Ohio County Personal Injury Attorney

At Rhoads & Rhoads personal injury law firm, we understand that accidents can change lives in an instant, leaving you with physical, emotional and financial burdens. For over 50 years, our attorneys have provided trusted legal counsel to residents of Ohio County, Kentucky. Whether you have been injured in a pedestrian, truck, car or dog bite accident, our Ohio county personal injury attorney is dedicated to ensuring our clients receive maximum compensation.

We’ve served residents for generations, helping hundreds of clients navigate the legal process and secure justice after an injury. With our offices in Madisonville and Owensboro, we are deeply rooted in the local community and take pride in the results we achieve for our clients. Chris Rhoads, Ben Byers, Kyle Lamar, Nathan Bishop, and Katherine Reardon are exceptional personal injury attorneys with vast experience who have earned a reputation for their tenacity, experience, and clear communication.

Having represented clients in cases ranging from auto accidents, semi-truck accidents, coal mine disasters and insurance claims, our personal injury lawyers are familiar with the specific challenges in this region. Our decades-long knowledge of Ohio County’s culture and values gives us a unique advantage when advocating for our clients in this community.

If you or your family have suffered injuries due to negligent parties in a personal injury accident, don’t wait to seek the help of an experienced attorney. We are committed to standing by your side every step of the way, from initial consultation to final settlement.

How Does Kentucky Define Personal Injury?

In Kentucky, personal injury law provides a legal path forward to seek compensation when injured victims have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence, wrongful actions or intentional misconduct.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

These cases typically involve individuals who have suffered physical harm, but they can also include instances of property damage, financial loss, and emotional distress. Examples include:

• Truck, Motorcycle, and Car Accidents
• Slip-and-Fall Accidents
• Product Liability
• Wrongful Death
• Dog Bites

The goal of personal injury law is to provide relief to victims who have suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. In Kentucky, personal injury claims typically involve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages. An experienced Ohio county personal injury attorney can help recover compensation.

Kentucky Personal Injury Laws You Should Know

Understanding Kentucky’s personal injury laws can help you better navigate the process to obtain the compensation you deserve. Some of the key laws you should be aware of include:

Statute of Limitations

Kentucky imposes a one-year statute of limitations for filing of most personal injury lawsuits. This means you must file most claims within one year from the initial date of the injury. If you fail to file within this time frame, in many cases, you will lose your right to seek compensation. Auto accident cases oftentimes have a two year statute of limitations.

Comparative Negligence Rule

Kentucky follows a comparative negligence or fault rule in personal injury cases. This means that even if you are partly at fault for the accident that led to your personal injury victim, you can still recover damages. Although the amount of compensation you receive will depend on the percentage you’re at fault. For example, if you were found to be 25% at fault for a car accident or motorcycle accident, the damages you receive would be reduced by 25%.

Workers’ Compensation Law

If you are injured on the job, Kentucky’s workers’ compensation law ensures that you are entitled to medical benefits, compensation for lost income and potentially vocational rehabilitation. Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury, ensuring that employees who are hurt at work do not have to bear the financial burden alone. They can recover compensation.

Premises Liability Law

Property owners are legally required to maintain their buildings and ensure that they are safe for visitors. If a property owner’s negligence leads to an injury, such as a slip and fall, or trip and fall, they may be held liable for damages during the personal injury process.

These laws help protect the rights of individuals who have suffered harm from workplace accidents and ensure that those responsible for injuries are held accountable.

Dog Bite Liability Law

Kentucky has a harsh liability rule when it comes to dog bites. Under this law, dog owners are held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs. To succeed in a dog bite claim, you must show that you were not trespassing and that the dog was not provoked.

How To Protect Your Rights After a Personal Injury Accident

If you have been involved in a personal injury accident, like a car accident, there are several crucial steps you should take to protect your rights and preserve evidence that will help an attorney represent your claim:

Report the Incident

Reporting the accident is one of the most important steps in protecting your rights. For example, in car accidents, you must report the crash to the police so that an official record can be created. This ensures that your version of events is documented early on.

