Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Memphis, TN

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Memphis, you’re probably facing a situation you never anticipated. Medical appointments. Bills stacking up. Time away from work. Insurance adjusters calling with questions you’re not sure how to answer.

Our Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC has handled these cases for over 20 years. We understand what’s at stake for you and your family, and we know how to pursue the compensation you deserve. Managing Partner Chris Patterson built this firm on the principle that injured people need straightforward legal counsel, not corporate runaround.

If you have questions about your case, we offer free consultations. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Why Choose Patterson Bray PLLC for Personal Injury in Memphis, TN?

Local Legal Knowledge in Memphis

Patterson Bray has practiced in Memphis and throughout Tennessee for more than two decades. Chris Patterson, the firm’s Managing Partner, earned his law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law and has deep roots in this community. He serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of Tennessee, appointed by Governor Bill Lee, and is a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation.

We handle personal injury cases across Shelby County and surrounding areas. We’ve appeared in local courts. We know how cases move through the Tennessee judicial system, which judges handle which dockets, and what local juries typically expect from plaintiffs and defendants alike.

Our personal injury attorney in Memphis, TN works with clients from all walks of life. Whether your injury happened on Interstate 40, at a Midtown restaurant, or in a Downtown parking garage, we understand the nuances that can affect your claim.

Proven Results for Injured Clients

Attorney Will Patterson focuses his practice on tort litigation and personal injury. He’s been recognized by Best Lawyers in America from the 27th through 32nd editions in the area of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. That recognition comes from peer review, meaning other attorneys in this field consider him among the best at what he does.

Will is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and both the Western and Middle District Courts of Tennessee. He received the 2017 Tennessee Supreme Court Attorneys for Justice Pro Bono Service Award, demonstrating his commitment to helping people who need legal representation.

Our firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts. Each case is different. But our track record reflects what happens when experienced attorneys fight hard for their clients.

Contingency Fee Structure

We take personal injury cases on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. No upfront costs. No hourly billing. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us legal fees.

This arrangement allows people to hire experienced legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. You focus on recovering from your injuries. We focus on building your case.

What Our Clients Say

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“The Patterson Bray firm was very thorough when answering my questions and providing actionable guidance. Highly recommend them if you have any questions or need guidance in regard to automobile accidents or personal injury.” — Lauren Meinecke

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Memphis, TN

Personal injury law encompasses a broad spectrum of accidents and events where someone’s carelessness inflicts damage. At Patterson Bray, we advocate for plaintiffs in these types of cases:

• Car accidents. Vehicle crashes continue to be the most frequent cause of serious injury claims in Shelby County. We manage everything from minor fender-benders to complex multi-vehicle accidents, thoroughly investigating the details and seeking compensation from the drivers responsible and their insurance companies.
• Truck accidents. Collisions involving commercial trucks often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. We investigate trucking companies, review driver logs, and identify all potentially liable parties.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders face higher injury risks and sometimes unfair bias from insurance adjusters. We fight to ensure motorcyclists receive fair treatment under Tennessee law.
• Pedestrian accidents. When vehicles strike pedestrians, the injuries are often severe. We help victims and their families pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Bicycle accidents. Memphis has seen increased bicycle traffic in recent years, and accidents involving cyclists can result in significant injuries even at relatively low speeds.
• Slip and fall accidents. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail and someone gets hurt, the injured person may have a valid premises liability claim.
• Dog bites. Tennessee law holds dog owners responsible when their animals attack and injure people. These cases often involve homeowner’s insurance policies.
• Wrongful death. When negligence causes a fatal accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their losses.
• Construction accidents. Jobsite injuries often involve multiple parties and complex liability questions. We sort through the relationships between contractors, subcontractors, and property owners.
• Medical malpractice. Healthcare providers sometimes make mistakes that cause serious patient harm. These cases require careful analysis of medical records and often involve testimony from medical professionals.
• Product liability. Defective products injure thousands of Americans each year. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may all bear responsibility.
• Traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can result from many types of accidents and often require extensive long-term treatment.

Tennessee Legal Requirements for Personal Injury Cases

Tennessee law governs how personal injury cases proceed in Memphis courts. Understanding these rules matters because they directly affect whether you can bring a claim and how much you might recover.

Statute of Limitations

Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, you generally have one year from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. There are limited exceptions for minors and for situations where the injury wasn’t immediately discovered, but the one-year rule applies to most cases.

This timeline is shorter than in many other states. It’s one reason why consulting with a Memphis, TN personal injury attorney early in the process makes sense.

