Search Results

Our estate attorneys focus on implementing estate plans to ensure that one’s assets are transferred to the right individuals, at the right time, and in the most efficient manner possible. Our estate attorneys are experienced in drafting both wills and trusts to help to guide you in what type of plan best fits your needs and accomplishes your wishes.

PWHD is pleased to announce that Governor Northam signed HB 2139 into law. This bill amends Virginia Code § 8.01-249 by providing a more reasonable time limit for Virginians suffering from latent diseases caused by toxic substances and defective products to bring a claim. Delegate Elizabeth Guzman was the Chief Patron of this bill, which will go into effect on July 1, 2021.  Governor Northam Signs LandMark Product Liability Bill Into Law Read More Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us PWHD is pleased to announce that Governor Northam signed HB 2139 into law. This bill amends Virginia Code § 8.01-249 by providing a more reasonable time limit for Virginians suffering from latent diseases caused by toxic substances and defective products to bring a claim. Delegate Elizabeth Guzman was the Chief Patron of this bill, which will go into effect on July 1, 2021. Under prior law, many victims' claims were time barred before they even knew they were injured. This bill corrects this inequity by providing that the statute of limitation in a case involving a latent disease or injury resulting from exposure to a substance or the use of a product does not start to run until the injured person knew or should have known of the injury and its causal-connection to an injury-causing substance or product. PWHD attorneys have worked hard for many years to promote this change to Virginia law. During the 2021 session, PWHD products liability partner, Robert R. Hatten, testified in the House Courts of Justice and Senate Judiciary Committees about the need for this change, and the inherent injustice that existed for those suffering from latent diseases in Virginia under existing law. This bill was supported by a 2020 Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, which applied Virginia’s statute of limitations to dismiss a latent disease claim filed by a coal miner against the manufacturer of a defective respirator. The court’s opinion characterized the current Virginia statute of limitations for latent disease claims as tantamount to a “get out of jail free card” for manufacturers of dangerous products because the time limit on these claims expires before the victim is even diagnosed with the disease, much less is aware of the cause of that disease. See Adams v. American Optical Corp., 979 F.3d 248 (2020). As the court observed, Virginia’s law is manifestly unfair because an individual with a latent disease or injury will never get his or her day in court. This inherent inequity was based upon the 1981 Virginia Supreme Court decision Locke v. Johns-Manville Corp., 221 Va. 951, 275 S.E.2d 900, which held that the statute of limitations for latent disease claims “do[es] not accrue when the diagnosis is first made or when symptoms first occur.” Instead, the court held, the statute of limitations begins to run when any "injury, however slight" first occurs in the body, a time that “expert medical testimony may demonstrate to have occurred weeks, months, or even years before the onset of symptoms.” The Court concluded that “the adoption of a discovery rule which triggers the running of the statute only when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered in the exercise of reasonable diligence must be accomplished by the General Assembly.” Following Locke, in 1985, Robert R. Hatten spearheaded the passage of statutes by the Virginia General Assembly to change the time limit for filing asbestos claims, so that the time limit did not begin to run until an individual received a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease from his or her physician. Unfortunately, the change regarding asbestos-related diseases did not address other toxic and carcinogenic substances. The new amendment to Virginia Code § 8.01-249 signed into law by Governor Northam corrects this inequity and brings Virginia law in line with the majority of other states by stating that the statute of limitation does not start to run the injured person knows or should know of the injury and its causal-connection to an injury-causing substance or product. The attorneys at PWHD bring over 70 years of litigation experience to a variety of complex matters. PWHD is a local firm with a national reputation. Starting as a pioneer and champion of the rights of asbestos victims, PWHD’s product liability practice has grown over time to handle a wide variety of defective product lawsuits, including breast implants, hernia mesh, Zantac, Roundup®, Biocell, Benzene, and talc. If you have been injured as a result of a defective product design, manufacturing defect, or a failure to warn of the hazards of a product, please contact us for a free case evaluation . We can help. Products Liability Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Jean nette M. Dodson-O'Connell Daniel R. O. Long Geoffr ey R. Grau

