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Defensive Medicine, Fact or Fiction?
Posted on 8/27/2010
Airplane Accident Leads to Brain Injury
Posted on 8/23/2010
Seat Belt Law Loophole Puts Back Seat Riders in Serious Risk of Injury
Posted on 8/20/2010
Couples Sues Charleston Hospital For Infected Camping Injury
Posted on 8/18/2010
New Study: When Doctors Admit to Mistakes, Malpractice Claims Decrease
Posted on 8/18/2010

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Client Testimonials

Check out our testimonial library featuring clients discussing their experience with our law firm.

I want to thank you for showing so much compassion in the handling of my automobile accident case. I was in a lot of pain from the wreck physically and emotionally. You went above and beyond the call of duty for an attorney. I would certainly recommend anyone I know in Tidewater, Virginia to you for a car wreck injury case. I appreciate all you have done to help me in handling the lawsuit and getting me through this tough time.

Client: Barbara from Wilson, North Carolina (NC)
Attorney: John Cooper
Case: Injured car accident passenger in Suffolk, Virginia (VA)

Dear John,

I want to let you know how much I appreciate your hard work on my accident case. The overall result in terms of money was very good and I appreciate the quick way that you handled the case. I was impressed by your professional courtesy in always returning phone calls. I like to deal with people who are honest and who keep their word. You are that kind of straight shooter. You always told me exactly what to expect as the insurance claim went forward and made me feel comfortable. When I need an attorney in northeast North Carolina I am going to call you and I recommend you to anyone else who is seriously hurt because you went the extra mile for me.

Client: Joe from Coastal North Carolina
Attorney: John Cooper
Case: Trip and fall at Outer Banks, NC Hotel

Mr. Shapiro and his staff were always very kind and courteous to me. Roz, Mr. Shapiro's paralegal, was sympathetic to my situation and understanding of my injuries. She and his legal assistant Meg always returned my calls promptly as did Mr. Shapiro. I tripped and suffered injuries due to a construction area that was not marked properly. I had a favorable settlement and my case was handled promptly. I would recommend Mr. Shapiro and his staff to other persons who have a personal injury and need help with their situation as I did.

Client: EK
Lawyer: Rick Shapiro
Case: Trip and fall at construction site

Our worst nightmare evolved when my father began having chest pains....Finally, the surgeon told us he had mesothelioma, a mean cruel cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. They also told us there were no survivors of this type of cancer.... My father had worked on the Railroad for over 36 years...I then asked a friend of mine if this was his father, what attorney would he use and he immediately said Rick Shapiro. He called Rick on his cell phone and explained our situation and handed me the phone. That connection to the law firm of Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis and Appleton began a relationship of trust and a sense of confidence that we had not experienced before.

It was apparent to us that we had the right team fighting for our father. Dad died less than 3 months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He did not live to see the results of the work of what Rick did for our family. We were caught up in delay after delay. I really believe the Railroad was trying to delay until after my mother's death. Our father had signed an early retirement contract in 1989, wherein a clause basically said that he would hold the railroad harmless from any future claims of any sort. The first judge read that agreement and tossed the case out. Rick knew better and his experience with FELA cases become an added tool in the arsenal. Rick never gave up, he appealed the lower judge's decision to a higher court and got that decision overturned with a unanimous decision, making our case a landmark case for others in our situation to have legal ground to fight on.

[The railroad] had no sympathy for the family; could care less that Dad was exposed to asbestos while he worked in the railroad shop and later as fireman on the steam engines and later as an engineer running the diesel engines. Rick realized the railroad knew of the dangers of asbestos years ago and intentionally failed to train the employees of the hazards in being exposed to asbestos nor did they ever offer any type of personal protective devices even though they had been available for years. That they knew and made intentional decisions to do nothing for their employees provided the fuel for anger from within the family.

Over the life of the case, which extended almost 5 years, Rick visited our home; he wanted to develop a personal relationship with the family so he could better understand our needs and where our strengths were. His continued drive and positive attitude kept us from ever getting to the point where we just gave up and decided to take whatever deal the railroad laid on the table. Never did I send an email or left a message in Rick's office that we did not get a speedy answer. The courtesy he extended to our family was unmatched by anyone in his profession.

