Muhlenberg County Personal Injury Attorney

Rhoads & Rhoads personal injury lawyers have been proudly serving the Muhlenberg County, Kentucky community for over 50 years, offering comprehensive legal representation to those who have suffered injuries due to accidents. With offices in Madisonville and Owensboro, our Muhlenberg county personal injury attorney team is committed to providing expert legal counsel for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Contact us today at 888-709-9329.

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys, Jerry Rhoads and Chris Rhoads, Ben Byers, Kyle Lamar, Nathan Bishop, and Katherine Reardon, have built a solid reputation representing injured individuals in a wide range of personal injury cases including workers’ compensation. We understand the unique needs of our many injured clients and approach each case with the highest level of professionalism and compassion.

Our personal injury attorneys have a deep understanding of the Muhlenberg County area, which allows us to effectively navigate the local legal landscape and provide our clients with the best possible outcomes. Over the years, our attorneys have had the privilege of representing hundreds and thousands of clients across Kentucky, securing favorable verdicts in automobile accidents, truck accidents, coal mine catastrophes and claims against insurance companies for injured individuals. We pride ourselves on understanding the local community’s values and striving for success in every case we handle.

Our firm’s extensive experience dealing with personal injury lawsuits has earned us the trust and respect of the Muhlenberg County community. If you have been involved in a car accident, trucking accident, slip and fall accident, bitten by a dog or suffered an injury due to someone’s carelessness, a Muhlenberg county personal injury attorney is here to fight for your rights.

Personal Injury Cases We Can Help With in Muhlenberg County

At Rhoads & Rhoads, our personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of personal injury cases for residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. The following are just a few examples of the types of cases we take on:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury in Muhlenberg County, and they can occur at a moment’s notice. Whether the crash was caused by distracted driving, reckless behavior or poor road conditions, the aftermath can be life-changing. Car accident injuries can range from mild to severe, and the recovery process may involve medical treatments, surgery or physical therapy.

Rhoads & Rhoads personal injury lawyers help you navigate the complex legal system, working tirelessly to secure compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. Our experienced attorneys will investigate the specifics of the accident, gather evidence and hold all liable parties accountable. With our knowledge of the local roads and court system, we are well-equipped to handle car accident cases of any scale.

Semi-Truck Accidents

Large truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles, not to mention property damage. These types of accidents are typically more complicated than regular car crashes, involving numerous parties such as trucking companies, insurance providers and third-party vendors. In addition to the standard issues of liability, truck accident cases may include violations of federal and state regulations, such as hours-of-service rules, maintenance standards and driver qualifications.

At Rhoads & Rhoads law firm, our personal injury attorneys have the expertise to investigate every aspect of a semi-truck accident, including reviewing driver logs, maintenance records and the cargo the truck was carrying. These accidents can be truly devastating, and our lawyers fight relentlessly to ensure that victims are compensated for their medical expenses, owed income and long-term care needs.

Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can have both physical and emotional consequences, often leading to scars, infections and psychological trauma. When a dog attacks, the owner can be held responsible for the harm caused by their pet. Under Kentucky law, pet owners are liable for injuries that their dogs inflict, especially if the dog has a history of aggression. Dog bites can occur in many situations, whether the animal was off-leash, not properly restrained or attacked without provocation.

In these cases, it’s critical to collect evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony, to build a strong claim. The attorneys at our law firm are committed to helping dog bite victims recover compensation for medical treatment, emotional distress and any other damages. We work diligently to ensure dog owners are held accountable for their pets’ actions.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, as more people walk and bike for exercise, work or leisure. Unfortunately, pedestrians are at a higher risk of severe injury when hit by a vehicle due to their lack of protection. Whether the accident occurred in a crosswalk, on the sidewalk or while walking near a roadway, drivers must take responsibility for their actions when pedestrians are involved.

In pedestrian accident cases, it’s crucial to have a lawyer who understands both the physical and legal aspects of the injuries. From fractures to traumatic brain injuries, pedestrian accidents often result in rehabilitation or long-term medical care. Our lawyers work closely with medical professionals to assess the full impact of your injuries and fight for compensation to cover medical bills, lost income and emotional distress.

If you’ve been injured in any type of accident or due to someone else’s carelessness, our attorneys are here to help. From car and motorcycle accidents to pedestrian injuries, our attorneys have the experience and resources to represent clients just like you.

What is Premise Liability?

Premises liability is a legal term that states that the property owner is responsible for creating a safe environment for visitors on the property. In these cases, it’s important that injury lawyers prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the property or failed to fix hazardous conditions. Some common types of these cases include:

Lead Exposure

Lead poisoning can occur if a property contains lead-based paint, especially in older homes. Lead exposure can lead to serious health issues, particularly in children. If a property owner fails to disclose the presence of lead or take the necessary steps to remove it, they may be held liable for any injuries caused.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of premises liability claims. These accidents typically occur when a property owner fails to clean up spills, fix uneven flooring or address other hazards that can cause a person to slip, trip or fall. Injuries and property damage resulting from slip-and-fall accidents can range from minor bruises to more serious harm like broken bones or head trauma.

