What Our Clients Say

Videos

HSInjury Blog

Library

InjuryBoard Links

Video Library

On the page below you can find links to videos provided by Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton, P.C..

Contact us for a consultation today.

• About Us
• Auto Accidents
• Railroad Accidents, Occupational injuries/diseases
• Wrongful Death Claims
• Surgical Errors, Medical Malpractice
• General Personal Injury Claims We Handle
• Prior Clients Describe Our Legal Services
• General

About Us

• Play Law Firm Profile Streaming Video
• Randall E. Appleton
• John Cooper
• James Lewis
• Richard N. Shapiro

Auto Accidents

• Double or Triple Recovery   
  Description: An explanation of how you can make a double or triple recovery in your personal injury claim.
• Rights of a person injured in a car accident   
  Description: The car or truck accident typically involves two different insurance claims. The personal injury claim, which is what I would work on for someone, and the property damage claim, which is getting the vehicle fixed and getting a rent a car to get around to doctor’s appointments and work before the car is repaired. I will often give people advice on how to deal with their property damage claim, even though I am not actively representing them on that part of the case. Because I deal with insurance people daily, I know how important it is to have a professional sort through these issues for the client in a vehicle crash case.

Railroad Accidents, Occupational injuries/diseases

• F.E.L.A. Claims   
  Description: Because of all of the dangers in the railroad work environment, many work place accidents will unfortunately occur. When you get hurt as a railroad worker, it is important to know your basic rights under the F.E.L.A., Federal Employers’ Liability Act, which provides special protection for railroad workers. This law went into effect over 100 years ago because of the dangers of the railroad work place, and requires the railroad to provide a safe place to work.
• What Every Railroad Claim Agent Knows, But Will Never Tell You   
  Description: Railroad claims agents are taught to convince you not to retain a lawyer, they will tell you there is no hurry and suggest that you should deal with them first because they will treat you fairly. Sounds good in theory, but consider this?.
• FELA cumulative trauma   
  Description: One of the newer areas of railroad injury claims has to do with cumulative trauma injuries. These kinds of on-duty railroad injuries are where the worker through repetitive exposure to vibration or excessive lifting or other hazards of the job end up having problems with their body, typically musculoskeletal problems like back, neck, shoulder or knee problems. Typically, these problems require surgery and often can end a career early.
• FELA Statute of Limitations   
  Description: FELA has a three year statute of limitations which means an injury case must be settled or filed in a proper court prior to the three year anniversary of the injury. When dealing with a traumatic case, this is a relatively easy date to establish, i.e. three years from the date of the injury.
• Information About Asbestos and Mesothelioma   
  Description: Many of our clients have suffered with mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer of the lung lining caused almost exclusively by asbestos. Just how much asbestos can lodge in the lung and cause cancer or disease? Look at this small vial-even a couple fibers almost invisible to the eye in this vial can cause mesothelioma, a fatal cancer and this is why asbestos was the first toxic substance regulated by OSHA.

Wrongful Death Claims

• Wrongful Death   
  Description: One of the most tragic situations that can occur in a wreck involving a car, a train or a truck is the death of a loved one. Lawyers call this wrongful death. It is when a person is killed by the fault or negligence of another person or company. A wrongful death case in Virginia is governed by a particular written law that says what the family is entitled to when they get in the unfortunate situation of having a loved one killed by an accident.

Surgical Errors, Medical Malpractice

• WHY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASES REQUIRE EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS   
  Description: If you or someone you know thinks you may have a valid claim that you were improperly injured by a physician, nurse, nursing home or hospital, the first step in evaluating that claim is to choose an attorney.
• Why Medical Malpractice Cases are so difficult   
  Description: If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of what you believe to have been a medical mistake by a doctor, a nurse, a nursing home or a hospital, then you are certainly going to want your case evaluated by a qualified attorney.

General Personal Injury Claims We Handle

• What the insurance companies don’t tell you.   
  Description: If you are unsure as to whether you should hire an attorney, I am going to give you some tips about what the insurance companies won’t tell you.

Prior Clients Describe Our Legal Services

• Car Accident   
  Description: My son was hurt in a car accident in Virginia Beach and his leg was broken.
• Car Accident Injury   
  Description: I was hurt in a car accident, my attorney was Randy Appleton...

General

• Settlement of Injury Case for a Child   
  Description: Any time a child is a party to the settlement of a personal injury action, there are typically a series of steps with the court that must be followed to complete the settlement. The reason for these additional steps is to protect the interest of the child.
• Role of a Paralegal   
  Description: Our role at the law firm is to be a point of contact because our trial lawyers are often at hearings or out of town at depositions. We are the law firm contact who is usually available if a client calls and has a pressing legal question or medical issue. If we can’t answer the question or help, we can promise the client that we will get in touch with the responsible lawyer and get back to them as soon as possible or have the lawyer call them.
• How to determine who are the best, top, personal injury lawyers   
  Description: For any potential client searching on the Internet for the best, top personal injury lawyers, there are a seemingly endless stream of possibilities about finding a lawyer. We are here to tell you what attorneys know about who is really a top injury lawyer, most of which you might not learn except from an injury lawyer.

