When you suffer an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence in Tennessee, you are entitled to compensation for your losses. One of the most significant losses that can impact your life is permanent disability. Proving permanent disability in a Tennessee personal injury case is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. In this article, we will cover the steps you need to take to prove permanent disability in a Tennessee personal injury case.
Table of Contents
Understanding Permanent Disability
Before we dive into the process of proving permanent disability, we must first understand what it means. Permanent disability is a legal term used to describe a condition or injury that will affect you for the rest of your life. It could be a physical limitation, a cognitive impairment, or a mental health issue.
Permanent disability affects your ability to live your life the way you did before the injury. It could prevent you from working, performing household tasks, or participating in activities you enjoyed previously. Permanent disability could result from a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or any other form of personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence.
Medical Evidence
To prove permanent disability, you need to present significant medical evidence. Medical evidence is crucial in a personal injury case. It proves the extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on your life. If you want to establish permanent disability, you must provide medical documents or reports that describe your physical or cognitive limitations.
When seeking medical evidence, you should consult with a specialist. For example, if you have sustained a spinal cord injury, you should talk to a neurologist or neurosurgeon. A specialist can provide an expert opinion on your condition, which can be used as evidence in court. Moreover, the specialist can develop a treatment plan that ensures you receive adequate care and support you need to manage your disability.
Employ a Vocational Expert
A vocational expert can help you prove your permanent disability in a Tennessee personal injury case. Their role is to evaluate your work history, education, and skills to determine your earning capacity. A vocational expert will analyze your abilities and limitations to see if you can perform your previous job or any other work. If you cannot perform any work, they will provide an opinion on how much income you have lost.
The vocational expert’s testimony is compelling evidence, and it can help you quantify the extent of your permanent disability. Moreover, a vocational expert can suggest suitable jobs that you could perform despite your limitations.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
To prove permanent disability, you need a skilled personal injury attorney experienced in Tennessee laws and regulations. An experienced attorney understands the intricacies of a personal injury case and the requirements of proving permanent disability.
Personal injury attorneys can guide you through the legal process, negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. They can also help you gather evidence, obtain medical records, and collaborate with specialists such as vocational experts.
Conclusion
Proving permanent disability in a Tennessee personal injury case is crucial to ensure you receive proper compensation for the injuries you suffered. Medical evidence, a vocational expert, and a skilled personal injury attorney are essential to establish the extent of your permanent disability and the impact it will have on your life. If you have suffered a permanent disability as the result of someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to seek help. Contact a personal injury attorney in Tennessee to discuss your options today.