Top-Rated Nashville Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Millions of people suffer injury at the hands of medical or healthcare providers every year. If your healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, hospital) failed to adhere to care standards, resulting in your injury, you should fight for justice. We’re proud to be the premier medical malpractice lawyers in the region, and you can count on us to get you the compensation that you’re entitled to.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is professional negligence by act or omission by a health care provider in which the treatment provided falls below the accepted standard of practice in the medical community and causes injury or death to the patient, with most cases involving medical error.
When you or a loved one is in need of medical attention, it is natural to place your trust in the hands of a doctor or other healthcare professional. We rely on these individuals to diagnose and treat our illnesses and injuries, and often put our very lives in their hands. However, in some cases, that trust may be misplaced as medical professionals can make mistakes that lead to further injury or even death. In these situations, it is important to seek the guidance of a qualified medical malpractice lawyer.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that is reasonable and necessary for their patient, resulting in harm or injury. This can include a misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, or even failure to diagnose a condition. These mistakes can have serious and even fatal consequences, leaving patients and their families to deal with the aftermath.
Expert support and guidance throughout the legal process.
When it comes to finding the right Nashville medical malpractice lawyer, it’s important to do your research and find a lawyer who has the experience and expertise to handle your case. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice in Nashville, it’s important to seek the help of a qualified medical malpractice lawyer to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
When searching for a Nashville medical malpractice lawyer, it’s important to look for a lawyer who has experience handling similar cases. Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and it’s important to find a lawyer who has the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. Look for a lawyer who has a track record of success in medical malpractice cases and has a reputation for being a skilled and aggressive advocate for their clients.
Another important factor to consider when searching for a Nashville medical malpractice lawyer is the lawyer’s communication style. Your medical malpractice case is likely to be a stressful and emotional time, and it’s important to have a lawyer who is able to communicate effectively with you and keep you informed about the progress of your case. Look for a lawyer who is responsive to your calls and emails and who is willing to take the time to explain the legal process to you in a way that you can understand.
It’s also important to consider the lawyer’s fees when searching for a Nashville medical malpractice lawyer. Most medical malpractice lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they will only be paid if they are able to recover compensation for you. However, it’s important to understand the lawyer’s fee structure and how they will be paid before you hire them.
When it comes to the legal process of a medical malpractice case, it’s important to understand that these cases can be complex and time-consuming. A qualified Nashville medical malpractice lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and the options available to you. They will conduct an investigation, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a settlement with the healthcare provider or their insurance company. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial.
It’s important to remember that in Tennessee, there is a statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice case, which means that you must file your case within a certain period of time from the date of the incident. A Nashville medical malpractice lawyer will be able to advise you on the statute of limitations for your case and help you understand the deadlines for filing a claim.
In summary, if you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice in Nashville, it’s important to seek the help of a qualified medical malpractice lawyer. Look for a lawyer who has experience handling similar cases, has a reputation for being a skilled and aggressive advocate for their clients, has a good communication style, and has a clear fee structure. A Nashville medical malpractice lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
If it is determined that medical malpractice occurred, victims may be able to recover compensatory damages, which are designed to restore what was lost as a result of the negligence. This can include economic damages such as lost wages and medical expenses, as well as noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded, but this is rare. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future bad conduct and are only awarded in cases of egregious misconduct.
In a medical malpractice lawsuit, there are several types of damages that may be recovered. These include:
- Economic damages: These are monetary losses that can be calculated, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These are non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages: These are damages awarded as a punishment for particularly egregious behavior by the medical professional, and are intended to deter similar conduct in the future.
- Wrongful death damages: If a medical mistake results in a patient’s death, the patient’s family may be able to recover damages such as loss of companionship and funeral expenses.
It is important to note that each state has its own laws and regulations regarding medical malpractice lawsuits, including caps on the amount of damages that can be awarded. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help evaluate your case and advise you on the damages you may be able to recover.
If you believe that you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced Nashville medical malpractice lawyer can review your case and help determine if you have a claim and what damages may be available to you.
Understanding Your Medical Malpractice Claim
If you’ve experienced an injury as a result of subpar medical care, you’ve likely considered bringing a medical malpractice suit against your healthcare provider. There are a few things you should keep in mind, however, in determining if you have a case.
Unsure if you have a case?
Contact us for a free consultation.
Elements of Malpractice
Medical malpractice in Tennessee requires negligence, injury, and causation.
To bring a successful medical malpractice claim, you must be able to prove the three required elements of malpractice: that your healthcare provider was negligent (meaning that their care fell short of established standards), that you sustained some type of injury or illness under their care, and that your injury or illness was directly caused by their negligence. If your claim lacks proof of any of the three elements–negligence, injury, or causation–your medical malpractice claim is likely not recoverable.