New Videos

• Fentanyl/Duragesic   
  Description:Fentanyl/Duragesic is a very dangerous drug and thousands of lives have been lost due to accidental overdoses. To learn more, check out this video.
• Portsmouth VA Lawyer   
  Description:The injuries you sustain in a car accident can have lasting ramifications on your quality of life. For example, a serious head injury can lead to decreased mental cognition, reduced motor function, and memory loss. You may even require personal assistance on a daily basis. Let a Portsmouth car accident lawyer fight for the compensation you need to get quality medical care and cover important expenses.
• Suffolk VA Lawyer   
  Description:If you've been seriously hurt in a car wreck, a number of questions have probably rushed through your mind. How will I pay for my medical expenses? What was the name of the driver who hit me? Who will pay for the repairs to my car? A Suffolk car accident lawyer can help answer these questions.
• Newport News VA Lawyer   
  Description:Car wrecks and serious injuries are not uncommon on the roads and highways of Newport News, Virginia (VA). If you've been involved in a car accident and got hurt, speak with a Newport News car accident lawyer. Let us ease some of the burden and haggle with the insurance claims adjuster. You should focus on getting healthy.
• Hampton VA Lawyer   
  Description:Hundreds of serious car accidents take place on the roads and highways of Hampton, Virginia (VA). Some drivers suffer life-altering injuries, as do their passengers. If this has happened to you, consult with a Hampton car accident lawyer. We fight for maximum compensation so you don't have to worry about medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
• Chesapeake VA Lawyer   
  Description:Many car accidents occur on the roads and highways of Chesapeake, Virginia (VA). If you've been involved in one of these wrecks and suffered a serious injury, consult with a Chesapeake car accident lawyer. We can help with the paper work and dealing with the insurance claims adjuster.
• Virginia Beach Lawyer   
  Description:If you were involved in a car wreck on Laskin Road, Pacific Avenue, I-64, I-264 or anywhere else in Virginia Beach, you should take the time to speak to a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer. We can help get the necessary compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Norfolk Lawyer   
  Description:The traffic in Norfolk, Virginia (VA) can get crazy, especially on Hampton Blvd, I-264, I-64, and other roads and highways. If you get into a car accident and suffer a serious injury, you need a qualified Norfolk car accident lawyer to help get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Check out this video to learn more.
• Work Zone - Driver Safety   
  Description:When approaching a work zone on a road or highway, you need to be vigilant and cautious. This is not the time to check your Blackberry or turn up the car stereo. You don't want to wind up slamming into a cement pavement machine or big rig. To learn more, check out this video.
• Missed Exit   
  Description:This is a situation many drivers find themselves in - missing their exit. It is very important not to freak out or slam on the brakes if you miss the exit. This could cause a rear end car wreck and serious injuries. The best thing to do is calmy proceed to the next exit, correct yourself, and then get back to the proper exit.
• Lost and Confused Drivers   
  Description:Many drivers can find themselves lost or confused on the road. They may be in a new city or just on a road they are not familiar with. But this does not give a driver the license to stop in the middle of an intersection or break traffic laws to make an illegal U-turn. The best strategy is to pull over and figure out where to go.
• Distracted Driving   
  Description:Distracted driving car accidents have quickly become an epidemic on roads and highways across the U.S. Many states are starting to impose restrictions on texting while driving and talking on your cell phone while driving, two of the most common forms of distracted driving. The best rule of thumb to stay safe is simply keep your cell phone in your pocket or purse and wait to text or talk to your friend when you get to your destination.
• Right Turns on Red   
  Description:Numerous drivers encounter this situation on a regular basis. They need to make a right turn at a red light, but are not 100% who they should yield to and when. Here are the facts: you need to yield to on-coming traffic and need to yield to someone who is making a U-turn from the opposite lane. Furthermore, once you make your turn, you cannot immediately move into the farthest lane. You need to get into the closest lane and then gradually change lanes in order to help prevent a car accident.
• Improper Lane Change   
  Description:You've probably encountered a driver suddenly veering into your lane unannounced without using their blinker. This is called an improper lane change and it routinely leads to a car accident. The best way to avoid these types of accidents (and being held liable) is to always use your blinker when making a lane change and being aware of your blind spot.
• Rear End Car Wrecks   
  Description:Driving too closely is considered "aggressive driving" in Virginia (VA). This is when a driver is following too closely, you apply the brakes, and they hit the rear end of your car or truck. If you were involved in one of these accidents and suffered a serious injury, please contact our law firm for a free consultation. A good way to avoid being the at-fault driver in this situation is to apply the "3 second rule" which basically means you have enough space to allow three seconds of time to brake before reaching the vehicle in front of you.
• Searching for an Attorney   
  Description:Every attorney has a different opinion on whether someone has a case. A good piece of advice is to always get a second opinion. There are many reasons why an attorney might feel that you don't have a case.  Sometimes the liability or fault is not favorable to you which makes recovery difficult or impossible. An honest lawyer will tell you that it would be better for you to handle a claim yourself if the injury is not permanent and you would spend more money on a lawyer than if you handled the claim yourself. When it comes to brain injury that is a severe impairment which does require a seasoned attorney. You should always get a second opinion on anything in life, medical advice, buying a car, and legal advice is no different. 
  
