Free Reports
Practice Areas
HSInjury Blog 
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- Hit-and-Run Accident on I-95 Leaves Franklin Man Seriously Injured
- Senator’s Wife and Daughter Suffer Serious Injuries in Chain Reaction Car Accident
- SUV Hits, Kills Woman in Wheelchair in Suffolk, Virginia (VA)
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- Announcer Hit by Monster Truck in Charlottesville
- Livestock Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries, Death
- Two Tires Fly off Tractor-Trailer Truck Striking Three Vehicles near Havelock, North Carolina
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- Medical Malpractice Victim Receives $2 Million Jury Verdict in Richmond Circuit Court
- Malpractice Reform Would Save Little Money, Harm Patients Already Injured
- Surgical Mistake Reportedly Led to Rep. Murtha’s Death
Railroad Injury/FELA
- Car Driver Trying to Beat Utah (UT) Commuter Train Kills Self, Passenger
- Norfolk Southern Required to Pay Multi-Million Dollar Penalty for Accident Releasing Toxic Chlorine Gas
- Teens' Deaths Raise Questions Over Controlling Pedestrian Access to Train Tracks
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- Drunk Driving Devastates Victims, Causes Brain Damage
- Even Slow Speed Car Accidents Can Cause Serious Injury
- Concussions: Know the Signs and Symptoms of These Common Brain Injuries
Wrongful Death
- Gloucester Man Killed by Wrong-Way Driver
- Woman in Wheelchair Killed While Crossing Constance Road in Suffolk
- Small Plane Kills South Carolina Beachgoer While Making Emergency Landing
Slips, Trips & Falls
- Texting and Walking Could Lead to Injury from a Slip, Trip, or Fall
- Norfolk Waste Water Plant Worker Falls to His Death
- Wet Wal-Mart Floor Blamed for Nebraska (NE) Woman's Fatal Brain Injury
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
- Distracted, Fatigued School Bus Driver Charged With Causing Fatal Accident in Pennsylvania
- Illegally Operating Bus Crashes, Kills 6 and Injures 16 in Arizona (AZ)
- Pilot Killed when Cessna T303 Crusader Airplane Crashed in Louisa, Virginia
Dangerous Drugs/Product Recalls
- Bayer Claims They Have "Meritorious" Defense Against Yaz/Yasmin Birth Control Lawsuits
- Man Harmed by Acne Drug Accutane Wins $25 Million Judgment
- Evidence Mounts Linking Avandia to Heart Attacks, Drug Company Tried to Hide the Facts
All Serious Injuries
- Chesapeake Police to Begin Carrying Tasers
- Loss of Life Resulted from Virginia International Terminal's Safety Violations
- Careless Asbestos Disposal Causes Expsoures to Countless UConn Students, Staff
General
Norfolk-Portsmouth Personal Injury Lawyer 
Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
Northeast NC Personal Injury Lawyer
Firm News
- Attorney Examines Fatal Truck Accident
Posted on 3/16/2010 - Attorney Discusses Hours-of-Services Regulations
Posted on 3/16/2010 - Attorney Examines Unsavory Marketing Tactics by Johnson & Johnson
Posted on 3/12/2010 - FRA and NTSB Cite Fatigue as Contributing to Railroad Accidents
Posted on 3/11/2010 - Attorney Discusses Legal Tactics Railroad Companies May Take in Court
Posted on 3/9/2010
Library
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- What to Do if You Hit a Deer
- No Text is Worth Dying For
- Don't play the insurance company's games of delay, defend and deny. Review this article, check out our videos and free consumer reports, then give our firm a call so you can talk to an experienced injury lawyer for a free consultation.
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- This page provides information about the complexity of trucking insurance and how it differs from regular car insurance. After you've had a chance to review this page, please take a look at our other articles, blogs, videos, and consumer guides on trucking topics.
- Here are some results from our truck accident cases. After you've taken a look, please give us a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
- Car and Truck Accidents/Personal Injury Law in West Virginia (WV)
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- Surgical Instruments Left Inside Patients Can Cause Serious Injuries
- 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.
- Medical Mistake in Rehabilitation Center Causes Death in Elderly Woman
Railroad Injury/FELA
- Railroad Worker Mesothelioma/Cancers: Learn Where the Toxic Asbestos Was and When the Rail Companies Knew It Was a Problem
- CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Other Rail Companies Looking at “Greener” Engines, but Appear to Neglect Health of Rail Workers.
- 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.
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury Information Courtesy of CareMeridian
- Here are some of our results for traumatic brain injury and closed head injury cases. After you review them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Damage, Brain Injury or Closed Head Injuries
Wrongful Death
- Alcohol and prescription medication can seriously impair a driver's cognitive ability potentially leading a serious car accident. To learn more, please continue reading...
