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Rick L. Apperson, Insurance Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Insurance and Workers Comp

Practicing insurance in Knoxville since 1995.

31+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Rick L. Apperson is an attorney based in Knoxville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Insurance and Workers Comp. Rick has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spicer Rudstrom PLLC.

Based in
Knoxville, TENNESSEE
Experience
over 31 years
Known for
Insurance · Workers Comp
  • Handles Insurance and Workers Comp matters from Knoxville, TENNESSEE.
  • Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026).

About Rick L. Apperson: Rick L. Apperson is an attorney based in Knoxville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Insurance and Workers Comp. Rick has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spicer Rudstrom PLLC.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Rick takes on

Rick concentrates on insurance and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Rick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Insurance cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Rick takes insurance matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rick agrees to represent you.

Workers Comp cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Rick takes workers comp matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rick agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Rick L. Apperson — insurance lawyer in Knoxville

Rick L. Apperson is an attorney based in Knoxville, TENNESSEE. The practice focuses on Insurance and Workers Comp. Rick has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spicer Rudstrom PLLC.

Rick is a civil litigation attorney. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1987, at which time he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a systems acquisition officer at the Ballistic Missile Organization at Norton Air Force Base until 1992 and last served as the Reentry Systems Launch Program Acquisition Logistics Manager. Upon separation from the Air Force as a captain, Rick attended the University of Tennessee College of Law and obtained his J.D. in 1995.

Rick’s practice has been concentrated in the following insurance defense areas: motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, premises liability, product liability, and subrogation. He represents a number of insurance companies and self-insured businesses.

Working with Rick on a insurance matter

Rick is a civil litigation attorney. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1987, at which time he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a systems acquisition officer at the Ballistic Missile Organization at Norton Air Force Base until 1992 and last served as the Reentry Systems Launch Program…

Clients Rick works with

Rick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for insurance and workers comp matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • The University of Tennessee

    B.S. · 1987

  • The University of Tennessee

    J.D. · 1995

Jurisdictions

Rick's state bar admissions

  • Tennessee, Tennessee

    1995 · ACTIVE

Rick studied at B.S. in The University of Tennessee and J.D. in The University of Tennessee.

Law school and academic background

Rick completed B.S. in The University of Tennessee and J.D. in The University of Tennessee. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rick runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Rick has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026).

Locations

Rick L. Apperson's office in Knoxville

Rick's primary office is at 800 South Gay Street, Suite 1400, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37929. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Spicer Rudstrom PLLC

800 South Gay Street, Suite 1400

Knoxville, Tennessee 37929

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Rick L. Apperson

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Hiring guide

How to hire Rick L. Apperson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new insurance attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Rick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Rick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rick's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Rick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a insurance attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many insurance matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Rick

Rick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in insurance practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every insurance matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Rick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Rick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many insurance practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Rick L. Apperson

  • How much does it cost to hire Rick for a insurance case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Rick offer a free consultation?

    Rick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rick's office. Some insurance attorneys offer free consults — check Rick's current terms during booking.

  • How long do insurance cases in Tennessee typically take?

    Simple insurance matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Rick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Rick take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?

    Rick is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Rick will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Rick?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Rick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Rick accepting new insurance clients right now?

    Rick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Insurance attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

Rick handles insurance matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified insurance attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Rick's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these insurance attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.