



About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have achieved numerous successful outcomes for our clients. We serve all areas of North Carolina including the Outer Banks, Nags Head, and all counties. We provide FREE injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, 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.
Our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as a public information service. We also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube and a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers Blog.





About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have achieved numerous successful outcomes for our clients. We serve all areas of North Carolina including the Outer Banks, Nags Head, and all counties. We provide FREE injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, 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.
Our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as a public information service. We also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube and a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers Blog.





About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have achieved numerous successful outcomes for our clients. We serve all areas of North Carolina including the Outer Banks, Nags Head, and all counties. We provide FREE injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, 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.
Our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as a public information service. We also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube and a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers Blog.





About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have achieved numerous successful outcomes for our clients. We serve all areas of North Carolina including the Outer Banks, Nags Head, and all counties. We provide FREE injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, 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.
Our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as a public information service. We also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube and a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers Blog.





About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have achieved numerous successful outcomes for our clients. We serve all areas of North Carolina including the Outer Banks, Nags Head, and all counties. We provide FREE injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, 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.
Our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as a public information service. We also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube and a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers Blog.





The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, as “an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal.” People often link PTSD with military service; however, post traumatic stress disorder is also common after a jarring event like a car accident. A U.S. Surgeon Generals Report created in 1999 showed that 9% of people who were exposed to extreme trauma developed PTSD. Currently, the NIMH estimates 5.2 million suffer from the disease annually. Post traumatic stress disorder is on the rise.
The military hopes to curb the rising cases of PTSD through a series of medical experiments they are conducting. These experiments are testing U.S. soldiers on genetics, brain imaging, and stress exams before, during, and after deployment. Medical researchers hope a variation in these test results might lead to better understanding about who is at higher risk for developing PTSD. Currently, no medical evidence exists proving any pre-trauma factors definitively lead to the mental illness, however, the military hopes that by narrowing this down they may be able to better treat post traumatic stress disorder.
Post traumatic stress disorder is a serious medical condition that many car accidents victims find they suffer from after their accident. PTSD can be treated, but the repeat doctor visits and cost of prescription medication causes some people to leave the mental illness untreated. If you have feel you are suffering from PTSD as a result of your trauma, but do not have the money to afford treatment, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you get what you need to get back to wellness.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have handled thousands of car and truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. In addition, check out our FREE special reports on distracted driving and The Best Guide to Car Accident injuries in Virginia. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
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How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


The Humane Society recently reported that close to 4.6 million people in the United States suffer from a dog bite each year. At least 25 of those 4.6 million are fatal. The others likely required an emergency room visit, surgery, and even extensive rehabilitation therapy.
How to Avoid Dog Attacks
The Humane Society estimates that 75% of all dog bite victims know the dog’s owner. In a lot of attack situations the victim had become comfortable enough with the animal that the owner felt safe to leave their dog unrestrained. However, dogs can attack people they are familiar with and these simple rules should be followed around any animal, no matter the comfort level.
· Do not approach any dog while they are eating. Dogs are extremely territorial of their food and do not like to be interrupted.
· Always allow a dog to see and smell you before you approach them too closely. Allowing the dog to become familiar with you first reduces the likelihood of the dog becoming aggressive later on.
· If you feel threatened by a dog, do not panic. Resisting the urge to run and remaining calm may reduce the dog’s adrenaline rush.
What to Do If You Are Bitten
Tragically, not all dog bites are avoidable. If you are bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately. The most common type of injury after a dog attack is lacerations. These lacerations can go deep in to the skin and become infected easily. Even if you feel you are all right after the attack you should still seek medical care to ensure these wounds are properly cleaned and sealed.
Your Legal Rights after a Dog Attack
Dog owners are responsible for their pets at all times. In some circumstances, such as home invasions resulting in a dog attack, the owner may escape liability. However, in a standard dog bite the owner is responsible for damages to the victim. These damages include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the replacement of damaged property. If you are attacked by a dog a personal injury attorney can work with the dog’s owner to get you compensated for your suffering.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling wrongful death cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and we understand the difficult circumstances which accompany these types of cases. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to help you through the legal process. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
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How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