- Internet and Social Networks Add New Tools for Attorneys to Strengthen Client’s Case in Court
- We've represented family members who lost a loved one in an accident. Below are some of the case results. After you review them, give me a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
Slips, Trips & Falls
- Here are some results for our slip, trip, and fall cases. After you review them, give our firm a call at 1-800-752-0042 for a free case analysis.
- Richmond, Virginia (VA) Native Has Serious Injury to Knee After a Fall on Algae Covered Sidewalk
- Chronic Pain Caused by Fall in Atrium with Leak in Skylights
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
- Some regional airlines have used car parts in their airplanes. These infractions are a major issue and completely unacceptable. To learn more, please continue reading...
- Virginia (VA) enters the modern era regarding boating licenses
- Boating accidents and injuries in Hampton Roads, Virginia (VA)
Dangerous Drugs/Product Recalls
- Dangerous Birth Control Medication and Their Terrible Side Effects
- Paxil is a Dangerous Drug and You Need to Know the Risks
- Avandia is a Dangerous Drug and You Need to Know the Side Effects
All Serious Injuries
- Researching whether an injury lawyer violated Virginia State Bar rules is important. You need an ethical and respected attorney. That's why you should call our office right away. Our firm enjoys a Martindale Hubbell rating of AV which means we have a reputation for the highest ethical standards and have over 100 years of combined legal experience.
- Suffered scarring or disfigurement from an accident? You've come to the right place. Our attorneys are here to help you. Check out our FREE consumer reports and view our video library.
- Many States Adopting Voluntary Mediation in Injury Cases
The Client Experience
- This client, Debbie, was told by another lawyer that she did not have a case. We were happy to prove that lawyer wrong and our legal team successfully obtained a settlement for Debbie.
- This client received a quick response from our legal team and felt fully informed throughout the litigation process.
- Our firm will look out for your best interests all the way through the litigation process. This client's experience attests to that commitment.
Testimony Excerpts from Personal Injury Cases
- Actual excerpts of testimony from personal injury cases in Virginia/Carolina and elsehwere are presented (Group 1)
- Testimony Excerpts-Orthopedic doctor/surgeon
- Testimony Excerpts-Materials Engineer-Norfolk Southern
Co-Counsel
Firm Newsletters
- Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis, and Appleton - Personal Injury Attorney's Spring 2010 Newsletter
- Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis, and Appleton - Personal Injury Attorney's Spring 2009 Newsletter
- Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis, and Appleton Personal Injury Attorney's Summer 2009 Newsletter
All We Do is Injury Law
- Lawyers support diversity and equality...
- Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton Video
- One of our Attorneys Recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly
FREE Reports
- The Free Best Car Accident Guide To Injuries In Virginia
- TOP TEN TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED VIRGINIA/CAROLINA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYERS
- The Free Railroad Worker's Do's & Don'ts When Injured at a Railroad Booklet
Virginia Supreme Court Decisions
- Rascher v. Friend is a personal injury case where a minivan hit a bike rider. The Virginia Supreme Court reversed a decision by the Prince William circuit court which had ruled in favor of the defendant. The Supreme Court asserted the plaintiff (i.e. injured victim) was not contributory negligent in the accident.
- Roberts v. CSX Transportation is a personal injury case and the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the a new trial is necessary since the original jury trial involved a potential juror who had financial investments with CSX Transportation and the plaintiff's attorney had to use a peremptory challenge to remove the juror. Under Virginia law, the circuit court should have removed the juror before this action was necessary by the attorney.
- Williams v. Le is a wrongful death case and the Virginia Supreme Court decided a new trial was necessary since the Fairfax County circuit court made a mistake by instructing the jury to follow "superseding intervening causation" which basically asserted that the defendant (Dr. Le) was not at fault, even in the slightest degree. The Supreme Court disagreed asserting that defendant's actions need to be examined in a new trial to determine liability.
Directories
- This is a directory of neurosurgeons in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). We are not endorsing any of the neurosurgeons in this directory. In addition, this is not a comprehensive list. If a neurosurgeon would like to be added, please contact our firm at 1-800-752-0042.
- This is a directory of neurosurgeons in Norfolk, Virginia (VA). We are not endorsing any of the neurosurgeons in this directory. In addition, this is not a comprehensive list. If a neurosurgeon would like to be added, please contact our firm at 1-800-752-0042.
- This is a directory of neurosurgeons in Chesapeake, Virginia (VA). We are not endorsing any of the neurosurgeons in this directory. In addition, this is not a comprehensive list. If a neurosurgeon would like to be added, please contact our firm at 1-800-752-0042.