  
  
• Medical Record Privacy   
  Description:Once we get involved in litigation, meaning we actually file a lawsuit, the other side can collect a great amount of information related to your medical history.  Of course this feels like a gross invasion of your privacy.  Unfortunately, once we file that lawsuit, we open the door to your past because your medical condition is at issue in the current case. Some lawyers will agree to everything that the other side asks for.  This is where my firm is different.  We, as personal injury lawyers, take the time to make sure that the requests from the other attorney are for information he/she is entitled to receive.  Just because you are suing someone for back pain resulting from a car wreck does not mean that your mental health records from 20 years ago should be accessible. The general answer is a lot of your past medical history will come up.  It is in your best interest to communicate openly with your lawyer so that he/she knows about your past history and can address it properly in your current case.  It is also important to know that there are limits to what the other side can find out and an attorney who knows what they are doing will make sure to fight those requests.   
  
  
  
• Truck Driving at Night   
  Description:There are a number of potential dangers that apply to nighttime driving involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles regulated by the US Department of Transportation. The Federal motor carrier safety regulations apply to all such commercial vehicles with the DOT license, or meeting several requirements due to their weight that make the trucking company subject to federal regulations. A second source of rules or regulations that apply to these commercial truckers is the commercial driving license manual in the state in which the trucking accident occurs or in which the trucking company itself does business. As a general rule headlights on a tractor-trailer will shine about 250 feet with low beams and about 350 to 500 feet with high beams. Many commercial drivers license manuals advise truckers to use the high beams at night whenever possible and some of the same manuals advise truckers to slow down when they must use their low beams. When we can, we arrange for an inspection of the truck as soon as possible and in many cases will retain an accident reconstruction or trucking safety professional expert. Over-driving a trucker's headlights is one of many issues that an experienced trucking injury attorney will study and particularly if we are retained early in the process where we can analyze evidence before it is altered or destroyed.  Please contact us promptly for a free initial confidential consultation.
  
• Rail Injury - Vans, Taxis   
  Description:Our railroad injury attorneys have handled numerous cases involving railroad worker injuries arising from accidents in vans, taxis and even railroad-owned company cars. Typically, these accidents happen off of railroad property, but they are still completely covered under the federal law which protects railroad workers when injured on the job. That law is called the FELA. It has important protections when these accidents occur where the railroad has arranged the taxi service for the workers because this is considered an operational activity of the railroad.  When the service is arranged by the railroad, if there is a negligent or careless act on behalf of the company or the driver, it is considered the act of the railroad employer as if their own employee was driving the van.  The railroad's duty is legally called a "non-delegable duty." This means that the railroad cannot delegate away an activity that it would be doing itself if it did not hire the outside service. In these circumstances we have a decision to make for our client to either sue the railroad alone, or to sue the railroad and the outside service, or in some rare cases, we would bring suit solely against the taxi service and not the railroad. Each case is fact specific, and if we can help you with a question involving this type of case, please fill out our quick contact form or call us today.
• Truck "Black Box" Data   
  Description:I am an injury attorney discussing trucking injuries and accidents and what type of information is recorded on the black boxes or electronic data recorders on trucks or commercial vehicles. Electronic data recorders normally will include information on the speed, safety belt use, lights, and depending upon the data recorders some other information. There are several different manufacturers of the data recorders such as QUALCOMM. A number of commercial companies involving trucks or transportation services have additional recorders designed to videotape the driver, and this data recording information may include GPS location, audio inside the vehicle and exceptional forces such as hard breaking, swerving, etc. Some of the most irrefutable evidence in a trucking accident or an accident involving a commercial vehicle are the data recorders that are on the vehicle because if they are obtained and the data can be analyzed, it becomes the most significant objective evidence involved in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident with serious injuries.
  
• Railroad Injuries Offsite   
  Description:What happens when railroad workers suffer an accident or injury when they are asked to do their jobs off property? The answer is simple: if the railroad has asked the worker to do their job anywhere else, and if the dangerous condition or cause of the injury could have been discovered by an appropriate inspection, then the railroad is liable and will normally be required to compensate the worker. In fact, there are several famous U.S. Supreme Court decisions which set forth the proposition that railroads have a duty to inspect all places where its workers will call or work. The Supreme Court ruled that question is not whether the railroad actually inspected but whether the railroad could have inspected places that its workers even fleetingly may call. In these famous cases the railroads tried to argue that a different industry or railroad was the only party that the worker should be able to sue. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected this railroad argument and set forth that railroads may not delegate away the duty to inspect and the responsibility to provide a reasonably safe place for its workers. 
  
