By Jim Lewis, Virginia Wrongful Death Attorney

In his latest blog post to our firm’s Virginia personal injury lawyers’ website, my colleague John Cooper reports that an Augusta County, VA, man is facing aggravated involuntary manslaughter charges after police found evidence he used an illegal drug shortly before hitting and killing an elderly woman with his pickup truck. John notes that drunk and drugged drivers put everyone, including themselves, at unacceptable risk for being injured or killed. To read more, click over to “Drug Use Suspected in Pickup Truck Accident That Killed Elderly Woman.”

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By John Cooper, Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Harley-Davidson motorcycle fans are some of the most passionate bikers on the road. Their safety, however, is endangered because of a switch problem that can cause brake lights to fail. Harley has issued a recall for several models of their motorcycles. Visit “308,000 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Recalled” to learn more.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Jim Lewis, VA Dangerous Drugs Attorney

My colleague Emily Brannon has reported recently on our firm’s Virginia personal injury lawyers’ website about a Consumer Justice Foundation discussion of a man who has sued Takeda and its U,S. partner Eli Lilly after being diagnosed with bladder cancer he alleges was caused by the diabetes medication Actos (pioglitazone). Any individual who was prescribed Actos should contact Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton if they developed bladder cancer.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA) injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Kevin Duffan, Virginia (VA) Car Accident Attorney

What constitutes a defective auto part? A number of major car manufacturers have recently recalled models for defects. In one case, accelerators were becoming engaged without warning. In other cases, car floor mats were becoming wedged against the gas pedal, causing unintentional acceleration. An experienced Virginia (VA) car accident injury attorney with our firm explores what you rights are if you are injured.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA) injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Randy Appleton, Eastern Shore Wrongful Death Attorney

Failing to stop at a red light always creates dangers for the red light runner and everyone else in and around the intersection. This truth was tragically proven once again on Virginia’s Eastern Shore on October 9, 2011, when the driver of a minivan made an illegal left turn through a red light and struck and killed the driver of an Infiniti G20.

According to the Virginian-Pilot, the fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Route 13 and VA 691, just north of Mappsville.  The 72-year-old man who lost his life succumbed to injuries suffered in the wreck despite being transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment.

Police have charged the at-fault driver of the Dodge Caravan minivan with failure to obey a traffic signal and are considering other charges.

While illustrating the risks posed by red light runners, this accident also should remind everyone that making a left-hand turn needs to be done with care and caution. Turning drivers must always give right of way to vehicles traveling straight through an intersection. Even if the minivan’s driver was not paying attention to traffic lights, the person should have waited for the other car to pass before turning.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Jim Lewis, VA Car Accident Lawyer

My colleague John Cooper reported recently on our firm’s website devoted to Virginia
Car & Motorcycle Accidents that a man was killed when his Plymouth Roadrunner ran off the left side of a road and ended up submerged in a pond on Winterville Road. John mentioned car crashes may result from drinking before driving.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Rick Shapiro, Dangerous Drugs Attorney in Virginia Beach, VA

An Eastern Shore doctor’s professional misconduct case I first wrote about in September 2010 has reached its conclusion a little less than a year later. The Virginian-Pilot reported on August 11, 2011, that Belle Have, Virginia (VA), family physician Dr. Geoffrey Grubb has surrendered his medical license rather than defend himself against allegations that he was irresponsibly prescribing powerful narcotic painkillers.

In my earlier post to this blog, I noted that Grubb specialized in treating patients for a condition called chronic Lyme disease and that his therapeutic approach included giving patients with the tick-borne infection potentially dangerous medications such as OxyContin (oxycodone from Purdue Pharma) and Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen from Abbott Laboratories). Along with the potential issues arising from the fact that few other doctors and medical authorities recognize the existence of chronic Lyme disease, Grubb was accused by the Virginia Medical Board of failing to properly track and report patients’ use of narcotics.

I wrote 11 months ago that I could not know whether the charges against Grubb were warranted. I’ll repeat that disclaimer. What I do know, as personal injury attorney practicing in Virginia Beach and speaking often about the risks patients face when they receive excessive doses of opiate and opioid painkillers, is that if Grubb gave such drugs to patients who did not need them, he had no business being a doctor on Virginia’s Eastern Shore or anywhere else.

Health care is a underserved need on the Eastern Shore, and untreated pain can be truly debilitating. But the use of powerful narcotic medications should be limited and closely monitored.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Emily Mapp Brannon, Eastern Shore Car Accident Injury Lawyer

Police believe that alcohol played a role in a single-car crash in Pungoteague on the Eastern Shore of Virginia that killed two people and sent two other people to a hospital with injuries. All four people were in a Buick Century riding down VA Route 178 when the car went off the road, hit a tree stump and flipped over. The individuals killed had lived in Craddockville, VA.

It is so frustrating to read time and again about people who have been drinking large quantities of alcohol who throw caution to the wind and get behind the wheel of a car. This is irresponsible and reckless behavior that can, as seen in this Eastern Shore car wreck, have devastating consequences. As upsetting as it is, my Virginia Beach-based law firm has represented victims in many cases involving drunk drivers. Usually, those cases involve the most serious types of injuries. Jurors and other responsible drivers are incensed by the poor choices of drunk drivers.  Too many innocent people have lost their lives due to such recklessness.

If the surviving passengers’ injuries force them to miss time from work, rack up large medical bills, experience a decline in their quality of life, they should consult an Eastern Shore injury attorney. They are innocent people who had their lives turned upside down in an accident that might have been prevented if the driver was more cautious.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA) injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

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By Rick Shapiro, VA Car Accident Wrongful Death Attorney

Night driving is already some of the most dangerous driving one can do, but when alcohol is factored in, there’s no telling what might occur. This was tragically in evidence on Virginia Eastern Shore on August 1, 2011, when a suspected drunk driver ran off VA 178 in Pungoteague, killing himself and one passenger and injuring two other people in the car. Read “VA Eastern Shore Crash Ends Tragically, Alcohol Use Suspected” to learn more.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA), injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.

By Randy Appleton, Eastern Shore Personal Injury Attorney

In his latest post to the Virginia personal injury attorneys’ website site my colleague Rick Shapiro looks at the often unseen, but very real hazards posed by electrical appliances, power lines and the electrical hazards faced by crane operators and contractors. Electrical shocks account for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year and can lead to large payouts if a company or other entity is at fault.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys handle Eastern Shore, Virginia (VA) injury lawsuits. Our lawyers have provided legal advice and representation for thousands of victims of car and truck accidents, including many on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. We are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and with the towns along Route 13, including people from Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague and Wallops Island. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included in the 2011 issue of Best Lawyers in America. They, along with fellow attorney John M. Cooper, were also named 2011 Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law, an honor which fewer than 5 percent of outstanding lawyers receive. Though not every case meets our criteria, we offer free, confidential initial consultations. Give us a call at (800) 752-0042. If you can’t get through due to high call volume, please leave a message and we will return your call.