Another new judge, #3 now, asked us to try mediation one more time. Rick contacted us and explained our options. We told him that we trusted his advice and we proceeded with the second round of mediation. This time, with the strategy he devised, we were successful in reaching a settlement amount with the railroad ... on behalf of our mother.... She just wanted to know that she would have money in the bank to pay the bills and not have to worry about somebody coming in and making her give up something that she and Dad had worked for. Rick made that possible. He has never led us astray and he always acted in our best interest. Now that this chapter is behind us, we still stay in touch from time to time. Rick evolved over time to become part of the family, a trusted, loyal friend. From not knowing us at all, to fighting for us, to the final battle, his guidance was always positive, and always in our best interest.

On behalf of [all of us] we are eternally grateful for everything the firm did for our family.

Client: Name Omitted to Protect Privacy
Attorney: Rick Shapiro
Case: Railroad Mesothelioma

Emily was very efficient in our first meeting and got me a good settlement in a timely manner. She returned my calls promptly and everyone at the office was courteous and helpful. I would recommend Emily to others and if I need an injury attorney again, I will definitely use her services.

Client: Carolyn

Attorney: Emily Mapp Brannon

I was really happy with the work that John Cooper did on my auto accident case. We went to mediation and got the case resolved for a good amount which will let me do things to help my financial future like buying a house. During the entire process John kept me and my family informed about what to expect and what I needed to do. I am really glad not to have to go to trial and think that the reason we got such a good outcome was in part because of my lawyer's hard work in getting ready for mediation and forcing the insurance company to be fair.

The way I selected John Cooper as my injury lawyer was that my Dad who used to work for the railroad knew him and his firm. In fact, my Dad had recommended various people to that law firm including some very severe accident cases. When the lady ran into my work truck not far from our home in Hanover County, Virginia, my mother and father were there at the scene and saw me all banged up and unconscious. I ended up spending 5 days in the hospital and had to use a walker and crutches to get around because of broken bones in my hip and back for several months. One thing that I liked is that the attorney spent enough time with me and my family talking about the injury and making sure that I knew my legal options. There were a lot of different issues that the lawyer knew how to manage having to do with the underinsured motorists coverage, worker's compensation insurance, and dealing with paying the big medical bills that I had from the hospital and the doctors. I really felt like John Cooper was looking out for my best interests in the lawsuit.

Client: Kevin
Attorney: John Cooper
Case: Virginia (VA) Car Accident

Dear Randy,

This letter is to thank you and your staff for the professional job you did handling my injury case with the railroad. Without you I am sure my settlement would have been far less than the settlement you successfully negotiated for me and my family.

I sincerely hope none of my railroad friends ever receive an injury. However, if they do, I will advise them to contact you immediately.

I hope we can stay in touch because I consider you to be a friend as well as very good attorney. If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Howard

Client: Howard
Case: Railroad Injury
Attorney: Randy Appleton

I just want to thank you so much for being so caring and compassionate to our needs. We were in a nursing home the week after our motorcycle accident. You flew down to meet us and attended to our needs. You believed in us and made sure that we got the compensation that we deserved! We have a good quality of life and are financially set because of you and of course GOD! You fought for us, and I knew you would not settle for second best. You returned every phone call and answered every question, no matter how dumb it sounded. You acted as a friend, not just an attorney. It felt as if we were your only clients! Thanks again for digging deep in our case challenging ER doctors and Police, and uncovering the coverup! Thanks again for all you have done!! Thanks to the very knowledgeable staff at Shappiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton!

God Bless You,

Client: H.M.
Case: Motorcycle Wreck in Virginia
Attorney: Jim Lewis

I was very happy that John Cooper handled this wrongful death case for my son, whose father was killed in a truck accident. John really took the time to listen to me and what I was concerned about. By the end of the case, I really felt like he was, not only my trusted lawyer, but also my friend.

I was recommended to John by another attorney that my husband knew. That attorney said that John Cooper was the lawyer to hire for any big, important injury case.

I felt that John and his office let me know at each step of the case, what was going on with the lawsuit. He made sure that everything went smoothly in dealing with the insurance company and the other lawyers. John made me feel like mine was the only case he was working on, though I know he is very busy with lots of cases.

