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John Amos Whatley

John Amos Whatley

Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC
  • Personal Injury, Insurance Claims, Medical Malpractice ...
  • Kentucky, Mississippi
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Biography

I am John Amos Whatley, a personal injury litigator and trial attorney with over 19 years of experience in the courtroom, primarily focusing on personal injury cases. My practice is dedicated to using my knowledge to help clients secure favorable outcomes.

As a partner of Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, I advocate for individuals who have been seriously injured in various disasters and calamities, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and big truck accidents, as well as slip and fall incidents. I also assist victims of medical malpractice in obtaining compensation from negligent medical professionals, surgical facilities, and hospitals. My work extends to representing grieving families dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one, helping them recover compensation for their loss. Additionally, I have handled cases involving Social Security and worker’s compensation claims for injured or disabled individuals.

My educational background includes attending Trinity High School and the University of Louisville, where I was an active member of the football team and achieved recognition on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. I was honored with the Conference USA Academic Award and the John E. Brown Scholarship. I graduated from the University of Louisville's School of Business in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accountancy.

I am a proud member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Kentucky Bar Association, Louisville Bar Association, and the Kentucky Justice Association.

My professional recognitions include being named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in 2018 and 2019. I was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 2006 and the Mississippi Bar in 2005. I also have the privilege of practicing in the United States District Courts for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, as well as the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi.

Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Nursing Home Abuse
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Workers' Compensation
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    At Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC we offer free and confidential case evaluations. Confidentiality ensures that all shared information remains private. Our goal is to foster an environment of trust between our top injury lawyers and you.
  • Contingent Fees
    Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC uses a transparent and straight forward contingency fee agreement. The contingency fee aligns the lawyers' interests with your interests. It allows you to have access to exceptional legal representation without the upfront cost. We do not get paid unless you win.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Kentucky
Kentucky Bar Association
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Mississippi
The Mississippi Bar
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Professional Experience
Managing Partner - Attorney
Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC
- Current
Handling car accident litigation, big truck litigation, and wrongful death litigation.
Partner
Stein Whatley Attorneys
- Current
Owner - Attorney
John A. Whatley, Attorney at Law
- Current
Education
Mississippi College School of Law
J.D. (2005) | Law
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Mississippi College School of Law Logo
University of Louisville
B.S. (2002) | Business Administration - Accounting
Honors: Athletic Director’s Honor Roll Conference USA Academic Award John E. Brown Scholarship
Activities: Lettered in Football
University of Louisville Logo
Awards
Continuing Legal Education Award
Kentucky Bar Association
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Continuing Legal Education Award
Kentucky Bar Association
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Professional Associations
Kentucky State Bar
Member
Current
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Kentucky Justice Association
Member
- Current
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Website
Website
Bio
Website
Client Testimonials
Website
Practice Areas
Website
Attorney Referral Link
Blog
Blog
Legal Answers
5 Questions Answered
Q. I need advice on how to take action against an uninsured driver.
A: There are two avenues in which a person that is driving while uninsured is held accountable for their actions. The first is the criminal track. Criminal actions are prosecuted by the state. The ultimate decision to pursue a criminal action lies with the state.

The second track is by way of civil suit. In a civil suit, a private citizen can seek redress for the injury suffered. You can file an action against the at fault driver and secure a judgment (assuming you can prove that the other driver was negligent in causing the accident and prove that your injuries and damages were a direct result of their negligence). However, the question then turns to whether you can recover the value of your judgment from the defendant. Collections actions can be tedious, expensive, and time-consuming. For this reason, many injury firms will deny representation as the cost of pursuing the claims in their estimation is greater than the value potentially recoverable.

I recommend that you continue to contact experienced personal injury lawyers in your area to get additional opinions concerning the possibility of recovery from the potential defendant. You may have other possible sources of recovery available to you that you will want to explore (i.e. uninsured motorist coverage). Time is of the essence. A statute of limitations exists in cases of this nature in Kentucky. Failure to file your claim timely can result in a complete bar to recovery.
... Read More
Q. I got a citation for reckless driving disregarding a traffic light, but this is my first offense and I’m a newer driver
A: You should hire a lawyer. In addition to knowing the prosecutors and local pleading guidelines in your subject jurisdiction, a lawyer negotiating on your behalf will eliminate the risk of you unintentionally incriminating yourself during your discussions with the prosecutor.
Q. My dog supposedly jumped our fence and damaged the neighbors non fenced pool. Are we liable for cost of replacement?
A: In Kentucky, any owner whose dog is found to have caused damage to a person, livestock, or other property shall be responsible for that damage. See KRS 258.235.

I recommend that you give your homeowners insurance carrier notice of the potential loss. I would also give your neighbor your insurance carrier's information. Failure to give your carrier notice may give them grounds to exclude the loss, exposing you to unnecessary risk. It will also be a good gesture to keep the peace.

Your insurance carrier will investigate the neighbor's claims for validity. I would make no assumptions concerning what proof the neighbor has or does not have, nor would I make any estimations about the value of depreciation to the alleged damaged property. Your insurance company is best situated to manage this situation for you. Your insurance company will also assign counsel to you in the event the situation is not resolved, and a suit is filed against you by the neighbor. ... Read More
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Contact & Map
Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC
2525 Bardstown Road
Suite 101
Louisville, KY 40205
Telephone: (502) 553-4750
Fax: (502) 459-2687
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: We will meet with clients and prospective clients during after-hours on weekdays and weekends upon prior notice and agreement.