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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  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.

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. Will gifting a $120,000 house to my sister in Kentucky affect her income taxes?

March 11, 2025

A: You should contact a certified public accountant concerning an opinion on any tax issues that might be triggered as a result of your contemplated transaction.

Q. Dispute over forced payment for tow truck services in vehicle sale.

March 11, 2025

A: Your fiancé may have legal grounds to dispute the payment, as he did not request the tow truck's services and had no contractual obligation to pay. To address the situation, he should gather all relevant documentation, including receipts, communications, and any witness statements confirming that the buyer was responsible for covering the cost. He can then formally request a refund from the tow truck company, explaining that he was coerced into paying under the threat of legal action. If the company refuses, he may file a complaint with the state’s attorney general’s office for unfair business practices, as well as with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau.

Given that a law enforcement officer was involved in pressuring him to pay, consulting a civil rights attorney (42 U.S.C. Section 1983 lawyer) could help determine whether any legal action, such as filing a complaint against the sheriff, is warranted. If your fiancé believes the sheriff abused his authority, he may also report the incident to the department or any relevant oversight agency. Additionally, if the amount paid was under $2,500.00, he could consider pursuing recovery through small claims court. While no legal action appears to have been filed against him, taking these steps may help protect his rights and potentially recover the money he was unfairly pressured to pay. Please be aware that a statute of limitations exists in cases of this nature. Failure to timely file your claim could be a complete bar to recovery. ... Read More

Q. Can I use my cardio doctor after a staph infection complicates heart surgery?

March 11, 2025

A: If you are thinking about suing your cardiothoracic surgeon, the key issue would be whether their decision to proceed with surgery despite the infection amounted to medical negligence. In cases like this, proving malpractice generally requires showing that the doctor failed to meet the standard of care expected from a reasonably skilled professional in the same situation.

A major factor would be whether the doctor knew or should have known about the staph infection and whether addressing it beforehand could have prevented the complications you experienced. Additionally, medical malpractice cases hinge on expert testimony, so having another doctor review your medical records could be crucial in determining whether your surgeon acted inappropriately.

Another important consideration is the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. This varies by state, so it’s important to act quickly if you’re thinking about pursuing legal action. In Kentucky, you must file your claim(s) in court within one year of the date of injury. Given the complexity of these cases, speaking with an experienced medical malpractice attorney would be a good next step. They can review your records and help determine whether you have a strong case. ... Read More