In most cases, the causation element is the most difficult element to prove. It is relatively easy to produce evidence proving that an injury was sustained, and that the attendant medical professional deviated from their standard of care in some manner. However, it can be very difficult to establish the link between the two. Most medical procedures involve countless variables, and if the defendant can show that the plaintiff’s injury could have been caused by circumstances other than the doctor’s negligence, the plaintiff may not recover.
Injury Alone is not malpractice
Sickness or injury alone do not constitute medical malpractice in Tennessee.
Some patients mistakenly believe that any illness or injury sustained during a hospital stay is sufficient grounds for a malpractice claim. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of unavoidable health risks that go along with most medical procedures. For instance, it’s not uncommon for patients to contract post-surgical infections or to have unforeseen reactions to certain medications or instruments, or even for a patient’s condition to worsen after a procedure. These situations, in themselves, do not prove negligence on behalf of the medical staff, and without establishing negligence and a causal link, a plaintiff only has proof of an accidental injury.
Substantial Harm Required
Successful malpractice suits generally require substantial harm.
Even if a plaintiff can show injury, negligence, and causation, his claim still may not be recoverable if his injury was minor. Conditions or injuries from which a patient quickly recovers–such as brief infections, minor allergic reactions, bruises, soreness, or cuts–will likely not support a medical malpractice lawsuit.
To be clear, this doesn’t mean that medical malpractice has not occurred. Even if an injury was minor, it is still correctly classified as malpractice if it directly resulted from a healthcare provider’s negligence. However, medical malpractice suits often require significant investments of time and money, and the compensation for minor injuries will likely be less than the cost of bringing a malpractice suit. Generally, a plaintiff’s injury must be relatively significant for a malpractice suit to be worthwhile. It’s important to consult with an attorney to determine whether your claim will sustain the costs of litigation.
Time Deadlines
Keep track of the statute of limitations.
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is one year from the date that the injury was discovered, but no more than three years from the date it occurred. For example, if a surgeon negligently damaged a patient’s organ, and the patient was not aware of the injury until a year later, the patient would have one year from the date of discovery to file suit. If the patient discovered the injury five years later, however, it would be too late to file a medical malpractice claim. In other words, the injury must be discovered within three years of its occurrence in order to support a medical malpractice claim.
There are a couple of exceptions to these rules, however. If the patient could not discover the injury within the three-year limitation due to fraud or concealment on behalf of the healthcare provider, the three-year limitation will be removed and the patient will have one year from the date of discovery to file her claim, regardless of when the injury occurred.
The same extension applies to foreign object cases: a patient may bring a claim within one year of the discovery of a foreign object in her system, no matter how much time has passed since it was inserted.
Keep detailed records of your injury
Keep detailed records of your injury.
If you sustain an injury and plan to bring a medical malpractice claim, it’s important to document every stage of your injury, from the date of its occurrence (or the date that you notice it) onwards. Note any side effects and any changes in your condition as they occur, and always record the dates of such developments. This will help you remember the statute of limitations deadline for your claim, assist future medical providers in assessing the extent of your injuries, and help your medical malpractice attorney evaluate your claim. If you’re unsure of the next steps to take in your medical malpractice case, call the Nashville medical malpractice attorneys at David Randolph Smith & Associates for a free phone consultation. Let our experienced Tennessee medical lawyers offer their expert advice on the best way to handle your claim.
Medical Malpractice Results
Medical Malpractice
$10.7 million
A man died suddenly after returning home from ER where he was never seen by a physician despite showing red flags for possible heart attack.
$2 million
A pathologist’s misdiagnosis of a benign tumor as cancer resulted in an unnecessary amputation of a minor’s leg.
$1.9 million
A 66-year-old man developed late stage lung cancer when a Tennessee cardiologist failed to follow-up on an abnormal x-ray.
$775,000
An emergency department in Tennessee failed to communicate a blood infection to the patient, resulting in endocarditis and heart valve replacement surgery.
$600,000
A neurosurgeon failed to treat a dural tear, resulting in arachnoiditis.
$550,000
A man sustained a catastrophic spinal cord injury when a physical therapist failed to follow surgeon’s orders.
$525,000
A newborn died from enterovirus when an OB/GYN mistreated the mother’s pre-delivery virus.
$500,000
A 56-year-old woman suffered necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock when an OB/GYN failed to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic for an infection.
Over $500 Million
Recovered Since 1993
We've Helped Thousands of People Just Like You
We are known for getting life-changing results and fighting to make our communities safer.
$10.7 Million
Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice
$3.5 Million
Confidential Settlement
Legal Malpractice
Why Choose Us As Your Nashville Medical Malpractice Attorney
With us on your side, you can focus on what’s most important – your recovery.
