About Whitfield Crosby & Flynn
Our attorneys represent people whose lives have been changed by serious injuries, and families who have lost someone to a preventable tragedy. We prepare every case as if a jury will decide it, because that preparation is what moves insurance companies and corporate defendants to take our clients seriously.
Together, our attorneys bring more than 90 years of combined experience and have been part of settlements and verdicts totaling more than $1 billion. We have taken on coal companies, trucking companies, municipalities and major drug manufacturers, and we bring that same determination to every client, whether the case involves a crash on a rural highway or a complex claim against a national corporation.
Who We Are
Whitfield Crosby & Flynn serves injury victims across Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, Southeast Tennessee and Central Indiana. The firm handles truck accidents, car and motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, workplace and coal mining injuries, product liability and wrongful death claims. Founding attorney John Whitfield, a National Board of Trial Advocacy certified Trial Specialist with more than 40 years in practice, leads the firm’s trial team. Our attorneys are members of the American Association for Justice, the Kentucky Justice Association and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, and every personal injury case we take is handled on a contingency fee basis, so clients pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for them.
Why We Are Trial Lawyers First
Many personal injury firms build their practice around quick settlements. Insurance companies know which firms those are, and they make their offers accordingly. We built our firm differently. From the first week of a case, we gather the evidence a jury will need to see, bring in the experts who can explain what happened and what it will cost, and shape the case around the story of the person we represent.
That approach takes more work, and it is the reason we exist. As John Whitfield puts it, “Our firm is and always will be dedicated to helping those that cannot help themselves.” When the other side sees that we are ready for the courtroom, settlement conversations change. When they don’t, we are ready to try the case.
Meet Our Attorneys
John Whitfield, Esq.
Known as “The Shark,” John Whitfield leads the trial team at Whitfield Crosby & Flynn from our Madisonville office. With more than 40 years of legal practice, he has built a reputation as one of Kentucky’s premier trial attorneys and has represented individuals throughout Western Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley. John is licensed in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri and admitted to practice in Illinois. Certified as a Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, he has obtained more than 30 settlements and verdicts over one million dollars, standing up for people harmed by negligent workplace practices, reckless physicians, predatory businesses and careless drivers. Read more about John’s background and trial experience.
Sarah Bearden, Esq.
Sarah Bearden is an experienced litigator who works from our Madisonville office and focuses her practice on civil litigation, personal injury and criminal defense. As a former public defender, Sarah spent years fighting for clients who had no one else in their corner, and she now brings that same commitment to people harmed by the negligence of others. She earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky and her law degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where she founded the school’s Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter. Learn more about Sarah.
Tim Crosby, Esq.
Tim Crosby is a trial attorney first and foremost. Working from our Chattanooga office, he focuses on personal injury and wrongful death cases, with particular strength in trial work, research and writing. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Tim moved to Appalachia to serve impoverished communities in southwest West Virginia before earning his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law. During law school, he gained experience in the federal court clerk system and clerked for personal injury firms, including a summer in Savannah, Georgia. Get to know Tim and his practice.
Chuck Flynn, Esq.
Chuck Flynn works from our Indianapolis office and is known for going above and beyond to secure the best possible outcome for every client. He is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been recognized as an Attorney for Justice by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and his law degree from Notre Dame Law School, and he has practiced across the Midwest with bar admissions in Indiana and Tennessee. His practice also extends to federal courts, including the Court of Federal Claims. Read more about Chuck.
Andrew Flynn, Esq.
Andrew “Andy” Flynn works from our Marion, Illinois office and combines strong courtroom advocacy with a practical, client-centered approach. His practice has focused on domestic relations, including divorce, family law and adoption, along with business matters and general civil litigation. Andy has handled cases at every level of the Illinois state court system, including successfully arguing before the Illinois Supreme Court. Learn more about Andy.
Results That Reflect Our Preparation
Our attorneys have recovered significant compensation for injured people, families and communities, including:
- $165 million settlement in a worldwide class action over defective heart valves made by a major drug company
- $30 million settlement in a class action for hundreds of homeowners whose homes were built with defectively manufactured concrete
- $5.78 million jury verdict for a law enforcement officer in a negligence case against a municipality
- $4.8 million settlement for the families of five coal miners killed in a mine explosion
- $3 million settlement for a motorcycle rider in a claim against a trucking company
- $1.2 million settlement for the death of a miner caused by the faulty design of a shuttle car
You can review more of our settlements and verdicts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.
Four Offices Serving Four Regions
Our firm is rooted in the communities we serve. Our Marion, Illinois office represents injury victims throughout Southern Illinois, from Carbondale and Herrin to Benton, West Frankfort and the Route 13 corridor. Our Madisonville office serves Hopkins County and Western Kentucky, where the firm’s roots run deepest. Our Chattanooga office represents clients across Hamilton County and Southeast Tennessee, and our Indianapolis office handles serious injury and malpractice cases throughout Central Indiana.
Because people in our region regularly cross state lines for work, shopping and medical care, many injuries happen in a different state from where the victim lives. Practicing in Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana allows us to evaluate where a claim stands the strongest and handle it under the right state’s laws.
What Clients Can Expect
A serious injury brings medical bills, lost income and a long list of questions. Our clients get a direct line to their attorney, honest answers about their options, and regular updates as the case moves forward. We take the time to understand how an injury has affected your work, your family and your future, because that understanding is what allows us to pursue the full value of your claim.
We handle the investigation, the insurance companies and the court deadlines so you can focus on recovery. Hear from the people we have represented in our client testimonials.
Recognition and Memberships
Our attorneys and firm have been recognized by peers and professional organizations, including:
- National Board of Trial Advocacy, Certified Trial Specialist (John Whitfield)
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Chuck Flynn)
- Attorney for Justice, Tennessee Supreme Court (Chuck Flynn)
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
- American Association for Justice
- Kentucky Justice Association
- Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Firm
Where are Whitfield Crosby & Flynn’s offices located?
We have four offices: 2101 West Main St in Marion, Illinois; 19 North Main St in Madisonville, Kentucky; 1257 Market St in Chattanooga, Tennessee; and 930 E 66th St in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What types of cases does the firm handle?
Our primary focus is serious personal injury and wrongful death, including truck accidents, car and motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, workplace and coal mining injuries, and product liability claims. Our Madisonville office also handles criminal defense matters.
How much experience do your attorneys have?
Our attorneys bring more than 90 years of combined experience. Founding attorney John Whitfield has practiced for more than 40 years and has obtained more than 30 settlements and verdicts over one million dollars.
Do your attorneys actually go to trial?
Yes. We prepare every case for trial from the beginning. Many cases still settle, often for more because of that preparation, but when an insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are ready to present the case to a jury.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a personal injury case?
Nothing upfront. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Can I work with your firm if I was injured outside of these four cities?
Yes. Our offices serve entire regions, not just the cities where they are located. Our attorneys practice in Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana, and we regularly represent clients from smaller towns and rural communities throughout those regions.
Talk With Our Team
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured, we are ready to listen. Call our Marion, IL office at (618) 352-1200, our Madisonville, KY office at (270) 821-0656, our Chattanooga, TN office at (615) 921-6500, or our Indianapolis, IN office at (317) 991-1839, or reach out online for a free consultation.
Whitfield Crosby & Flynn – The Trial Lawyers You Want in Your Corner.