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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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Informational Resource for Virginia Injury Victims Including Videos and In-Depth Legal Articles

On the page below you can find links to documents, reports, publications and discussions provided.

Also, visit our Lawyer Video Library By Topic

The documents below are available to the public so that they can gain a better understanding of the legal challenges facing them, and why an experienced attorney is so important for success.

Library Categories:

Railroad Injury/FELA:

Railroad Locomotive Engine Explosions: Breathing and Chemical Injuries Involving Railroads
Description: If you have inhaled chemicals, smoke or fumes due to an explosion, collision or crash involving a railroad locomotive, and suffer from a disease or breathing disorder because of it, check out this article. Permanent injuries, breathing disorders or diseases resulting from explosions, derailments or crashes and the chemicals, fumes and smoke accompanying them, are often violations of the Locomotive Inspection Act, and as such may be remedied by evidence from your medical doctor and a good, experienced attorney versed in railroad regulations and railroad law.
Repetitive Trauma Claims Under FELA
Description: If you’ve been diagnosed with a repetitive stress injury after years of working for a railroad company, you should consult with a lawyer to determine if you qualify for compensation under FELA. To learn more, check out this article.
Railroad Worker Mesothelioma/Cancers: Learn Where the Toxic Asbestos Was and When the Rail Companies Knew It Was a Problem
Description: It's been known for decades that exposure to asbestos helped cause mesothelioma cancer and other terrible illnesses. Railroad workers who spent their lives working for Norfolk Southern, CSX, C&O, Conrail, etc. are now suffering because they were exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. If you're one of these rail employees and are currently struggling with mesothelioma or some other type of cancer, please call our firm so you can speak to a real attorney for free. Our number is 1-800-752-0042.
CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Other Rail Companies Looking at “Greener” Engines, but Appear to Neglect Health of Rail Workers.
Description: NS, CSX, and other rail companies need to keep their focus on employee safety when upgrading and advancing their locomotive technology.
Here are some results from our railroad injury and FELA cases. After you've reviewed them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
Description: This page features results of cases our law firm has handled.
Work-related tasks can lead to repetitive stress and cumulative trauma injuries. If you've suffered either of these injuries, please consider giving our law firm a call for a free case analysis at 1-800-752-0042.
Description: If you're looking for information about repetitive stress and cumulative trauma injuries, then this is a good article to peruse. For example, 65 percent of cumulative trauma injuries affect the back.
Charlie Cunningham, former Norfolk railroad engineer and firm legal investigator, 1930-2009
Description: Charlie Cunningham was a great employee and an incredible human being. He will be missed.
Welders on railroads have contracted permanent lung diseases, cancers or permanent neurological and memory disorders due to long term inhalation of the harmful particulates in welding fumes.
Description: Welders on railroads have contracted permanent lung diseases, cancers or permanent neurological and memory disorders due to long term inhalation of the harmful particulates in welding fumes.
These types of cases require careful investigation and it requires our law firm to engage some of the top experts in the fields involved in order to determine whether a particular cancer or disease was caused by the harmful toxic welding fume exposure in question.
CHessie (became part of CSX) Railroad medical doctor in 1970's writes colleagues suggesting asbestos be removed from engines and other railroad products, and discuss mesothelioma cancer to worker
Description: CHessie (became part of CSX) Railroad medical doctor in 1970's writes colleagues suggesting asbestos be removed from engines and other railroad products, and discuss mesothelioma cancer to worker employed by railroad.
Railroad/FELA Injury Lawyers Use Safety Regulations Against Railroads, Including radio/dispatching regulations-This helps prove responsibility on railoads
Description: In railroad injury cases representing workers, our FELA/railroad injury lawyers expend much effort investigating, along with our investigators, whether a railroad complied with pertinent federal or state safety statutes and regulations, that may apply to any circumstances of the client injury. Why? Violations mean the railroad cannot offer the worker’s contributory fault (think rule violations) nor must any “careless” or “negligent” conduct by the railroad be proven.
RAILROAD INJURIES/CROSSING ACCIDENT INJURIES-the applicable law explained by Virginia/Carolina personal injury lawyers
Description: Our Virginia/Carolina based personal injury law firm has a long history of representing personal injury victims in railroad accidents, including derailments, FELA injuries, and accidents that occur at railroad crossings between trains and cars or trucks. Deaths or personal injuries occurring at public or private railroad crossings involve a lot of different overlapping federal, state and local laws and statutes, and some of the unique facets of these cases are discussed.