A three-month old Kannapolis, North Carolina (NC) baby is in the Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast fighting for her life after she was abused by her caregiver over the weekend.
According to the Kannapolis Police Department someone placed a phone call to 9-1-1 saying the baby was having trouble breathing. When emergency crews arrived at the caregiver’s apartment they noticed the baby had several severe injuries. They rushed her to the Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast and notified police of possible abuse.
Kannapolis police opened an investigation and arrested the child’s aunt and caregiver, Sandra Gallardo Petatan, after hospital workers determined the child had a broken arm, a skull fracture, and brain bleeding. Sandra Gallardo Petatan is being held on bond pending a further investigation by the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services.
As a parent you put a lot of trust in to a caregiver, especially one that is family member, and it is devastating when that trust is violated. Three-month-old baby Petatan faces a long recovery time that will undoubtedly be trying for both the child and the parents.
If you think your child has been the victim of caregiver abuse you have the right to a North Carolina (NC) Department of Social Services investigation. You can contact the Division of Child Development at 1-800-859-0829.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling traumatic brain injury and general head injuries. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous head injury and brain trauma cases. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
AC
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

There's no question the drywall causing people to flee their homes due to potential health hazards and corroding appliances is from China. I repeat - there's no debate that the drywall potentially causing cancer and obliterating the value of people's homes was shipped from China. However, China is deflecting any legal responsibility and simply ignoring lawsuits brought forth by distraught citizens.
There's only been one Chinese company that's recognized the lawsuits so far. The big challenge for attorneys is the fact that trying a case in international court is extremely expensive and any civil judgments are not enforceable in China.
Don't let this dissuade you from filing a lawsuit if you've been affected by the toxic Chinese drywall. As a lawyer who works for a firm that's won cases involving toxic substances, I believe somehow, some way, justice will be served.
This lethal drywall is destroying people's lives and if there's a will, there's a way to attain the necessary compensation to right this wrong.

One potential legal avenue to explore involves attempts to obtain damage payments by seizing vessels that shipped the drywall to the U.S. and filing claims against Wall Street investment banks with a share of ownership in the Chinese companies, according to chron.com.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling dangerous drugs and prescription drug errors. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now-we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


A worker had his arms and legs broken after a beam fell on them in the NRG energy plant, based in Meriden, Connecticut (CT) on Cathole Mountain. Fortunately, the worker was alert after the accident and will hopefully make a full recovery.
This isn't the first time an NRG-owned power plant suffered a major accident. Back in July, an inspection port malfunctioned at a power plant in Millsboro, Delaware (DE) allowing fly ash to escape into the air. Fly ash is potentially hazardous due to its high levels of arsenic and aluminum.
As an injury lawyer who's represented people seriously injured in industrial accidents, I understand how certain work environments can be extremely dangerous for workers. An energy plant certainly presents its own unique risk factors.
The officials and employees who work at energy plants like NRG need to be especially cognizant of safety procedures and a proper response plan to an accident to limit damage.

Hopefully the administrators at NRG will thoroughly examine how the accident occurred and respond appropriately. The safety of employees needs to be a top priority for any company.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our injury attorneys host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
PA
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


The ConAgra food plant located in Garner, North Carolina (NC) plans to cut 300 hourly and 21 salaried positions from their payroll following a plant explosion that occurred earlier this summer.
The initial explosion resulted from contract employees installing a water line and accidentally leaking natural gas into the plant. The ConAgra food plant exploded causing the roof to collapse and trap dozens of employees. Three employees died as a result of the blast. Several dozen employees were sent to local North Carolina (NC) hospitals where they were treated for their injuries.
After the explosion the ConAgra food company initially provided full pay and benefits to workers. However, the plant will soon cut pay to any worker still out of work as a result of their injuries in addition to the 321 lay offs the company plans to initiate. These workers are eligible to apply for Worker’s Compensation Benefits.
When my colleague, Jim Lewis, originally wrote about the ConAgra plant explosion in June an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the blast. While it has now been determined that the explosion was accidental, several people of Garner are feeling little relief. The untimely loss of the three plant employees; Barbara McLean, Lewis Watson and Rachel Pulley, and the added stress of loss of pay for those still suffering from their injuries is a tragic situation.
As a personal injury attorney I have seen several cases were Worker’s Compensation Benefits fail to provide what is needed for families out of work. If you find yourself injured and out of work due to an accident at your company a personal injury attorney may be able to assist you in getting back on your feet financially.
Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injury law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library with over 50 videos covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
AC
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