Exhibits - How We Present Medical Evidence
How to Handle a Car Accident with an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver
A car accident is never good, but having to deal with someone who doesn't have car insurance or little insurance can make the situation even worse. So many questions may pass through your mind including...
Will my repair bills and any medical bills be covered?
Will my insurance rates go up if the other driver doesn't have adequate insurance?
I was the victim of a hit-and-run. What should I do?
How much insurance coverage do I need to protect myself from these types of accidents?
This special report provides answers to all of these questions and much more. For example, you'll find out who the most common uninsured drivers are, how much an uninsured driver claim costs, what to do if you're hit by a company-owned vehicle, etc.
The content in this report was written by lawyers with over 100 years of combined legal experience. This is mandatory reading if you own, or plan to own, a vehicle. If you have additional questions, fill out our quick contact form or give us a call at 1-800-752-0042.
Will my repair bills and any medical bills be covered?
Will my insurance rates go up if the other driver doesn't have adequate insurance?
I was the victim of a hit-and-run. What should I do?
How much insurance coverage do I need to protect myself from these types of accidents?
This special report provides answers to all of these questions and much more. For example, you'll find out who the most common uninsured drivers are, how much an uninsured driver claim costs, what to do if you're hit by a company-owned vehicle, etc.
The content in this report was written by lawyers with over 100 years of combined legal experience. This is mandatory reading if you own, or plan to own, a vehicle. If you have additional questions, fill out our quick contact form or give us a call at 1-800-752-0042.
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.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition, named Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (2009 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 provide FREE injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. 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 and a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers Blog.
Download Report
We Welcome
Lawyer Referrals
click here
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.
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Passengers Recover $1,512,000.00
- Rear Ender-Neck/Cervical Fusion Surgery, Lost Income and Earnings
- Pedestrians Struck by Automobile Recover $540,000.00
- Car Accident-minivan-knee surgery
- Crosswalk Accident With Broken Leg Settles For $227,000.00
Awarded: $1,512,000.00
Awarded: $545,000.00
Awarded: $227,000
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- MACK truck-trailer-wreck/leg fractures
- Truck-Train crossing collision-back injuries
- Automobile Accident Causing Coma and Paralysis
- Collision Between Two Big Rigs Creates Fireball
- Virginia Automobile Accident
Awarded: Counsel settled with the motorist's insurer, and then with two additional underinsurance carriers for a total settlement of $600,000 which constituted all available insurance.
Awarded: Case settled at mediation for $450,000.00, from the parked truck’s insurance, plus additional monies and concessions from the client’s workers’ compensation insurer
Awarded: The case was settled for $350,000.00 without the necessity of a trial.
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- Retained Surgical Sponge and Subsequent Complications
- Failed Back Surgery
- Failure to Diagnose/ER Doctor/vascular incident (aortic aneurysim)
- Gastric Bypass (stomach stapling) Surgery complications
- Gallbladder Surgery Error
Awarded: $425,000.00 Settlement
Awarded: The case was settled before the trial for 1.25 million dollars.
Awarded: $700,000.00
Awarded: $550,000.00 settlement during mediation.
Awarded: $425,000
Railroad Injury/FELA
- Shoulder Injury requiring surgery for Locomotive Engineer
- Locomotive Engineer with Shoulder and Knee Injuries
- Railroad Conductor gets back injury due to fall in ballast depression
- Railroad conductor/back injury-surgery/Safety Appliance act Violations
- Locomotive Engine Fire causes Rail Engineer right arm and wrist surgery
Awarded: The Jacksonville, Florida State Court jury returned a $978,000.00 verdict in favor of TA against the railroad.
Awarded: Several days before court-ordered mediation, the parties arrived at a settlement of $950,000.00.
Awarded: The case was settled for $900,000
Awarded: The case was settled at mediation for $700,000.00
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- Gas Station Worker Pinned In building-train derailment, brain injury
- Brain Injury To Railroad Engineer Caused By Exploding Valve on Engine (verdict)
Awarded: $46,000,000, with Interest 60 Million
Awarded: $365,000.00
Wrongful Death
- Wrongful Death-Car Struck By Tractor Trailer
- Car Accident-Death of Minor/Child-Wrongful Death Settlement
- Wrongful Death settlements-Asbestos/Mesothelioma Cases
Awarded: $2,400,000.00
Slips, Trips & Falls
- Fiberglass Ladder Defect-Knee Injury/surgery-Bauer brand
- Insurance Adjuster Recovers $150,000.00 for Injuries Sustained at Local Restaurant
- Skiing/Ski Lift Operator Negligence-Knee/Leg Injury
- Department Store Shelf Falls on Customer
- Trip & Fall, Foot/Leg Injuries at a Virginia Restaurant
Awarded: 150,000.00
Awarded: $120,000.00
Awarded: Confidential Settlement
All Serious Injuries
- Personal Injury/Partial Loss of Eyesight-Bar/Restaurant/Nightclub Lack of Security- $500,000.00 VA Settlement
- Pilot Suffers Electrical Shock Injury At Hotel Ending Commercial Pilot’s Career--Settlement Soon Before Federal Court Jury Trial
Awarded: $500,000
Awarded: 1.5 Million Settlement For Electrical Shock Injury to Hotel Guest/Pilot
Other
- Faulty Product - Fiberglass Stepladder Failure
- Skiing Accident
- Hotel Guest-Glass Coffee Carafe Shatters-Hand Injury
Awarded: Ultimately, the parties all submitted to mediation carried out by a retired judge. The case was resolved for $375,000.00, with part paid by both Bauer and AT&T.