Two D.C. Metro Trains Collide During Rush Hour, Deaths and Injuries Occurred
Description: According to CNN, two Metro trains collided during rush hour Monday killing four and injuring dozens. Mayor Adrian Fenty said “It is the deadliest crash in the history of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Make Sure to Save Key Evidence in the Event of an Insurance Claim for Injury Arising Out of a Passenger Train Accident on Amtrak or Commuter Railroads Like D.C.’s Metrorail
Description: Our law firm regularly takes on Amtrak and other passenger railroads with regard to claims where people got hurt because of negligence by the people running the trains. If you or a family member is ever hurt or worse, killed, on an Amtrak or Metro train, it is critical that you keep all important information and documents to show what happened.
Virginia railroad injury lawyers--A short history of railroad injury law in Virginia
Description: Virginia has rich history in railroading and it is historically an area where there are also many railroad injury lawyers. Norfolk & Western Railway Company, now Norfolk Southern, has been based in Norfolk, Virginia for many years and our law office is a mere 20 minutes away.
Railroad Workers (Engineer/Conductors/Switchman) Developing Variety of Cancers From Exposure to Radioactive Cargo on Railroad-Review of the Facts
Description: Exposure to radioactive/radiation for railroad workers contracting cancers. Memos proving radioactive/radiation exposures to railroad workers handling freight from nuclear facilities have been obtained from the Department of Energy and state officials, confirming exposures of railroad workers to uranium and plutonium while handling rail freight and industries receiving such cargo or scrap
Radiation Exposure and Cancers-1 [PDF]
Description: Memos and documents relating to radioactive substances and railroad worker exposures to same
Radiation Exposure to Railroad workers and Cancers-2 [PDF]
Description: Memos proving radioactive/radiation exposures to railroad workers handling freight from nuclear facilities
Railroad workers and radiation/radioactive exposures causing cancers [PDF]
Description: Memos proving radioactive/radiation exposures to railroad workers handling freight from nuclear facilities
Railroad workers exposures to radioactive cargo causing cancers [PDF]
Description: Memos proving radioactive/radiation exposures to railroad workers handling freight from nuclear facilities
Railroad Injury Attorneys in VA/WV/NC-Use of Brief on Radio Dispatch Regulation Violations In FELA Case [PDF]
Description: In railroad injury cases representing workers, our FELA/railroad injury lawyers expend much effort investigating, along with our investigators, whether a railroad complied with pertinent federal or state safety statutes and regulations, that may apply to any circumstances of the client injury. Why? Violations mean the railroad cannot offer the worker’s contributory fault (think rule violations) nor must any “careless” or “negligent” conduct by the railroad be proven.
Locomotive Inspection Act Regulation Violations Involving Diesel Fumes or Toxic Exhaust Fumes, Including Asbestos Insulation
Description: Cases determining that a railroad violates Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA) regulations by equipping the locomotive engines with asbestos are not covered in this brief, which covers regulations violated by toxic fumes/diesel fumes getting in railroad engine cabs, however if you have any questions about a railroad personal injury, disease, or wrongful death claim, including a claim caused by a toxic or dangerous fume or substance, contact our firm for a free confidential consultation.
New Railroad Tactic Seeks to Reduce Railroad Worker Injury Verdicts, Claiming a Railroad Retirement Board Payment Set off
Description: New Railroad Tactic Seeks to Reduce Railroad Worker Injury Verdicts, Claiming a Railroad Retirement Board Payment Set off, but nearly all courts have refused giving the railroad employers and "credit" or "setoff" for employer side contributions to the RRB system, which provides sickness and unemployment benefits to rail workers temporarily out of work.
New Railroad Tactic Seeks to Reduce Railroad Worker Injury Verdicts, Brief filed by FELA attorneys for workers
Description: Virginia railroad injury attorneys discuss how railroads try to claim setoffs or credits for
RRB benefits or railroad retirement benefits they paid as a setoff of FELA verdicts for RRB benefits it pays. FELA attorneys for workers discuss the law and attach a brief on the issue.
In railroad worker injury/death cases the Safety Appliance Act regulations are critical-proof of violations makes the case easier to prove.
Description: Safety appliance act regulations, if violated by a railroad, make a worker case easier to prove and win,, because a worker's lawyer does not have to prove the railroad knew of the defect or unsafe condition at any time before the injury occurs. Violation of such a safety regulation imposes strict or absolute liability on a railroad if proven, leaving the issue of full and fair damages to a judge or jury.
Impact of Safety Appliance Act Regulations on Railroad Worker Injury Cases under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)
Description: Impact of Safety Appliance Act Regulations on Railroad Worker Injury Cases under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)-What You Need to Know Can and Will Help Your Case!