Workplace Accidents

Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe working environments for their employees and visitors. If an injury or wrongful death occurs on the property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held accountable.

If someone is injured on a property due to unsafe conditions or recklessness, the property owner may be held liable for the injuries sustained as well as worker’s compensation. Contact a Muhlenberg county personal injury attorney at Rhodes & Rhodes law firm today for a free consultation with one of our lawyers about a wrongful death claim or any other personal injury claim.

What is Loss of Consortium?

Loss of consortium is a concept that references the loss of support, companionship and affection of a spouse, parent, or child due to injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. It’s not just the injured person who suffers; their spouse and family members can also experience a loss of emotional, social and physical connection after catastrophic injuries.

If your spouse or loved one has been severely injured, you may have a right to file a loss of consortium claim, and our personal injury attorneys can help you weigh the benefits of your personal injury claim. This legal claim is separate from the victim’s personal injury case and allows you to seek damages for the emotional distress and loss of companionship.

Factors Considered in a Loss of Consortium Claim

When filing a loss of consortium claim, several factors are considered to determine the extent of the damages:

Severity of the Injury

More serious personal injuries that lead to long-term or permanent disabilities typically result in higher compensation for loss of consortium, as the effect on the relationship is more significant.

Duration of the Injury

If the personal injury results in a long-term or permanent condition, the duration of the loss of companionship and support will be considered.

Impact on the Relationship

The loss of intimacy, companionship and emotional support will be examined to determine the emotional toll on the family or spouse.

Quality of Life

Injuries that affect the injured party’s ability to participate in daily activities, such as household duties or social functions, can contribute to a higher loss of consortium award.

If you believe you have experienced a loss of consortium due to an injury, don’t wait—contact the skilled Kentucky attorneys at Rhoades & Rhoads law firm today to discuss your case. Our personal injury attorneys are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve, providing thoughtful, dedicated legal support every step of the way.

What Are the Four Factors of Negligence in Personal Injury Cases?

In personal injury cases, negligence is crucial to establishing liability. To win a personal injury case, our attorneys must first prove that the defendant was negligent, which is typically established through the following four factors:

• Duty: The defendant had a legal duty to ensure the plaintiff’s safety. For example, a driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely, just as a property owner has a duty to keep their premises safe.
• Breach: The defendant failed to meet the duty of care. This could mean driving recklessly, failing to maintain safe property conditions, or neglecting their responsibilities in another way.
• Causation: The defendant’s failure to uphold their duty directly resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries. The plaintiff must prove that the injuries wouldn’t have occurred if not for the defendant’s actions.
• Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual harm or damages due to the defendant’s actions, such as pain and suffering, wrongful death, medical expenses or other damages.

Understanding these factors is crucial to building a strong personal injury claim. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help navigate the complexities of your case, especially when dealing with catastrophic injuries that can have a long-lasting impact on your life.

At Rhoads & Rhoads law firm, our personal injury lawyers specialize in personal injury law and thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to ensure all elements are met.

Our practice area is focused on protecting the rights of injured individuals, and we leverage our national recognition in the field to pursue the benefits our clients deserve. Trust our Muhlenberg county personal injury attorney team to be your advocates in your personal injury case.

How These Factors Contribute to Total Damages

Once negligence is established, a personal injury lawyer will calculate the total damages based on several key factors, which may include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers both current and future medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy and medications that will be necessary for the recovery of the injured person. Work injuries often require ongoing medical attention, which can significantly increase the total medical expenses.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injury, including future lost earnings if the injury affects long-term employment prospects
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical and emotional pain endured due to the injury
• Punitive Damages: In cases of excessive recklessness, a judge may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

In western Kentucky, Rhoads and Rhoads personal injury lawyers are committed to gathering evidence to build a strong case, ensuring that our clients receive a fair settlement. Whether you’re dealing with work injuries or other common causes of personal injury, our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. We offer a free consultation with a Muhlenberg county personal injury attorney to discuss your case and help you understand your options in the legal field.

Negligence Per Se Presumption

Negligence per se arises when a defendant violates a regulation or law, and that violation leads directly to the plaintiff’s injury. Under this doctrine, the plaintiff does not need to prove that the defendant was negligent in the usual way. If the defendant broke a law meant to protect public safety, it can be presumed that the defendant was negligent. This can simplify the plaintiff’s case, but it is vital to prove that the violation of the law directly resulted in the injury.

Emergency Services in Muhlenberg County

In the event of an emergency in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, it’s important to know where to turn for help:

• Police Department: Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office | 107 E Main Cross St, Greenville, KY 42345 | 270-338-3345
• Fire Department: Greenville Fire Department | 200 Court St, Greenville, KY 42345 | 270-338-3305
• Hospital: Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital | 440 Hopkinsville St, Greenville, KY 42345 | 270-338-8000
• Court: Muhlenberg County Clerk | 100 S Main St, Greenville, KY 42345 | 270-377-3970

Living in Muhlenberg County

Muhlenberg County offers its residents a mix of history, natural beauty and close-knit community values. With a rich history tied to coal mining, the county has transformed into a thriving community focused on growth, education and cultural preservation.