• Trucks in Bad Weather   
  Description:Have you ever seen tractor-trailers trying to make their way down interstate highways in a blizzard, or in icy or snowy conditions? I've seen dozens of tractor-trailers on snow-covered highways during blizzards and what always puzzlez me is how these businesses could place these tractor-trailers and the car drivers also on the road in harms way when the trucking companies know that federal trucking regulations require special caution in hazardous conditions.  Tractor-trailer operators have special duties that typical motorists do not have under what is called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act (FMCSA). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration oversees the operation of tractor-trailers, trucks, and buses operating on interstate highways.
• Crazy Rail Defenses   
  Description:I was preparing one of my railroad mesothelioma cancer clients for his deposition and I explained that the railroad defense attorney was actually questioning whether he suffered mesothelioma at all, because he wanted a deposition of the hospital's pathology doctor who diagnosed the mesothelioma.
  
  My client said "do you think I would go through chemotherapy and radiation if there was any question about me having mesothelioma cancer?" I told my client I agreed with him and that yes, it is crazy but that this is part of the defend and delay tactics that railroads engage in with a mesothelioma cancer case.
  
  The railroad attorneys question the treating hospital pathologist about how certain they are of the pathology diagnosis of mesothelioma. Of course, the pathological diagnosis of mesothelioma will never be given to a patient unless the pathologist is certain to a reasonable degree of medical probability, and the diagnosis is usually delivered by an oncologist as well. This is just one of many delay tactics that railroads engage in.
  
• Truck Company Net Info   
  Description:A freedom of information act request can be filed via the internet to gather certain information about the trucking company. Under the act there is a system called the safety and fitness electronic records system which is referred to as SAFER, this system offers safety data to both the industry and the public over the Internet.
   
  In any case involving a commercial trucking company, it is important to promptly obtain all of the publicly available information that the carrier or company must file under this system. This provides a baseline for many types of information that a trucking injury attorney will obtain in order to begin the process of determining whether the trucking company violated any regulations and other rules of the road. However, another important tactic that a trucking injury attorney often employs is to file suit promptly and request a preservation order from the court that prohibits the trucking company from altering the truck or certain evidence until an appropriate inspection can be obtained. This is one reason why time is of the essence in trucking cases.  If you or family member have suffered a serious injury in this type of accident be aware that the key evidence can and will disappear with time, so please contact our office right away for free initial consultation if we can assist you.
  
• Mild Brain Injury Trauma   
  Description:It is true that medical professionals that treat brain damage or brain injury refer to it as mild, moderate or severe, but what is known as mild brain damage can be absolutely devastating to the victim and the family. Even a mild brain injury can result in an absolute change in behavior and cognitive reasoning.
  
  There have been many significant legal recoveries for brain damage victims where the proof was in the witnesses and in testing and clinical signs and symptoms explained by the professionals involved in treating our client.
  
  We have a solid track record at this law firm of representing victims with brain injuries going back to the year 2000 when lawyers at our firm (along with co-counsel) represented a client who suffered what was called a "mild" brain injury, and the jury returned what was then the largest Virginia verdict up until that date for a personal injury victim ($46 million, with the verdict interest, $60 million-settled confidentially during appeal).
  
• Accident Report Rights   
  Description:Many railroad workers are not aware that a federal railroad regulation requires that railroads must provide you a copy of an accident report if you request it.  The regulation is 49 CFR 225.25 (c) .
  Frankly, I have been faced with many claims agents who professed to not be aware that they are required to produce an accident report upon request of the worker. If they don't produce the accident report, the violation can be reported to a federal railroad inspector, and the FRA can issue a citation and fine the Railroad for failure to provide the report. Keep in mind, as I explain in another video, there is no legal requirement under the federal law called the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), that any accident report actually be filed regarding an accident or occupational disease, but it is certainly a good idea to do so to document your accident.
  
• Drowsy Truck Drivers   
  Description:A study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board discovered that out of 107 truck wrecks, fatigue was a major factor in 75 percent of the accidents.  An important provision in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act limits the hours truck drivers can operate a commercial tractor trailer, 18-wheeler, big rig, etc. The purpose of the law is to help reduce the number of truck accidents that stem from tired and/or fatigued truck drivers.  Details of the law are covered.  Some truck drivers may alter the hours they put in the log to ensure they get more time on the road to make more money. Regardless, it's up to the truck company to enforce the Hours-of-Service regulations, but many don't.
  
• A Voice for the Family   
  Description:Representing a family in cases of wrongful death of a loved one is one of the most serious tasks our injury attorneys ever handle. Based on long-standing experience we do this in many ways. We collect a large series of family pictures, of family videos at celebratory events like weddings, special holidays such as Christmas. In settlement presentations, we sometimes interview family members about life with the lost family member before the death, how the death affected the family member, and how life is now without that family member to share certain events.
  