Geoffrey R. Grau is an associate attorney with PWHD Mr. Grau joined the firm in 2022 with a primary focus on representing asbestos victims and their families. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Grau completed a two-year post-graduate judicial clerkship with the 7th Judicial Circuit in Newport News, throughout his tenure he clerked for the Honorable Gary A. Mills, Bryant L. Sugg, Christopher R. Papile, Tyneka L.D. Flythe, Matthew W. Hoffman, Timothy S. Fisher, and C. Peter Tench. GEOFFREY R. GRAU ATTORNEY Geoffrey R. Grau is an associate attorney with Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. Mr. Grau joined the firm in 2022 with a primary focus on representing asbestos victims and their families. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Grau completed a two-year post-graduate judicial clerkship with the 7th Judicial Circuit in Newport News, wherein throughout his tenure he clerked for the Honorable Gary A. Mills, Bryant L. Sugg, Christopher R. Papile, Tyneka L.D. Flythe, Matthew W. Hoffman, Timothy S. Fisher, and C. Peter Tench. While attending William & Mary Law School, Mr. Grau externed for the Honorable Raymond A. Jackson, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, as well as the City of Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. He has also served as an extern with the William & Mary Law School Virginia Coastal Policy Center and as Senior Article’s Editor with the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review, having published articles in both the former and the latter. Mr. Grau readily seeks to apply the skills necessary to effectively assist his native community in Newport News and the greater Tidewater Virginia area. Email: ggrau@pwhd.com Phone: (757) 223-4555 Practice Areas: Asbestos Litigation vCard Contact Education: College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law – Juris Doctor Christopher Newport University – Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, History Admissions: Virginia State Bar Honors: Senior Articles Editor, William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review Member, Alpha Chi Theta Honor Society Member, Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society Associations: I’Anson Hoffman American Inn of Court Newport News Bar Association

Contact PWHD Product Liability attorneys for asbestos, mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, medical devices, Juul, Roundup, 3M hearing Protection, Talc | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein, Newport News, Virginia Case Evaluation Form ASBESTOS LITIGATION We ask that you complete as many questions below as possible, so our skilled attorneys are able to best understand your particular needs. If you require immediate assistance, please call us at (757) 223-4545 . First Name Last Name Phone Email Please select the Asbestos-related disease with which you or a loved one has been diagnosed * Asbestosis Asbestos Related Lung Cancer Mesothelioma Other How do you believe you were exposed? (pick the one that best applies) * In a Shipyard Aboard a Ship At an Industrial site At another Work Environment As a family member of an Asbestos worker I don't know Other If you were exposed at work, what was your trade or occupation? Submit

