Legal

The law affects every part of daily life. Our legal section offers clear, practical explanations of new laws, court rulings, and local and national legal developments. Whether you’re following a major lawsuit or seeking to understand how a new law impacts you, this section keeps readers informed about what’s happening in Virginia’s courts and legislature.

Deadly ATV Crashes Can Be Easy to Prevent

As a father and outdoor enthusiast, I could not look away from this headline on the Today website: “7-Year-Old Boy, 2 Other Kids Injured in July 4th ATV Accident.” The tragedy occurred in Dade City, Florida (FL). According to State Highway Patrol officials, the young…

By Eric Washburn

/ 27 Jul 2020

Deadly ATV Crashes Can Be Easy to Prevent

Talking to Your Teen About Driving Safety

For parents, the day their teenager gets their driver’s license is the day they can retire from being a chauffeur. No more carpooling kids to school or waiting outside movie theatres when your child is late for the pre-arranged pick up time. Unfortunately, it can…

By Randy Appleton

/ 6 Jul 2020

Talking to Your Teen About Driving Safety

Protecting Elderly Drivers

Most of us have older adults in our lives who are either friends or family members. While many of them are still independent despite advanced years, it is natural to worry about their health and their overall safety. They are likely to require at least…

By Eric Washburn

/ 29 Jun 2020

Are Punitive Damages Recoverable in a North Carolina Personal Injury Case?

Plaintiffs—that is, victims—in North Carolina personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits can recover punitive damages. According to Chapter 1D of the North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.), the monetary noncriminal penalties against the individual or organization that caused the injury or death

By Randy Appleton

/ 15 Jun 2020

Are Punitive Damages Recoverable in a North Carolina Personal Injury Case?

When a Loved One Is Too Old to Drive Safely?

Though there are a variety of public transportation options in Virginia, driving is still an appropriate choice for many. Being able to transport oneself throughout the city efficiently has an extraordinary impact on the quality of life for an individual. As an individual gets older,…

By Eric Washburn

/ 18 May 2020

When a Loved One Is Too Old to Drive Safely?

Increased Crash Risks During May through September

When it comes to bad weather driving, many people likely think that it is during the winter months that are the most dangerous since snow, ice, and other wintery weather conditions make the roads perilous. However, national statistics reveal that it is actually the months…

By Eric Washburn

/ 11 May 2020

Increased Crash Risks During May through September

Can an Instacart Shopper File a Workers’ Comp Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit After Slipping and Falling in a Store?

Unsurprisingly, the two-part question posed in the title has two answers. No, an Instacart shopper cannot file a workers’ comp claim. Yes, grounds for a slip and fall lawsuit may exist. Both responses merit fuller explanations. Slips and Falls Are a Real Risk First, slips…

By Eric Washburn

/ 6 May 2020

Can an Instacart Shopper File a Workers’ Comp Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit After Slipping and Falling in a Store?

Can I Sue a News Network or TV Personality Because I Took Hydroxychloroquine for Coronavirus?

Probably not. But some negligent doctors and pharmacists may face liability for ignoring known risks from the medication. The Problem Wholesale orders and prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine sktyocketed after March 21, 2020. On that day, just as U.S. infections and deaths from the novel coronavirus

By Richard Shapiro

/ 27 Apr 2020

Can I Sue a News Network or TV Personality Because I Took Hydroxychloroquine for Coronavirus?

Can I Sue Someone for Giving Me Coronavirus?

Yes, but only under a specific set of circumstances. Also, actually receiving any money from the person who made you sick will be difficult. The Legal and Scientific Details If an infected person intentionally transmits a virus, they can be sued for inflicting an intentional…

By Eric Washburn

/ 15 Apr 2020

Can I Sue Someone for Giving Me Coronavirus?

COVID-19: Keeping in Touch with Elderly Loved Ones in Nursing Homes

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed just about every aspect of our lives, across the country and around the world. Many states have taken action to help stop the spread of the virus. Here in Virginia, Governor Ralph Northam has issued executive orders which shut down…

By Eric Washburn

/ 6 Apr 2020

COVID-19: Keeping in Touch with Elderly Loved Ones in Nursing Homes

Know Your Rights as a Nursing Home Patient in Virginia

The National Council on Aging estimates that 10 percent of Americans who are older than 60 have fallen victim to some form of abuse or exploitation. The council lists the types of mistreatment experienced by older people as including physical, sexual and financial abuse; involuntarily…

By Eric Washburn

/ 18 Mar 2020

Know Your Rights as a Nursing Home Patient in Virginia

What Are My Legal Rights if I Get Injured While Riding a Dockless E-Scooter?

After a surprise rollout and more than a year of starts, stops and general confusion, dockless e-scooters will be fully legally available for rent and riding at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront by Summer 2020. As any public official, ER doctor and personal injury lawyer in…

By Randy Appleton

/ 18 Mar 2020

What Are My Legal Rights if I Get Injured While Riding a Dockless E-Scooter?