The Bristol, Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyers of
Massengill & Caldwell, P.C.,

Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Tennessee Wrongful Death: A wrongful death occurs when a person is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another individual, company or organization. A legal action for wrongful death belongs to the decedent's immediate family members, usually a surviving spouse and children, and sometimes parents. Under certain circumstances, unrelated minor children living with and supported by the decedent may also bring a claim for wrongful death. In order to bring a successful wrongful death cause of action in Tennessee, the following elements must be present:

• The death of a human being caused by another's negligent or intentional conduct.
• The survival of family members who are suffering the loss of financial support, love, care, comfort, supervision, guidance, household assistance and general society previously provided by the deceased.

The general rule in Tennessee in wrongful death cases is that one is entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages which are suffered as a result of the loss of a loved one. Economic damages in a wrongful death case include an award for the financial contributions which the decedent would have made to his wife, children and/or parents had he or she survived. It also includes the recovery for funeral services in memory of the decedent and for burial costs. Non-economic damages include loss of love, society, companionship, comfort, affection, solace or moral support. Call today for a free consultation with the Bristol, Tennessee wrongful death lawyers of Massengill & Caldwell to discuss your family's potential wrongful death case.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Automobile Accidents:

The Tennessee car accident lawyers of Massengill & Caldwell have years of experience and a successful track record representing clients who have suffered serious and significant injuries in automobile accidents. Massengill & Caldwell, P.C., works closely with doctors and other health care providers to discuss the short and long-term medical consequences of a catastrophic injury. The Tennessee truck accident attorneys of Massengill & Caldwell possess a detailed comprehension of automobile insurance and liability laws and understand the different sources of recovery available to car accident victims and their families in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Slip and Fall/Premises Liability:

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and can cause serious personal injury. Most slip and falls happen in commercial settings, such as grocery stores, drug stores, office buildings, construction sites, gas stations and malls, but they also happen on private property. Premises Liability accidents can include toxic exposure, animal attacks, swimming pool accidents and amusement park ride accidents. In any event, there exist duties on the part of the property owners to maintain the property responsibly and avoid the existence of hazardous conditions.

> Back to Top

Dangerous or defective conditions may be large or small, temporary or permanent. Therefore, investigation of the claim is essential to a successful case. Temporary conditions such as water on the floor of a grocery store or snow and ice on the stairs of a restaurant need to be investigated quickly. Call the Bristol, Tennessee slip and fall lawyers of Massengill & Caldwell today for a free consultation about your slip and fall case.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Workers' Compensation:

Workers' compensation is insurance that an employer is required by law to carry in case an employee is injured on the job or becomes ill, temporarily or permanently disabled, or fatally injured due to circumstances surrounding his or her job. Although workers' compensation laws vary from state to state, covered medical care generally includes: medical, surgical and hospital services, dental services, crutches, hearing aids, chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, nursing care and prescribed medications.

> Back to Top

Additional monetary compensation may be provided if an injured employee is temporarily unable to work for more than a certain number of calendar days set by state law, hospitalized as an in-patient, or becomes permanently disabled due to a job-related injury or illness. The right to receive medical treatment at the employer's expense typically continues as long as treatment is reasonable and necessary to treat the injury. For more information, call Bristol, Tennessee construction accident lawyers Massengill & Caldwell when you have been injured on the job.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Motorcycle Accidents:

Motorcycle riders are often exposed to dangers not met by automobile drivers and other motorists on the road. The lack of any substantial protective barriers, as well as the difficulty that other motorists may have in seeing or stopping for a motorcycle, leaves riders prone to serious personal injury in the event of an accident. The Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyers of Massengill & Caldwell can advise injured riders of their legal rights and discuss the litigation options that are available.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Construction/ On the Job Accidents:

Construction labor makes up one of the three most dangerous occupations in the United States today; each year producing thousands of debilitating injuries and wrongful deaths. Factors that contribute to construction accidents include workers lifting loads with worn and weathered cables, working on elevated platforms without fall protection or wearing defective safety harnesses and lanyards, and/or working in trenches with improper benching and using outdated tools and equipment. Farming and manufacturing accidents, as well as the oil and gas industry can also cause serious injury and toxic exposure. Call Bristol, Tennessee construction accident Attorneys Massengill & Caldwell today for a free consultation about your construction accident case.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Vicious Dog/Animal Bites:

Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by animals. Being attacked by a dog is an extremely stressful event. Many dog bite injuries leave scars and have lasting emotional effects. In the State of Tennessee, the owner or keeper of a dog is strictly liable for his or her dog, even if it is the first time the dog has injured someone. As long as the injured victim was not trespassing, teasing or tormenting the dog, the keeper or owner of the dog is liable for any injuries sustained. Compensation for a dog bite can include payment for medical bills, pain & suffering, mental anxiety, fear and scarring. If you have been seriously injured or disfigured as the result of a vicious dog bite attack, call the Bristol, Tennessee personal injury lawyers of Massengill & Caldwell now.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Spinal Cord Injury:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the nerves within the spinal canal are damaged. Most SCI's are caused by trauma to the vertebral column, affecting the spinal cord's ability to send and receive messages between the brain and the body's systems that control sensory, motor and autonomic function. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCI, followed by acts of violence, falls, sports injuries and diseases such as polio, spina bifida, and Friedreich's Ataxia. The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur; it only has to be fractured.

> Back to Top

Tennessee Traumatic Brain Injury:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a medical phrase used to describe the damage to the brain suffered by sudden impact or physical force to the head. Essentially, the human brain floats in a fluid substance called cerebrospinal fluid. TBI can result when the force of momentum causes the brain to impact against the skull. This type of injury, often the result of hitting your head on the windshield, pavement, or object, is frequently referred to as a “closed head injury.” Whiplash can also cause TBI. These closed head injuries can result in lasting physical and mental problems. For more information, please contact the Tennessee brain injury attorneys of Massengill & Caldwell today.

> Back to Top

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS:

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or suffered wrongful death as the result of another person's negligence, carelessness or other wrongful act in Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Blountville, Bluff City, Piney Flats or within the surrounding cities and counties of Tennessee and Virginia and you need the help of an experienced serious injury lawyer, call the Bristol, Tennessee personal injury attorneys of Massengill & Caldwell, P.C., today at 866-338-2573, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your consultation with a skilled Bristol, Tennessee accident attorney. Your initial consultation on personal injury matters is free.

> Back to Top