Chattanooga and East Tennessee Advocating for Catastrophic Injury Victims

Catastrophic injuries are physically devastating and emotionally draining. They rob victims of mobility, freedom, and the ability to provide for themselves and their families. In a matter of seconds, everyday life can become a complex struggle for survival, care, and dignity. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we're committed to helping individuals and families across Chattanooga rebuild their lives. With over $500 million recovered and more than 200 years of combined trial experience, we handle the most severe injury cases—those that require deep legal knowledge, significant financial resources, and a trial-ready mindset from day one.

person in a hospital be

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are defined by their permanent and life-altering effects. These injuries prevent a person from returning to work, require ongoing medical care, and often eliminate independence. They include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
  • Severe third-degree burns
  • Loss of limbs or amputations
  • Loss of vision or hearing
  • Multiple compound fractures
  • Organ damage or internal bleeding

These injuries commonly result from car wrecks on I-24 or Highway 153, construction and workplace accidents, boat or jet ski collisions on Chickamauga Lake, or dangerous conditions on private or public property. Whatever the cause, we're prepared to uncover the truth, prove liability, and demand full compensation.

How Our Chattanooga Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Can Help

Catastrophic injury cases are some of the most complex in personal injury law. They require collaboration with life care planners, medical specialists, vocational experts, and economists—all working together to calculate the long-term cost of your injury.

The Firm That Takes on the Toughest Cases

We are routinely referred cases from other law firms throughout Tennessee—more than 500 in 2024 alone. Many of these are catastrophic injury claims that other lawyers found too difficult, expensive, or risky to pursue. Our reputation for results and deep litigation resources make us the go-to choice for serious claims.

A Collaborative Legal Team on Your Side

You're never alone in this process. Every catastrophic injury case we take on is supported by a full team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and outside consultants. We keep our clients informed at every step and treat each case with the urgency and attention it deserves. From the moment you contact us, we begin preparing as though your case will go to trial—because that's how we secure maximum compensation.

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Client Testimonials See What Our Clients Are Saying

Read More Testimonials

Stephen Schwed came highly recommended to us from a Superior Court Judge who is a good friend of ours. We were pleased with both the high level of professionalism and the constant ...

Stephen Schwed came highly recommended to us from a Superior Court Judge who is a good friend of ours. We were pleased with both the high level of professionalism and the constant concern for our best interest. We were always kept well informed of the status of our case. We feel highly confident in referring Stephen Schwed and Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. to others.

—Francis Heen III

A big thank you to Attorney Hubert McGinley for making the best out of a hard situation by taken on my case after another attorney could not successfully bring my case to an end. H...

A big thank you to Attorney Hubert McGinley for making the best out of a hard situation by taken on my case after another attorney could not successfully bring my case to an end. He was great to work with and I am grateful for him and his law team.

—Jessica

Mi nombre es Roxana y yo recibí servicios de la oficina de abogados de Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. Todos ellos son muy amables y cualquier duda o pregunta que ...

Mi nombre es Roxana y yo recibí servicios de la oficina de abogados de Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. Todos ellos son muy amables y cualquier duda o pregunta que tenía siempre me atendían con mucha amabilidad. Estoy muy satisfecha y contenta con todo lo que me ayudaron.

TRANSLATION:

My name is Roxana and I received services from the attorneys at Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. They are all very friendly and any doubt or question that I had they would always attend to me very kindly. I am satisfied and happy with everything that they helped me with.

—Roxana

Big thanks to Mr. McGinley and Crew at Schwed Law. Highly recommend them. very dependable and easy to reach.

—Wanda

Dear Schwed Law Office. After speaking with Schwed Law, I felt she gave me hope. The minute I gave them my accident report, I was confident I was going to be taken care of. My pers...

Dear Schwed Law Office.

After speaking with Schwed Law, I felt she gave me hope. The minute I gave them my accident report, I was confident I was going to be taken care of. My personal injury left me in a lot of pain. I was frustrated and exhausted. I had horrible headaches, neck and shoulder spasms and many restless nights. This impeded special outings and meetings with family and friends. I knew the bills were going to be taken care of. So I just focused on getting treated for my injury and feeling better. I never once had to call to follow up on anything.