Awarded: The case was tried and the jury returned a verdict for $150,000.00, plus interest and costs. No settlement offer was ever made before the verdict.
Awarded: Hand Injury Settlement/Glass Coffee Carafe Shatters-Hotel Guest
FAQs
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
- I've been hurt in a car wreck and the insurance company for the other driver has called me to give a recorded statement. Should I do it?
- Should I use my regular health insurance to pay for the medical care I need as a result of a car accident?
- Our new clients in car accident cases often asked, "Can I accept a check which has been offered to me for my car repairs or will that mess up my claim for injuries and medical bills?"
- Why shouldn't I just take a quick settlement for whatever the car insurance company for the other driver will pay me?
- What do I do if the at-fault driver's car insurance is not returning my calls or dragging its feet after a Virginia car accident with injuries?
Crashes Caused by Trucks
- A big rig went out of control on the road, caused a major accident, and I was injured. Can I recover against the driver of the big rig?
- How much time does it take to resolve a truck accident case? Do most cases settle or go to trial?
- How much time do I have after a trucking accident to file a lawsuit?
- Are there different rules that apply to accidents involving commercial trucks?
- Is the law applying to a car and truck wreck case different from a car injury case and how?
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
- A family member died in a nursing home, and after talking with members of the staff, it sounds like they died due to nursing home neglect. Should I get a lawyer?
- I have a feeling something is wrong at my family member's nursing home. What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse or neglect?
- A family member died in a nursing home, and after talking with members of the staff, it sounds like they died due to nursing home neglect. Should I get a lawyer?
What is the Virginia (VA) statute of limitations for personal injury in a medical malpractice case?
Railroad Injury/FELA
- What does Statute 51 of the FELA actually mean?
How is the FELA different from, or similar to, workers compensation?
- I was just diagnosed with cancer or mesothelioma. No one ever told me before that it was connected to railroad work I did many years earlier. Can I still bring a railroad injury or disease claim?
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
- I was never knocked unconscious, or at least can't be sure I was ever knocked out. I don't even know if my head struck anything. Could I suffer from a brain injury/closed head injury?
- I was never diagnosed with a closed head injury or a brain injury at first-what does that do to my potential case?
Wrongful Death
- My wife died in a car accident in Virginia. Am I entitled to bring a wrongful death claim against the driver who caused the accident?
- I think I have a wrongful death claim in Virginia as my wife died from injuries in a car crash, but how does a court calculate loss of comfort, sorrow, mental anguish and solace?
- My husband died from injuries in a Virginia car accident, what damages may I claim from a wrongful death case?
- What if an individual dies from the injuries in an accident while the case in pending?
- What is a wrongful death claim?
Slips, Trips & Falls
- What happens if I injured myself at my friend's house or apartment?
- What should I avoid doing after a slip and fall accident?
- If I file a lawsuit against a landowner in response to a slip and fall accident, what are some of the things the landowner might argue against my claim?
- What are "slip and fall" or "trip and fall" injuries?
- What if my slip and fall injury was on my landlord's property, at work, or at a public mall? How does the location affect the legal process?
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
- If I'm hit and injured by a train, bus, airplane, or other common carrier vehicle what can I recover for my injuries?
- If I want to file a lawsuit for injuries I suffered from a bus, train, cruise ship or airplane accident, do I have to file a claim by a certain date or time?
Dangerous Drugs/Product Recalls
What are Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
What are the differences between Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
What are the potential side effects of Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella?
Should I speak to a Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella attorney?
How can an attorney help me if I suffered side effects from Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella?
All Serious Injuries
- Can you provide me with some deposition advice?
- What is a deposition?
Does the court hire the court reporter?
- Who can be present at my deposition?
- How can the opposing party use my deposition against me?
General
- Who pays if I incur an injury due to an auto accident or my car is damaged?
- How much am I likely to recover when in court?
- What if I do not want to go to court because I am getting nervous about testifying?
- How long will the whole process take?
- Can I afford to get into a lawsuit?