Karen L. Keith, Health Care Attorney in Louisville, Kentucky
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Health Care, Insurance, and Personal Injury · 4.5/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
MemberatStoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
Louisville, KY
Practicing health care in Louisville since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Karen L. Keith?
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Quick answer
Karen L. Keith is a member based in Louisville, KY. The practice focuses on Health Care, Insurance, and Personal Injury. Karen has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Louisville, KY
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Health Care · Insurance · Personal Injury
- Handles Health Care, Insurance, and Personal Injury matters from Louisville, KY.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Karen L. Keith: Karen L. Keith is a member based in Louisville, KY. The practice focuses on Health Care, Insurance, and Personal Injury. Karen has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Karen L. Keith
Karen concentrates on health care, insurance, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Health Care
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Insurance
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Personal Injury
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Health Care cases in Louisville, Kentucky
Karen takes health care matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Louisville, Kentucky
Karen takes insurance matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Louisville, Kentucky
Karen takes personal injury matters in Louisville, Kentucky. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Karen L. Keith — Over 33 years of Kentucky health care experience
Karen L. Keith is a member based in Louisville, KY. The practice focuses on Health Care, Insurance, and Personal Injury. Karen has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Karen joined the Louisville office of Stoll Keenon Ogden as a Member in 2022. She is a part of the firm’s Health Care and Torts, Trials, and Insurance practice groups, with a primary focus on medical malpractice and professional liability insurance defense. Her representation has included physicians, hospitals, nurses, rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities throughout Kentucky and Indiana. Frequently asked to provide legal and risk education for her clients, Karen has given continuing education programs on risk reduction strategies and medical malpractice litigation to physicians, nurses, and healthcare facilities. She has served as a speaker and panelist for several healthcare professional organizations. Karen has served as a guest speaker for graduate nursing students, physicians in training, and law students on issues of litigation and risk management.
A native Louisvillian, Karen did her undergraduate work at the University of Kentucky before returning home to earn her J.D. from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. During law school, Karen served on the Journal of Law and Education and was the Dean of Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity. After completing her legal education, Karen became a partner at two Louisville litigation firms before forming McMasters Keith Butler, Inc. in 2009 with Beth McMasters and Ashley Butler. On January 1, 2022, the attorneys and staff of McMasters Keith Butler joined Stoll Keenon Ogden.
Karen has served as a Barrister in the Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court and was a member of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2007. She has been recognized by her peers as a SuperLawyer and was elected to membership in the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. Karen is an active participant in several professional organizations specific to her work in defense of professional liability claims and is a member of Defense Research Institute, Kentucky Defense Counsel, the Kentucky Society for Healthcare Risk Management, and the Kentucky Academy of Hospital Attorneys.
Philanthropic endeavors are a passion for Karen and she has served several organizations over the years in a leadership capacity. She has served multiple terms on the Board of the Kentucky Opera and the Children’s Hospital Foundation. She completed a term as Board Chair of the Medical News Board of Trustees. Karen currently serves as Vice President of the Board of the LEE Initiative, a nonprofit organization that aims to increase equality and diversity in the restaurant industry. During the pandemic, the LEE Initiative expanded to provide a nationwide restaurant workers relief program, support for small farms, grants to Black-owned food businesses through a partnership with Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice, relief to areas affected by disasters like the December 2021 tornados in Western Kentucky, and more.
Health Care: Karen works closely with health care providers, hospitals, and other health care entities in defense of claims involving medical malpractice, professional liability, and general insurance, and also provides education on risk management and medical malpractice litigation.
Torts, Trials, and Insurance: Building on decades of experience in litigation, Karen defends healthcare providers who are facing malpractice and wrongful death claims.
Recognition
• Best Lawyers®, Litigation - Health Care, 2023
• Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2020-2022
Work Highlights
Medical Malpractice; Wrongful Death; Loss of Consortium- Jury Trial
Lead Trial Counsel for Hospitalist and nurse facing malpractice suit. 40 year old patient died after hyperglycemic event. Patient’s family and experts alleged that death was caused by lack of appropriate monitoring and treatment. Hospitalist was dismissed by directed verdict. Nurse won defense verdict after 7-day jury trial.
Related Practices: Healthcare
Medical Malpractice; Wrongful Death; Loss of Consortium- Jury Trial
Lead Trial Counsel for hospital in wrongful death suit brought by estate of kidney transplant patient. After three weeks of trial, the jury returned a defense verdict for the hospital.
Related Practices: Healthcare
Medical Malpractice; Wrongful Death; Loss of Consortium- Jury Trial
Lead Trial Counsel for hospital in wrongful death suit brought by estate of cancer patient alleging nursing malpractice in the post anesthesia care unit after surgery. Unanimous jury verdict was returned after a two-week jury trial.
Related Practices: Healthcare
Medical Malpractice; Loss of Consortium- Jury Trial
Trial Co-Counsel for hospital in nursing malpractice suit alleging that patient was rendered paraplegic while recovering from surgery in the Intensive Care Unit. Unanimous defense verdict obtained after two-week jury trial.
Related Practices: Healthcare
Medical Malpractice- Jury Trial
Lead Trial Counsel for hospital Emergency Department facing medical malpractice suit filed by parents of child who suffered amputation of finger. Unanimous defense verdict obtained for hospital after two-week jury trial.