More than thirty percent (30%) of Americans with mesothelioma cancer were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Military. Many more were Naval Contractors, and Shipyard Workers, who helped build and service Navy and commercial vessels. Asbestos exposure is the only cause of Malignant Mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis. ASBESTOS LITIGATION Ship Builders & Navy Veterans Read More Asbestos Exposure What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us More than thirty percent (30%) of Americans with mesothelioma cancer were exposed to asbestos while serving in the United States Military. Many more were Naval Contractors, and Shipyard Workers, who helped build and service Navy and commercial vessels. Asbestos exposure is the only cause of Malignant Mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. Armed Forces Veterans and shipyard workers who served between 1940 and 1980 have a great risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses , such as: Asbestosis Lung Cancer Mesothelioma Navy personnel and shipyard workers, such as the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. (“Norshipco”), Horne Brothers Shipyard, Metro Machine, Colonna Shipyard , and others from the 1930s through the 1980s, are at a high risk for developing a disease due to asbestos exposure. Navy Ships Nearly all branches of the military and commercial vessels utilized asbestos for many purposes. More than three hundred asbestos containing products were used by the military, the 1930s through the 1980s. Every Navy and commercial ship built before the 1980s employed numerous asbestos-containing materials, putting veterans, sailors and Shipbuilders at risk. These asbestos materials were used throughout Navy and commercial vessels. Personnel who worked below deck were exposed to asbestos dust consistently. All sailors, shipbuilders, and ship repair workers aboard Navy and commercial vessels are at risk for Mesothelioma , as asbestos products were used in navigation rooms, sleeping quarters, mess halls, engine rooms, boiler rooms, pump rooms, and throughout the ships. Due to the nature of ship construction, demolition and repair work that took place at Shipyards in Virginia, shipyard workers were exposed to inhaling toxic asbestos fibers provided by a wide range of asbestos product suppliers including John Crane, Inc., Warren Pumps, IMO/DeLaval, Nash, Velan, Aurora, William Powell, Byron Jackson, Ingersoll Rand, J.R. Clarkson, Crane Co., Rockwell, Edwards, Goulds, Noland, Cleaver-Brooks, Tate Andale, Milwaukee, Gardner Denver, Kunkle, Northern, Foster Wheeler, Owens-Illinois, Owens-Corning, and Selby Battersby (SB Decking), among others. Asbestos could be found in gaskets, valves, pumps, evaporators and distillers, forced draft blowers and other fans, condensers, floor and pipe coverings, clutches and brakes, among other things. Because of the extensive use of Asbestos materials and Asbestos-containing products, Virginia Navy veterans and shipyard workers are one of the most at-risk groups for developing Malignant Mesothelioma Lung Cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. Virginia Shipyards in the Hampton Roads Region of Virginia A. Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia The Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company (NNS), now known as Newport news Shipbuilding (a division of Huntington Ingalls, Inc.), is location in Newport News, Virginia and has been building commercial ships since 1980, and military vesserls since 1893. Newport News Shipbuilding is the only shipbuilding company in the United States that designs, builds and refuels nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. It is also one of only two companies that designs and builds nuclear-powered submarines. Newport News Shipbuilding in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia provided construction and repair services for naval and commercial vessels of all types, and in its more than 100 years of existence, has built hundreds of commercial and naval vessels. If you worked for any of these shipyards in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, worked aboard a ship there, or were stationed aboard a vessel built in the Newport News shipyard , you may have been exposed to asbestos and be at risk for mesothelioma cancer. B. Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia Norfolk Naval Shipyard is a Navy yard in the Hampton Roads city of Portsmouth, Virginia. It has the distinction of being the oldest U.S. Navy Shipyard and was originally founded in 1767. When its initial founder decided to remain loyal to the British during the Revolutionary War, the shipyard was seized by the Colony of Virginia. The Shipyard subsequently became a Navy yard owned by the United States government and was renamed the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after the largest city in the area. For over 200 years, Norfolk naval Shipyard has built and repaired Navy ships. During World War II, the shipyard employed nearly 43,000 workers, built nearly 30 major vessels, and repaired 6,850 U.S. and Allied ships. During the Korean War, the shipyard completed work on more than 1,250 Naval vessels, and it has continued to repair large numbers of Navy vessels since then. C. Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Company NORSHIPCO is a subsidiary of United States Marine Repair, Inc. (USMR). Located in Hampton Roads city of Norfolk, Virginia, it is the largest non-nuclear ship repair, modernization, conversion and overhaul company in the United States. From its inception in 1915, NORSHIPCO served the Navy through both World Wars, Korea, and all other conflicts. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks

Looking for Awarding and Challenging career helping others - Contact PWHD CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) has been serving the Hampton Roads area since 1954 with measurable success. We pride ourselves on a deep tradition of excellence, and ensuring only the highest quality of service. We understand the challenges and pressure that comes with every case. If you are looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding team environment check out our current opportunities available. PWHD Careers Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay informed. Facebook Email Human Resources LinkedIn Blank Page: About

By the 1940s, major medical journals began publishing articles linking asbestos to cancer. And by the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, reports of a previously unheard-of asbestos cancer, mesothelioma, were published. But companies continued to use the mineral in manufacturing and construction, failing to inform the public of the serious health risks associated with asbestos. ASBESTOS LITIGATION What Did Companies Know? Read More Asbestos Exposure What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us By the 1920s, the non-malignant disease of asbestosis, was known to kill or disable workers. By the 1940s, major medical journals began publishing articles linking asbestos to cancer. But companies continued to use the mineral in manufacturing and construction, failing to inform the public of the serious health risks associated with asbestos. Throughout 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, major journals published articles on asbestosis and how to protect workers and control the release of asbestos dust. And by the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, reports of a previously unheard-of asbestos cancer, mesothelioma, were published. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks

