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.

Investigation Reveals Dangerous Inaction On The Part Of State Medical Boards

In a recent investigative article by two reporters at USA Today, it was revealed that thousands of doctors across the country are allowed to practice medicine despite having been reprimanded for negligent or even illegal conduct. The report focused on the failure by state medical…

By Jim Lewis

/ 15 Sep 2013

FDA Issues Warnings about Dangerous “All Natural” Diabetes Drugs

It seems like you can’t open up your e-mail these days or browse the internet without seeing sidebar adds promoting “all natural” cure-alls for products that promise cure almost anything including diabetes. As our population continues to age so does the number of people diagnosed…

By Randy Appleton

/ 8 Sep 2013

How to Protect Yourself from Dangerous Online Pharmacies

In this economy saving money on the cost of medications is a big deal to thousands of Americans. One way people try to save money is by purchasing their medicine through on-line pharmacies. Although there are reputable ones there are many dangerous online pharmacies as…

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 7 Sep 2013

Safely Making Left Turns from the Center Lane: How to Avoid a Virginia Auto Accident

Making a left turn can be frustrating. It seems like there is always one slow car that prevents you from making the turn and then you have to wait for a slew of cars to pass before you get another opportunity. In some places there…

By Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

/ 6 Sep 2013

Should Women Consider Yaz, Yazmin and Nuvaring Birth Control Dangerous Drugs?

When it comes to modern birth control it seems there are plenty of options. But many of these options carry dangerous risks and complications. When choosing a birth control it’s important to be informed. Here is a brief overview of some popular brands. Yaz, Yasmin,…

By Jim Lewis

/ 6 Sep 2013

First Toyota Sudden Acceleration Wrongful Death Case Heads To Trial

The first wrongful death suit against Toyota involving the 2009-2010 sudden acceleration issue has begun in California. The case concerns the death of Norika Uno who died in a 2009 crash. Attorneys suing the automaker on behalf of Uno’s family are asking for $20 million…

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 4 Sep 2013

Recent Study Says Robotic Surgery Costly Alternative With Questionable Medical Benefit

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association threw cold water on the recent trend of huge increases in the numbers of robotic surgeries performed each year. Though the number of procedures performed by robots, such as Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci…

By Jim Lewis

/ 30 Aug 2013

Lawsuit Blames Seatbelt For Injuries In San Francisco Crash

Three families in San Francisco recently filed a very unusual injury lawsuit against Boeing and Asiana Airlines. The suit, concerning the recent crash of Flight 214 at SFO International Airport, claims that passengers in the coach cabin suffered more severe injuries than their wealthier brethren…

By Jim Lewis

/ 26 Aug 2013

How To Protect Yourself From a Missed or Wrong Medical Diagnosis

Most people go to the doctor and expect a diagnosis and then help on recovering from their pain. However medical misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis has been on the rise. A missed or wrong diagnosis is not only frustrating for the patient but can put the…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 25 Aug 2013

Recent Negligence Lawsuit Highlights Importance Of Ignition Interlock Devices

A family from Seattle, Washington has filed a $45 million negligence lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit claims that the city is responsible for a recent deadly drunk driving accident that resulted in the death of two elderly pedestrians and left a young mother and…

By Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

/ 23 Aug 2013

Understaffing Cited As Major National Nursing Home Problem

A recently issued national nursing home report card found that staffing issues existed in 96 percent of all states that were cited for poor nursing home care. The report, compiled by the Families for Better Care, provides a state-by-state analysis of nursing care issues across…

By Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

/ 14 Aug 2013

Chemicals Used in Fracking May Increase Risk of Oil Disasters

The chemicals that are used in hydraulic fracking (or simply fracking) may contribute to oil explosions and disasters, according to preliminary investigations by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration. Fracking is the process by which small incisions are made into rock formations with high-pressur

By Jim Lewis

/ 14 Aug 2013