I knew what amount of money I thought was fair going into the mediation. I was happy when John was able to get my son, not only the amount of money that I was looking for, but even more. Even after the case was settled, I continued to hear from John and he seemed to take a genuine interest in trying to help me and my son.

Client: B.J.
Case: Truck Wreck/Wrongful Death on Interstate 81 in western VA
Attorney: John Cooper

{February 2010 }

Emily:

        Thanks so much for your time and guidance to help me and my dad. We could not have accomplished our goal without your help.

        Best Wishes,

        Bob and Jerry T.

Mr. Shapiro:

I would like to personally thank you and your office for taking care of my accident. I had a fall case in a restaurant in Virginia, which I live in North Carolina. I had an attorney here working on the case for more than a year, that attorney then told me that I did not have a case that the statute of limitations in Virginia had run out.

Mr. Shapiro proved them wrong. I contacted his office via the internet, got an immediate response. He is an extremely nice man that made me feel like he cared, which he truly did indeed.

I spoke with him on the phone and in no time he had the case rolling. He in fact advised me that the statutes had not run out and that since the accident did happen in Virginia and I am a resident of North Carolina, that the statutes in this state were still good. All I can say is WOW what a wonderful group of people he has there.

In no time at all Mr. Shapiro had my case settled, my funds were in my bank, and all was resolved. After being told by my attorney in North Carolina, that basically I did not have a case. Again all I can say is what a wonderful team Mr. Shapiro has, and how fast they worked to get my case settled. Everyone at his office made me feel not only special but like I was a member of their family. I can not say enough how extra nice and intelligent this group is. They are professional, expedient and a very caring group.

If you need an attorney, please contact Mr. Shapiro, he is the best. I have told everyone I know about his firm, and will continue to spread the word. Mr. Shapiro, thank you with all my heart.

Debbie

Emily made sure step by step I was updated on everything. If I did call she always returned my call. I would reccomed Emily to others becuase she is great at making sure her client is well taken care of.

Angelicia S.

Emily is very professional and she handled my case efficently. I would refer her to other because the case would be handled in your best interest.

Ann W.

I am a Flight Attendant for a major airline and chose Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton as my counsel.

Mr. Richard Shapiro was able to understand the complex situation of my aviation case and put together an aggressive litigation strategy. We were able to file a compelling complaint and force opposing counsel, who represented [a large] manufacturer of aircrafts, and was represented by one of the largest law firms in New York, to make a substantial settlement offer shortly thereafter.

I am truly impressed by Mr. Shapiro and his result oriented approach. I have high regard for Mr. Shapiro's expertise and have recommended him to other associates of the airline industry and personal friends.

[Name withheld for privacy purposes]

Dear Attorney Cooper:

A note of thanks for taking the time to talk with me and my father via telephone conference call on September 1, 2009, regarding my mother’s accident and injuries.

My father did talk with a casino employee who was present at the time, and he provided my father the incident report number and suggested we contact their Safety Risk Manager. I have contacted her, but have not been successful to date getting a return call, but will be persistent.

My mom is currently in rehabilitation, and is coming along okay, but is still very weak, not certain when the time will come when she can go home.

Again on behalf of both of my parents and I thanks ever so much for listening to our concerns and the legal assistance you provided. Hopefully things will work out.

Sincerely,
D

I am very satisfied with Emily's services. She returned my calls promptly and the rest of the staff was courteous and helpful. I would reccommend her to others.

Kelly M.

Dear Mrs. Brannon:

I want to thank you and Mr. Lewis for your professionalism handling my case. You were very understanding of my needs and for that I would recommend your firm to others.

Allison- Rescue, Virginia

Dear Mr. Cooper,

I would like to thank you for treating me like family and being upfront throughout the whole case. Your law firm is all about the client's best interest. You were honest and concerned about my health and well being and seeing that I got a fair settlement. I have already recommended two people to you for help with their cases.

Stephen from Alexandria, Virginia

Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 5:00 PM
To: Emily Mapp Brannon
Subject: survey

Emily,

I apologize. I received a survey with my settlement packet. I put it aside to fill out and misplaced it.

I just want you to know how much I appreciate what you've done for me.

When I walked in to your office I was at the end of my rope. No other firm would talk to me because it wasn't an easy " open and shut". I honestly didn't expect your firm to take my case but you believed in me, fought my battle (all the way to court), and gave me the closure I needed.