• Railroad Accident Reports   
  Description:"Is a written railroad accident report required to recover for a FELA accident or occupational disease?"
   The answer is a clear "no". The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) spells out that a worker has three years from when the worker knew, or should have known, that the accident or occupational disease arose from railroad work. But nowhere in the statute is there any legal requirement that a worker must have filed any accident report in order to recover under the law.  Early in my career, I learned of a railroad injury attorney who obtained a $1 million verdict for his railroad worker client from a Norfolk Circuit Court jury in a case where the worker had never filed an accident report.
• Crosswalk Injuries   
  Description:http://www.hsinjurylaw.com/practice_areas/wrongful-death-attorney-in-virginia-norfolk-lawyers-va-beach.cfm. Staying within the crosswalk is important. If you got hit in a crosswalk by a car in Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or any other city, we can help you to recover damages through a personal injury claim from the auto insurance company. If you are in the crosswalk's lines, you have protection and the right of way that the cars must respect by Virginia law. If your child, husband, or wife got struck walking across the street, broken bones and worse are often the result. Please contact our firm so you can discuss your particular situation with a real attorney at 1-800-752-0042.
• Brain Injury   
  Description:Suffering a brain injury in an accident is terrible and can permanently alter your way of life. Our firm understands the ramifications of these types of injuries and have represented brain injury victims in court. In fact, we won the largest mild traumatic brain injury verdict in Virginia history (46 million dollars) for one of our clients.
• YAZ Birth Control Pills   
  Description:YAZ birth control pills have caused strokes and other terrible injuries to women in Virginia and across the country. If you,a friend, your sister,your daughter or your wife was taking this birth control in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake or Suffolk, Va, and had a bad side effect like a heart attack, blood clot or need for emergency gall bladder surgery, legal help is available. Our firm wrote a special consumer report about the dangers of this prescription drug. Please take advantage of the free download here: (1.) Dangers of Yaz/Yasmin/Ocella Special Report
  
• Motorcycle Accidents   
  Description:All sources of insurance are typically needed after a motorcycle accident in Newport News, Portsmouth, Richmond, or any city in Virginia. Why? Because the injuries can be so severe that you'll need as much compensation as possible for rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other treatments to recuperate, not to mention permanent injuries or scars.
• Railroad Crossing Crash   
  Description:Many railroad companies try to avoid accepting responsibility for a car/train wreck at a crossing. These companies even resort to trying to influence police investigators and insinuating the victim was trying to commit suicide. Most of the time, this is simply not true, and the railroad companies are attempting to hide their own wrongdoing in train operations or maintenance that caused the loss of life. In West Virginia and South Carolina, the railroad company can have to pay for the injuries they caused to the folks hit in a car or truck at a highway grade crossing , even if the driver was partly at fault too.
• Drunk Drivers   
  Description:Our Virginia Beach firm does not hesitate to sue drunk drivers for punitive damages. Our attorneys are ready to file suit in Emporia, Petersburg, Newport News, and the Eastern Shore, any place in VA, against bad drivers who were high on drugs or alcohol when they caused a wreck. These at-fault drivers acted irresponsibly and you suffered an injury as a result. Justice needs to be served in this situation and you deserve compensation in order to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other trauma stemming from the accident.
• Uninsured Driver   
  Description:The hit-and-run, or collision caused by a driver with no insurance, is one of the most common types of accidents in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk. Basically, you need to make your claim against your own insurance company to recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses since car insurance companies in Virginia are required to provide uninsured motorist coverage. Our firm wrote a special consumer report about how to deal with an uninsured or underinsured driver who injured you in a car accident. Take advantage of the free download here
  
• Children Hurt   
  Description:If a child suffers an injury from a car accident in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, or anywhere else in Virginia, they have a claim just like anyone else. A parent, though, needs to sign for the child so the injury claim process can move forward. Another key difference is the necessity to go to court for an infant settlement hearing. Our firm knows how to streamline this process and will ensure all the appropriate documentation and information is properly handled for the court's approval.
• Passengers Hurt   
  Description:Passengers hurt in a car accident in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, or any other city in Virginia, can usually get compensation from the auto insurance company of the driver of the car they were in, if the driver was at fault. Keep in mind, you don't have to file a suit against the driver (who may be a friend or family member). You have the option to only seek compensation from the insurance company.
• FELA Railroad Injuries   
  Description:Railroad accidents on the job can lead to devastating injuries and you may be entitled to compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). However, railroad companies have claims agents and a team of lawyers who will do whatever they can to avoid responsibility for the accident. This is why you need to get an experienced FELA lawyer who will look out for your best interests. Our firm has written two guides on the topic of railroad worker injuries. Take advantage of the free downloads here: (1.) Railroad Worker FELA Rights (2.) What Railroad Claim Agents Won't Tell You
  
