John Amos Whatley

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.

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Kentucky

Kentucky Bar Association

Since 2006

Mississippi

The Mississippi Bar

Since 2005

Managing Partner - Attorney

Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC

2018 - Current

Handling car accident litigation, big truck litigation, and wrongful death litigation.

Partner

Stein Whatley Attorneys

2014 - Current

Owner - Attorney

John A. Whatley, Attorney at Law

2007 - Current

Mississippi College School of Law

J.D. (2005) | Law

2002 - 2005

University of Louisville

B.S. (2002) | Business Administration - Accounting

2002

Honors: Athletic Director’s Honor Roll Conference USA Academic Award John E. Brown Scholarship

Activities: Lettered in Football

Continuing Legal Education Award

Kentucky Bar Association

2022

Rising Star

Super Lawyers

2019

Continuing Legal Education Award

Kentucky Bar Association

2019

Rising Star

Super Lawyers

2018

Kentucky State Bar

Member

Current

Kentucky Justice Association

Member

2016 - Current

Q. I need advice on how to take action against an uninsured driver.

November 11, 2024

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

November 8, 2024

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?

November 8, 2024

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