Thank you so much !!!!

Catherine D.

Dear John:

Thank you for your help. If I should need an attorney again, you will be the first person I call.

Dorothy - Amtrak Carman/Coach Cleaner

Dear Mr. Cooper:

I would recommend your services to others. I was told by others that I had waited too long to file a lawsuit, but you proved them wrong.

Jimmy from Greenville, SC

December 2008

In August, 2007, I was struck by a car as I was walking across a street at an intersection in Norfolk. The accident happened as I was preparing to relocate to California. I consulted an attorney in Virginia who advised me that I could recover nothing due to the contributory negligence provisions of Virginia law.

I moved to California as planned several weeks after the accident. Seeking medical attention here, it became clear that my condition was far more serious than originally thought, and that I required surgery for my heel, which was fractured in several places. The expenses were going to be substantial, not only for actual medical costs, but for indirect expenses and lost work during my recovery.

I found Mr. Shapiro’s website and e-mailed him with a brief description of my situation. He responded within 24 hours, agreed to take my case, and gave me clear directions on how to proceed. I was concerned that my being in California and his being in Virginia would present a difficulty. It was not. As I recall, my only effort was the mailing of two envelopes of documents to him. He and his staff did absolutely everything else, always in a professional manner. Any inquiries I made received prompt and complete responses.

The result was a [significant-amount withheld] settlement. My health provider in California made a claim against part of the settlement to offset its expenses, and Mr. Shapiro negotiated with them to significantly reduce the amount they were seeking. The proceeds of the settlement were electronically transferred to my bank account.

The accident and aftermath were a nightmare, but I couldn’t be more pleased than I have been with Mr. Shapiro’s services.

Mike P.

A friend referred me to Emily Mapp Brannon. She was very professional and personable in all my dealings with her. All my calls were returned promptly and the office staff was courteous and helpful. I have to say my case was handled very well. I would definitely use this firm again if I needed their services again, my case was handled quickly and professionally. I'd recommend Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis and Appleton to others because the whole process was handled professionally, efficently and expediently.

Carol T. M.

09-2008

Hey Rick,

This Card is way overdue. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping get my claim settled with UNUM Provident. Without you and your company, I know I would never have gotten it paid. Until they knew you were in charge, they were ready to pass judgment. (In their favor of course). Than you out of the generosity of your heart, took them on for my benefit and they JUMPED to attention. If it hadn’t been for [my local union representative]and yourself fighting for my rights as a railroader, to get what was rightfully mine, I would have been wrongfully "screwed".

Rick I’ll never forget this and if I can ever do anything for you, I’ll be there. Your professional courtesy went beyond the call of duty. If I ever need a great RR attorney in the future or know of anyone who does, I’m calling you and/or bringing them to you.

Just can’t thank you enough!

A Grateful BLET Member

Thomas B.

{Note: Our firm handled this claim pro bono (for no legal fee) because we knew that UNUM, the disability insurer, was wrongfully denying this claim and we were outraged by the treatment he was given because he was not represented by a lawyer, among other issues.}

Dear Mr. Cooper,

Thank you for your professional help. You and your firm keep my concerns at the foremost of your mind.

Harry from South Carolina

Dear Mr. Cooper & Staff:

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for everything. I was very satisfied with everything. My case was handled in a professional manner. I know it couldn't have been done without you. So once again, thank you very much.

Leslie S.

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...

March 2008

Dear Richard Shapiro:

I wanted to thank you for all of your tireless efforts in resolving my case. I remember trying to find a Virginia lawyer and you were the only one who would even listen to my story. The several months during which I was recovering from cutting my tendon you helped guide me though the steps to take in getting back to full strength. Although I still have not fully regained strength and feeling in my thumb the settlement you obtained from both the hotel and manufacturer will be more than helpful in paying off debt, and getting my life back on track. There were many ideas of what my life would be like after college. Two things that were not expected was missing my roommate’s wedding because I was in the emergency room, and still spending like a college student to keep my head above water financially. Now, with your help, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you very much for you hard work, dedication, and sympathy for my case.

Sincerely,

Mike D.