CSX Conductor Falls on Ballast – F.E.L.A. Claim
Description: One recent case that I am working on is the F.E.L.A. claim for a CSX conductor who was hurt in Pennsylvania (PA) while walking alongside the train. The loose ballast rock gave way causing my client to fall down an embankment.
Top Ten Maintenance of Way Injuries for 2008
Description: Our law firm, which focuses its practice exclusively on helping injured people, handles lots of F.E.L.A. cases for Maintenance of Way Engineering Department workers on CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) throughout the eastern United States.
CXS Railroad Outsources Track Maintenance and Safety of Crossings
Description: Cost cutting measures on railroads like CSX Transportation, a major east coast freight railroad, can lead to safety problems which may result in more injuries and deaths to motorists crossing the railroad tracks at highway grade crossings throughout Virginia (VA) and elsewhere.
Train Accident Prevention Tips For Drivers And Pedestrians
Description: A surprising number of pedestrians and drivers die each year in train accidents. In many of these cases, lives could have been saved if the victims had been aware of a few simple train safety precautions. Familiarize yourself with these safety tips and share them with your family.
Two Canadian-Pacific Trains Collide in SE Minnesota
Description: According to an article in the Minneapolis StarTribune, two freight trains collided near the Interstate 90 exit, north of Lock and Dam No. 7 in Dresbach, Minnesota (MN). Approximately 40 cars were involved, spilling liquid nitrogen, and sending one locomotive into the Mississippi River.
Norfolk Southern Train accident in South Norfolk, Virginia, kills pedestrian.
Description: Norfolk Southern Train accident in South Norfolk, Virginia, kills pedestrian.
Remote Control Train Operations Pose Hazard to Railroad Workers' Jobs and Health
Description: The technology has only been in wide use since approximately 2001, but has already had a major affect on the railroad work environment, particularly in the yards like rocky Mount, North Carolina (NC) and Richmond, Virginia (VA). In the past, these shoving movements were done by certified engineers who could operate the smaller locomotives in the yard to push or pull the cuts of cars around. This job used to be called the hostler job or yard engineer. My understanding is that in the near future the major freight carriers will try to have remote control used on the road as well, meaning outside of yards. The companies’ goal is to reduce crew sizes which are already down to two workers per huge train to only one worker. This would mean that the freight train barreling through your neighborhood at a highway road crossing would be going down the tracks without even two human beings to ensure safety. Welcome to the brave new world of modern corporate railroading where cost savings come first.
CSX Train Rushes Through Portsmouth, Virginia (VA) Railroad Crossing
Description: The law in Virginia (VA) says that the driver of a car, crossing the railroad tracks is only supposed to look and listen for any trains. When the city and the railroad agree to a rule that the engineer does not have to blow the train whistle on the locomotive when coming through city crossings, it means that the driver probably cannot hear the train.
FELA ENFORCEMENT LEADS TO SAFER WORKPLACE
Description: As trial attorneys representing injured railroad employees in personal injury cases against their employers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act ("FELA"), we are familiar with situations where safety improvements have been made after railroads are exposed to financial liability imposed through jury verdicts.
Train Accident in Massachusetts Caused by Speed and Possibly Cell Phone
The Higher Duty Owed by Railroads
Description: Railroads owe a higher duty of care to their passengers than the typical tort defendant does because of their special status as a "common carrier."
What Not To Do In A Railroad Accident
Description: A list of things not to do in a railroad accident.
NEW PROTECTIONS FROM HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION FOR INJURED RAILROAD WORKERS
Description: Congress passed an amendment to the Federal Rail Safety Act in August 2007, intended to protect railroad workers who suffer on-duty injuries from harassment and intimidation when filing accident reports. The law appears at 49 U.S.C. 20109 and covers railroads “engaged in interstate or foreign commerce, a contractor or subcontractor of such a rail carrier, or an officer or employee of such a railroad carrier.”
What Every Railroad Worker Should Know About Diesel Fume Lung Disease and Lung Cancer
Description: Long Term Railroad Diesel Exhaust Fume Exposure Linked to Asthma Lung Disease and Lung Cancers, discussion of regulations, EPA actions, how diesel exhaust harms the lungs.
Practice Tips for F.E.L.A Cumulative Trauma Cases
Prevention of Railroad Lifting and Repetitive Stress Injuries Using Ergonomic Analysis
Description: Railroad injury attorneys explain how ergonomic analysis of lifting, slip, trip and fall injuries helps prevent railroad injuries.
Railroad Personal Injury Lawyer Rebuttal Provides Injured Worker Reality Check–Read Here What Norfolk Southern Does Not Want Injured Railroad Workers To Know
Description: Norfolk Southern Issues “Injured at Work” Brochure
On Railroad Injuries Loaded With Misleading “Advice”

