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October 2, 2025
When parents cannot agree on custody, the court steps in to make decisions that will impact the child’s well-being and family relationships for years to come. It can be difficult to understand how courts determine child custody arrangements in Tennessee.  At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC , located in Knoxville, Tennessee, we’re here to share how courts determine child custody arrangements in Tennessee, providing information on the factors that influence these important decisions. We understand how challenging child custody matters can be for families. Child custody disputes often bring emotional stress and uncertainty, but our goal is to help families reach arrangements that serve the interests of their children. Here's information on the factors that influence court decisions.
October 2, 2025
When a death results from someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, families may have legal rights to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. To succeed in such claims under Tennessee law, specific elements must be proven. Knowing what these elements are and how the court views them can make a difference in pursuing justice and obtaining fair damages for your loss. At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC , based in Knoxville, Tennessee, we’re deeply committed to helping families cope with the devastating loss caused by wrongful death. Losing a loved one unexpectedly can bring both grief and questions about accountability.
October 2, 2025
Security is a critical component of property safety and can significantly influence the outcome of a premises liability claim. When visitors enter a property—whether it’s a business, rental complicated, or public space—they have the right to expect reasonably safe conditions. Failing to provide adequate security can increase the risk of harm and create grounds for legal action. At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC , we know well that security plays a central role in preventing accidents and injuries. Property owners are legally responsible for providing a safe environment for their visitors, and inadequate security measures can lead to significant liability. Whether it's inadequate lighting, broken locks, or a lack of security personnel, the absence of proper safety precautions can result in accidents that cause harm. In these cases, the property owner may be held accountable for their negligence. We’ll explore how security impacts premises liability claims and why it's crucial for property owners in Knoxville, Tennessee, to take the necessary steps to protect those on their premises.
October 2, 2025
When someone is injured in a rideshare-related crash, questions quickly arise about liability, insurance coverage, and the legal obligations of the driver involved. Understanding these responsibilities is essential for both passengers and other motorists who share the road with rideshare vehicles. We understand that rideshare accidents , while often unexpected, can have serious consequences. Rideshare drivers—whether for companies like Uber, Lyft , or other platforms—have legal responsibilities to confirm the safety of their passengers and others on the road. In an accident, these responsibilities can have significant implications for accident insurance claims. As ridesharing continues to grow, understanding the legal duties of these drivers becomes more critical, especially when you’re involved in a personal injury incident. Rideshare drivers are expected to adhere to traffic laws and drive responsibly. However, their legal responsibilities go beyond typical driving regulations, particularly when it comes to accidents. Let's take a closer look.
October 2, 2025
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, high medical bills, and complicated legal questions. Riders face a unique set of obstacles when seeking compensation—everything from unfair assumptions about motorcyclists to disputed fault, aggressive insurance adjusters, and limited physical evidence. Understanding the challenges involved in a motorcycle accident claim is essential to building a strong case and recovering fair damages under Tennessee law. Explore the key difficulties injured riders commonly encounter and explain how those legal hurdles can affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC , we’ve helped injured motorcyclists in Knoxville and throughout Tennessee fight for fair treatment after devastating crashes. We understand the legal structure that applies to motorcycle accident claims and the many tactics used to undervalue or deny them. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with us.
October 2, 2025
Determining fault in car accidents is one of the most important steps in resolving insurance claims. In Tennessee, the way fault is evaluated can significantly impact the amount of compensation each driver receives. Insurance companies rely on a wide range of evidence, including police reports and witness statements, to assign responsibility. At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC , we understand the frustration and stress that car accidents can cause, particularly when fault is disputed. We help clients in Knoxville and across Tennessee understand their rights, challenge unjust fault assignments, and pursue full compensation. We understand Tennessee’s fault laws and insurance practices and work to protect your interests. Contact us today to get started.
October 2, 2025
Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries, from broken bones to head trauma, and lead to mounting medical bills and lost income. Victims often face long recoveries and emotional stress while trying to manage insurance claims. Taking the right steps early can help protect your rights and support your claim for damages. At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC in Knoxville, Tennessee, we help pedestrians hold negligent drivers accountable. We also serve clients throughout the surrounding areas, including Johnson City, Chattanooga, Crossville, and Sevierville , guiding each case with skill and attention. Contacting us promptly can protect your rights and help you take action after an accident.
October 2, 2025
The sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. Wrongful death claims provide a legal avenue for families to seek compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost income. Pursuing a claim requires careful documentation and timely action to preserve evidence for a strong case. At Wykoff & Sikes, PLLC in Knoxville, Tennessee, we help families manage wrongful death claims with compassion and dedication. We also serve clients in Johnson City, Chattanooga, Crossville, and Sevierville, guiding each case with personalized attention. Contacting us promptly can help protect your legal rights and provide support during this difficult time.

Attorney at Law

Wayne Wykoff

Wayne focuses his practice in the areas of social security disability and domestic law (including divorce, child custody, child support). Wayne was admitted to the practice of law in 1993 and his practice continually in east Tennessee since that time achieving good and just result for his clients on a regular basis. Wayne enjoys mediating and is a rule 31 listed family mediator in Tennessee. Wayne can give you value as a mediator whether you are negotiating retirement accounts and other complex financial issues or dealing with the much more important issues of who will raise the children and under what circumstances.


Wayne graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1980 with a degree in computer science and graduated from the University Tennessee law school in December 1992. Wayne was admitted to the Tennessee bar in April 1993 and was admitted to the federal courts in the Eastern District of Tennessee in 1993 also.


Wayne was born and raised in Johnson City, but has called Knoxville his home for the last 25+ years. Wayne enjoys his family consisting of his wife and 2 boys and playing tennis and golf on a regular basis.