Richard Shapiro
Attorney at Law
December 15, 2005

Dear Rick,
I wanted to take this occasion to express my sincere appreciation to you and your most capable staff in handling my personal injury case in November of 2002.

When I became injured, there were a lot more things happening than just the pain I was going through. The uncertainty alone could have been overwhelming had it not been for your reassuring manner. From the very beginning and every step along the way, you kept me well informed as to where we were in my case and what to expect. I appreciated your honesty and your sincerity regarding my injury.

Having been a legislative representative for the United Transportation Union for many years, it allowed me the opportunity, to witness firsthand what quality representation should be. Your law firm was a standout because of it's reputation for success, the aggressive nature that you and your colleagues share in the pursuit of justice for the injured. After realizing that I wasn't going to be able to work through my injury and that even though in the beginning I tried to deny the severity of my injuries, (no one wants to be hurt), I finally came to the conclusion that there was a good chance this accident was going to end my 25 year career. I always put 110% of myself into safety and doing my job professionally. (Even if you're trying to do everything right, things can happen out of your control).

Because of your reassurance, I was able to focus my attention on my recovery, even though it turned out to be very limited. Corporations have an army of attorneys to minimize the impact that an injury could have on them monetarily. Too many times they're able to walk away unscathed because the injured choose the wrong representation. All law firms are not created equal!

Your law firm ultimately enabled me to set aside my economic concerns and allowed me to focus on my future. I would highly recommend you and your colleagues to anyone that has been injured! If any time in the future you would want to use me as a reference, I would be honored to do so! Again my sincere thanks...
Michael Bartley

Subject: Thank you, Team Shapiro!

Thank you for giving me and my wife a brighter future! I hope your upcoming year is full of blessings, wealth and health!

Today was my Wife's Birthday. Thanks for her Birthday Present! and a new future, this will help me restart life… I'm hurt physically but my ambitions are strong.

Again thanks to all at the Firm for giving me a new future and a fresh start and all the hard work you put into my case!
Sincerely,

Ira H.

December 2006

I was scared......I feel I was actually in shock - or at least thats what it felt like. All I knew for sure was that I was hurt.....the company was already in high gear and I knew that I needed to protect my interests. My wife wanted to know how we were going to survive financially as far the future. I decided to contact a lawyer, but which one? I literally called every lawyer listed in the back of the BLE magazine.

A couple sounded ok....but when I spoke to Rick Shapiro of HSCL in Virginia I knew I had found the lawyer I wanted to protect my rights vs. the company (NS). My case is over now and I honestly can say Rick Shapiro was the best choice I could have possibly made....Rick literally wrote the book on railroad litigation, “Railroad Health & Safety; A Litigator’s Guide.”

Along with Rick and his crack office staff also came a former railroader and top investigator Charlie Cunningham. How could I have stood up to this huge corporation without Rick and Charlie? I know I wouldn't have stood a chance. Me and my family just want to say thanks to Rick, Charlie, and everyone at HSCL.
B.S. [Name withheld on request] West Virginia

Michael Rosenberg
Attorney At Law
December 21,
2006 James C. Lewis & John M. Cooper
1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Dear Jim and John:
Thank you and your partners for the great job in the Rockett case. Barrett and I appreciate your help. There are any number of competent lawyers in your practice area. We can be sure that anyone we refer will ... be treated with dignity. That’s important!
Sincerely, Mike

C. Graham Melrose,
Florida January, 2007
John M. Cooper & Staff
1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Dear Mr. Cooper:
The outcome of this case was way better than I expected. Way better! You have a great team of people to have working for you. Thank you all very, very much!
C. Graham

John M. Cooper & Staff March, 2007

Dear John:
We would like to say Thank You to you and your staff for helping John and I. We really appreciate everything and all your hard work. It means a lot. You have all been great.
Sincerely, John & Debby

John Cooper and Staff January 18, 2008

Albert from Virginia was referred to Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton by a prior client. Albert said that he was very satisfied with Mr. Cooper and his staff because, "they were very patient with my work schedule", "very courteous", "returned calls promply", and provided "very good service".

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DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT EVERY CASE IS DIFFERENT, AND THE VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS MENTIONED ON THIS WEBSITE, WHILE ACCURATE, DO NOT REPRESENT WHAT WE MAY OBTAIN FOR YOU IN YOUR CASE.