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Learn More About Your Rights From Experienced Virginia and Washington D.C. Personal Injury Lawyers

Our library provides important information to people who have been hurt in medical malpractice, car and truck accidents or other catastrophic accidents in Virginia or Washington D.C.  Read more about your brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other serious injury in our regularly updated library.

Library Categories:

• Medical Malpractice
• Car / Truck Accidents
• Birth Injuries
• Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Catastrophic Personal Injuries
• Old Firm News
• Brain Injury
• Birth-Related Articles
• Medical Articles
• Significant Court Decisions
• Car / Truck Accidents
• Tort Reform News
• General

Medical Malpractice:

• ER Mistakes: A Common Cause of Medical Malpractice in Virginia   
  Why am I likely to suffer an injury in a DC emergency room? Find out what you have to fear in a Virginia ER from our Fairfax medical malpractice lawyers.
• Was My Virginia Bowel Injury Caused by Medical Malpractice?   
  What was the real cause of my bowel injury in DC? Find out of your doctor is guilty of Virginia medical negligence from a Fairfax medical malpractice lawyer.
• How Much Can I Recover in my Virginia Medical Malpractice Case?   
  How much can I get in my DC medical malpractice lawsuit? Find out how much your Virginia settlement could be from a Fairfax medical malpractice lawyer.
• 7 Common Types of Hospital Negligence in DC   
  What kinds of mistakes in DC hospitals count as medical malpractice? Learn about hospital negligence from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• New Bill May Limit Settlements for Medical Malpractice in DC   
  A new law could limit the amount of DC hospital error victims’ settlements. Get the full story from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• 3 Real-Life Cases of Sexual Medical Malpractice   
  Sexual surgical mistakes often have permanent side effects. Read these true stories of medical negligence from a Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• 5 Horrifying Real-Life Cases of Medical Malpractice   
  Do Virginia doctors really make mistakes while operating? Read these five true tales of medical negligence from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• 5 Ways to Double-Check Your Virginia Cancer Diagnosis   
  Could my Virginia doctor have missed my cancer diagnosis? Learn about cancer screening in DC from an experienced Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• VA Hospital Negligence Can Be Hard to Spot   
  Is a DC hospital responsible for the death of your loved one? Learn more about Virginia hospital negligence from a Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• DC Dosage Errors Can Have Fatal Consequences for VA Patients   
  Did a DC hospital give you the wrong dosage of medication? Learn more about Virginia medication errors from our Fairfax medical malpractice attorneys.
• LASIK and Vision Loss: Is my Virginia Doctor Giving Me All the Facts?   
  Did my doctor fail to warn me about the risks of LASIK surgery? Learn more about surgical errors in DC from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• Eye Surgery Mistakes Are a Common Cause of Blindness in Virginia   
  Am I at risk of blindness during eye surgery in a Virginia hospital? Get the facts on surgical errors in DC from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice lawyer.
• It’s Not Impossible for Doctors to Perform the Wrong Surgical Procedure in DC   
  Do Virginia hospitals ever perform the wrong procedure during surgery? Get the facts on DC surgical errors from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• Does wrong-side surgery really happen in Virginia?   
  Do I have a case against the Virginia hospital after a wrong-side surgery? Get the facts on surgical errors from a trusted DC medical malpractice attorney.
• What can I do if my colon cancer was misdiagnosed by a Virginia doctor?   
  Was your colon cancer misdiagnosed in Virginia? Get the compensation you deserve with the help of an experienced Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• Do more medical errors happen in Virginia clinics or in hospitals?   
  Are patients more at risk in clinics than they are in Virginia hospitals? Get the facts on DC injuries from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• Is there a time limit to file a medical malpractice claim in Virginia?   
  How long do I have to file a malpractice claim against my doctor in Virginia? Get the facts on your case from a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• 5 Common Ways Anesthesia Can Cause Injury in Virginia Hospitals   
  Have you suffered an injury due to an anesthesia error in Virginia? Get the facts on surgical errors in DC from a Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• Is leaving surgical items inside patients a problem in Virginia hospitals?   
  What kind of settlement could I receive for a retained object after surgery in DC? Get the facts from an experienced Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• Am I at risk of a hospital-acquired infection in Virginia?   
  Are you suffering from a hospital-acquired infection in Virginia? Get compensation for your suffering with a trusted Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• What are the dangers of a medical misdiagnosis in Virginia?   
  Did a Virginia physician misdiagnose your medical condition? An experienced Fairfax medical malpractice attorney may be able get you compensation for your suffe
• How can I tell if I was prescribed the wrong medication by my Virginia doctor?   
  Were you given the wrong medication? Prescription drug mistakes are a common form of medical malpractice in DC. Read here to see if a doctor’s error resulted in your suffering. If you believe that someone you love was a victim of improper dosage or another prescription drug error, the experienced medical malpractice lawyers at Shevlin Smith can get you the help you deserve.
• Would my doctor recognize a heart attack?   
  Having a heart attack? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 for emergency treatment. Some symptoms are not typical “heart attack” behaviors—check yourself, and seek a doctor’s medical opinion to be sure. If your physician missed these signs of myocardial infarction, call our experienced Fairfax medical malpractice attorneys to get compensation for your suffering. Contact Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067.
• The Painful Truth about Cancer Misdiagnosis   
  Suffering from a cancer misdiagnosis? Could your symptoms be an early warning? If your physician missed your cancer diagnosis, or if you have undergone unnecessary surgery following a cancer misdiagnosis, then you may be eligible for compensation. Call Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067 for advice from a trusted Virginia medical malpractice lawyer.
• 3 Common Types of Hospital Negligence   
  Hospitals are supposed to be safe places that protect us when we’re sick or injured. However, hospitals can also be dangerous places. Read this article to find out about three common types of hospital negligence and about what you can do to recover the damages to which you are legally entitled if you’ve been hurt by a hospital’s negligence.
• Study Finds Many Hospital-Acquired Infections are Due to Ignorance and Neglect   
  Hospital infections are serious and often fatal complications that are frequently caused by the ignorance or neglect of medical professionals. Victims of hospital infections may be entitled to damages for their injuries. Contact the Washington D.C. and Virginia medical malpractice lawyers of Shevlin Smith for a free consultation.
• Lack of Informed Consent Medical Malpractice Cases   
  You may be entitled to medical malpractice damages if you did not provide informed consent prior to treatment, if you would not have provided medical consent had you been properly informed, and if you were injured because of the treatment. Contact the Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia medical injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith to learn more about potential damages in a lack-of-informed-consent medical malpractice case.