Whistleblower (also known as Qui Tam) cases under the Federal False Claims Act, state acts, or government agency whistleblower program, such as the SEC or IRS whistleblower programs, are complex. While successful cases can lead to substantial recoveries by both the government and the whistleblower, not every case is a strong one. In general, the most successful cases are ones in which the government takes an interest and “intervenes..." LITIGATION AREA Whistleblower / Qui Tam Whistleblower (also known as Qui Tam) cases under the Federal False Claims Act, state acts, or government agency whistleblower program, such as the SEC or IRS whistleblower programs, are complex. While successful cases can lead to substantial recoveries by both the government and the whistleblower, not every case is a strong one. In general, the most successful cases are ones in which the government takes an interest and “intervenes.” A skilled whistleblower attorney understands how those intervention decisions are made and know how to position the case to increase the likelihood of intervention. The PWHD Whistleblower team understands the difficulties that whistleblowers face in deciding whether to pursue a case. We recognize that for some whistleblowers, the decision could have an enormous impact on their professional lives. That is why we take great care to counsel whistleblowers not only about the strengths and weaknesses of their case, but also about the road ahead that may await someone who blows the whistle on fraud. Successful False Claims Act whistleblower cases can require significant resources – both in developing the case that is filed and, in some instances, in litigating against the defendant. PWHD has those resources. In cases involving complex, fraudulent schemes in the world of business, finance, and health care, we have helped our clients recover the profits and penalties due when fraud and wrongdoing occurs. For a confidential case evaluation, please contact us at 1.888.563.1378 . We handle cases nationwide in all 50 states. The Anti Fraud Law Group at PWHD is an integral part of a nationally recognized plaintiffs’ litigation firm. When you choose PWHD to handle your whistleblower lawsuit, you can expect your case to be backed by big-firm resources and your journey through the legal process to be handled with boutique-firm personalized attention. If you are aware of fraud or illegal activity that you are considering reporting, we can advise you about your rights and how to protect yourself as a whistleblower. Call Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein today at (757) 223-4536 for your free and confidential consultation. We help whistleblowers pursue justice for fraud against the government and recover awards for their efforts in cases involving: Health Care Fraud Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Pharmaceutical Fraud Contractor Fraud Procurement Fraud General Services Administration (GSA) Fraud Financial Services Fraud SEC Dodd-Frank Violations Stark Violations IRS Tax Fraud Foreign and Corrupt Practices Nursing Home and Hospice Fraud Education and Grant Fraud Whether your case falls under the Federal False Claims Act, state acts, or government agency whistleblower program, such as the SEC or IRS whistleblower programs, our attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to steer your case through years of the legal process. We are committed to seeing that justice is served and you are rewarded for coming forward as a whistleblower. Are you ready to blow the whistle on fraud against the government and claim your reward for providing necessary information to the case? Call our experienced whistleblower lawyers today at (757) 223-4536 for your consultation, which is always free and confidential. Whistleblower / Qui Tam Attorney Contact PWHD James H. Shoemaker, Jr.

PWHD is honored to share that Robert R. Hatten, Esq. has been recognized by the Christopher Newport University Board of Visitors for his continued dedication to the University and selfless service as its Rector. CNU Rector Robert R. Hatten, Esq. Recognition "In grateful appreciation of your service as Rector to the Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University" 2018 - 2022 In Appreciation PWHD is honored to share that Robert R. Hatten, Esq. has been recognized by the Christopher Newport University Board of Visitors for his continued dedication to the University and selfless service as its Rector.