Comparative Fault

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system under Tennessee Code § 29-11-103.If you’re found to share the blame for your accident, your payout will be lessened by the amount of fault assigned to you. Should you be deemed 50% or more responsible, you won’t be able to collect any damages.

For example, if a jury determines your damages total $100,000 but you were 20% responsible for the accident, you would receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured plaintiffs to reduce what they have to pay. Having an attorney who understands how to respond to fault allegations can significantly impact your recovery.

Damage Caps

Tennessee caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in most personal injury cases at $750,000, with some exceptions for catastrophic injuries. Economic damages like medical bills and lost wages are not capped. Understanding these limits helps set realistic expectations for your case.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Memphis, TN Personal Injury Cases?

When someone else’s negligence injures you, Tennessee law allows you to seek compensation for various categories of losses. These fall into three main groups.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the financial losses you can document and calculate. They include:

Medical expenses, both past and future. This encompasses emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and any ongoing care your injuries require. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, require treatment lasting years or even a lifetime.

Lost wages and earning capacity. If your injury kept you from working, you can recover those lost paychecks. If your injury permanently affects your ability to work or forces you into a lower-paying job, you may be entitled to compensation for reduced future earning capacity.

Property damage. When an accident destroys or damages your vehicle or other personal property, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t come with a receipt. Pain and suffering falls into this category. So does emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse).

These damages are harder to quantify, but they’re very real. A person who can no longer play with their children because of chronic pain has suffered a genuine loss. An experienced injury attorney knows how to present evidence that helps juries understand the full impact of an injury.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, Tennessee courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. They’re not available in most personal injury cases, but when the defendant’s conduct was intentional or showed a reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may apply.

According to the Tennessee Courts, punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted maliciously, intentionally, fraudulently, or recklessly.

What Steps Should I Take After an Injury in Memphis?

The actions you take immediately following an accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here are 10 steps to consider:

1. Ensure your safety first. Move away from traffic or other hazards if you can do so without aggravating your injuries.
2. Call 911. Report the accident to police and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. A police report creates an official record of what happened.
3. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor creates medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
4. Document the scene. If possible, take photographs of the accident location, vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signage or signals.
5. Gather witness information. Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw what happened. Witness testimony can be crucial if liability is disputed.
6. Exchange information. Collect the other party’s name, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license number if applicable.
7. Report to your insurance company. Notify your insurer about the accident, but stick to basic facts. Don’t speculate about fault or minimize your injuries.
8. Be careful with statements. The other party’s insurance company may contact you quickly. You’re not obligated to give a recorded statement, and doing so without legal advice can hurt your case.
9. Keep records. Save all medical records, bills, correspondence with insurance companies, and documentation of how your injury affects your daily life.
10. Consult an attorney. Talking to a Memphis injury lawyer doesn’t obligate you to hire anyone. But getting professional advice early helps you understand your options and avoid common mistakes.

Memphis Personal Injury Infographic

Personal Injury Statistics in Memphis, TN

Memphis faces significant challenges when it comes to traffic safety and preventable injuries. Understanding local data helps illustrate why personal injury cases matter to our community.

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Shelby County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for traffic fatalities. In recent years, the county has recorded hundreds of serious injury crashes annually.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracks motor vehicle crash data nationwide. Tennessee regularly appears among states with higher-than-average traffic fatality rates. Contributing factors include distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and failure to use seat belts.

Pedestrian and cyclist safety remains a particular concern in urban areas like Memphis. The CDC injury data shows that pedestrian deaths have increased nationally over the past decade, and Memphis has not been exempt from this trend. Poor lighting, inadequate crosswalks, and driver inattention all contribute to these accidents.

Workplace injuries also affect thousands of Memphis residents each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Tennessee sees tens of thousands of nonfatal workplace injuries annually. Construction, manufacturing, and healthcare workers face elevated risks.

Slip and fall accidents represent another major category. The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency room visits for adults. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor maintenance, and inadequate lighting all contribute to preventable falls.

These statistics aren’t just numbers. Each one represents a person whose life was disrupted by an accident. Many of those accidents were preventable. And many of those injured people have the right to pursue compensation from whoever was responsible.

Memphis, TN Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

How much does a personal injury attorney cost in Memphis?

Most Memphis personal injury lawyers, including our firm, work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The fee is typically a percentage of the recovery amount.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s statute of limitations gives you one year from the date of injury to file most personal injury lawsuits. Some exceptions exist, but waiting too long can permanently bar your claim.

What if I was partially at fault for my accident?