A Winston-Salem North Carolina (NC) child was taken to the hospital after being bitten by a dog.
According to the Winston-Salem Police Sheriff the girl was eating a candy sucker at the time of the accident. The dog attempted to take the sucker from the child’s mouth. The child was then forced to the ground where the dog bit her face.
She was taken to Lexington Memorial hospital and treated for her immediate injuries as a result of the dog bite. The girl was then transferred to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (NC) where she is recovering. The incident is still under investigation by the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Dog and other animal bites can occur in even the most docile and domesticated house pets. Tragically, a majority of dog attacks in the United States involve children. The Human Society has compiled a website on how to avoid being attacked by dogs as well as how to teach your children how to behave around dogs and reduce their risk. To cut down on your own risk remember these simple rules. First, do not approach unfamiliar dogs. If you and the dog do not know each other keep a safe distance. Second, always let a dog see and smell you before attempting to pet them. This makes the dog familiar with you and less likely to feel threatened. Finally, do not disturb a dog that is eating, caring for its young, or sleeping. Dogs may become easily threatened if bothered.
Once you understand how to reduce your own risk of a dog bite teach your children the same skills. Children are curious by nature and may reach out to an unfamiliar dog without realizing that the dog is threatened. While you do not want your children unnecessarily afraid of all animals, it is better to be safe then sorry. The Humane Society provides several tips on commingling children and pets.
Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injury law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library with over 50 videos covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
AC
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have achieved numerous successful outcomes for our clients. We serve all areas of North Carolina including the Outer Banks, Nags Head, and all counties. We provide FREE injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, 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.
Our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as a public information service. We also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube and a Railroad Accident/FELA Lawyers Blog.





Richard Broward, a 61-year-old man, was going about business as a truck driver unloading concrete slabs for Mack Transport, Inc. when his life came to an abrupt end. How? One of the 3500-pound concrete slabs fell off Richard's truck and crushed him, according to the Detroit Free Press.
This is a terrible accident and my deepest condolences go out to Richard's friends and family.
This industrial accident occurred at a construction site on M-59 in Livingston County, Michigan (MI) but accidents like this can happen anywhere, including North Carolina(NC). As an injury lawyer who's represented people seriously hurt in accidents, I understand the dangers associated with certain work environments and the construction environment can pose dangers to workers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Michigan is investigating the accident and I hope information can come to light that could help prevent an industrial accident like this from happening again.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
PA
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


Homes throughout the country, including homes in Carolina, have taken on a dubious nickname - "cancer traps" - due to toxic Chinese drywall. Our law firm has written extensively about toxic Chinese drywall and what's so discouraging is the fact that no one can truly quantify the extent of the problem. The only consensus for toxic Chinese drywall is the horrendous effects it has on families and their homes.
The primary substance causing the toxicity is phosphogypsum, according to dailyfinance.com. It contains high concentrations of uranium and radium. The Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of phosphogypsum in the U.S. but China uses it regularly.
Here is a video illustrating the terrible effects of toxic Chinese drywall on so many homes across the country...
The most common physical side effects include nose bleeds and respiratory problems. However, as mentioned earlier, no one knows the full extent of the toxic Chinese drywall problem. It could lead to cancer.
Even if someone doesn't become sick, the damage this drywall has on the value of their home is staggering. In order to remove the toxic Chinese drywall, the cost is equally mindboggling since the toxic substances seep into so many areas and appliances throughout a home.
The blame shouldn't be shifted exclusively on the Chinese for shipping this toxic product to the U.S. The home builders who sacrificed safety for cost-cutting are responsible as well. Hopefully, justice will be done and the people most detrimentally affected by toxic Chinese drywall will be able to salvage their homes and avoid any long-term health issues. Unfortunately, that appears to be an optimistic outlook.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
PA
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


The EPA announced its “first-ever public health emergency” claiming that the federal government will give $130 million to help people who were affected by asbestos while in the mines in Montana. This same situation that the EPA is trying to help improve has been responsible for about 200 deaths. The money is targeting towns like Libby and Troy where workers were unknowingly working with a mineral that contained toxic forms of asbestos. Not only were these workers harming themselves by working in the mine, but they were also bringing the contamination home on their clothing. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about 500 people out of the 3,900 who live in both towns have “asbestos-related” problems like lung cancer and asbestosis. Additionally, about 50 new cases occur each year in both the miners and their families. Although the EPA has had the authority to declare a public health emergency since 1980, it has been unclear what constitutes an emergency. The main directive of this the 1980s policy was to make sure that dangerous materials were being removed from buildings. This new declaration was presented about six weeks after executives of the mine were acquitted on a claim that they were not being truthful about the dangers of the mine.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal My injury lawfirm (VA-NC law offices) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


A Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) man is in Presbyterian Main hospital recovering from electric shock injuries he received while on the job.
Nelson Pozo, a 51 year old employee of AEP Industries in Stallings, North Carolina (NC) was working Saturday night when he was struck by 460 volts of electricity. When the Stallings Police Department arrived Nelson Pozo had no pulse.
The Stallings Police Department immediately shocked Pozo with AED pads and started CPR. Officer Walden stated, “I honestly believe CPR alone probably wouldn't have brought him back.”
Nelson Pozo was very lucky. The Stallings Police Department had only recently begun carrying the AED equipment that saved his life in every patrol car. The equipment cost $1,500 per car and was paid for by fundraising and community donations.
An AEP Industries spokesperson told reporters that Pozo had been moved out of intensive care and in to a private room at Presbyterian Main hospital earlier this week. The company is currently undergoing an investigation into what caused the shock that almost claimed the Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) man’s life.
Work related injuries can be life threatening. They can also take a toll on your life while you wait to heal taking time off of work. If you have been a victim of a work related injury a personal injury attorney can help you ease the stress of returning to your normal life.
Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injur law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
AC
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

Former CEO for the Central Carolinas United Way, Gloria Pace King, is suing United Way for wrongful termination as well as Mac Everett, former acting CEO, for defamation of character.
Gloria Pace King served as CEO for the Central Carolinas United Way for 14 years. During her term she raised fundraising profits from $18.5 million to $43.5 billion. She was seen as a strong leader by most of the United Way employees. During her term, her retirement package also grew to $2.1 million and her pay and benefits greatly increased, which led to an investigation by the board in 2007.
On August 26 Gloria Pace King was asked to step down by the United Way board. She refused and hired a lawyer on her behalf. On October 1st her employment was terminated by the board and Mac Everett was placed as acting CEO. This is when, according to King, Everett made comments against her character regarding the termination.
There is no trial date set for King’s wrongful termination suit, but the case against Mac Everett for defamation of character began this week.
Defamation of character is difficult to prove. In King’s case slander, verbal derogatory statements made about the defendant, can be extremely difficult to prove, as there were no written statements made and the burden of proof lies in showing the verbalizations were made as incorrect facts.
Wrongful termination cases can be won with the help of a qualified attorney. Wrongful termination is devastating to anyone, especially one who has worked with a company for 14 years. The stress of loosing one’s job while dealing with character insults can be tiring. An attorney can help you handle the stress of legalities while you focus on getting back on your feet and rebuilding your career.
Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injury law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
AC
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

Dozens of QVC employees have gathered around the plant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina (NC) in protest today after being turned away when reporting to work.
A spokesperson for the QVC plant told reporters that the employees were under investigation after several employees withdrew hardship loans from their 401k. The employees have been placed on unpaid leave pending the investigation and any employee of QVC found to have falsely used the hardship program may be terminated.
The Rocky Mount, North Carolina (NC) employees tell a different story. Employees told reporters QVC had cut overtime, hours, and imposed a salary freeze causing them to dip in to their 401k for funding. Fidelity, the company that handles the 401k program for the plant, approved the hardship loans and funding has already been sent to the employees.
Letters were sent out earlier this month requesting that any employee with a hardship loan schedule a meeting with QVC’s loss prevention department. QVC employees over 900 people in the Rocky Mount area, but declined to comment on how many employees had been affected by the investigation.
As a personal injury attorney, I know that cases like these are never simple and investigations of a large magnitude can take time. Meanwhile, the QVC employees will remain out of work. Going without a paycheck can be a huge struggle for most people. If you have found yourself out of work due to your employer a personal injury attorney may be able to help you get what you need to get back on your feet.
Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injur law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
AC
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