Gather Evidence

Collect as much evidence as possible. If you can do so safely, take pictures of the accident scene, including the location, any visible damages, injuries, and contributing factors like road conditions or weather. Additionally, collect the contact information of any witnesses who may be able to support your claim.

Get Insurance Information

After an accident, it’s critical to obtain the other party’s insurance details. For motor vehicle accidents, exchange insurance information with the other driver. If your injury occurs on someone’s property, ask the owner or property manager for their insurance company details.

Find Medical Care

Seeking timely medical treatment is crucial for your recovery and helps document your injuries. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, seeing a doctor ensures that any hidden injuries are identified and treated early. Be sure to follow through with all prescribed treatments and attend any follow-up appointments.

Document Your Damages

Keep a detailed record of your medical treatment, prescriptions, and missed workdays. Track medical expenses, any other losses you may incur, such as the cost of transportation to doctor appointments or the need for home care. These medical records will help your attorney substantiate your claim and demonstrate the full extent of your damages.

Contact Rhoads & Rhoads

Personal injury claims are often time-sensitive. Contacting a qualified Ohio county personal injury attorney as soon as possible helps ensure that your rights are protected and that all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for your best interests.

Why Expert Witnesses Are Crucial

In personal injury cases, expert witnesses play a critical role in helping the court understand complex issues that require specialized knowledge. These professionals can provide testimony that explains medical conditions, accident reconstruction, financial and economic loss and other elements of the case that the average person might not fully understand.

Types of Expert Witnesses

Several types of expert witnesses may be used in personal injury cases, including:

• Medical Experts: Doctors and specialists can explain the nature and extent of your injuries, how the injury occurred, and the long-term impact on your health and well-being.
• Accident Reconstructionists: These experts analyze car accident scenes, vehicle damage and witness accounts to recreate the events leading up to and including the accident.
• Forensic Experts: In cases involving complex medical issues, defective products, product liability or toxic exposure, forensic experts may analyze physical evidence, toxic substances or materials to establish causation.
• Economic Experts: These professionals calculate the financial impact of the injury, including lost wages, diminished earning capacity and future financial needs.

Expert witness statements play a vital role in guaranteeing that complex aspects of your case are presented clearly to the judge and jury, increasing the likelihood that your attorney can create a favorable outcome for your legal matters.

Challenges Expert Witnesses May Present

While expert witnesses play a crucial role in personal injury cases, they can present challenges that need to be addressed. One common concern is bias and credibility. If an expert has a history of working for one side, people may question their objectivity. Expert witnesses might also be expensive, so it’s crucial to weigh the value of adding each expert witness’s testimony.

Ensuring that the expert’s opinions are based on solid evidence and a sound approach is critical to overcoming these challenges and strengthening your case. At Rhoads & Rhoads, your Ohio county personal injury attorney will work closely with trusted experts to ensure your case is supported by credible and persuasive testimony so you can get the compensation you deserve.

What is Reckless Behavior in a Personal Injury Case?

Reckless behavior is when an individual acts with a conscious disregard for the safety of others. This type of behavior is often a key element in personal injury cases, especially those involving serious damage or fatalities.

In Kentucky, recklessness is treated more severely than simple negligence and can lead to higher damages. For example, if a driver runs a stop sign and causes an accident, the driver may be found to have acted recklessly if they were aware of the risk of their actions.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse is an unfortunate, but all-too-common, issue that affects vulnerable individuals. Family members should be aware of the signs of abuse, including physical injuries, emotional changes and signs of neglect. Common signs someone has suffered injuries include:

• Emotional distress: Sudden changes in behavior, depression or withdrawal
• Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns and fractures
• Medication misuse: Over medication or under medication of residents

If you suspect abuse or neglect, it is crucial to act quickly and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Rhoads & Rhoads. The attorneys at our law firm offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide clear communication about the best course of action.

We understand that legal fees can be a concern, which is why we work on a contingency basis, meaning our clients don’t pay unless we win their case. Contact an attorney at Rhoads & Rhoads today to ensure your loved ones are protected.