• Medical Negligence   
  Description:Medical malpractice cases in Virginia and North Carolina can be some of the most expensive to actually litigate since testimony from medical experts is usually required to successfully win an injury claim. If you have a valid claim, we do not expect you to pay a penny for these costs up front, as our firm will advance them for you and only get them paid back to us if we win your case. So our firm cannot take every potential case of hospital/doctor negligence, and are able to accept only cases in which victims suffered a catastrophic, life-altering injury. If you feel you fall into this category, please contact our firm immediately so you can talk to a real attorney for free. Our number is 1-800-752-0042.
• Insur. Comp. Won't Call   
  Description:What should you do if the at-fault driver's insurance company drags their feet or won't call you back? This video explains what you should do in this situation.
• Don' t know driver's name   
  Description:Were you unable to get the name of the driver who hit you? This video explains what you should do in case you find yourself in such a situation.
• Insur. Adj. Statement   
  Description:Should you give the insurance adjuster your statement. In a word - no! This video explains why.
• Cash the damage check?   
  Description:Should you cash that car damage check you received from the insurance company for automobile damages? Find out by viewing this video.
• Don't settle quickly   
  Description:You should not settle quickly or hastily accept the first offer from the insurance company. Find out why by watching this video.
• faulty prod-inventor-atty   
  Description:I’m one of a few, if any other, injury lawyers around that is a United States inventor. I design and invent fold-flat wheeled products like carts and wagons. I think having the background of having worked with engineers and design people gives me a unique perspective of what to look for where there is some kind of faulty product that breaks, or an industrial accident.
• Medical Personnel Hire Us   
  Description:We’ve represented members of the medical field who've suffered serious injuries. We feel these medical professionals that have hired us have studied us pretty carefully and know that we are experienced injury lawyers, and we are good at what we do.
• injury hit rich-poor-all   
  Description:The civil justice system is an equal opportunity injury system. People don’t want to be hurt. Families didn’t ask to have a family member killed by a wrongful act. So, we represent people who may economically be in good financial condition, bad financial condition, and typical working class folks.
• Radiation at Railroads   
  Description:Railroad workers are at risk for contracting cancers and various types of blood disorders which they, and certain experts in the railroad field, assert was caused by radioactive contamination that they handled for years on the railroads.
• Welding Fume Diseases-RR   
  Description: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.
• Diesel Fumes at Railroads   
  Description:Long-term diesel fume exposures have been associated with not only increased rates of lung cancer but with other forms of cancers and lung diseases in railroad workers. COPD is now a known condition that can be caused by diesel fumes inhaled over long time periods, along with what is called diesel asthma by some doctors.
• Asbestos At Rail-history   
  Description:Asbestos was used as insulating material on railroad equipment including diesel locomotives, brakes, and within buildings often occupied by railroad workers. The types of cancers associated with asbestos are the full range of cancers from lung cancer to colon cancer and many other type of cancer.
• Lewis Specialties   
  Description:Virginia Injury Lawyer, Jim Lewis’ interest has developed in medical malpractice cases because his sister and brother-in-law are doctors and aviation accident cases because he is a pilot and knows what makes planes fly. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Top Notch Personal Injury   
  Description:Jim Lewis joined the firm over 6 years ago. This law firm has a tradition of doing top notch personal injury work. He wanted to be somewhere where everyone in his firm was focused solely on helping injury victims. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjurylaw.com.
• Jim Lewis   
  Description:When Jim Lewis was in high school he was a Page in the Virginia State Legislature. Back then lawmakers were virtually all lawyers. So he came away from that experience thinking that lawyers made government and they seemed to make everything work. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Medical Mistakes   
  Description:We all trust that our doctors and nurses will always do their very best job for us. However, when members of the medical community make a mistake, and that results in a serious injury to a patient, that person should be held responsible for their mistakes. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Aviation Accident Cases   
  Description:Aviation accident cases require specific expertise and experience. As a pilot, Jim Lewis he has handled numerous aviation accident cases during his career. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Technology Driven Firm   
  Description:Being a younger attorney, Emily Mapp Brannon is very technology driven. She is a huge email fan. She is not afraid to respond to you at 10pm if you have a question that needs to be answered. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• All We Do Is Injury Law   
  Description:What separates us from other firms is that we focus only on injury law. It has allowed us to get very good at this practice. We focus all of our studies on personal injury and that is what makes us a high-quality firm in this area of law. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjurylaw.com
• Emily Mapp Brannon   
  Description:Emily Mapp Brannon became a lawyer because she grew up surrounded by the law and observing the practice of law around her father who is a lawyer. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Slip & Fall Case   
  Description:Premises Liability cases are most commonly called slip and falls. Before we take a case like this we look for very serious injuries. Liability is usually highly contested in these cases. Once liability is accepted we can usually get a settlement. Evidence must be preserved very quickly with these cases. Always take pictures of the location and complete an incident report. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Med Pay Benefits   
  Description:Virginia, like most states, offers med pay benefits on automobile insurance policies. It is helpful if you do not have health insurance. This coverage will provide medical expense reimbursements benefits if you are involved in an automobile accident. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Insurance Companies   
