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Why Clients Choose Us

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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Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes:

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InjuryBoard Links

You're probably here because you're looking for a Virginia (VA) medical malpractice attorney or seeking information about medical malpractice, surgical errors, and/or medical negligence. Please take the time to review this page, watch our videos, and download our free consumer guides about medical malpractice issues.

Our goal is to provide you with detailed information regarding doctor mistakes, surgical errors, and medical negligence. Please take a look at our in-depth library articles on medical negligence, birth injuries, etc.,a video library focused on surgical errors, misdiagnosis, etc. a blog dedicated exclusively to medical negligence issues, and doctor/hospital malpractice case results. If you want an attorney who specializes in lawsuits against the insurance companies for health care providers who have harmed patients in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg our medical malpractice attorneys routinely take on the hospitals and doctors in Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA) when they mess up.

We are ready to come to you to help if you or a family member has been harmed by a medical mistake anywhere in Virginia including in and around the cities of Petersburg, Richmond, Roanoke, Emporia, Harrisonburg, Radford, Charlottesville, Martinsville, Danville, Franklin, Lynchburg, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Manassas, and Fairfax. We guarantee we'll work tirelessly on your behalf.

There are various forms of malpractice including...

Surgical errors/mistakes - Examples include anesthesia mistakes, improper sterilization, technical errors, nerve damage, unnecessary surgery, surgery on the wrong part of the body, foreign objects left in the body, and organ puncture.
Improper diagnosis and misdiagnosis - Examples include misread x-rays, misread test results, failure to order common diagnostic tests, and ignored or missed symptoms. Commonly missed diagnoses include heart attacks, cancer, hypertension, clogged arteries, and infections.
Negligent care - Examples include the improper use of restraints, the improper administration of medication or wrong medication, hospital abuse, or lack of sufficient staff.
Birth injury - These terrible injuries are due to hospital error and can lead to cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or brain damage. The mistake may be the obstetrician's, nurses' or other treater in the maternity ward, but the common feature of these claims is the permanent, catastrophic injury to the mother or baby.

As you can see, the complexity of medical negligence cases is extensive so victims should carefully select lawyers who have a real track record with medical negligence cases, and our law firm qualifies.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates there are approximately 98,000 medical malpractice deaths each year. Hearst Newspapers recently released a study indicating roughly 200,000 people die each year due to preventable medical mistakes. This loss of life is unacceptable and the doctors, nurses, and physicians who performed these medical errors need to be held accountable.

Virginia seems to be a state that faces more danger than others. In 2004, only 57 doctors faced disciplinary action from the Virginia Medical Board for medical errors. In a 2003 Virginian-Pilot article, reporter Liz Szabo illustrated how these low standards and lack of enforcement by the Board have led to doctors still being allowed to practice even after showing repeated signs of incompetence. In fact, lawsuits against bad doctors are probably the best method in Virginia for exposing deficient physicians and hospital care that is inadequate.

How should you locate the best, top injury lawyer for your case?

Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:

Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details.

Geographical Areas:

Our personal injury lawyers handle personal injury cases throughout the eastern USA, and work closely with lawyers in other states on signficant injury cases.

As to Virginia (VA), this includes: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Richmond (entire area), Petersburg, Roanoke/Salem, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, all areas of the Eastern Shore, including Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island, Ashland, Big Stone Gap and any other city/ounty.

As to West Virginia (WV) personal injury claims: Bluefield, Beckley, Bridgeport, Charles Town, Charleston, Fairmont, Huntington, Lewisburg, Madison, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Moundsville, Parkersburg, Ripley, Sutton, Weirton, Wheeling, and any other town or county.

Injury Lawyers licensed in VA, WV, NC, SC, KY, FL & Wash., DC.