Tennessee follows modified comparative fault rules. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

Case value depends on many factors: the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, the degree of the defendant’s fault, insurance policy limits, and more. We can give you a better estimate after reviewing the specific facts of your case.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Usually not. Initial offers are often much lower than what your case is actually worth. Insurance adjusters know that injured people facing bills may accept quick payments. Having an attorney negotiate on your behalf typically results in higher settlements.

Do I need to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most personal injury cases settle without trial. However, being willing to go to court if necessary often produces better settlement offers. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

How long does a personal injury case take?

Timelines vary widely. Simple cases with clear liability and modest damages may settle in a few months. Complex cases with disputed facts or severe injuries can take a year or longer.

What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Tennessee law requires insurers to offer this coverage, though drivers can decline it in writing.

Can I handle my personal injury claim myself?

You can, but studies consistently show that represented plaintiffs recover more on average than those who negotiate alone. Insurance companies have adjusters and lawyers working for them. Having your own attorney levels the playing field.

What should I bring to my free consultation?

Bring any documents related to your accident: police reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, photographs, and a list of questions. The more information we have, the better we can evaluate your case.

Will my case go to trial?

The vast majority of cases settle before trial. But our willingness to go to trial when necessary gives us leverage in negotiations. Insurance companies know which attorneys will actually take cases before a jury.

What types of injuries qualify for personal injury claims?

Any injury caused by someone else’s negligence may qualify. Common examples include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, and catastrophic injuries. The key is whether another party’s negligence caused your harm.

How do you prove negligence?

Proving negligence requires showing that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and that breach caused your injuries and damages. Evidence can include witness testimony, expert opinions, physical evidence, and documentation of your losses.

What if I can’t afford medical treatment after my accident?

Several options exist. Some medical providers treat injury victims on a lien basis, meaning they wait for payment until your case resolves. Health insurance may cover treatment. We can discuss options during your consultation.

How does Patterson Bray communicate with clients?

We keep clients informed throughout the process. You’ll have direct access to your attorney and our staff. We return phone calls. When something significant happens in your case, you’ll hear about it.

Most Dangerous Locations for Accidents in Memphis, TN

Certain areas of Memphis see higher concentrations of accidents than others. Local data and emergency response patterns reveal several particularly hazardous locations:

Interstate 240 and Sam Cooper Boulevard interchange sees frequent collisions, especially during rush hour. The merging traffic patterns and high speeds create dangerous conditions.

Poplar Avenue through Midtown and East Memphis handles heavy traffic volume and numerous commercial driveways, increasing collision risk.

Union Avenue between Downtown and Cooper-Young experiences pedestrian accidents at higher rates due to foot traffic from restaurants and businesses.

Elvis Presley Boulevard, particularly near Graceland, sees tourist traffic unfamiliar with local driving patterns mixing with regular commuter traffic.

Winchester Road in the Hickory Hill area has seen elevated accident rates, partly due to commercial truck traffic and road conditions.

Intersection of Lamar and Airways sees frequent accidents involving vehicles entering and exiting the shopping areas.

Summer Avenue’s commercial corridor has numerous access points and turning movements that contribute to collision rates.

What Are Important Local Resources for Personal Injury in Memphis, TN?

If you’ve been injured in Memphis, several local resources may help you during your recovery and claim process. We provide this list for informational purposes only. Patterson Bray PLLC does not endorse any of these organizations, and inclusion on this list does not constitute a recommendation.

Emergency and Medical Services:

• Regional One Health – Memphis’s Level I Trauma Center: (901) 545-7100
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare: (901) 516-7000
• Baptist Memorial Hospital: (901) 226-5000

Law Enforcement:

• Memphis Police Department – For accident reports: (901) 545-2677
• Tennessee Highway Patrol: (615) 251-5166

Government Resources:

• Tennessee Department of Transportation – Road conditions and information
• Shelby County Clerk – Vehicle registration and titling

Rehabilitation Services:

• Semmes-Murphey Clinic – Neurological care
• Campbell Clinic – Orthopedic specialists

This list is provided for informational purposes only. Patterson Bray PLLC does not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider, law enforcement agency or other organization.

Patterson Bray PLLC, Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer

8001 Centerview Pkwy #103, Cordova, TN 38018

Contact Patterson Bray PLLC

When you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve an attorney who will fight for your interests. Patterson Bray PLLC has served Memphis clients for over two decades. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Your initial consultation is free. We’ll listen to your story, review the facts, and give you our honest assessment of your case. There’s no pressure and no obligation.

Our attorneys and staff respond promptly to client inquiries. We understand that waiting for answers adds stress to an already difficult situation. Contact us to discuss your personal injury matter with an attorney who will treat your case with the attention it deserves.