages are a less commonly awarded type of compensation. They are not designed to compensate the injured person but rather serve as punishment for the defendant in cases where the individual acted intentionally to cause harm or was extremely reckless in their behavior.

Your personal injury lawyer in Knoxville will advise you on which damages you will be able to pursue and work on gathering evidence to prove that you are entitled to them.

How Long Do I Have to Decide If I Want to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations on personal injury cases is one year. Although there are some exceptions to this rule, generally speaking, it means that you must file your lawsuit no later than one year after the date of your injury. However, it can take time to prepare a lawsuit, so it is best to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer in Knoxville as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

In summary, Butler Vines & Babb has been dedicated to serving personal injury clients in Knoxville for over 50 years, offering expert guidance and representation. With our extensive experience, we aim to answer your questions and support you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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