Blog for Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes

Library for Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes:

Dennis Quaid's Medical Malpractice/Dangerous Drug-Device Testimony To US Congress
Description: The famous actor Dennis Quaid went before Congress to share his story about the horror of almost losing his children after a preventable medical error. His testimony was powerful and proof positive as to why "damage caps" make no sense in reducing medical errors.
Common Excuses Used by Doctors for a Cut/Perforated Colon
Description: If a doctor cuts/perforates your colon, or other organ, do not be surprised if they offer a wide array of excuses to avoid liability. Do not take this excuse as the final word on the issue. Consult with a medical malpractice lawyer and seek the opinion of another doctor. To learn more, read this article.
Suffolk Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help Ease the Burden
Description: Approximately 1.5 million get seriously injured from prescription medication errors every year in the United States and close to 200,000 people die due to preventable medical mistakes. Some of these victims may be from Suffolk, Virginia (VA). If you suffered a serious injury from a surgical mistake or prescription error, consult with a Suffolk medical malpractice lawyer. We can help sort through what exactly happened and guide you through the complicated malpractice claims process.
When to Call a Portsmouth Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Description: Far too many Portsmouth, Virginia (VA) patients suffer serious injuries from preventable medical mistakes and prescription drug errors. Over 1.5 million people are hurt due to prescription fowl ups and close to 200,000 die from doctor mistakes. If you suffered a serious injury from a medical error or surgical mistake, consult with a Portsmouth medical malpractice lawyer. We can help sort through what exactly happened and guide you through the complicated malpractice claims process.
Hampton Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Description: Millions of people are adversely affected by preventable medical mistakes and surgical errors. This includes residents of Hampton, Virginia (VA). If you suffered a serious injury that you suspect was caused by medical malpractice, consult with a Hampton medical malpractice lawyer. We can help answer your questions and guide you through the complicated medical negligence legal process.
Why You Need a Newport News Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Description: Nearly 200,000 die every year from preventable medical mistakes and over 1 million suffer serious injuries from medication errors. Some of these people may be residents or natives of Newport News, Virginia (VA). If you suffered a serious injury from a medical error or surgical mistake, consult with a Newport News medical malpractice lawyer. We can help ease some of the burden that inevitably comes with a medical negligence injury.
Chesapeake Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Description: Approximately 1.5 million get seriously injured from prescription medication errors every year in the United States. Some of these victims may be from Chesapeake, Virginia (VA). If you suffered a serious injury from a surgical mistake or prescription error, consult with a Chesapeake medical malpractice lawyer. We can help sort through what exactly happened and guide you through the complicated malpractice claims process.
The Right Time to Call a Norfolk Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Description: Nearly 200,000 die every year from preventable medical mistakes. Some of these people may be residents or natives of Norfolk, Virginia (VA). If you suffered a serious injury from a medical error or surgical mistake, consult with a Norfolk medical malpractice lawyer. We can help sort through what exactly happened and guide you through the complicated malpractice claims process.
When to Call a Virginia Beach Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Description: Nearly 200,000 die every year from preventable medical mistakes. Some of these people may be from Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). If you suffered a serious injury from a medical error or surgical mistake, consult with a Virginia Beach medical malpractice lawyer. We can help sort through what exactly happened and guide you through the complicated malpractice claims process.
State Courts Side with Victims, Overturn Medical Malpractice “Caps”
Description: Medical malpractice caps are arbitrary figures designed to save money in our health care system. Sadly, they fail miserably in this effort and deprive victims of justice in court. Fortunately, state courts are starting to recognize the drawbacks of these caps and are striking them down. Check out the article to learn more.
Medical Mistakes Can Lead to Tragic Loss of Life, Pt. 2
Description: Nearly 100,000 people die every year due to preventable medical mistakes. This is an unacceptable number and something needs to be done to change it. This article puts a spotlight on the human effects of medical malpractice and why reform is necessary.
Medical Mistakes Can Lead to Tragic Loss of Life, Pt. 1
Description: Medical mistakes have real consequences. Lives are lost or serious injuries can permanently effect someone. That's the focus of this article - the human side of medical malpractice.
Surgical Instruments Left Inside Patients Can Cause Serious Injuries
Description: Roughly 1,500 people are the victims of a careless medical mistake - having a surgical instrument/tool left inside them. This type of surgical error can cause injuries and may require multiple corrective surgeries. If you've been the victim of this type of medical malpractice, please contact our firm for a no-pressure consultation. Our number is 1-800-752-0042.
Here are some results from our medical malpractice and medical negligence cases. After you've reviewed them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042.
Description: This page features results of cases our law firm has handled.
Medical Mistake in Rehabilitation Center Causes Death in Elderly Woman
Description: In February of 2008, a 97 year old resident of a Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA) rehabilitation home was accidentally injected with insulin. Upon discovering her unconscious they rushed her to Sentara Leigh Hospital where they attempted to revive the victim.
Why You Shouldn't Waive The Meningococcal Vaccine
Description: Why your college student should get the meningitis vaccine.
About Handling Virginia Beach/Norfolk, Virginia (VA) Medical Malpractice Claims
Description: As Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia (VA) medical malpractice lawyers with over one hundred combined years of legal experience, we are familiar with the local practices that govern medical malpractice claims in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and the surrounding areas of Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Virginia and beyond, as we have filed injury suits in virtually every court in the area on behalf of Virginia Beach/Norfolk medical malpractice victims. (Note: we have also represented Eastern Shore, VA and Outer Banks, North Carolina (NC) victims of medical negligence/errors.)
Members of the Military cannot file medical malpractice claims due to unfair Feres Doctrine
Description: This articles discusses the unfair, illogical Feres Doctrine which prevents active-duty members of the Military to sue the U.S. government for injuries related to military service, and even while off duty.
Misdiagnosis in the Hospital Emergency Room
Description: In our Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) law firm we get a lot of calls about medical malpractice claims that arise from a doctor’s misdiagnosis of a serious medical condition. Misdiagnosis is where the physician doesn’t realize that the patient has a particular medical problem and sends them home with the wrong diagnosis and the wrong treatment plan.
Va. Medical Malpractice remains ignored. Dangerous doctors still practicing
Description: Patients must be careful. Virginia doctors can continue to practice for years despite disciplinary action.