Railroad Personal Injury Lawyer Rebuttal Provides Injured Worker Reality Check–Read Here What Norfolk Southern Does Not Want Injured Railroad Workers To Know
If you're reading this page, you're probably looking for information about cumulative trauma FELA cases. You've arrived at the right place. This article was written by a FELA attorney with over two decades of experience. After you've reviewed the info, please consider giving us a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free consultation.
Description: One of the hot areas in F.E.L.A. occupational illness claims is for worn out parts of the musculoskeletal system caused by railroad workers' exposure over time to the difficult working conditions on the railroad.
Expert Testimony In FELA Cases
Description: A recent settlement by another law firm of a Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) claim in California demonstrates the complicated nature of these railroad worker injury claims as well as the necessity for qualified expert testimony in career ending claims.
FELA lawyers challenge Norfolk Southern Safety Award
Description: Every year for the past 18 years the owners of the U.S. Railroads congratulate Norfolk Southern Corporation for injuring, maiming, and killing less of its employees than the other major freight carriers.
Railroad Injury or Diseases, Like Asbestos Disease, Can Fall Under Various Laws
Description: Railroad Injury Or Disease Claims Against Railroads Can Fall Under Various Laws (Including Claims for Cancers, Mesothelioma, Lung Diseases)
What Does the Phrase “Intimidator” Have to Do With Injuries to CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS) & Amtrak Railroad Workers?
Description: The Phrase “Intimidator” and its relationship with Injuries to CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS) & Amtrak Railroad Workers
FELA back injuries to rail workers
Description: A railroad worker with a bad back can’t do his job safely. Many of the FELA cases that I have worked on as a FELA lawyer in Portsmouth, Virginia (VA) involve this central fact.
Railroad worker intimidation and FELA injury claims
Top 10 reasons railroad workers and their families should use our injury law firm for their automobile accident cases.
Description: Although there are probably more than 10, this article lists the key reasons any railroad employee or family member who has a car wreck injury should contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton, not just any lawyer who claims to do personal injury.
Federal Work Safety Information Useful For F.E.L.A. Cases
A GENERAL REVIEW OF ASBESTOS CLAIMS AFFECTING RAILROAD WORKERS
Description: A General Review Of Railroad Worker Suits Against Railroads for asbestos lung diseases, Including Mesothelioma
Repetitive Stress Claims, How Railroad Injury Law Firm Handles These
Description: What Railroads Knew About Repetitive Stress Injuries That You Didn't
Remote Control Devices Should Come Under the Locomotive Inspection Act
Description: I was recently working on a F.E.L.A. case where a railroad worker got hurt while wearing a remote control device.
Toxic Chlorine Gas Used in Recent Attack in Iraq is the Same Substance Norfolk Southern Spilled in Graniteville, South Carolina.
Description: When doctors treated the injured after Norfolk Southern had a chemical spill after a train derailment in South Carolina, they did not have much experience seeing chlorine injuries because it does not happen that often.
How the Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) Protects Railroad Workers
Description: How the Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) Protects Railroad Workers is explained by experienced railroad injury lawyers.
This Article is for Spouses and Examines the Do's & Don'ts If a Railroad Injury or Catastrophe Cccurs.
Description: Railroad injuries can be severe and completely alter your life. If you, or a loved one, suffered an injury while working on a railroad, please consider giving our law firm a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free consultation.

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