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You went above and beyond the call of duty for an attorney.
I like to deal with people who are honest and who keep their word. You are that kind of straight shooter.
I would recommend Mr. Shapiro and his staff to other persons who have a personal injury and need help with their situation as I did.
I asked a friend of mine...what attorney would he use [to handle a mesothelioma case] and he immediately said Rick Shapiro. He called Rick on his cell phone and explained our situation and handed me the phone. That connection to the law firm of Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis and Appleton began a relationship of trust and a sense of confidence that we had not experienced before. It was apparent to us that we had the right team fighting for our father.
She returned my calls promptly and everyone at the office was courteous and helpful.
I was really happy with the work that John Cooper did on my auto accident case. We went to mediation and got the case resolved for a good amount which will let me do things to help my financial future like buying a house.

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Virginia Attorney for Injured Child Has Flexible Settlement Option

The rules in Virginia (VA) courts related to personal injury cases is often less favorable for the family with an injured love one than other states like North Carolina (NC). However, as an attorney who regularly practices personal injury law in both VA and NC, I have come to realize that VA courts are actually more flexible for helping the parents of a child hurt in an automobile accident than in some other states. Once a settlement has been reached in a car wreck case with injuries to a child, both VA and NC courts require an infant settlement. An infant settlement is a procedure wherein the court must approve any personal injury settlement resolving an insurance claim or a lawsuit involving a child. The court normally will not second guess an agreement reached on behalf of the child by the parents, the family’s personal injury lawyer and the insurance company. However, the court wants to make sure that any permanent injuries to the child have been taken into account and that the settlement seems to be fair.

The tricky part is what the court does when child has been injured as far as the personal injury proceeds or money that the family has received because of the motor vehicle collision which hurt their son or daughter. In NC, there is essentially only one option which is placing the money with the court to earn minimal interest until the child turns 18. At that point, the child (now an “adult”) can go collect the money without any guidance from the parents, the court or the personal injury lawyer as the child is then an adult in the eyes of the law. The one other option for infant settlement in NC is a structured settlement, if it is a serious injury and a structured settlement has been arranged by the personal injury lawyer on behalf of the family of the child who was hurt with the insurance company for the defendant before resolution of the case.

The VA Circuit Court has much more flexibility to make sure that the child receives the benefit of the money, but without the harsh limitation that it can only be left with the court until the child reaches 18. Because the VA state legislature passed laws allowing alternatives, the court under certain circumstances may give the money to the parents to use for the health, welfare, and benefit of the child even before they turn 18. Sometimes the court requires a surety bond and accountings and sometimes not. However, this greater flexibility with the court is to the advantage of families who have suffered a personal injury to one of their children from automobile accident. In this regard the mere happenstance as to whether the car or truck wreck took place in VA versus NC makes a lot of difference in terms of the ease and flexibility of getting the court approval for a distribution of the settlement funds in a way that the family is happy with.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses exclusively on injury and accident law. We have a proven track record in the court room, and you can review our case results to see for yourself. Our attorneys have deep roots in Virginia and handle cases throughout the commonwealth. Our office is based in Virginia Beach, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every injury case meets our criteria, we off a free, initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call promptly.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition. Rick and James, along with fellow attorney John Cooper were named Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (2010 Ed., less than 5% of lawyers are chosen), and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical, respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

We also offer free special reports along with editing the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a public information service. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube, a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers blog, a Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors blog, and a blog dedicated to accident and safety issues on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

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Main VA Office
1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757)-460-7776
Fax: (757)-460-3428
Toll Free: 1-800-752-0042

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Hampton-Peninsula Area Office
Mill Point Center
101 Eaton Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
Phone: (757)-788-8162

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North Carolina Office
101 E. Elizabeth Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Toll Free: 1-800-752-0042

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Offices

Main VA Office
1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757)-460-7776
Fax: (757)-460-3428
Toll Free: 1-800-752-0042

Hampton-Peninsula Area Office
Mill Point Center
101 Eaton Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
Phone: (757)-788-8162

North Carolina Office
101 E. Elizabeth Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Toll Free: 1-800-752-0042

Case Results

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT EVERY CASE IS DIFFERENT, AND THE VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS MENTIONED ON THIS WEBSITE, WHILE ACCURATE, DO NOT REPRESENT WHAT WE MAY OBTAIN FOR YOU IN YOUR CASE.