  Description:Insurance companies are not really helping people. They are a business and not looking out for anyone’s well being other them themselves. We are only interested in our clients well being and will either settle a case quickly or go to trail as long as our client gets a fair recovery. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Traumatic Brain Injury   
  Description:The more hidden brain injury (mild traumatic brain injury) really has no physical appearance on the head or the face. If there is a trauma to the head or neck the brain moves so quickly in the skull that it suffers an injury that does not show up in scans. It usually is recognized by a person close to the victim who notices changes in personality or memory. If you know someone who has suffered any type of head trauma and you notice changes, ask them to seek medical attention. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Train Accidents   
  Description:We handle two types of train related accidents. One is the typical crossing accident where a motor vehicle is struck by a train at a crossing. The other is where we represent railroad workers who are injured on the job. We have a free booklet available to injured railroad employees that advises them of their rights under the Federal Employers Liability Act. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Which Lawyer to Call   
  Description:Randy Appleton breaks down who you should call for your particular kind of case at their law firm. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Randy Appleton   
  Description:Randy Appleton never even knew a lawyer until he was finished with his first year of law school. He came from a family of blue collar people and found that whenever they had any difficulty they were at the mercy of everyone else so he wanted to help those kinds of people. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Report Your Slip & Fall   
  Description:If you get hurt at a store you want to make sure you have given a report to the store. If you do not do this there is no proof the incident happened. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Wrongful Death Resolution   
  Description:A wrongful death case is one of the most serious types of cases we handle at our firm and we have a lot of experience in these tragic situations. A lot of times the family feels so burdened by this loss that they really do not want to go through a long trial. We understand this and have ways to work through this to get to a resolution so you do not have to go to court and relive that horrible time. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Medical Malpractice   
  Description:We get calls everyday asking if a client has a case for medical malpractice. We ask three things: Has the doctor or hospital done something wrong that is a violation of the standard of care, do you have a catastrophic injury from that violation and is there a relationship between those two things. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Cooper FELA Specialist   
  Description:For 20 years John Cooper has been practicing personal injury law. For the past 12 years he has been doing a lot of railroad related litigation. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• John Cooper   
  Description:John Cooper became a lawyer because both his parents were lawyers. His father was a tax specialist and his mother was a lawyer for the government. He wanted to do something different from his parents and chose litigation and personal injury. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Preexisting Conditions   
  Description:Many attorneys turn down cases where a client has a preexisting medical condition because insurance adjusters love to use these against the client. As experienced injury lawyers we have a different attitude about preexisting conditions. A person with a preexisting condition is more susceptible to serious injury. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Our Firm's Difference   
  Description:What makes our law firm different or better than the others? Here are four things that make us different: multiple state licenses, state and national injury lawyer networking, we are speakers, editors and authors in injury law and we have a track record in past injury death cases. We are a fully qualified personal injury firm. To see some of our case results visit our web site. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Federal Truck Regulations   
  Description:Truckers must follow strict guidelines listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act such as driving in bad weather conditions or hours of service of the driver. There are dozens of other regulations so we must study each case’s facts with one or more trucking safety experts. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Trucks Cross State Lines   
  Description:Trucks that move between states are subject to federal statutes and regulations and often multiple state laws apply. This is why our lawyers are licensed to practice law in many of the states in the Southeastern USA. Many trucks now have sophisticated data recorders, video recorders or GPS devices that are required to be preserved for a limited amount of time. We need to act fast after an accident to make sure we have access to this evidence. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Truck Accident Act Fast   
  Description:Truck accidents happen every day. If you have suffered an injury or death related to a commercial truck accident you MUST act quickly. The trucking company has a rapid response team within 24 hours to control and collect evidence in your accident. Evidence can be destroyed or lost if we do not act fast to get access to the truck or evidence. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Dangerous Drugs   
  Description:If you have been harmed by a dangerous drug please contact us. Cases against drug manufacturers can be brought in the state that the manufacturer is based or wherever the drug company sells the drug. It is important to keep up with FDA alerts and reports and with case settlements and verdicts. This is what our lawyers do day in and day out. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
• Asbestos   
  Description:If you suffer from an occupational disease/disorder, asbestos disease or cancer/mesothelioma, or repetitive stress injuries, contact us for a free consultation today. (757) 460-7776
• Railroad Claim Agents   
  Description:Our firm has collected and indexed over 1,000 depositions in railroad and similar injury cases, hundreds of specific research files, as well as numerous railroad manuals and videos relating specifically to railroad issues. Our attorneys have handled railroad litigation in nearly every eastern state in the USA. If you or someone you love has been injured contact us at (757) 460-7776.
