This is a list of our firm's case results in Virginia (VA) and beyond. We can't guarantee you'll receive the same results, but we can guarantee we'll work tirelessly on your behalf and try to obtain the jury verdict or settlement you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

Wrongful Death-Car Struck By Tractor Trailer

State Court, Virginia 2006

Staff: James C.Lewis, Attorney Denell Falzon, Paralegal Karen Lorda, Legal Assistant Donald Case, 

What happened:
LW was a passenger in an automobile, and with his coworker he was on the way to work.  Approaching the vehicle from behind was a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer operator attempted to change lanes but miscalculated the distance between his truck and the rear of the car, and when he clipped to the rear of the car, it caused the car to flip over, which nearly instantly kill LW. LW was survived by his wife of 38 years and his four adult children. The tragic wreck occurred on a rural highway in Virginia.

Key legal strategy:
We analyzed the possible places for a lawsuit that would need to be filed quickly in order to preserve evidence relating to the causes of the tractor-trailer wreck, and located a favorable venue where one of the defendant's subsidiary companies did business. A second key legal strategy was to locate a grief counselor. Although the adult children and surviving spouse did not feel that they had a need for any counseling, a grief counselor was able to interview the surviving family members and put it into a report as well as testimony the tremendous losses that the family suffered. The grief counselor was tremendously effective, and so much so that the defended tried to have the grief counselor excluded from the trial, which never was ruled upon. About a month before trial the parties agreed to have the case mediated by a retired judge. While case did not settle on the day of mediation, the mediator continued the settlement discussions and was able to successfully resolve the case several weeks later. Result: the case was settled in favor of L. W.'s estate for $2.4 million.
 

Awarded: $2,400,000.00

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling wrongful death cases. We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if your family member or loved one was killed as a result of someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Form since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Shapiro and Lewis have also been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers are chosen for this professional honor. In addition, ours was the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms.

Our VA personal injury 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.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential case consultations, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.