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Car / Truck Accidents:

• 5 Items that Can Save Your Life: What to Keep in Your Car’s Emergency Kit   
  What should I keep in a car emergency kit in Virginia? Learn how a few simple items in your car can save your life from a trusted Fairfax car accident lawyer.
• Top 5 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia   
  Why are motorcycle accidents in Virginia so common? An experienced Fairfax motorcycle accident attorney tells you how to avoid a motorcycle crash in DC.
• The Slow Crash: How Semis Cause Accidents in DC Intersections   
  Is it possible to prepare for a DC truck accident? Learn how to avoid an intersection accident in Virginia from a trusted Fairfax trucking accident attorney.
• Are DC Side-Impact Car Accidents More Deadly Than Head-On Collisions?   
  Are Virginia T-bone accidents more deadly than head-on collisions? Learn more about auto accidents in DC from a trusted Fairfax car accident attorney.
• When Does Drowsy Driving Become Impaired Driving?   
  Is drowsy driving more dangerous than drunk driving in Virginia? Get the facts about impaired driving crashes in DC from a trusted Fairfax car wreck attorney.
• Crash and Burn: Top 5 Causes of Fairfax Bicycle Accidents   
  Hit while bicycling in DC? Legal advice from an experienced Fairfax bicycle accident attorney can get you compensation for your Virginia bike crash injury.
• Common Head Injuries in Virginia Motorcycle Accidents: Signs & Symptoms   
  Are you suffering from a head injury after motorcycle accident in Virginia? Get a free consultation from an experienced Fairfax motorcycle injury attorney.
• Common DC Car Accident Injuries: Are you suffering from a pelvic fracture?   
  Was your pelvic fracture misdiagnosed? Call a DC car accident attorney at Shevlin Smith at (703) 591-0067 for information on your Fairfax personal injury case.
• Aggressive Truck Driving in Virginia: How to Spot the Warning Signs   
  Aggressive truck driving is a common cause of Virginia road accidents. Don’t let a truck driver bully you into an accident! Call Shevlin Smith at 703-591-0067.
• The Frightening Facts about Virginia Rollover Accidents   
  Involved in a rollover accident? Get advice from a Fairfax personal injury attorney who knows the risks, injuries, and settlements involved in Virginia rollover accident cases. Call Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067 for more information and a free consultation.
• What Every Driver Should Know About Virginia Work Zone Accidents   
  Suffering after a work zone accident in Virginia? Find out more about your work zone injury, including possible damage compensation, with experienced legal advice from the personal injury attorneys at Shevlin Smith. Call (703) 591-0067 today for more information and to schedule your consultation.
• Truck Driver Fatigue: How to Avoid an 18-Wheeler Accident   
  Trucker asleep at the wheel? If you were involved in a car accident with an 18-wheeler due to driver fatigue, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Shevlin Smith can help get you the compensation you deserve. Call our offices today at (703) 591-0067 for a free consultation on your Virginia truck accident case.
• Children in Fatal Car Accidents: How to Prevent a Tragedy   
  Is your son or daughter secured properly in their car seat? Would your child survive a head-on collision? Ensure child safety on Virginia roads by following these safety tips—and to see if your children are at risk. If your child suffered an injury in a Virginia car accident, get advice from a trusted Fairfax personal injury attorney today by calling Shevlin Smith at (703) 591-0067.
• 5 Easy Steps to Surviving a Virginia Car Accident   
  Don’t panic after a Virginia car accident! Follow these simple tips and be prepared. Know what to carry, what information to get, and who to call in the event of a road accident in Virginia. Contact Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067 for more knowledgeable advice from our trusted Fairfax personal injury attorneys.
• Distracted Driving: A Leading Cause of Virginia Car Accidents   
