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.

John Cooper to Speak at Upcoming Personal Injury Seminar

Seminar: Preparing and Trying the Bodily Injury Case sponsored by National Business Institute When: September 25, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Where: Holiday Inn Executive

By Richard Shapiro

/ 27 Jun 2008

New Virginia Law Gives Car Insurance Limits Information

The most significant change for attorneys focusing on personal injury was a new Virginia statute that requires automobile insurance carriers to tell the attorney representing someone hurt in a car wreck what the amounts of the automobile insurance are for the at-fault driver under certain circumstan

By Richard Shapiro

/ 25 Jun 2008

Are Government Subsidies to Railroads Serving The Public Interest?

The nation freight railroads such as CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) are posting healthy profits, but should state and federal governments be paying Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads for…

By Richard Shapiro

/ 11 Apr 2008

Women Awarded $7.5 Million From Norfolk for Son Who Was Hit by City Truck

The city of Norfolk is awarding a woman $7.5 million because her son was hit by a truck which was driven by an employee of the city.The circuit judge hearing the case must approve the settlement so the case is scheduled to go to trial next week. Council approval isn’t necessary but the judge sought

By The Legal Examiner

/ 6 Feb 2008

DRIVERS ON CELL PHONES SLOW YOU DOWN

Authored by: Randall AppletonAs a personal injury lawyer with a long commute from Nags Head, NC to Virginia Beach, VA each day, I was amazed at some news about cars and cell phones in the Virginian-Pilot newspaper. Recent studies have indicated that drivers talking on cell phones are making commutes

By Richard Shapiro

/ 18 Jan 2008

Malpractice Settlements Not a Lottery for Injured Plaintiffs

Authored by: James C. LewisA recent study, “What We Know About Malpractice Settlements,” which appeared in the Iowa Law Review establishes that the likelihood of payment in a malpractice claim against a negligent physician and the amount paid to the injured patient by that negligent physician was “c

By Richard Shapiro

/ 3 Dec 2007

Nursing Homes Bow to Big Money

Authored by: John M. CooperA disturbing trend is emerging across the county regarding the quality of care and treatment that nursing home residents are receiving from nursing home operators. This trend involves the purchase, by wealthy investors, of numerous nursing homes. Upon acquiring these nursi

By Richard Shapiro

/ 4 Oct 2007

Virginia (VA) Cities May Be Responsible For Injuries

Authored by: John M. CooperAs a personal injury attorney practicing in Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA), I am all too aware of the special rules that apply to injuries caused by a city employee. Under some circumstances a city employee can be held responsible for bad driving or other negligence, but som

By Richard Shapiro

/ 18 Sep 2007

Stunt Plane Pilot Crashes and Dies Before Air Show

On Friday, September 7, a stunt plane crashed just hours before an air show. The pilot was practicing his stunts when the plane crashed; the pilot did not survive.Jan Wildbergh, the flight leader with the Skytypers Air Show Team, died following the crash at the Oceana Naval Air Station.The pilots in

By The Legal Examiner

/ 8 Sep 2007

Bunk Beds Recalled Due to Collapse Hazard

d-Scan Inc., in conjunction with the CPSC, is recalling about 500 Jubee Bunk Beds because the upper bunk may collapse on top of the lower bunk which could seriously injure or kill consumers.The recalled bunk beds do not comply with federal safety standards and have wooden side slat supports that can

By The Legal Examiner

/ 4 Sep 2007

One Woman Is Dead After A Collision With A Mack Truck

Authored by: John CooperThe driver of a Toyota Camry was confirmed dead at the scene by Norfolk, Virginia (VA) police officers Monday morning after her car collided with a Mack truck hauling dirt. The accident happened at the intersection of 27th Street and Llewellyn Avenue. Reports indicate that th

By Richard Shapiro

/ 23 Aug 2007

Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Injured People Need To Learn Simplicity

The lawyers in my law firm Hajek, Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis and Appleton exclusively handle injury and wrongful death cases and only do them on behalf of the injured people and families never the insurance companies. We are always tying to continue our legal education to make sure to do the very best j

By Richard Shapiro

/ 2 Aug 2007