James E. Smith, R.N.
16272
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James E. Smith, R.N.

Smith-Jim-sm

Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Phone: 502-412-5020
Fax: 502-412-1004

James E. Smith, R.N.
Partner

I was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving as a Cavalry Scout with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 16th Cavalry, and the 7th Cavalry, and having earned the rank of Sergeant.

 

Following my service I began my studies at the University of Louisville, School of Nursing.  While there, among other things, I worked as a research assistant where I studied depression amongst pregnant and parent teenagers.  I presented the findings at the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society Convention.

 

During my studies, I was honored with the privilege of further serving our nation as a VALOR Student at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky where I learned from some of the best nurses in our country.  Upon graduating and becoming a registered nurse, I transitioned directly into the role of bed-side caregiver to our veterans in that same facility’s Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

 

During my work with the VA, I began my legal studies at the Brandeis School of Law where I served as Vice-Chair and then Chair of the Student Bar Foundation where we raised and distributed funds to assist in the delivery of legal services to underprivileged populations.

 

Just prior to graduation from law school, I saw a listing for a “boutique medical malpractice defense firm.”  I researched the firm and learned that two named partners had also served our country.  I knew I had found my calling and I have been at the same firm ever since.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was honored to be asked to return to bedside intensive care nursing at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit to care for our nation’s veterans once again.  I was proud to accept that offer, assisting as my busy law practice permitted,  and I remained on staff until 2024.

 

My favorite part of my law practice is being able to obtain a just and right result for healthcare providers who have been accused of wrongdoing.  I honestly feel that every aspect of my background has brought me to that mission.

Areas of Practice

    • 95% Medical Malpractice Defense
    • 5% Licensure Defense

Litigation Percentage

    • 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Bar Admissions

    • Kentucky, 2005
    • U. S District Court Western District of Kentucky, 2005
    • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky, 2005
    • U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 2008

Education

    • Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
      • J.D. – 2005
      • Honors: Inn of the Court
      • Honors: Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges
      • Honors: Past Vice Chair & Chair, Student Bar Foundation
    • University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
      • B.S.N. cum laude – 2001
      • Honors: Sigma Theta Tau Int’l Honor Society of Nursing
      • Honors: Phi Kappa Phi
      • Honors: Phi Eta Sigma
      • Honors: President’s Oustanding Graduate
      • Honors: VALOR Student, Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center
      • Major: Nursing

Representative Clients

    • ProAssurance Insurance Co.
    • The Doctor’s Company
    • Pikeville Medical Center
    • Hudson Insurance Company
    • Coverys

Honors & Awards

    • Martindale- Hubbell Rating: A/V – Top rating obtainable, 2014- Present

Professional Associations and Memberships

    • American Bar Association, Member, 2003-Present
    • Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Member, 2001- Present
    • Kentucky Bar Association, 2005- Present

Employment Positions

    • Veteran’s Health Administration, Registered Nurse, 2001-2009, 2020-Present
    • United States Army, Sergeant – Cavalry Scout, 1991-1998

Languages

    • English

Fraternities/Sororities

    • Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society

Find Out How We Can Help

If you are facing a malpractice claim, speak to a member of Gazak Brown, P.S.C., today.
We can help you determine the right approach to take in your case.