      
  306 reviews

Full-Service Law Firm

Can a Doctor be Sued for Pain and Suffering?

Focused, personal representation for Tennessee families and businesses, with offices in Nashville and Memphis.

Last Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

Doctor be Sued for Pain and Suffering?

Medical professionals are required by law to uphold an appropriate standard of care as outlined by the laws in the state in which they practice medicine. While the vast majority of doctors accomplish this goal, some fail to do so and a patient is seriously injured as a result. The following is an overview of how an injured patient can seek compensation from the negligent doctor who hurt them. If you have suffered an injury in this manner, contact a personal injury attorney today to learn what options you have under the law.

When Can a Doctor Be Sued?

Doctors treat many patients each week and not every mistake they make qualifies as medical malpractice. In order to receive compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove your doctor was careless or negligent and seriously hurt you as a result. While this may seem like an easy task, it can be difficult in cases where several doctors worked together or a diagnosis was unclear. For these reasons, it is best to have a personal injury lawyer you trust working with you to prove your injuries were due to medical malpractice.

Common Medical Mistakes That Lead to Lawsuits

While there are a variety of scenarios that may lead to a patient’s injury, some are more likely to occur than others. Some of the most typical mistakes in these cases are:

Missed diagnosis
Delayed diagnosis
Documentation errors
Failure to communicate orders to nursing staff
Errors made during surgical procedures
Medication mistakes

What Damages May I Win?

Every medical malpractice case is different, so it is difficult to know exactly what kinds of damages you could be awarded if you win your case. However, some of the most common damages in these types of lawsuits often include:

Unpaid medical bills
Lost wages
Future lost wages if you are permanently or temporarily disabled
Therapy costs
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish

What a Lawyer Can Do For You

If you are considering filing a lawsuit against your doctor for medical malpractice, it may benefit you greatly to have experienced legal representation. Your doctor will certainly have lawyers working to protect his interests, so you should protect your own. A few things a lawyer may do to prove your case are:

Hire investigators
Obtain your medical records
Speak with experts about your prognosis
Negotiate a settlement before trial
File court documents
Represent you during trial

If you or someone you care about has been hurt due to the negligence of a medical professional, contact a personal injury lawyer today to learn if you have a valid claim. After reviewing the evidence in your case and your injuries, your attorney will let you know if a lawsuit is possible. While a monetary settlement cannot restore your health, it can give you the resources to move ahead after your recovery has ended.

Patterson Bray

20+ Years of Experience

24/7 Call Answering

Nashville & Memphis Offices

We're Here to Help

Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Wallace 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cheryl Adkins 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved the staff at Patterson Bray.  Everyone was very professional.  Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hailey Wade 
 27 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Clark 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional.  From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs.  My documents were completed timely and professionally.  I highly recommend Patterson Bray.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tanya White 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part.  Gabby put together  a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since  then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charmaine Sego 
 33 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Phil Chamberlain 
 49 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine McGee 
 69 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marva Johnson 
 75 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE.
M.JOHNSON
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pam Nicole 
 76 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.

View All

Legal Options After the Frayser Shooting

Two men were hospitalized in life-threatening condition after a shooting in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis on Wednesday afternoon. Police say the suspects fled on foot, and no one has...

Read This Blog

How do I ensure my child’s inheritance is protected from divorce?

Transcript: 00:00:00 There's a few ways that parents typically leave their children their inheritances. I would say most typically parents tend to leave their adult children their inheritance outright....

Read This Blog

How do I file a probate case in Tennessee?

Transcript: 00:00:00 So, probate is initiated in the county where the deceased resided at the time of their death. And this is done by filing a petition to open...

Read This Blog

Can a Doctor be Sued for Pain and Suffering?

Doctor be Sued for Pain and Suffering?

Patterson Bray

Blog & News

Legal Options After the Frayser Shooting

How do I ensure my child’s inheritance is protected from divorce?

How do I file a probate case in Tennessee?