For more than a decade, Michael Erena has dedicated his practice exclusively to litigation, with a strong emphasis on civil trial work. He has represented corporations, small businesses, and individuals in various tort actions and commercial disputes in both state and federal courts throughout Kentucky. Additionally, he has extensive experience defending hospitals, healthcare facilities, and medical providers in cases involving complex medical issues and multiple litigants.

Michael is widely regarded for his strategic thinking, meticulous preparation, and steadfast advocacy. He approaches each case with a high degree of professionalism, practical insight, and an acute attention to detail. A firm believer in the importance of creativity and ingenuity for effective problem-solving, he acknowledges that each case presents unique challenges. One of his notable strengths lies in his capacity to distill complex legal and technical issues into clear and persuasive narratives. His extensive experience in litigation enables him to provide honest guidance and help clients evaluate all their options. If litigation is the best or only solution, Michael is prepared to guide clients through each step with clarity and confidence.

Outside of the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their daughter, Maggie, as well as supporting UK and Notre Dame sports.

Capabilities, Successes, and Assignments

• Advises and represents clients through all stages of civil litigation.
• Develops strategies for risk assessment and risk mitigation for actual or threatened commercial disputes.

Notable Successes:

• Wiley v. Sam’s East, Inc., 632 F. App’x 263 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 137 Ct. 171, 196 L. Ed. 2nd 123 (2016)

• McMillin v. Sanchez, 686 S.W. 3d 145 (Ky. 2024)

• Represented physician client in an alleged medical malpractice and wrongful death action in Daviess Circuit Court in which over $10,000,000 in damages were sought against client. Secured unanimous verdict in favor of the client following a jury trial.

• Represented physician practice client in an alleged medical malpractice and wrongful death action in Franklin Circuit Court in which over $5,000,000 in damages were sought against client. Secured unanimous verdict in favor of the client following a jury trial.

• Succeeded on appeal to the Supreme Court of Kentucky in upholding trial court’s grant of summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against a physician client in Jefferson Circuit action involving the Supreme Court of Kentucky’s first interpretation of KRS 411.167.

• Succeeded on appeal to the Kentucky Court of Appeals in upholding trial court’s grant of summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against medical student client in Pike Circuit Court action involving alleged injury from endotracheal anesthesia.

• Succeeded on appeal to the 6^th Circuit Court of Appeals in upholding trial court’s grant of summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against landowner client in premises liability action.

• Obtained summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against registered nurse client in Fayette Circuit Court action involving post-operative hemorrhage leading to stroke.

• Obtained summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against physician client in Laurel Circuit Court action involving diagnosis of genetic disorder in pediatric patient.

• Obtained summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against physician client in Pike Circuit Court involving cardiac pacemaker placement.

• Obtained summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against physician client in Hardin Circuit Court action involving intracranial hemorrhage in pediatric patient.

• Obtained summary judgment and dismissal of all claims against skilled nursing facility client in Fayette Circuit action involving alleged violations of KRS 216.515.

• Obtained six-figure settlement for client following business dispute over loan default.

Primary Practice

Additional Practice Experience