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Frequent Questions for Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes:

Case Results for Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes:

Retained Surgical Sponge and Subsequent Complications

Awarded: $425,000.00 Settlement

Failed Back Surgery

Awarded: The case was settled before the trial for 1.25 million dollars.

Failure to Diagnose/ER Doctor/vascular incident (aortic aneurysim)

Awarded: $700,000.00

Gastric Bypass (stomach stapling) Surgery complications

Awarded: $550,000.00 settlement during mediation.

Gallbladder Surgery Error

Awarded: $425,000

Pharmacy-Prescription Error

Awarded: $200,000

Pharmacy Error-vascular incident-Coumadin
Misdiagnosis Results in $650,000.00 Settlement

Awarded: $650,000.00

Medical Negligence-Improper Medication Injection

Awarded: Confidential Sum

Videos about Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes:

Web Resources for Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes:

The Law Firm of Gerry Oginski
Description: Gerry Oginski specializes in medical malpractice and accident law.
Medical Malpractice/hospital negligence prevention by using RFID technology on Surgical sponges/towels
Description: Company offers hospitals RFID technology on surgery sponges/towels to avoid medical malpractice claims from surgeons allowing sponge/towels to be left inside body of patient following hospital surgery. A wand quickly confirms if a sponge/towel is missing or was sewn up in the patient's body.
Medical Malpractice Avoidance/Injury Prevention with Surgery sponge Bar codes
Description: Helps avoid medical malpractice claims due to sponges/towels left inside the body of the patient, by using bar codes on surgery sponges/towels. Simple hospital/surgery methods to avoid patient sponges causing infection, sepsis or even death due to sponges left in patients after surgery.
Good Medical Malpractice information site
Description: provides information and links to medical malpractice resources
Medical Abbreviations
Description: Search by abbreviation or definition
Emedicine
Description: A library of medical literature.
Cochrane Collaboration
Description: A usefule website devoted to evidence based medicine.
American Family Physician (the official publication of the American Academy of Family Physicians)
Description: A peer reviewed journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Gray's Anatomy
Description: Features 1247 vibrant engravings, many in color, from the classic 1918 publication from Bartleby.com.
American Heart Association
Description: Learn more about the American Heart Association's efforts to reduce death caused by cardiovascular disease.

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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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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.