Dunlap Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Trusted Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Dunlap, Tennessee

When you seek medical care, you trust doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers to act with skill, care, and professionalism. In most situations, that trust is well-placed. But when medical providers make preventable mistakes, the consequences can be life-altering—or even fatal. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured due to medical negligence, Tennessee law gives you the right to pursue compensation.
Our Dunlap medical malpractice lawyer provides knowledgeable legal guidance and compassionate support to patients and families harmed by medical errors. We understand how overwhelming these situations can be, and we are here to help you take the next step with confidence.
At Elizabeth Greer Adams Law Group, we proudly represent victims of medical malpractice in Dunlap, Sequatchie County, and throughout the greater Chattanooga area. With more than 40 years of experience handling complex medical negligence claims, our firm has successfully pursued justice for clients harmed by surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, medication errors, birth injuries, anesthesia complications, and other forms of medical malpractice.
Tennessee law imposes strict deadlines on medical malpractice cases, and waiting too long can permanently bar your claim. If you believe medical negligence caused serious harm, our experienced attorneys are ready to review your case and provide personalized legal representation tailored to your situation.
Understanding Medical Malpractice and Common Claims
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury, illness, or death. This failure may involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication, or follow-up care. When medical professionals do not act as reasonably competent providers would under similar circumstances, they can be held legally accountable for the harm caused.
Our firm represents clients in a wide range of medical malpractice cases, including the following:
Surgical Errors
Mistakes made during surgery can lead to severe and permanent injuries. Common surgical malpractice claims include:
- Operating on the wrong body part or performing the wrong procedure
- Leaving surgical tools or foreign objects inside the body
- Causing avoidable nerve or organ damage
- Poor surgical technique resulting in infection, disfigurement, or internal injuries
Emergency Room Errors
Emergency rooms are fast-paced environments, but that does not excuse negligent care. ER mistakes can have catastrophic consequences, including:
- Failure to diagnose life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks or strokes
- Misdiagnosis leading to delayed or improper treatment
- Improper triage resulting in dangerous delays
- Failure to provide timely and appropriate emergency care
Misdiagnosis & Failure to Diagnose
Accurate diagnosis is critical to effective treatment. When doctors miss or delay a diagnosis, patients may lose valuable time and treatment options. Common claims involve:
- Failure to diagnose cancer or other serious illnesses
- Misdiagnosed heart or neurological conditions
- Delayed diagnosis of chronic or progressive diseases
Medication Errors
Medication mistakes can cause severe reactions, overdose, or long-term health complications. These cases often involve:
- Prescribing or administering the wrong medication
- Incorrect dosage instructions
- Dangerous drug interactions that were not properly reviewed
Birth Injuries
Medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can result in permanent injuries to both mother and child. Common birth injury cases include:
- Cerebral palsy caused by oxygen deprivation
- Shoulder dystocia resulting in nerve damage
- Erb’s palsy affecting arm and shoulder movement
- Brain injuries due to delayed delivery or intervention
- Facial paralysis caused by improper use of delivery instruments
Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Especially Complex
Medical malpractice claims are among the most challenging personal injury cases to pursue. Proving negligence requires extensive medical records, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of both medicine and Tennessee law. Healthcare providers and hospitals are typically defended by well-funded insurance companies and legal teams focused on minimizing liability.
Additionally, Tennessee law limits medical malpractice claims to cases involving serious injury or wrongful death. That is why choosing an experienced Dunlap medical malpractice lawyer is essential. Our firm has decades of experience handling these complex cases and aggressively pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and pain and suffering.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Medical Malpractice in Tennessee?
Medical malpractice claims may involve more than just a single doctor. Any healthcare professional or facility involved in negligent care may be held accountable, including:
Doctors & Surgeons
Physicians may be liable for:
- Surgical errors
- Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis
- Medication prescribing mistakes
- Failure to obtain informed consent
Nurses & Medical Staff
Nurses, physician assistants, and other staff may be responsible for:
- Administering incorrect medications or dosages
- Failing to monitor patients properly
- Not following physician orders or care protocols
Hospitals & Medical Facilities
Healthcare facilities may be liable for:
- Understaffing that leads to negligent care
- Improper hiring or training practices
- Unsanitary conditions causing infections
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesia-related malpractice may include:
- Over- or under-administering anesthesia
- Failure to monitor vital signs
- Dangerous medication interactions
Pharmacists & Pharmacies
Pharmacists can be held accountable for:
- Dispensing the wrong medication
- Providing incorrect dosage instructions
- Failing to warn of known drug interactions
Dentists & Oral Surgeons
Dental malpractice claims may involve:
- Surgical errors causing nerve damage
- Improper anesthesia administration
- Failure to diagnose oral diseases
Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
Elderly residents may suffer harm due to:
- Medication errors
- Failure to prevent falls
- Neglect leading to malnutrition, infections, or bedsores
Time Limits for Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Tennessee
Tennessee law imposes strict deadlines for medical malpractice lawsuits. Missing these deadlines can eliminate your ability to recover compensation.
One-Year Statute of Limitations
Most claims must be filed within one year from the date the injury occurred or was reasonably discovered.
Three-Year Statute of Repose
Regardless of discovery, no claim may be filed more than three years after the date of the medical error, with limited exceptions.
Limited Exceptions
Exceptions may apply in cases involving:
- Fraudulent concealment
- Foreign objects left inside the body
- Minors or legally incapacitated patients
Pre-Suit Notice Requirement
Tennessee law requires a formal pre-suit notice to healthcare providers at least 60 days before filing a lawsuit. Failure to follow this requirement can result in dismissal of the claim.
Why Taking Prompt Action Is Critical
Medical malpractice cases require early investigation, preservation of evidence, and expert medical review. Acting quickly allows your attorney to protect your rights and comply with all procedural requirements.
Contact a Dunlap Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you believe medical negligence caused serious injury or loss, our Dunlap medical malpractice lawyer is ready to help. We offer free, confidential consultations and are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available under Tennessee law.
Dunlap: (423) 949-3621
Dayton: (423) 775-3621
You may also complete our online intake form, and a member of our team will respond promptly.
At Elizabeth Greer Adams Law Group, experience matters. Our Dunlap personal injury attorneys provide personalized legal representation, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can help you move forward.