  Hit by a distracted driver in Virginia? Are you suffering because a driver on a cell phone wasn’t paying attention? If you or someone you love was injured in a distracted driving car accident, then advice from a Washington, DC accident lawyer can help you recover. Call Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067 to learn about your options and possible compensation.
• Interesting Facts About Virginia Accidents in 2009   
  In 2009, tens of thousands of people were injured and more than 700 people were killed in Virginia car accidents. Read this article to find out what caused these accidents, where they happened and what you should do if you’ve been hurt in a Virginia accident. The Virginia and Washington D.C. car crash lawyers of Shevlin Smith are available for a free consultation if you’ve been injured lost a loved one in a Northern Virginia accident.
• Nighttime Driving is the Most Common Cause of Teenage Car Crashes   
  Nighttime driving is the biggest risk for teenage drivers, according to a new study. Teenagers, and their parents, should understand the risks of night driving and comply with driving laws in Virginia and Washington D.C. that limit the nighttime driving of novice drivers. If you, or your child, has been hurt in an accident call the Virginia car accident lawyers of Shevlin Smith at 703-591-0067 for a free consultation.

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Birth Injuries:

• Virginia Birth Injuries: Know the Warning Signs of Placental Abruption   
  What are the signs of placental abruption? See if your DC doctor was responsible for your child’s birth injury from a Fairfax medical malpractice attorney.
• Virginia Birth Injury: Is Your Child Suffering from Cephalohematoma?   
  Was your baby born with a swelling on the head? Get the facts about these common types of birth injuries from an experienced Fairfax birth injury attorney.
• Can Forceps Really Cause Injuries During Delivery?   
  Is your child showing signs of nerve damage after forceps delivery? Your doctor may have advised you that forceps are completely safe—and in most cases, they are. But in the wrong hands, they can prove dangerous and debilitating, causing a number of birth injuries in Virginia. Get help from a DC medical malpractice attorney by calling Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067.
• Brain Injury at Birth: Causes and Symptoms of Infant Hypoxia   
  Has your infant experienced injury due to physician neglect? Was your OB-GYN dismissive of your baby’s symptoms or neonatal care? If your child suffered a loss of blood to the brain during delivery, the results could be both catastrophic and costly. Don’t pay for a negligent doctor’s mistakes! Get advice from a trusted Fairfax birth injury lawyer by calling Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067.
• When Should I Worry about Vacuum Extraction Injuries?   
  If your doctor failed to perform adequate care during the birth of your child, a Virginia medical malpractice attorney can hold him accountable for his mistakes—and get the help your baby needs. Call Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067 for more information in your Virginia birth injury case.
• Are Erb’s Palsy and Cerebral Palsy the Same Thing?   
  The Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia birth injury attorneys of Shevlin Smith are committed to helping parents of children with Erb’s Palsy, Cerebral Palsy or other birth injuries recover the damages to which they may be entitled. Read this article to understand the differences between Erb’s Palsy and Cerebral Palsy and learn about your legal rights if your child suffers from either condition due to medical negligence. For more information about medical negligence you can also read a copy of our free book, “A Patient’s Guide to Virginia Medical Negligence Law.”
• Fighting for Justice When Your Child Suffers a Birth Injury   
  Gestational diabetes and failure to properly monitor the size of a fetus can lead to birth injuries when a large baby gets stuck during the birthing process. The Washington D.C. and Virginia birth injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith fight for the financial recovery of children who suffer birth injuries due to the negligence of doctors or hospitals. If your child has been hurt, call 703.591.0067 for more information.

