Legal

This section highlights updates on Virginia laws, important court rulings, and consumer protection issues. We also analyze how state and local legal developments impact individuals and families. From new legislation to high-profile cases, our goal is to keep readers aware of how the legal system shapes life across Virginia.

Crude Oil Tanker Train Controversy Ignites in Virginia

Virginia environmentalists are concerned that an increase in tanker trains carrying crude oil to a new shipping center in Yorktown could lead to a serious environmental disaster. The issue is the crude oil that is being shipped in from the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota.…

By Jim Lewis

/ 9 Apr 2014

Another Life Taken by a Drunk Driver

Once again, the reckless and irresponsible decision of an intoxicated individual to get behind the wheel has resulted in an innocent life lost. A 2003 Lexus carrying two people was heading west on Saxis Road when a 1999 Mustang veered into the westbound lane and…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 7 Apr 2014

Toyota Intentionally Misled Public About Sudden Acceleration Defect

Toyota Motor Corp. agreed to pay $1.2 billion in connection with consumer reports of sudden and unintended acceleration, which led to the recall of more than 10 million vehicles. Part of the $1.2 billion dollar deal includes full admission of wrongdoing, payment of the assessed fees, and…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 1 Apr 2014

Thoratec Heart Device May Pose Serious Risk of Injury

Thoratec Corp., a mini heart pump manufacturing company, released an urgent safety advisory about the use of their pocket controller after four patients died and five others were injured due to the device’s use. The notice, which included new labeling of their HeartMate II LVAS…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 21 Mar 2014

Regulators Say Jail Time Possible For Crude Oil Transporters Who Flout New Rules

The U.S. Department of Transportation finally appears ready to give some teeth to regulations that would require oil transporters to improve the safety of their shipments. Following several recent oil spills and explosive train derailments, the DOT has begun taking action to bring the industry…

By Randy Appleton

/ 16 Mar 2014

Serious Injuries Suffered in Lynchburg Wreck

One person had to be hospitalized, and another is in police custody, after a two-car wreck that occurred in Lynchburg, Virginia. Police stated that the driver of one vehicle smashed into the other car causing it to flip. She was charged with driving under the influence…

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 13 Mar 2014

Negligent Truckers Put Other Drivers at Serous Risk of Harm

What is the leading cause of truck accidents in the United States? Well, with the recent influx of arctic weather conditions, you may think it’s climate and road conditions. Although these factors play a part in trucking accidents, they are not the main cause of…

By Patrick Austin

/ 5 Mar 2014

Virginia State Police Respond to Over 1000 Crashes on Icy Roads

Virginia was hit with another round of severe winter weather which led to over 1,000 accidents on Virginia roads and highways in just a few hours. While most of the wrecks were reported to be minor, three fatalities were reported. Officials in the state government…

By Randy Appleton

/ 5 Mar 2014

Brake Defects and Under-inflated Tires – Common Causes to Serious Tractor-Trailer Wrecks

Mechanical failure remains one of the greatest contributing factors to trucking accidents in this country today. Two of the biggest contributing factors of mechancial failure are brake malfunctions and defective tires. Nevertheless, it is the duty of the truck driver, maintenance mechanics, the driv

By Richard Shapiro

/ 5 Mar 2014

Concussion Litigation Picks Up Against National Hockey League

As the ongoing concussion litigation battle between the NFL and thousands of its former players continues to experience upheaval, another professional sports league is finding itself in an increasingly similar predicament. The New York Times revealed earlier last week that four former NHL players ha

By Jim Lewis

/ 26 Feb 2014

NFL Brain Injury Settlement May Be in Jeopardy

A much anticipated 765 million dollar concussion settlement between the NFL and retired players was denied by federal judge Anita Brody, citing skepticism about the setlement amount and its ability to pay for victims’ injuries over their projected lifetime. “It is difficult to see how…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 20 Feb 2014

AT&T Sued For Retaliating Against Injured Workers

We’ve previously discussed how some employers, especially those in the railroad industry, have been known to take action against employees who were either injured on the job or who have come forward with worries about workplace safety. We’d like to believe these cases are isolated…

By Randy Appleton

/ 19 Feb 2014