PWHD is honored to share that Robert R. Hatten, Esq. has been recognized by the Martindale-Hubbell for 30 years of being rated as AV Preeminent. "The pinnacle of professional excellence earned through a strenuous Peer Review Rating process that is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource." Robert R. Hatten, Esq. Awarded Martindale-Hubbell A V Preeminent For Thirty Years "Highest Possible Peer Review Rating In Legal Ability & Ethical Standards " 1992 - 2022 In Recognition PWHD is honored to share that Robert R. Hatten, Esq. has been recognized by the Martindale-Hubbell for 30 years of being rated as AV Preeminent. "The pinnacle of professional excellence earned through a strenuous Peer Review Rating process that is managed and monitored by the world's most trusted legal resource."

Scott has approximately 25 years of litigation experience and has tried numerous cases in state and federal courts, including multiple jury trials. In addition to being an attorney, Scott is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia with extensive experience in the engineering and construction fields both as a university professor and a practicing engineer. SCOTT L. REICHLE PARTNER Admissions: Virginia State Bar United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Bar Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia Supreme Court of Virginia Pro Bono Representation: Provided pro bono representation to numerous individuals in asylum and humanitarian relief cases in multiple immigration courts throughout the US, including clients from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Peru and Mexico. Provided pro bono technical/legal review of model legislations for the Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization (LPDD) project, designed to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions in the United States. Scott has approximately 25 years of litigation experience and has tried numerous cases in state and federal courts, including multiple jury trials. In addition to being an attorney, Scott is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia with extensive experience in the engineering and construction fields both as a university professor and a practicing engineer. Scott, along with other attorneys at Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C., has served as co-counsel in multiple whistleblower cases that have resulted in billions of dollars in combined recoveries for the benefit of his clients, the United States, 30 states and two cities. Amongst other significant recoveries, he represented a whistleblower in a pharmaceutic case that settled for a total of $1.4 billion dollars in 2019 and a related pharmaceutical case that settled for a total of $600 million in 2020. He also represented a whistleblower in a 2019 recovery against the nation’s largest operator of inpatient rehabilitation facilities, wherein they agreed to pay a total of $48 million to resolve the allegations against it. Scott graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1989 and went to work as a Field Engineer for a large industrial contractor located in Norfolk, Virginia. He worked on numerous projects along the east coast including construction projects at chemical plants, paper mills and manufacturing facilities. Scott obtained a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in environmental engineering from Old Dominion University in 1993. He also worked as a consulting engineer in the environmental engineering field before going to law school. Scott graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 1996. While at Loyola, he served as an editor on the Law Review. In addition to being a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1993, Scott was an Assistant Professor at the Batten College of Engineering and Technology at Old Dominion University, where he taught several courses where the fields of law and engineering intersected. He is also a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Scott also invests a significant amount of time and effort in pro bono matters, including human rights cases, such as representing individuals seeking asylum or humanitarian relief in the United States and also working on environmental law issues. Email: sreichle@pwhd.com Phone: (757) 223-4566 Practice Areas: Whistleblower / Qui Tam: Heath Care Fraud Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Pharmaceutical Fraud Academic Research Fraud Contractor Fraud Anti-Kickback Statute Procurement Fraud General Services Administration (GSA) Fraud Financial Services Fraud SEC Dodd-Frank Violations Stark Violations IRS Tax Fraud Foreign and Corrupt Practices Nursing Home and Hospice Fraud Education and Grant Fraud vCard Contact

This Sunday is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. In 2012, Virginia’s General Assembly designated September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Virginia, to promote public awareness of the dangers of this deadly cancer and of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which develops in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs and is caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma Awareness Day Read More Asbestos Litigation What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us This Sunday is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. In 2012, Virginia’s General Assembly designated September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Virginia, to promote public awareness of the dangers of this deadly cancer and of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which develops in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs and is caused by asbestos exposure. Many veterans as well as individuals who worked in shipyards, power plants, refineries, railroads, factories and other industrial settings were exposed to asbestos during the course of their employment and are at risk for contracting mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Housewives and children who lived with family members who worked in these industries are also at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you can discuss your potential claim with us at NO COST by calling us at 1-800-459-1881 or locally at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation, or fill out our contact form . We will come to you. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Jean nette M. Dodson-O'Connell Daniel R. O. Long Geoffr ey R. Grau