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Brain Injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: Warning Signs and Symptoms   
  Headaches? Dizziness? Confused? Check yourself for signs of Traumatic Brain Injury following your Virginia car accident. Learn more about TBI and what to do after your DC car wreck by calling Shevlin Smith today for a free consultation: (703) 591-0067.
• The Consequences of Concussions: Is Your Child at Risk?   
  There has been a dramatic increase in the number of student athletes seeking emergency medical care for concussions over the past decade. Concussions that are caused by sports injuries, falls, blows to the head or car accidents can cause significant problems if they are not properly treated. The Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia brain injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith are committed to helping brain injury victims with their recoveries. Call us today for a free consultation.
• Long-Term Conditions Caused by Traumatic Brain Injuries   
  Traumatic brain injuries can result in physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, and emotional difficulties. Learn more about your rights to recover damages for these significant injuries from Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia traumatic brain injury lawyers.
• How to Recover from Depression after a Traumatic Brain Injury   
  A new study by the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that many traumatic brain-injury victims suffer from untreated major depressive disorder. The Washington D.C. and Virginia brain injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith are committed to helping traumatic brain-injury accident victims recover from their injuries and overcome their depression. Call Shevlin Smith today for more information.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries are Increasing in the U.S. According to 2010 CDC Report   
  A 2010 CDC report indicates that traumatic brain injuries are increasing in the United States and that children and the elderly are at the greatest risk for TBIs. If you, or a loved one, have suffered a traumatic brain injury then the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. brain injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith may be able to help you with your financial recovery. Call a Virginia brain injury attorney today at 703.591.0067 to discuss your case.

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Spinal Cord Injuries:

• Living with a Spinal Cord Injury: Expectations and Recovery   
  Suffering paralysis after a DC car accident? Learn how to cope with living with a spinal cord injury, including treatments and rehabilitation therapy, and if your injury could have been avoided. If you believe a doctor’s negligence led to your traumatic injury, call the trusted medical malpractice attorneys at Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067 to schedule a consultation.
• Emergency Warning Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury   
  Are you experiencing loss of function after a Virginia car accident? Check yourself for these signs of spinal cord injury, and if your physician could be have mistaken the diagnosis. To learn more about spinal cord injuries, medical malpractice and possible compensation in your Virginia personal injury case, contact the attorneys at Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067.
• Can a Spinal Cord Injury be Cured?   
  Spinal cord injuries affect about 12,000 people and their families each year in the United States, and they are currently incurable. Promising research is being undertaken to develop a cure for spinal cord injuries. The Washington D.C. and Virginia spinal-cord injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith help victims of spinal cord injuries get the treatment and the financial damages that they deserve for their injuries.

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Catastrophic Personal Injuries:

• Do I Have a Fracture? Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone   
  DC accident victims: could you be suffering from a fracture? Contact a DC personal injury attorney at Shevlin Smith today for more information: (703) 591-0067.
• Where can I find help for the costs of a severe burn injury?   
  Burn victims in Virginia: are you still recuperating from your injury months after the accident? Are you dealing with high medical bills and costly post-op treatment? Have you suffered a permanent loss of function as a result of an accident? If you are recovering from a catastrophic personal injury, you may be owed compensation. For professional help for severe burn victims in Virginia, contact the attorneys at Shevlin Smith today at (703) 591-0067.

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Old Firm News:

• Tom Smith Named Super Lawyer   
  Tom Smith has again been named a Super Lawyer in the field of Plaintiff's Personal Injury:Medical Malpractice in Metro DC for 2008. He previously received this honor in 2007 in both Metro DC and Virginia. Other attorneys in Virginia nominate and vote for honorees, and only 5% of the attorneys in Virginia receive this designation.
• Shevlin Smith Moves Office   
  On October 1, 2007, Shevlin Smith moved its offices to its new location at 3975 University Drive, Suite 405, Fairfax, Virignia 22030. The office is conveniently located near the Fairfax County Courthouse and is a block of the intersection of Route 123 and Route 236. Shevlin Smith's telephone number remains the same - (703)591-0067.
• Virginia's Largest Verdicts of 2006   
  Virginia Lawyers Weekly recognizes Brian Shevlin and Michael Shevlin for 11th largest verdict in the State of Virginia in 2006. It was the 4th largest verdict involving a Virignia medical malpractice case.
• Virginia's Largest Verdicts of 2005   
  Virginia Lawyer's Weekly recognizes Michael Shevlin and Brian Shevlin for receiving the sixth largest jury verdict in the State of Virginia in 2005. This verdict was the second highest medical malpractice award in Virginia in 2005.