Emergency Services in Ohio County

Quick access to emergency services is essential. Below are some critical contacts for emergency services:

• Sheriff’s Office | 301 S Main Street, Hartford, KY 42347 | 270-298-4444
• Kentucky Fire-EMS | 108 North Main St, Hartford, KY 42347 | 270-298-4415
• Healthcare| 1211 Old Main St, Hartford, KY 42347 | 270-298-7411
• Clerk’s Office | 301 S Main St #201, Hartford, KY 42347 | 270-298-4423

Living in Ohio County

Ohio County is a unique county with a great deal of community pride and many towns that have maintained a strong identity with celebrations and community events throughout the year. Ohio county is a beautiful, historic region of Kentucky known for its agricultural roots and strong sense of heritage and pride. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1798, the county is home to small-town charm and scenic views. Today, it is a vibrant place to live, offering a peaceful lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of Owensboro and other surrounding cities.

Rhoads & Rhoads and Ohio County

Jerry P. Rhoads began his legal career in 1974, representing the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and its members in personal injury, workers’ compensation, black lung and social security disability cases. His passion for advocating for workers and their families led to the formation of the personal injury law firm Rhoads & Rhoads in 1976 when his brother, Tom Rhoads, joined the practice as an attorney.

Over the years, the law firm has expanded its reach, opening a second office in Owensboro in 1996 to better serve clients across Ohio and Daviess Counties. Today, Rhoads & Rhoads is home to seven experienced personal injury and disability attorneys, along with a dedicated support team, all committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for injured and disabled clients in the region.

The Rhoads family has deep historical ties to the area. Their ancestor, Captain Henry Rhoads, fought in the Revolutionary War under General Peter Muhlenberg before settling in Barnett Station, now known as Hartford, in the late 1700s. The Rhoads family has been practicing law in Western Kentucky and Ohio county since 1939.

These longstanding connections with the community have instilled in Rhoads & Rhoads a deep sense of pride in practicing law in Ohio county. The law firm’s roots in the area are not just about history—they are about continuing a legacy of dedicated service to those in need of legal assistance.

Jerry P. Rhoads also had the honor of serving as State Senator for Kentucky’s 6th District from 2003 to 2014, which encompasses Ohio, Muhlenberg and Hopkins Counties. This position allowed him to forge even deeper connections with the people, strengthening his commitment to serving the community. Rhoads and Rhoads has handled personal injury and wrongful death cases in Ohio county for decades and has a strong reputation for results in the Ohio county court system.

The combination of his distinguished public service and the firm’s proven track record in helping injured and disabled clients has established a strong client base. At Rhoads & Rhoads law firm, you’re more than just one of our clients—you’re treated like family.

Contact an Ohio County Personal Injury Attorney at Rhoads & Rhoads Today

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s time to take action and get legal representation so you can get the compensation you deserve. Our law firm knows your legal rights and can navigate complex litigation to bring you a fair settlement.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact Rhoads & Rhoads today to schedule a free consultation with one of our expert personal injury attorneys. Let our Ohio county personal injury attorney team work for you by calling our law firm at 888-709-9329 or visit our office in Owensboro to discuss your case.

Video Transcript

Over the past 45 years, Rhoads & Rhoads has had the wonderful opportunity to represent people all over Ohio County. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, we represented a whole lot of coal miners in Ohio County because mining was such a large industry. The mining is still strong in Ohio County. We still represent coal miners in Ohio county.

But over the last number of years, the last 20 years, our representation has expanded in Ohio County. We’ve represented so many people that have been involved in automobile accidents, workplace injuries. We’ve handled a great deal of Social Security Disability claims for people that live in Ohio county that can no longer work for different types of reasons.

I actually have a farm down in Ohio County in the Pleasant Ridge area, in the Bells Run area, and we spend quite a bit of time down there. I’ve got so many close friends in Ohio county, I almost considered it home. But going down to Beaver Dam, Hartford, Fordsville, just all over the county, it’s just really a pleasure to be able to represent so many people in such a special county to us.