Jonathan Hall, neighbor to the Moquete family, had brought the Pit Bull to the Moquete home earlier today to see if they were interested in purchasing the dog. Jonathan Hall had received the dog for free from a stranger down the street, and after owning the Pit Bull a day realized he could not keep the dog and offered it to the Moquette family.
Giselle Moquete and her mother were considering taking the Pit Bull and playing with the dog at the time Giselle was attacked. The girl suffered the dog bite when she bent down to pet the dog. According to Jonathan Hall the dog’s personality changed quickly and he latched on to Giselle’s face before anyone could react. Hall was able to pry the dog off the young girl, but not before the dog bite had done severe damage to her face.
Giselle’s mother immediately called 9-1-1 and the girl was taken to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) to treat her injuries. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the dog bite are not life threatening for Giselle; however, it will take several dozen stitches and a lengthy recovery for the girl to return to normal.
Dog bites and other animal attacks are always tragic for the victims, the dog owners and even the dogs. It is especially heartbreaking when a young child is attacked. While Giselle’s injuries may not be life threatening, they are still very traumatic for a young girl both emotionally and physically.
Even if you do not own a dog in your home, you should still take precautions to avoid accidents such as these happening to yourself or your children. The best thing you can do to prevent a dog bite is to avoid petting, touching, or playing with any animal whose nature you are not certain of, especially animals you have not seen before. If you do own a dog, or are considering getting one, be sure they receive proper training and socializing, so in the event that a stranger is brought into your home there will be little chance of the animal’s personality altering causing them to attack your friends or neighbors.
Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), with an office also in Elizabeth City, in Northeast North Carolina (NC), practicing primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handles only injury law, including car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our Carolina injur law website is: http://carolina.hsinjurylaw.com, the firm edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and also hosts a YouTube injury law video library covering many FAQ’s on personal injury subjects. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
AC
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling wrongful death cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and we understand the difficult circumstances which accompany these types of cases. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to help you through the legal process. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling product recall cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and we understand the difficult circumstances which accompany these types of cases. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to help you through the legal process. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on any icon for more details:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling product liability cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our law firm has offices in Elizabeth City, North Carolina (NC) and Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and we understand the difficult circumstances which accompany these types of cases. That’s why you need an experienced attorney to help you through the legal process. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, VA, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . In addition, our lawyers proudly edit the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, as well as the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.


My law partner Randy Appleton wrote an article on the Northeast North Carolina InjuryBoard blog about a recent cold case file that has been re-opened, an unsolved killing of a North Carolina police officer. To read the full article about the specifics of the case and exactly what has happened to renew this case, please click here.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal My injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.
How should you go about locating the top, best injury attorney for your case?
Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:
Several Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition (Lewis-Injury Law, Shapiro-Railroad Injury Law) and been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms
In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the largest record verdict for an injured person in Virginia history (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal). Click on the icons below for more details.