Residents enjoy access to recreational activities, beautiful parks and a supportive atmosphere that makes Muhlenberg County a unique and wonderful place to call home. The county is also home to a variety of local businesses and services, including the well-regarded Madisonville Community College -Muhlenberg campus, where our own Judy Rhoads had a vision to bring higher education to Muhlenberg county and has made a lasting impact.

Rhoads & Rhoads: Our Legacy

The roots of the Rhoads family and Rhoads & Rhoads run deep in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Our direct ancestor, Captain Henry Rhoads, fought in the Revolutionary War under General Peter Muhlenberg and came to Kentucky immediately after the war. He founded Muhlenberg County and named it after General Muhlenberg. Captain Henry Rhoads is referred to as the “Godfather of Muhlenberg County,” and an entire chapter in the History of Muhlenberg County is devoted to Captain Henry Rhoads. The Rhoads family and several of our attorneys are direct descendants of Captain Henry Rhoads. Generations of our family have been born and raised in Muhlenberg County, and we take pride in representing Muhlenberg County residents.

Jerry’s wife, Dr. Judy Rhoads, was born and raised in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, graduating from Central City High School. Her father, Clarence Lewis, was raised in the mining communities of Martwick and Nelson, and her mother, Dorothy Lewis, was raised in Browder, attending Hughes Kirk High School. Mr. Lewis was an underground coal miner for 36 years and was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America, serving as secretary for his local union for 35 years.

It was because of the influence and reputation of Mr. Lewis that Jerry relocated his law practice in 1974 to nearby Madisonville to represent the United Mine Workers of America (“UMWA”) and its members in their personal injury, workers’ compensation, black lung and social security disability claims. Out of these beginnings, the law firm of Rhoads & Rhoads was formed when Jerry’s brother, Tom Rhoads, joined him in the law practice. Rhoads & Rhoads personal injury lawyers have developed a reputation throughout Muhlenberg County and western Kentucky as a strong and influential law firm, advocating for injured and disabled clients for many decades.

Jerry and Judy have also generously given back to the Muhlenberg County community. Judy taught psychology for 17 years at Madisonville Community College (MCC) and served as President of MCC for 18 years. Under Judy’s leadership, and many generous gifts by Muhlenberg County citizens, the $4.5 million Muhlenberg campus of Madisonville Community College was opened in 2001, providing greater access to higher education for the citizens of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Additionally, Judy served for six years on the Felix Martin, Jr. Foundation Executive Board in Muhlenberg County.

Jerry served with distinction as State Senator from 2003 to 2014 for the 6th Senatorial District, which included Muhlenberg, Hopkins and Ohio Counties. It was his privilege and pleasure to serve in the legislature representing Muhlenberg County and the over 100,000 constituents in western Kentucky during his 12 years of service.

Jerry and his law partner and son, Chris Rhoads, have been recognized statewide as outstanding plaintiffs’ personal injury attorneys and Jerry was elected by his peers as President of the Kentucky Academy of Trial Attorneys (now Kentucky Justice Association). Chris has been an elected KJA officer since 2002, and is currently serving as President-Elect of the Kentucky Justice Association, and will be the President of the Kentucky Trial Lawyers in 2026.

Rhoads & Rhoads has grown into a full-service personal injury firm and is well-equipped to represent the good folks of Muhlenberg County who may have unfortunately suffered injuries and disabilities. If you come to Rhoads & Rhoads, P.S.C., you will be treated like family. Our personal injury lawyers welcome the opportunity to continue helping our Muhlenberg County friends.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, Today

If you or someone you care about has been injured in Muhlenberg County, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. A Muhlenberg county personal injury attorney at Rhoads & Rhoads is here to guide you through the complexities of a personal injury lawsuit and ensure that your rights are fully protected.

We offer free case evaluations so we can discuss the details of your case and help you understand your options. If you’re dealing with a car accident, workplace injury or any other type of personal injury, our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Reach out to our lawyers today at 888-709-9329 or visit one of our offices in Madisonville or Owensboro. We’re here to help you every step of the way and will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Video Transcript

Of all the counties where I’ve had the opportunity to represent people, Muhlenberg County very well may be the most special to me. My mom grew up in Central City. My grandparents have lived in Muhlenberg County their whole life. My grandfather and great grandfather were both coal miners in Muhlenberg County and became disabled and one of them died in the coal mines, which sort of laid the foundation for our law firm to do the type of work we do representing injured people and folks that may have the unfortunate circumstances having a wrongful death claim.

But over the years, we’ve represented so many people in automobile claims, worker’s comp claims, personal injury, social security disability claims all over Muhlenberg County. Getting to go there and represent somebody, I just think really embodies what Rhoads & Rhoads is about.

Another things that’s really special to me about Muhlenberg County, my great-great-great-great grandfather Henry Rhoads who fought in the Revolutionary War, he got a land grant after the war and the land he was given was in Muhlenberg County. He settled in Muhlenberg County and built the first home there and named Muhlenberg County after the general that he served under in the Revolutionary War, General Muhlenberg. He was the first legislator for Muhlenberg County. Our heritage in Muhlenberg County goes deep.