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Have You or a Loved One Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma? Virginia Lawyers With a National Reputation Contact PWHD We ask that you complete all the information in the form below so our lawyers are able to understand your particular needs. If you require immediate assistance, please call us at (757) 223-4500. Disclaimer Submit Contact Us

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. Jean nette M. Dodson-O'Connell Daniel R. O. Long Geoffr ey R. Grau

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

DISCLAIMERS Content Is Information Only, Not Advice Thank you for visiting the web site of Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C., ("PWHD"). The information contained on the PWHD Web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The contents of this site are not and should not be construed as legal advice. The web site is not an offer to perform services on any matter. This Web site contains general information from a variety of sources and might not reflect current legal developments, verdicts or settlements. We do not undertake to update material in our web site to reflect subsequent legal or other developments. No Relationship Or Obligation Arises from Use of the Site The law differs in every jurisdiction, and you should not rely on any opinion except that of an attorney you have retained, who has a professional duty to advise you after being fully informed of all the pertinent facts, and who is licensed in the applicable state, and is familiar with the applicable law. Internet subscribers and online readers should seek professional counsel about their legal rights and remedies. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information found this site. Any actions or decisions about your legal rights should be based on the particular facts and circumstances of your situation, and appropriate legal advice from an attorney who has agreed to represent you in your particular matter. PWHD expressly disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based upon any information or other contents of this site. Viewing the PWHD site, or communicating with PWHD by Internet e-mail or through this site, does not constitute or create an attorney-client relationship with anyone. The content and features on this site do not create, and are not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship, and shall not be construed as legal advice. This content and features of this web site, including means to submit a question or information, do not constitute an offer to represent you. Confidentiality is Not Guaranteed Any information sent to Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C., via Internet e-mail or through the Web site is not secure and is done on a non-confidential basis. PWHD respects the privacy of any person who contacts our firm, and we will make reasonable efforts to keep information private, but because of the nature of Internet communications and the absence of an attorney/client relationship, we cannot promise or guarantee confidentiality. Additional Terms of Use Any use of this Site is subject to the complete Terms of Use . By using this Site, you agree to these Terms as well as the Disclaimer provisions on this page. DISCLAIMER - THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OR ADVICE. The content provided on this site, such as documents, text, graphics, images2, or other materials, are for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition or for any questions you may have regarding a health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this site. Links to other sites are provided for information only. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C.

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 ​ James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Contact PWHD

2023 Best Lawyers Honorees According to Best Lawyers, "Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America." Donald N. Patten Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs Robert R. Hatten 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" for Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs in Norfolk Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs Hugh B. McCormick, III Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Employment Law - Individuals Litigation - Labor and Employment ​

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

Partners: Our Team Partners Partner Robert R. Hatten Practice Areas: Products Liability Litigation ​ ​ ​ ​ Partner Eleanor Weston Brown Practice Areas: Estate and Tax Planning Estate Administration Probate Trust Administration Business Succession Planning Partner Kenneth R. Yoffy Practice Areas: Whistleblower / Qui Tam Litigation Partner C. Thomas Turbeville, Jr. Practice Areas: Whistleblower / Qui Tam Litigation ​ ​ ​ ​ Partner James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Practice Areas: Whistleblower / Qui Tam Litigation Employment Litigation Partner Hugh B. McCormick, III Practice Areas: Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Litigation Products Liability Litigation Partner Scott L. Reichle Practice Areas: Whistleblower / Qui Tam Litigation Trial Co-Counsel Partner Nathan D. Finch Practice Areas: Asbestos Exposure Toxic Exposure Associates Associates: Our Team Associate Jeannette M. Dodson-O'Connell Practice Areas: Products Liability Litigation ​ ​ Associate Daniel R.O. Long Practice Areas: Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Litigation Products Liability Litigation Associate Geoffrey R. Grau Practice Areas: Products Liability Litigation ​ ​

PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Roundup Read More ​ Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us Monsanto’s Roundup® contains Glyphosate and a surfactant that have been proven in multiple trials to cause non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in humans. ​ Roundup® contains a surfactant that opens the pores of the weed it is sprayed on in order to cause the weed to absorb the Glyphosate more readily. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants. It prevents the plants from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth. Roundup® also contains other “inert” ingredients that increase the potency of the mixture. The surfactant also works on the human body, opening the pores on human skin so that it may absorb Glyphosate that is spilled or sprayed onto the skin of a worker. The combination of the Glyphosate, the surfactant, and the other ingredients has been found to cause non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Monsanto’s warnings on this product fail to warn users of the cancer risk. Juries in recent cases have awarded millions of dollars in damages to workers suffering from non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. One jury awarded $289 million to a school grounds keeper who developed non-Hodgkin Lymphoma as a result of routine occupational use of Roundup®. Another jury awarded $80 million with $75 million in punitive damages, for Monsanto’s willful and wanton conduct. Plaintiffs in these cases and others have alleged that Monsanto failed to provide adequate warnings or other clinically relevant information and data regarding the appropriate use of its Roundup® products and the risks associated with the use of or exposure to Roundup® and the Glyphosate contained in it. They also allege that Monsanto knew or should have known of the risk and failed to properly test its product to determine the impact of the product on humans. If you have been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and routinely used Roundup® in the past, contact us. We can help. Products Liability Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Daniel R. O. Long

Our Legacy The current partners of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. stand on the shoulders of many of our deceased and retired lawyers. Each of who have helped establish our regional and national reputation. I. Leake Wornom, Jr. - (1926 - 2008) Thomas R. Watkins - (1925 - 1995) Neal J. Patten - (1917 - 2009) Stanley W. Drucker - (1931 - 2010) William M. Martin, III Benjamin A. Williams, III Alan A. Diamonstein Henry D. Garnett, Jr. - (1944 - 2023) Donald N. Patten

Robert R. Hatten Inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa PWHD is honored to share that Robert R. Hatten was inducted on November 3, 2021, into the National Leadership Honor Society of Omicron Delta Kappa for his superior leadership and philanthropy devotion. Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character. O∆K encourages collaboration among members across the five pillars of leadership celebrated by O∆K: academics, athletics, service, communications, and arts.

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