Mark C. Hartsoe, Attorney

Practice Focus

Mr. Hartsoe's law practice is devoted to representing clients who have been injured and families who have lost relatives due to the negligent conduct of others. Mr. Hartsoe is a 1985 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law. His primary practice areas are tractor trailer litigation, automobile and motorcycle accident cases, medical malpractice, premises liability and product liability matters. A significant number of Mr. Hartsoe's cases involve representing children who have been severely injured, including birth injury claims. Mr. Hartsoe is a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been designated a Mid-South Super Lawyer. Mr. Hartsoe has also been honored by being named a member of the Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court (Master of the Bench). In 2008, Mr. Hartsoe was also named a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America as well as inducted into the Verdict Club (Premier Trial Attorneys).  Upon request, Mr. Hartsoe will defend clients who have had suits brought against them.

Tractor Trailer Truck Wrecks and Car Accidents

Traumatic injuries from being struck by tractor trailers and cars make up a significant portion of Mr. Hartsoe's practice. Mr. Hartsoe is a member of the Interstate Trucking Litigation Group of the American Association of Justice. Mr. Hartsoe is at times asked by other attorneys to handle tractor trailer and car wreck cases on a referral basis. He frequently attends legal seminars regarding trucking litigation and automobile accidents. Mr. Hartsoe handles numerous trucking cases and is familiar with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that regulate trucker's conduct. He works closely with accident reconstructionist expert witnesses to help prove liability. In order to maximize your recovery, it is important to have an experienced lawyer represent you when you have been injured by a tractor trailer or have been hit by another car.

Mr. Hartsoe has represented a great number of victims of car, motorcycle and truck wrecks. He helps injured parties and their families recover from drivers whose negligence caused the car, motorcycle or truck wreck.

In 2008, Mr. Hartsoe made two presentations to other lawyers regarding handling car accident and truck wreck cases from an injured party's perspective.

Injuries to Children

Injuries to children present distinct legal issues that require not only experience but empathy as well. Birth injuries as well as damages brought on by acute traumatic impacts and negligent conduct usually have devastating life-long impacts. Mr. Hartsoe's practice includes representing children and their families who have been severely injured through the negligent conduct of others, taking special care to deal with these sensitive issues.

Mr. Hartsoe has represented a number of families whose children have been the victims of medical negligence during labor and delivery. He has successfully resolved numerous cases on behalf of parents and minor children against various healthcare providers. He is a member of the American Association for Justice Birth Trauma Litigation Group.

The resolution of these matters oftentimes can have a dramatic impact on how the child and family are able to cope with and move forward following these tragic events. Mr. Hartsoe works closely with the firm physician who is sensitive to the medical issues involving injuries to children.

Medical Negligence

Mr. Hartsoe represents individuals in selected medical malpractice cases who have suffered serious injuries stemming from substandard medical care.  Other attorneys commonly ask Mr. Hartsoe to review these cases on a referral basis.  Mr. Hartsoe is frequently referred medical negligence cases by other attorneys due to his significant experience in this area.

Eminent Domain / Condemnation 

Mr. Hartsoe has also developed a unique interest in the area of representing landowners whose property has been involuntarily taken from them by the government through the power of eminent domain.  Mr. Hartsoe is frequently asked by landowners to represent them against the Tennessee Department of Transportation and other condemning authorities.  He routinely works with other attorneys who are interested in bringing on experienced counsel to assist them with the unique issues associated with condemnation/eminent domain cases.  For more information about Mr. Hartsoe's practice in that area see the firm's condemnation/eminent domain page

Motorcycle Wrecks

Mr. Hartsoe has represented a number of parties who have sustained serious injuries in motorcycle wrecks.  Careless automobile drivers are frequently at fault in motorcycle accidents.  Car drivers fail to pay proper attention to motorcyclists which can result in tragic wrecks with serious injuries.  Because of the lack of protection that motorcycles have compared to automobiles or trucks, the injuries are usually extremely serious or fatal.

Mr. Hartsoe works closely with accident reconstruction expert witnesses to establish liability in motorcycle, car and truck wreck cases.  Additionally, the firm has a full-time physician available to review the medical issues and help fully prepare the medical issues related to the injuries, treatment, prognosis and disability issues.

Premises Liability (Liability of Property Owners)

Mr. Hartsoe represents parties who have been injured or killed as a result of the negligence of property owners.  Premises liability claims commonly involve slip and fall (or trip and fall) cases in commercial business such as restaurants, stores, parking lots, rental properties, etc.  Liability can arise as a result of attractive nuisances that result in tragic injuries or death to children as a result of dangerous conditions that they are drawn to on another's property.

Additional Biographical Information

Mr. Hartsoe has practiced with Butler, Vines and Babb since 2000.  Prior to joining the firm, he was a federal prosecutor and held other significant government positions.  He received numerous awards during his time of public service for his work as a litigation attorney.

Mr. Hartsoe was admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1985 and in the State of Tennessee in 1991.  He is admitted to practice before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.  He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law.  Mr. Hartsoe began his career as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney litigating in federal courts throughout the Southeast concerning enforcement of federal environmental laws.  He then served as the Assistant Attorney General of the State of Tennessee and Deputy Law Director of the City of Knoxville.  Mr. Hartsoe is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, Blount County Bar Association, Sevier County Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, American Bar Association and American Association for Justice.  Hobbies include fly fishing, gardening and cheering at little league soccer and baseball games.  Representative cases include State v. Teasley, 913 S.W.2d 175 (Tenn.Ct.App.1995).

Classes/Seminars Taught

• State v. Teasley 1995