Two popular over-the-counter medicines for children – Motrin and Tylenol – were recalled due to numerous reports of an odd odor emanating from the drug’s container. The children’s Motrin and Tylenol are not the only drugs recalled. In fact, they’re part of a larger recall of over 60 million bottles.
The Tylenol and Motrin specifically recalled include:
· Children's Tylenol Bubblegum Meltaway
· Children's Tylenol Grape Meltaway
· Junior Strength Motrin IB Grape Chewable
· Junior Strength Motrin IB Caplet
· Junior Strength Motrin IB Orange Chewable
Drug company McNeill/Johnson & Johnson alleges the odor is caused by a chemical known as 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA), which is used to treat the wooden pallets that store and move medicine bottles, according to babycenter.com. All shipments that use this chemical have been stopped and all suppliers are now required to stop using the pallets or provide certification that they do not contain TBA.
Here's a video discussing the Children's Motrin and Tylenol recall...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dwMOVE3xzY&feature=related
However, the suppliers contend that the wood packaging may not be the culprit of the odd odor. The wooden pallet industry, who recently released a letter to the drug manufacturer, insist McNeil show "definitive evidence that the source of the contamination was TBA. We also insist that you provide technical and scientific theory as to how this chemical could spread from a tertiary packaging component to a primary packaging component through various layers of cardboard and plastic packaging surrounding the primary product," said Bruce Scholnick, president of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Assocation, according to CNN.
We may just be scratching the surface of this issue. The FDA criticized McNeill/Johnson & Johnson for taking so long to issue the recall. Was their procrastination just a lack of realizing how serious this issue was or were they trying to formulate a strategy to shift the blame away from their product and to the shipping containers? No one can know for sure. Unfortunately, as these companies bicker over who is deemed responsible, innocent people are suffering side effects like nausea, stomach pains and diarrhea due to these dangerous drugs.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (NC-VA law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard, Virginia Beach Injuryboard, and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into the possibility that the root of the gas pedal problem in Toyota cars is in the electronic throttle control system (ETCS) which is found in many models.
Toyota recently claimed that it “rigorously tested” its ETCS under a variety of circumstances, including subjecting the ETCS to various forms of electromagnetic radiation while in use and the car manufacturer has been unable to find any problems, according to CNN.com.
Toyota’s proposed solution to the gas pedal problem is a steel rod that would reduce friction within the pedal system. However, this fix may not actually solve the problem. According to thetruthaboutcars.com , the fix “will profoundly reduce the likelihood or possibility of the pedal being stuck or slow to return. But the trade-off may not be immaterial. Undoubtedly, Toyota’s intended degree of friction will be compromised by this fix, to one degree or another. And drivers may find the fix unpleasant or uncomfortable, also to some degree or another. Clearly, this fix is a band aid to fix the intrinsic limitations of this design.”
If it’s discovered the actual problem is within the ETCS, Toyota may be forced to issue another major recall (their most recent recall involved over four million cars). Class action lawsuits have been filed against Toyota and one of the suits alleges that gas pedal problems were arising in 2002 and the ETCS is the culprit.
Here's a video discussing the suspicion of ETCS problems with the sudden acceleration issue...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ847n_UsYc&feature=related
The NHTSA is considering issuing civil penalties against Toyota over their handling of the recall, according to the CNN article . Toyota initially claimed the problem was with their floor mats , then claimed it was due to the gas pedal being too long , and now they claim the steel rod fix will solve the problem. All the while, Toyota drivers were on the road at risk of a potential sudden acceleration which could lead to a major car wreck and serious injuries.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently stated Toyota drivers should stop driving their cars in the hopes of preventing a serious car accident , but then changed his statements and encouraged Toyota drivers to take their car to a dealership so they can get the steel rod “fix.”
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Virginia (VA) took a step toward making its roads less safe and more deadly on Feb. 2, 2010, when members of the state House and Senate voted to pass bills that would allow the Virginia Department of Transportation to increase the legal speed limit on many divided highways from 65 mph to 70 mph. Legislators seem poised to take another step toward turning Commonwealth's interstate highways into racetracks by lifting Virginia's 48-year-old ban on radar and laser detectors in cars and trucks and on motorcycles.
HB 674, the detector ban repeal bill, advanced out the House Committee on Transportation and to the full chamber on Feb. 4. The Virginian-Pilot reported that state police, insurance companies and sheriffs want the ban kept in place. The paper also noted that delegates are likely to send the repeal to the Senate.
I have written elsewhere about the dangers posed by increasing speed limits. Briefly, faster cars, trucks and motrcycles have worse accidents--drivers, passengers and pedestrians are all at greater risks for suffering major injuries or being killed when vehicles collide at higher speeds. Radar detectors exist solely to permit car, truck and motorcycle drivers to exceed posted speed limits. A tagline on this radar and laser detector product review Web site baldly states, "Don't Slow Down. You've Got Options." Maybe Virginia's new governor is hoping to make this a new state slogan!
Having practiced injury law for more than 20 years and having seen too often how decisions to not slow down and drive recklessly have resulted in horrific accidents, serious disabilities and deaths, it boggles my mind why Virginia lawmakers would go out their way to make it easier for drivers to speed. When I think about a new governor's first 30-day priority list, I have to wonder: Are making highway driving less safe by raising speed limits and allowing radar detectors issues Virginians considered important when casting their ballots last November? I think not. How about focusing on our economy, jobs and laws and regulations that make us safer?
I can only hope the delegates act in their constituents' best interest by keeping the radar and laser detector ban in place. I do not think interstate driver's are going to detour around Virginia on this issue, but I am wondering how this rose to the top of the Virginia governor's priority list.
About the Editors: The Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm, whose attorneys work out of offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC), edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as pro bono services.
EJL
Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick ShapiroShapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton, P.C.
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Is it necessary to prove that the other driver was at-fault in causing the accident to recover for an injury from the insurance company in North Carolina (NC) after a car wreck?
What exactly is the FELA?