Stephen M. O'Brien, III - a Lexington, Kentucky (KY) Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Lexington Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Updated: 02/28/2026

Areas of Practice

Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Abuse
Trucking Accident
Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
Wrongful Death
Litigation & Appeals

Litigation: 90%

Attorney Information

Overview

Stephen M. O’Brien, III, grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where he attended high school at J. M. Atherton High School, graduating in 1965. He attended the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia and graduated with a B.A. in 1969. He then served two years in the U.S. Army on active duty, completing a tour in the Republic of Vietnam in 1971. He remained in the active reserves in the Army until 1975.

Mr. O’Brien attended the University of Kentucky College of Law, graduating with the degree of Juris Doctor in 1974. He began his practice of law with the firm of McDonald, Alfred & Rosell, where he was an associate from 1974 until 1976. He then joined the firm of Landrum, Patterson & Dickey (now Landrum & Shouse) where he practiced as a trial attorney. He also served as managing partner of the firm for many years. He left Landrum & Shouse in 1993 and began a solo practice in Lexington, representing only those clients who had been injured in some fashion by negligence. His practice included medical negligence, nursing home negligence and products liability.

From 2000 to 2004, he was a partner in the firm of Savage, Garmer, Elliot & O’Brien. From 2004 to 2009, he was a partner in the firm of Garmer & O’Brien. From 2009 to 2017, Mr. O’Brien was the sole partner and owner of the firm of Stephen M. O’Brien, III, PLLC. Since January, 2017, Mr. O’Brien is the senior member of the firm of O'Brien Batten Kirtley & Coomer, PLLC.

Since 1993, Mr. O’Brien’s practice has focused solely on representation of people injured by the negligent acts of others. He is a member of many trial lawyer organizations and is licensed to practice in all courts in Kentucky and is licensed to practice in Florida. He is AV rated by Martindale Hubble. From 2008-2023, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer. He also serves as an adjunct professor of litigation skills at the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

Stephen M. O'Brien, III included in a Super Lawyers® list

Honors

Selected to Super Lawyers, 2008-2023
AV rated by Martindale Hubble

Other Sources of Feedback About Stephen M. O'Brien, III

Included on the 2023 Kentucky Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2022 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2021 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2020 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2019 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2018 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2017 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2016 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2015 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2014 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2013 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2012 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2011 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2010 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2009 Kentucky Super Lawyers list
2008 Kentucky Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- University of Kentucky College of Law, Lexington, Kentucky, 1974
  J.D.
Non Legal Education
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1969
  B.A., Bachelor of Arts
- J. M. Atherton High School, 1965

Current Employment Position(s)

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Partner
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Past Positions

U.S. Army
McDonald, Alfred & Rosell, Associate, 1974 - 1976
Landrum, Patterson & Dickey (now Landrum & Shouse), Trial Attorney
Savage, Garmer, Elliot & O’Brien, Partner, 2000 - 2004
Garmer & O’Brien, Partner, 2004 - 2009
Stephen M. O’Brien, III, PLLC, Sole Partner and Owner, 2009 - 2017

Classes and Seminars

Adjunct Professor, University of Kentucky College of Law

Bar Admissions

Kentucky, 1974
Florida, 1976
U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1985
U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1985
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky, 1975
U.S. District Court Western District of Kentucky, 1981

Other Affiliations

Kentucky Academy of Trial Attorneys (Member)
Fayette County Bar (Member)
Kentucky Bar Association (Member)
American Bar Association (Member)
American Association for Justice (Member)

Fraternities and Sororities

Phi Delta Phi

Contact

Lexington, KY

501 Darby Creek Rd
Unit 54
Lexington, KY 40509

Directions

Phone: 859-554-4727

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.obrieninjurylaw.com

Hours: Monday - Friday ; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Free Consultations
Virtual Appointments

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Stephen M. O'Brien, III - Lexington, KY