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.

Boating fatalities and alcohol

Boating in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC) waters is serious fun. Boating collisions often occur because boat operators are not paying sufficient attention in keeping a good look out for other boats. Like automobile accidents, boating wrecks typically occur because of operator error. There are

By Richard Shapiro

/ 19 Jun 2007

What Is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death claim is made by a family whose loved one has been killed by the negligence or intentional act of another person or company. It is very similar to a personal injury claim, but instead of the harm being a bodily injury, the harm is death. The main difference between a personal injury

By Richard Shapiro

/ 15 Jun 2007

Accidental Falls-A Major Risk in Nursing Homes

According to a published report in the Washington Times on November 17, 2006, the leading cause of injury deaths for people over 65 is a fall. In 2003, over 13,000 seniors died from falling according to a study by the United States Centers for Disease Control. Older men are more likely than older wo

By Richard Shapiro

/ 14 Jun 2007

Virginians can't sue bar over drunk driver

There is a law in Virginia (VA) called the Dram Shop Law that provides immunity to bar owners and other commercial establishments who serve alcohol to a patron who ends up harming someone on the road as a drunk driver. The same immunity protects individuals who throw parties in their homes even when

By Richard Shapiro

/ 13 Jun 2007

Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA) is one region regarding injury law

For some folks in Tidewater, Virginia (VA) it is a matter of pride that they are from Portsmouth, Virginia (VA) v. Newport News, Virginia (VA), v. Smithfield, Virginia (VA). When it comes to car wreck cases though, it makes no difference whether your injury lawyer works in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, o

By Richard Shapiro

/ 11 Jun 2007

Norfolk Southern Railroad sued over rail rates

An anti-trust lawsuit has been filed against Norfolk Southern Railway Company alleging that the Norfolk, Virginia (VA) based railroad and 4 major rail carriers conspired to price gouge. The Federal Government’s Surface Transportation Board regulates the rates that major railroads charge to their cus

By Richard Shapiro

/ 6 Jun 2007

Seven motorists died in 2 crashes in western Virginia

According to recent published reports from the Associated Press, a Georgia family had 4 people killed when their car went off Interstate 81 near Salem, Virginia (VA), and overturned. According to the Virginia State Police, the wreck occurred in the early morning hours. These 4 highway fatalities hap

By Richard Shapiro

/ 5 Jun 2007

Loss of arm or leg injuries in railroad work

Railroad workers face the real threat of having the loss of a limb occur as a result of unsafe job conditions on the railroad. I know this because I am a law partner in an injury firm whose practice is focused on injuries to railroad workers who get hurt on the job. There are over 150,000 people eac

By Richard Shapiro

/ 2 Jun 2007

Trucker's logs are key evidence in tractor trailer wrecks.

Your attorney needs to get all of the trucker’s logs, if you are hurt in a crash where the big rig drivers was at fault. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets forth strict rules about keeping log books that apply to trucks and trucking compa

By Richard Shapiro

/ 1 Jun 2007

Summer means increased risks of pool injuries.

At this time of year in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) and across Hampton Roads, in Newport News, Williamsburg, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake, Virginia (VA) people are getting their pools ready for the summer months. Pool safety is key.At this time of year in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Vir

By Richard Shapiro

/ 30 May 2007

How prepared is your injury lawyer?

As a Virginia (VA) attorney handling injury cases like automobile accidents for about 18 years, I have come to recognize preparation as the key to success in handling serious injury cases in Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA) or in any court. The best attorneys prepare their cases better than the insuranc

By Richard Shapiro

/ 29 May 2007

Misdiagnosis medical malpractice or missed diagnosis by a doctor

One of the main kinds of medical malpractice cases are for injuries or wrongful death that occurs as a result of a doctor making a mistake in diagnosis of the patient. Our law firm handles medical malpractice lawsuits in Virginia (VA), North Carolina (NC), and elsewhere. So, I bought a new book call

By Richard Shapiro

/ 26 May 2007