• How to choose a lawyer   
  Description:All we do is injury law, and we have 100 years combined attorney experience. Our first priority is to help you through this process, by listening to your concerns, and guiding you through the challenges of the personal injury legal system. Our injury attorneys accept all injury cases on a contingent fee basis (no legal fee if no recovery) and provide free confidential consultations on all personal injury lawsuits/cases, throughout the entire eastern United States. If you or someone you love has been injured contact us at (757) 460-7776.
• Occupational Diseases   
  Description:Since our founding, the firm's present railroad injury lawyers have developed immense trial experience in railroad worker injury, disease, and death claims (including occupational disorders/diseases such as lung, hearing or repetitive stress injuries as well as asbestos disease/cancers/mesothelioma), train/railroad derailments and wrecks, railroad crossing crashes and Amtrak passenger injuries, and railroad toxic chemical spills. If you or someone you love has been injured contact us at (757) 460-7776.
• Child Injuries   
  Description:Injury claims involving a child (typically someone under the age of 18) are different from claims involving adults. Understand the relevant aspects of an child injury claim by viewing this video.
• Car Accident Case-vicitim   
  Description:A client discusses their experience being represented by our law firm.
• Rail Investigators Help   
  Description:Our railroad investigators provide valuable assistance in many of our cases, and we credit that to the years of rail experience they bring to the table. Most have had past employment in the railroad industry, and as a result they not only know how to find crucial pertinent information, but they also are able to relate with our railroad clients in ways that simply wouldn’t occur to an investigator with no prior knowledge of railroading.
• Wrongful Death   
  Description:Our law firm possesses experience in wrongful death lawsuits. These situations are tragic and our clients are struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one. We will take some of the burden off your shoulders.
• FELA Claims   
  Description:Should you or a loved one suffer from an injury during the course of your work on the railroad, having an attorney with a unique and thorough understanding of the rail industry can make all the difference.
• Car/Truck Accidents   
  Description:Learn what you need to do if you've suffered a serious injury in a wreck involving a car and truck. These situations can get very complicated since large, commercial trucks are required to carry different types of insurance than a regular car.
• Doctor Mistakes   
  Description:Medical mistakes occur far too often. We fully appreciate doctors don't mean to seriously injury a patient, but they should be held accountable when an error occurs, just like everyone else.
• Medical Malpractice   
  Description:Some law firms claim they have medical negligence litigation experience. This really isn't that accurate. In fact, only a small number of attorneys have actually taken these types of cases all the to trial. Our law firm possesses that legitimate, trial experience.
• Support Staff   
  Description:Having a top-notch, qualified support staff is essential for any successful law firm. We are proud of the work our team of paralegals and assistants provide to the partners at the firm. Check out this video to learn more.
• Insurance Company Tricks   
  Description:Insurance companies are not on your side. They have a vested interest in denying claims or reducing their amount of liability for a claim. Learn about their most common tricks in this video.
• Recover The Most   
  Description:Our firm understands how to recover the most compensation for your injury claim. There are various types of insurance policies that you may not be aware of that will cover specific expenses. Check out this video to learn more.
• Rick-EMTS, Nurses-retain   
  Description:Injury Lawyer Richard N. Shapiro discusses being an ethical, experienced injury attorney, the advantages of being an injury law blogger, how the firm represents all types of injured people, and what gives him satisfaction about helping injured people.
• Ins co's won't tell you   
  Description:A former insurance defense lawyer, now representing injury clients, explains what the insurance companies don't want you to know. First, they do not want you to hire a lawyer. Check out this video to learn about other information they're not telling you.
• Good Injury Lawyers   
  Description:Lawyers know what makes a good injury lawyer, that is what qualifications and background a person should look for in an injury lawyer. Experienced injury lawyers practicing in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC) discuss all kinds of important things for clients to know about choosing an injury lawyer.
• Double-Triple Car Injury   
  Description:Virginia (VA) injury lawyers explain how the laws allow you to recover not only against the responsible driver causing your collision, but how you pay for health insurance and medical expense benefits for your medical bills, and have a legal right to more than one recovery of the bills.
• Car Wreck Injury basics   
  Description:Learn the basics of how to protect yourself if in a car or truck crash/wreck/accident in Virginia (VA) or elsewhere
• medical malpractice basic   
  Description:Experienced medical malpractice lawyer, Jim Lewis, discusses what consumers need to know about medical/hospital/nursing negligence cases.
• Rail Claim Agents won't..   
  Description:experienced railroad injury lawyers explain the do's and don'ts if hurt on the job and how to protect yourself after in injury arises, even if you do not hire a lawyer right away.

Our Free Guides

Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in Virginia

What To Do if Hurt in Accident by Uninsured or Uninsured Driver

THE Guide to Truck Crash Injuries: What To Do If Hurt in a Truck Wreck

Child Injury Guide: What To Do If Child Gets Hurt in an Accident

TOP TEN TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYERS

Dangerous Drug Report: What To Do If Hurt by Prescription Drug

Surgical Errors Report: Surgical Mistakes Can Lead to Wrongful Death

Distracted Driving Report: Head Injuries Not Uncommon in Car Accidents

Airplane Accident Safety Guide: How to Avoid or Survive Airplane Crash

What Railroad Claim Agents Won't Tell You (But You Must Know)

Do's & Don'ts When Injured at a Railroad-- Your FELA Rights

Other Consumer Guides

Get Help Now

Offices

Follow us:

Case Results

News

FAQs