I was so impressed with how fast my case was settled. I am so grateful for how I was treated and cared for. I highly recommend the offices of Schwed Law. Their professionalism and expertise were enough to put me at ease with all my questions and concerns from the beginning.

—Maria Baez

This letter is to thank your firm, Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A., specifically Mr. McGinley for representation that was above and beyond what I expected to receive. Mr....

This letter is to thank your firm, Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A., specifically Mr. McGinley for representation that was above and beyond what I expected to receive. Mr. McGinley was clever, extremely professional, comforting, and always kept me informed during the process. It was apparent to me that he cared about the outcome almost as much as I did. His style of representation was impeccable, classy, and he cleverly executed every facet of the case.

I was proud to have him as my lawyer. I felt comforted by his portrayal of experience and knowledge. Throughout the process, Mr. McGinley spent his evening hours preparing for the next day. He was protective, well prepared, thorough, convincing, and always accurate. Mr. McGinley did everything he promised and more. He comforted me when I was worried and fought hard for me. Thanks for your excellent representation.

—Barbara H.

Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley is a great company. They were fast and easy, loved Janel and the Attorney, they helped me so much in my time of need. Thank you.

—Alex Pimental

Hubie, I wanted to thank you for all your help with my case over the years. You and your office were unbelievable and I’m very grateful and please with how things turned out. ...

Hubie,

I wanted to thank you for all your help with my case over the years. You and your office were unbelievable and I’m very grateful and please with how things turned out.

—Dr. Clint S.

I just want to thank everyone at the firm for all you have done! You guys made this process very easy.

—Thomas B

Hubie, Steve and all their staff were very helpful in allowing me to get the proper treatments for my injuries, while they successfully navigated a narrow and potentially problemat...

Hubie, Steve and all their staff were very helpful in allowing me to get the proper treatments for my injuries, while they successfully navigated a narrow and potentially problematic case.

—Edward

Thank you so much. I am so pleased with Mr. Adams he is the perfect lawyer. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me. I really appreciate everything. Thank you aga...

Thank you so much. I am so pleased with Mr. Adams he is the perfect lawyer. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me. I really appreciate everything. Thank you again!

—Gina

I would absolutely recommend Paul Adams, at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., to anyone needing legal assistance for an injury. Beginning with our first conversation, Paul was ki...

I would absolutely recommend Paul Adams, at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., to anyone needing legal assistance for an injury. Beginning with our first conversation, Paul was kind, patient, understanding, and respectful. He and his team guided me through each step of my complicated case. They were always readily available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I had complete confidence in Paul, and knew that he and his entire team were working tirelessly for the best possible outcome for me personally. I was extremely happy with the unexpected amount of the compensation I received for my medical bills and my injury. Now, I can move forward with my life. A heartfelt thank you to Paul Adams and to each member of his team for everything.

—Holly Wilson

I highly recommend Schwed, Adams &McGinley, P.A. for legal representation. Attorney Ryan did an outstanding job for me, and Icouldn't be happier with the outcome. His expertise...

I highly recommend Schwed, Adams &McGinley, P.A. for legal representation. Attorney Ryan did an outstanding job for me, and Icouldn't be happier with the outcome. His expertise and dedication made a real difference. Thank you, Ryan, and your team, for everything you did!

—Andre Vickers

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Local Roots. Statewide Strength.

We're proud to fight for injury victims throughout East Tennessee, and Chattanooga is home to many of the clients we serve. We understand the region's court systems, medical providers, and insurance tactics. From Erlanger Health System to local rehabilitation clinics, we coordinate care and documentation with your providers to ensure nothing is left out of your claim.

Our Chattanooga team brings both a hometown focus and the broader strength of a well-established trial firm.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chattanooga Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

A catastrophic injury isn't just a legal case—it's a fight for your future. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we don't back down from that fight. Let us help you pursue the financial recovery and justice you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We'll listen to your story, assess your claim, and give you the powerful advocacy your case demands.

Find Out if We Can Help You You need the right attorneys

If you’re unsure what to do next, talk to our team at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, PA. There’s no personal injury case type that we haven’t seen before.

We will evaluate your case at no cost to you and let you know if we can help.

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