• William E. Godbold, III
  • Member
  • 801 Broad Street, Third Floor
  • Pioneer Building
  • Chattanooga,TN 37402
  • 423.424.3907 fax: 423.424.3981

Mr. Godbold represents pharmaceutical companies, medical device manaufacturers and a leading clinical laboratory.  He has successfully defended malpractice cases for various professional disciplines including physicians, attorneys, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and accountants.  Mr. Godbold has experience in litigating product liability cases of all types including significant complex matters involving construction equipment, electrical transformers, chemical products and aircraft. 

His practice area also includes employment discrimination matters and general tort liability.  Mr. Godbold is often called upon to render coverage opinions for professional insurance underwriters for claims involving architects, engineers, real estate agents and title companies.

Representative Client Work

Successfully defended pharmaceutical companies in cases involving antibiotics, analgesics, cardiovascular agents, psychotherapeutic drugs, dietary supplements, and respiratory agents.

Medical device experience includes spinal fusion rods, implant cages, hip prosthetics, pain pumps, surgical mesh, antiseptic swabs/wipes and sutures.

Extensive medical malpractice defense of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, internists, OB/GYNs, anesthesiologists and CRNAs.

Defense of legal malpractice claims for prominent large law firms as well as solo practitioners involving wrongful death claims, multiple appellate issues, title defects and statutes of limitations.

Employment litigation trial experience includes defense of various race, age, gender, handicap and FMLA claims.

General tort liability experience includes truck and auto accidents, premises liability and warranty claims.

Bar & Court Admissions

Tennessee; US Supreme Court; US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit;

US District Courts of Eastern, Middle and Western Tennessee

Professional Affiliations

Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC)

International Association of Defense Counsel  (IADC)

Defense Research Institute (Drug and Medical Device Committee)

Chattanooga, Tennessee and American (Member, Sections on Litigation, Tort and Insurance Practice) Bar Associations

Federal Bar Association

Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association

Hearing Committee Member for the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility

Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator

Community Involvement

National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Leadership Class

Habitat for Humanity

Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church - Ruling Elder