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Brain Injury:

• Clinical Policy: Neuroimaging and Decisionmaking in Adult Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Acute Setting From [PDF]   
  In 2008, the American College of Emergency Physicians revised its Clinical Policy concerning the "Neuroimaging and Decisionmaking in Adult Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Acute Setting." Its new policy provides evidence-based recommendation in the area of the management of adult patients with mild traumatic brain injuries in the acute setting.

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Birth-Related Articles:

• NIH Reconsiders Risks of VBACs and Subsequent C-Sections   
  C Sections are commonly thought of as the safest way to deliver a baby if the mother has had a previous C Section. However, there is a risk of serious complications for a baby if a doctor is negligent in recommending or performing a C-Section. If your child has been hurt during birth call a Virginia birth accident lawyer at Shevlin Smith for a free consultation.

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Medical Articles:

• Report to Congress on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Steps to Prevent a Serious Public Health Problems [PDF]   
• Elective C-sections performed too early 36% of the time   
  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that elective C-sections be performed no sooner than 39 full weeks of gestation. A recent research study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) found that 36% of C-sections were performed earlier than this benchmark. Babies delivered by C-sections before 39 weeks have been shown to have increased birth-related problems such as respiratory distress, lower blood sugar, infection or a need for intensive care.
• Experts Worry About Rise In C-Section Births   
  This story from the U.S. News and World Report notes that nearly 1 in 3 pregnant women had a C-section in 2006. A decade earlier, only 1 in 5 women gave birth by C-section. Physicians discuss the reasons for the rise in C-section, and the pros and cons of having a C-section.
• Millions of Seniors Use Risky Drug Combinations   
  The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published an article that focused on medication drug use by senior citizens and the risks associated with the combined use of multiple medications. The article was based upon research funded by the National Institutes of Health and University of Chicago.
  
  Based upon 3,000 interviews with people aged 57 to 85, the researchers found that 91% of the people interviewed used at least one medication, and that more than 50% used at least five medications.
  
  The most worrisome potential combinations cited by the researchers were as follows:
  (1) Warfarin (a potent prescription clot-fighting drug) taken with aspirin increased the risk of excess bleeding;
  (2) Aspirin taken with over-the-counter ginkgo supplements also increased the chances for excess bleeding;
  (3) Lisinopril (a blood pressure drug) taken with potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms;
  (4) Statins (a prescription cholesterol-lowering drug) taken with over-the-counter niacin (a type of vitamin B that also lowers cholesterol) increases the risks for muscle damage.
  
  Of chief concern is that many senior citizens do not appreciate the risks associated with combined medication drug use, including the potential effects from over-the-counter medication use such as herbal remedies.
• "Repairing the Damaged Spinal Cord" [PDF]   
  Dr. John W. MacDonald and the Research Consortium of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation write about the significant advances in the understanding of spinal cord injuries and new approaches for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

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Significant Court Decisions:

