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.

How Many Dangerous Medical Products Were Recalled Last Year?

The purpose of medical devices and medications is to help make people healthy. Unfortunately, the very products that are supposed to help us end up causing serious injury or illness. Sometimes, a dangerous medical product can even cause the death of the patient it was…

By Seth D. Scott

/ 2 Apr 2019

How Many Dangerous Medical Products Were Recalled Last Year?

Explaining the Legal Theory of Respondeat Superior in Virginia Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law

Respondeat superior is a centuries-old legal theory that allows an injury victim to hold an employer responsible for the harmful actions of its employee. The Latin phrase translates as “Let the master answer,” and its use is well-established in Virginia personal injury and wrongful death…

By Seth D. Scott

/ 23 Mar 2019

Asbestosis Wrongful Death Lawsuit Results in $5 Million Jury Verdict for Estate of Railroad Worker

As he lay in hospice care contemplating the potential causes of his deadly lung disease, Stephen Fowlkes recalled his extensive exposure to asbestos-containing brake shoes and pipe insultation during his 10+ year career at Norfolk Southern Lambert’s Point. Fowlkes never got the chance to investigate

By Richard Shapiro

/ 5 Mar 2019

Another Major Vehicle Recall: Dodge Ram Trucks for Faulty Brakes and Steering Failure

The massive number of vehicle recalls that have occurred over the past several years continues to climb, with the latest recall announcement issued by Fiat Chrysler for more than 850,000 Dodge Ram Trucks. The announcement from the company actually deals with two different dangerous issues…

By Eric Washburn

/ 27 Feb 2019

Another Major Vehicle Recall: Dodge Ram Trucks for Faulty Brakes and Steering Failure

How to Recognize Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

According to the National Council on Aging, “Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year. One study estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of…

By Eric Washburn

/ 25 Feb 2019

How Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works in Virginia

A quirk in Virginia law allows drivers to operate without insurance as long they pay an annual fee. This, along with the ever-present danger of hit-and-run drivers (4,521 cases in 2017), put injured crash victims at risk for bearing all the financial costs of recovering…

By Randy Appleton

/ 2 Feb 2019

How Long Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim on Behalf of My Injured Child?

This is a question that has a short and incomplete, but generally serviceable, answer. A much longer answer also exists, and it is important for parents and teenagers to understand the discuss the complexities with a knowledgeable Virginia personal injury lawyer. Basically, Virginia sets the…

By Seth D. Scott

/ 30 Jan 2019

I Reinjured my Knee in a Car Accident. Do I Still Have a Viable Personal Injury Case?

A preexisting injury or medical condition can definitely make collecting an insurance settlement from the at-fault driver difficult. The key to overcoming the insurance company’s resistance to compensating you is proving that you experienced a new injury in the crash that was caused by the…

By Eric Washburn

/ 17 Jan 2019

Steps to Take When an Insurance Adjuster Refuse to Respond to Your Claim

Your medical bills are piling up. Your car remains in the shop. Your recovery will keep you out of work for weeks even if you had transportation. You understand that receiving settlement money will take time, but you can’t even get the insurance adjuster on…

By Seth D. Scott

/ 14 Jan 2019

Steps a Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Takes to Present Medical Evidence Supporting Your Case

One key to succeeding with any personal injury insurance claim or civil lawsuit is proving that an injury occurred. Medical records establish this fact most directly and convincingly, but the records must be used wisely. The lawyer who advises and represents the injury victim must…

By Seth D. Scott

/ 20 Dec 2018

How to Establish Lost Wages for Your Personal Injury Claim

Accidents caused by someone else leave victims suffering physically and, often, financially. In addition to medical bills, many personal injury victims miss weeks or months or work due to temporary disabilities. Much of that enforced leave goes unpaid. Sometimes, accident victims lose their jobs alt

By Seth D. Scott

/ 12 Dec 2018

Understand Your Legal Rights if You Were Injured in an Auto Accident Involving a Recalled Vehicle

Auto makers and parts manufacturers announce new recalls daily. The majority of these announcements concern minor defects, but others demand immediate action. For instance, dozens of people have died and hundreds of others have suffered injuries due to poorly designed air bags produced by Takata…

By Eric Washburn

/ 29 Nov 2018