Related Practices: Healthcare
News
118 SKO Attorneys Named to “2023 U.S. News Best Lawyers® in America”, Aug. 18, 2022
SKO Attorneys Selected to 2022 Kentucky Super Lawyers, Jan. 6, 2022
Attorneys of McMasters Keith Butler Inc. Join SKO, Jan. 5, 2022
Seminars
Medical Malpractice Litigation and Introduction to Kentucky Court System, Spalding University
Obstetrical Negligence Norton Hospital, Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Jewish Hospital Shelbyville, Baptist Health
Richmond, and Baptist Health Corbin
Documentation in the Medical Record, Jewish Hospital, Jewish Hospital Shelbyville, Norton Hospital, Norton Children’s
Hospital, Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Carroll County Hospital, Baptist Health Corbin,
Baptist Health Richmond, and Kentucky Society for Healthcare Risk Management
Perioperative Nursing Liability, Jewish Hospital, Association of Operating Room Nurses, and Baptist Health Louisville
Policy and Procedure Writing, Jewish Hospital, Jewish Hospital Shelbyville, Norton Hospital, Norton Children’s Hospital,
Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and Norton Audubon Hospital
Handling Patient Complaints, Jewish Hospital
Deposition and Trial Testimony, Jewish Hospital and Norton Hospital
Mold Litigation, Kentucky Claims Association
Mediations, Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court
Physician Handwriting, Norton Hospital, Norton Southwest, Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Women’s and Children’s
Hospital, and Baptist Health Corbin
Medication Errors, Norton Healthcare
Module 1: Healthcare Risk and Insurance Management, Kentucky Society for Healthcare Risk Management
Incident and Occurrence Reporting, Norton Hospital, Norton Children’s Hospital, Jewish Hospital, and Jewish Hospital
Shelbyville
Risk Management in Perianesthesia Areas, Kentucky Society of Perianesthesia Nurses
Update … Confidentiality of Medical Records, Lorman Business Center, Inc.
Litigation for Physicians, Massac Memorial Hospital
Expert Witness Testimony in Litigation, Department of Plastic Surgery Residents and Faculty, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Mediation Preparation, Kentucky Justice Association
Physician Risk Management, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and American Association of Plastic Surgeons
Affiliations
• Kentucky Bar Association
• Indiana Bar Association
• Louisville Bar Association
• Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees- 2007-2022
• Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court, Barrister, 2000-2002
• Leadership Kentucky, Class of 2007
• Focus Louisville Graduate
• Defense Research Institute, Member
• Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Member
• Kentucky Society for Healthcare Risk Management, Member
• Kentucky Defense Counsel, Member
• Kentucky Academy of Hospital Attorneys, Member
• Kentucky Opera Board of Trustees, 2008-2015
• Louisville Bar Foundation Board of Directors
• Frazier Rehabilitation Institute Advisory Board
• Kentucky Medical News, Board of Trustees, 2007-2011
• Kentucky Citizens’ Foster Care Review Board
• In League Counsel, Junior League of Louisville
• Younger Women’s Club of Louisville
• Delta Delta Delta alumnus
• Delta Theta Phi alumnus
How Karen handles health care matters
Karen joined the Louisville office of Stoll Keenon Ogden as a Member in 2022. She is a part of the firm’s Health Care and Torts, Trials, and Insurance practice groups, with a primary focus on medical malpractice and professional liability insurance defense. Her representation has included physicians, hospitals, nurses, rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities throughout Kentucky…
The kind of cases Karen takes
Karen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for health care, insurance, and personal injury matters in Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky area.
Credentials
Karen L. Keith's legal education and bar admissions
University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law
J.D. · 1993
University of Kentucky
B.A. Political · 1990
Jurisdictions
Karen's state bar admissions
Indiana U.S. Distric
1994 · ACTIVE
Kentucky
1993 · ACTIVE
Karen studied at J.D. in University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and B.A. Political in University of Kentucky.
Law school and academic background
Karen completed J.D. in University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and B.A. Political in University of Kentucky. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Karen runs in Kentucky is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Karen L. Keith
Karen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Karen's professional memberships and bar associations
Kentucky Bar Association Indiana Bar Association Louisville Bar Association Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees- 2007-2022 Louis D
membership
Locations
Karen L. Keith's office in Louisville
Karen's primary office is at 2000 PNC Plaza, 500 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY, 40202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
2000 PNC Plaza, 500 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Karen L. Keith — 4.5/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Karen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing health care attorneys in Louisville.
4.5
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Karen L. Keith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Karen L. Keith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new health care attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Karen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Karen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Karen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a health care attorney in Louisville, Kentucky
A short list to run through before you commit: How many health care matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Karen
Karen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in health care practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every health care matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Karen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Karen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many health care practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Karen L. Keith
How much does it cost to hire Karen for a health care case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Karen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Karen offer a free consultation?
Karen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office. Some health care attorneys offer free consults — check Karen's current terms during booking.
How long do health care cases in Kentucky typically take?
Simple health care matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Karen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Karen take my case if I'm outside Louisville?
Karen is licensed in Kentucky. Matters governed by Kentucky law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Karen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Karen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Karen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Karen accepting new health care clients right now?
Karen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Health Care attorneys serving Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort in Kentucky
Karen handles health care matters throughout Kentucky. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified health care attorneys in that community.
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