Decades Of Experience
Our Nashville attorneys have over 75 years of combined practice handling cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, civil rights, medical device lawsuits, wrongful death, and much more.
Excellent Reputation
DRS Law is a well-respected law firm in Nashville and throughout the U.S. Founder, David Randolph Smith, has been selected as a Mid-South Super Lawyer, named one of the Top 100 attorneys in Tennessee in all fields of practice, and is included in the Best Lawyers in America guidebook.
Small Case Volume
Unlike many Nashville firms or lawyers that handle a large volume of cases, we concentrate our expertise on a select few cases. With this, our attorneys ensure that every step is taken to obtain the most favorable outcomes for our clients.
We Prepare For Trial
Every case is meticulously prepared for trial by our trial team and support staff in order to maximize the recovery for our client, whether by settlement or trial verdict. Our proven track record of success has resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and judgments in a wide variety of individual and group cases.
What to Expect
Our Legal Services Are Completely Personalized To You And Your Unique Needs
01 Free Consultation
Our dedicated personal injury and accident lawyers provide free, no-pressure case evaluations. We will help you determine if you have a case and will answer all your questions in plain English. We never charge any fees until we win your case.
02 Personalized Service
If we take your case, it’s because we believe we can help you. We will get to work outlining a strategic plan of action. We want you to feel taken care of during this difficult time — whatever questions you have, we’re here with answers. Frequent check-ins ensure you are comfortable with the progress of your case.
03 You Get Paid
We are passionate about the success of your case and will give it the close attention and focus it deserves. We find solutions that other lawyers miss, discovering key facts that help you win. We call upon our gifts in storytelling to argue your case with passion and conviction so you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
What Our Clients Say
“The intellect combined with compassion of these people is incredible.”
I am very thankful to David, Lyon, Chris and all professionals who represent this firm. This team made an incredibly difficult situation end successfully. The intellect combined with compassion of these people is incredible. Our concerns were quickly and appropriately responded to, with knowledge and compassion. Law suits are very scary situations, but they never stopped communicating until I felt comfortable with the process. - K. Boland
“They were extremely thorough and caring through the entire experience.”
The DRS team was simply tremendous. They were extremely thorough and caring through the entire experience. I felt cared for the entire time. I will recommend them enthusiastically to anyone who ever needs legal help. - Dick K.
“Very professional and very hard working guys that I would suggest to anyone!”
Chris and the rest of the guys at the firm did an amazing job handling my case and making me feel like I was heard and important. Very professional and very hard working guys that I would suggest to anyone! - T. Sapp.
“They kept me in the loop every step of the way and made me feel like family.”
This is a wonderful law firm. They kept me in the loop every step of the way and made me feel like family. I would highly recommend! - David S.
“There are really no words to adequately describe how thankful we are.”
There are really no words to adequately describe how thankful we are for Lyon and the others at this law firm. The events that led us to reach out to your firm were one the worst times in our lives. My husband’s illness and long recovery were something that we were not sure we would ever come back from. Thanks to the hard work, knowledge and dedication that you guys have put forth on our behalf we have been awarded a settlement that will ensure we have a secure financial future. You guys are the best! - Lorrie H.
“The only attorney that would take our case.”
David Randolph Smith was the only attorney that would take our case. We were up against the US Government and Virginia’s state laws. Mr. Smith’s experience and expertise was the only reason we were able to get a settlement. He always answered our calls and kept us informed. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were very professional and nice. God sent this law firm to help us at a very sorrowful time. We were blessed for such a great law firm. If I ever need a lawyer, this firm would be first on my list. Thank you. — Vicky F.
“The end results gave me the justice and satisfaction I so desperately needed.”
Thru what was an absolute nightmare of an ordeal, I was finally blessed with the very best legal team a man could ever want or desire. I can’t even begin to express my overwhelming gratitude and sincere appreciation to my entire legal team. You are all of the very best at what you do, and the end results gave me the justice and satisfaction I so desperately needed. And it also gave me back my health and independence! On a scale to 1 and 10, I would give you give you a 12! God bless all of you from the bottom of my heart! - Darrell H.
“It made all the difference knowing that we were in competent hands.”
My wife and I couldn’t have had a better experience. The whole team was incredibly responsive, attentive, respectful, & friendly. Lyon took our case and you couldn’t ask for a better guy to have on your side. Not only was he super sharp and resourceful, but also the type of person that makes you feel like an old friend. Since we were seeking legal help for a very awful situation it made all the difference knowing that we were in competent hands the whole time. - Mark D.
“They always set realistic expectations and even surpassed them.”
It was a wonderful experience. Everyone we dealt with was attentive and responsive. They always set realistic expectations and even surpassed them. We are very happy we decided to use Smith and Associates. We highly recommend them. - Whitney G.