• Virginia Supreme Court Issues Important Decision For Disputed Wrongful Death Cases [PDF]   
  The decision in Centra Health, Inc. v. Mullins is a big victory for plaintiff's rights.
• Virginia Supreme Court clarifies the foundational requirements for the admissibility of medical literature [PDF]   
  In Bostic v. About Women OB/GYN, the Virginia Supreme Court addressed the issue as to the foundational requirements for the introduction of medical literature pursuant to Virginia Code 8.01-401.1. The Bostic Court held that the trial court erroneously admitted medical literature, and reversed a jury verdict in favor of the defendant.
• Virginia Supreme Court addresses damages issue in truck accident wrongful death case [PDF]   
  In Wright v. Minnicks, the Virginia Supreme Court reversed a trial court's decision to set aside a verdict in favor the plaintiff. The jury had awarded the plaintiff significant damages for loss of income, services, protection and assistance as a result of the decedent's death, but had awarded the plaintiff zero compensation for loss of solace damages. The Wright Court held that in light of evidence that showed the plaintiff's and decedent's marriage was failing, the jury's award of zero compensation for loss of solace damages was not inappropriate.
• Massachusetts Supreme Court Holds That A Doctor's Responsibility Goes Beyond Patients   
• Trial Court Order Awarding Plaintiff Costs and Attorney's Fees As A Result Of Defendant's Refusal To Admit An Uncontested Fact [PDF]   
• Virginia Supreme Court reaffirms mother's right to recover for her own emotional distress suffered as a result of an in utero injury to her fetus [PDF]   
  The Virginia Supreme Court upheld a jury's verdict in favor of a mother's emotional distress claim arising from a birth injury to her son. The significance of this decision is that it recognizes that an injury suffered by a baby while in the mother's womb causes harm to both a mother and her child. As a result, both mother and child are permitted to recover for their injuries and Virignia's statutory cap on damages will apply to the mother and child separately. Mother and child are each entitled to recover an amount up to the limits of Virginia's medical malpractice cap.
• Virginia Supreme Court agrees with trial court's decision to fine defense attorney who raised groundless legal defenses [PDF]   
  In an era when plaintiffs and plaintiff's attorneys are routinely criticized for bringing frivolous lawsuits, a Fairfax County trial court judge held that a defense attorney for Ford Motor Company raised legal defenses that were without any factual support. The trial judge fined the defense attorney as a result. In the attached opinion, the Virginia Supreme Court agreed with trial court's decision.

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Car / Truck Accidents:

• Large-Truck Crash Causation Study: An Initial Overview [PDF]   
  This study was published in August, 2006 based upon data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). It was the first national study that determined the reasons and associated factors contributing to serious large-truck crashes.
• Speeding Triples The Chances of an Auto Accident   

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Tort Reform News:

• Insurance companies drastically raise insurance premiums for doctors despite a fall in the number of medical malpractice case filings [PDF]   
• The Ten Worst Insurance Companies in America [PDF]   
• "The Fairness of Malpractice Settlements" [PDF]   
  This article is a summary of a large study conducted by Philip G. Peters, Jr., a professor of law at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. Analyzing over a dozen studies from the last 25 years, Professor Peters refutes the claims that our legal system favors plaintiffs and that doctors and other health care providers are settling frivilous lawsuits to avoid trial.
• Harvard School of Public Health study: "Claims, Errors, and Compensation Payments in Medical Malpractice Litigation" [PDF]   
  This study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the most prestigious journals in the medical profession. The study examined the current debate over tort reform, specifically the issue of whether the frivolous litigation is common and costly in the medical malpractice system. Its findings: "portraits of a malpractice system is stricken with frivolous litigation are overblown" and "the malpractice system performs reasonably well in its function of separating claims without merit from those with merit and compensating the latter."
• "To Err Is Human: Building A Safer Health System"   
  Recognizing that "to err is human" this report from The Quality of Health Care in America Committee of the Institute of Medicine examined the widespread nature of preventable errors in the United States. Such errors lead to the unnecessary deaths of as many as 98,000 Americans each year. This report sets forth recommendations that will help improve our country's health care system.
• Financial Statements From 15 Largest Medical Malpractice Insurers Show Increase In Doctor's Insurance Premiums Not The Result Of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits [PDF]   

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General:

• Failure to Diagnose and Properly Treat Heart Attacks May Cause Women to be More Likely to Die From Heart Attacks   
  Women who suffer heart attacks often experience delays in treatment, misdiagnoses, and negligent follow-up care. Doctors who fail to diagnose or properly treat a heart attack may be responsible for the resulting injuries. Contact a Washington D.C. and Virginia medical malpractice lawyer for more information if you’ve been hurt, or if you’ve lost a loved one, due to an improperly diagnosed or treated heart attack.
• How to Deal with an Insurance Adjustor After an Accident   
  Insurance adjustors often pressure motor-vehicle accident victims to settle their cases for less than their value. Learn how to protect your interests and recover a fair insurance settlement for your Washington D.C. or Northern Virginia accident injuries.
• Three Important Steps to Take After a Car or Truck Accident   
  Most families will be affected by a motor vehicle accident at some point. The time following a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming and confusing, but it is also important. The Washington D.C. and Virginia personal injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith suggest three important steps that you should take after an accident to protect yourself and your potential recovery.

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Do I Have A Case? A Patient's Guide to Virginia Medical Negligence Law

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