Chris Hutson is a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney based in Paducah, Kentucky, with nearly four decades of experience representing employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators across the Commonwealth. He is a Member of Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC, where he also served as Managing Member from 2017 to 2025. 

Since joining the firm in 1987 after graduating from Vanderbilt University Law School, Chris has become a recognized leader in workers’ compensation defense and insurance litigation throughout Kentucky’s state and federal courts.

Practice Areas & Services:

• Workers’ Compensation Defense
• Insurance Defense Litigation
• Employer Liability Consulting
• Risk Management and Compliance
• Administrative Law Proceedings

Legal Background & Professional Experience

 Chris is widely trusted by employers, claims administrators, and insurance providers for strategic legal guidance on:

• Defending litigated workers’ compensation claims
• Navigating administrative hearings before Kentucky ALJs
• Advising on risk management and best practices
• Handling pre- and post-litigation employment issues
• Defending insured parties in state and federal court lawsuits

 He is known for delivering practical, outcome-driven legal strategies that reduce client exposure and ensure regulatory compliance.

Chris is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards.

Education & Credentials: 

• Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 1987
  – Associate Editor, Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law
• Murray State University, B.S., magna cum laude, 1984

Licenses & Professional Affiliations:

• Commonwealth of Kentucky, 1987
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
• Kentucky Bar Association
  – Chair-Elect, Workers’ Compensation Section (2025–2026)
  – Chair (2026–2027)
• Kentucky Defense Counsel – Editor
• McCracken County Bar Association – President (2007–2008)
• Kentucky Bar Foundation – Fellow
• Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Hall of Fame Committee – Member

Community Leadership:

Chris has served in key leadership roles in several nonprofit and civic organizations across Paducah and Kentucky, including:

• Chair, System Board of Directors – Baptist Health, one of KY’s largest healthcare systems
• Past Chair, Baptist Health Foundation Board (System and Paducah Boards)
• Board Member, Baptist Health Paducah
• City of Paducah Board of Ethics
• Executive Committee Member, Columbia Art House, Inc.
• Immanuel Baptist Church – Trustee, Deacon, Teacher, and Committee Chair
• United Way of Paducah-McCracken County – Past President; Campaign Co-Chair
• United Way of Western Kentucky PALS Program – Student Mentor

Personal:

Chris and his family live in Paducah, KY, where he remains deeply invested in both the legal and civic well-being of the region.