Kramer Rayson -Attorneys At Law

• University of Tennessee, LLB,J.D., 1966
  • Outstanding Graduate, 1966
  • President, Student Bar Association
  • Order of the Coif
  • Tennessee Law Review, Board of Editors
  • Phi Kappa Phi (honorary academic society
• Lambuth College, Jackson, TN, B.A.
  • Major: Economics and Business Administration

• State Bar of Tennessee
• Eastern District of Tennessee
• Middle District of Tennessee
• Western District of Tennessee
• Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
• U.S. Supreme Court

• Anderson County Bar Association
• Knox County Bar Association
• Tennessee Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• National Association of Defense Lawyers
• Defense Research Institute
• Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association
• Academy of Hospital Attorneys of the Tennessee Hospital Association

• Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility - Hearing Panel Member
• Tennessee Bar Association - Delegate of the House of Delegates
• Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
• Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation
• "Best Lawyers of America" publication since 1995

Robert W. Knolton has a wealth of knowledge and trial experience in his practice area of Litigation and has provided professional, ethical and high-quality legal work and advice to his clients for more than 45 years.  His ultimate goal is to keep his clients fully informed in all aspects of their case and the law, while simultaneously keeping legal fees and expenses to a minimum.  While most cases are settled without actual trial, he is a skillful negotiator in achieving the best results for his clients in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Mr. Knolton represents his clients with the utmost integrity in litigation matters at both state and appellate levels.  He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Tennessee.  His broad litigation experience includes:

• Personal injury
• Medical malpractice
• Workers' compensation
• General product liability
• Insurance defense and insurance coverage

The Best Lawyers in America, a highly regarded peer-review publication, has included Mr. Knolton in its list for Workers' Compensation litigation every year since 1995.  

Mr. Knolton has significant health care law experience and represents hospitals in peer review and credentialing issues, including the development of medical staff bylaws.  He also represents clients in litigation of medical malpractice and workers' compensation claims against hospitals and has served as the hearing officer of hospitals in due process and peer review hearing.

Representative Cases

All of the following cases were published.

Crook v. Mid-South Transfer, 499 S.W.2d 255 (Tenn. App. 1973) This case involved fire and warehouse bailment issues.

Giles County Bd. of Education v. Hickman, 547 S.W.2d 944 (Tenn. 1977) This case involved workers' compensation issues.

Derryberry v. Pratt, 557 S.W.2d 923 (Tenn. App. 1977) This case involved Uninsured Motorist coverage and the need for the carrier to appear in the tort litigation.

Genesco, Inc. v. Creamer, 584 S.W.2d 191 (Tenn. 1979) This case involved workers' compensation issues.

Cox v. Perkins, 585 S.W.2d 590 (Tenn. 1979) This case involved teacher tenure and board of education issues.

Cabe v. Union Carbide Corp., 644 S.W.2d 397 (Tenn. 1983) This case involved workers' compensation issues.

Phillips v. Anderson County, 698 S.W.2d 76 (Tenn App. 1985) This case involved declaratory judgment, tax and constitutional issues. 

Wilheim v. Kern's Inc., 713 S.W.2d 67 (Tenn. 1986) This case involved workers' compensation issues.

McCormick v. Snappy Car Rentals, Inc., 806 S.W.2d 527 (Tenn 1991) This case involved workers' compensation issues.

West v. Pratt, 871 S.W.2d 477 (Tenn. 1994) This case involved Uninsured Motorist coverage.

Recent Presentations

Mr. Knolton frequently lectures in seminars concerning hospital and health care issues, as well as workers' compensation.

Representative Matters

Mr. Knolton represented a local area hospital in a very challenging death case which arose out of a medical malpractice claim against several physicians and the hospital, his client.  It was a very serious case and one with a potential risk of large monetary judgments against one or more of several defendants.  After a full week of trial, the jury found in favor of all the defendants.

Several years ago, Mr. Knolton defended an insured of one of the insurance companies he represents.  The plaintiff had very significant injuries due to an automobile accident involving Mr. Knolton's client, and the insurance company offered a settlement which was ultimately refused by the plaintiff.  After a two-day trial, the jury found in favor of his client, and the plaintiff did not recover any award for his injuries and damages.

Of Note

• Serves as a member of the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility - Hearing Panel
• Serves as a Delegate of the House of Delegates, Tennessee Bar Association
• Serves as a member of the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
• Serves as Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation
• Given an AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell
• Serves as an advisor for the Anderson County Circuit "Drug Court"
• Serves as a participant in Anderson County Leadership Program
• Serves on joint committees between Anderson County Bar Association and Anderson County Chamber of Commerce