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- 2022 Super Lawyers | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein
PWHD is excited to announce that 5 of our attorneys have been named to the 2022 Super Lawyers List. Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state are selected to the Super Lawyers List, which evaluates lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. 2022 Super Lawyers Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) is excited to celebrate with our attorneys that have been named to the 2022 Super Lawyers List. About Super Lawyers Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state are selected to the Super Lawyers List, which evaluates lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Virginia Super Lawyers can be found by searching the directory online at superlawyers.com 17th time selected as a Super Lawyer Donald N. Patten Donald Patten, a Newport News attorney, has represented individuals and businesses in product liability and negligence actions, commercial contract disputes and real estate business matters for over 50 years. Patten, who represents firm clients in multi-jurisdictional asbestos related bankruptcy proceedings, has been named in Best Lawyers in America every year since 2001 and has been chosen as a Virginia Super Lawyer every year since 2006. He is a former President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and has been awarded the highest AV ranking by the Martindale-Hubbell® lawyer rating service. Approximately 10% of all attorneys hold an AV Preeminent Rating, a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services. 17th time selected as a Super Lawyer Robert R. Hatten For over 40 years Bobby Hatten has been a pioneer and national leader in asbestos litigation, prosecuting cases across Virginia and the nation for shipyard workers, Navy veterans, industrial workers, and their families. His work has established landmark decisions relating to maritime jurisdiction, statutes of limitations, conflicts of law, monetary damages, and product liability. For over 25 years he has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and chosen by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year for 2019. In 2010 he was chosen to be a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. VTLA, ATLA, and Lawyers Weekly have each conferred special advocacy awards for his many contributions to the law. Jury verdict in the Top 10 Verdicts in Virginia for 8 consecutive years (2006-2013) and 2016. 16th time selected as a Super Lawyer James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Jamie Shoemaker has served as lead counsel in very significant employment cases around the U.S. resulting in numerous six and seven figure recoveries. He is “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Highly experienced in complex litigation, Jamie has served as lead counsel or co-lead counsel in several False Claims Act Qui Tam matters involving various types of healthcare fraud and fraud against the Department of Defense. In 2019, he served as lead counsel representing the successful whistleblower resulting in the $1.4 billion recovery against Reckitt Benckiser Group and a related $600 million recovery against a former RBG subsidiary. As of 2019, this was the largest opioid-related fraud settlement in U.S. history.
- Eleanor Weston Brown | Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C.
Eleanor Weston Brown leads the firm’s Estate and Tax Planning, Estate Administration and Wealth Transfer Practice. Eleanor’s focus on estate planning and estate administration synthesizes her education and experience in tax law with her creative ability to design and administer unique solutions to meet the wealth transfer goals of her clients in a tax-advantaged way. ELEANOR WESTON BROWN PARTNER Email: ewbrown@pwhd.com Newport News: (757) 223-4456 Irvington: (804) 223-2804 Practice Areas: Estate and Tax Planning Estate Administration Probate Trust Administration Business Succession Planning vCard Contact Eleanor Weston Brown leads the firm’s Estate and Tax Planning, Estate Administration and Wealth Transfer Practice. Eleanor’s focus on estate planning and estate administration synthesizes her education and experience in tax law with her creative ability to design and administer unique solutions to meet the wealth transfer goals of her clients in a tax-advantaged way. Highly sought after as a trusted advisor, Eleanor has devoted her practice to developing lifelong relationships with clients and their families. Known for her empathy and compassion, Eleanor is devoted to serving clients working through challenging family and business succession issues. Eleanor graduated from the University of Virginia in 1981 and received her law degree from the University of Richmond in 1985. She received an LLM in Taxation from the College of William & Mary Law School in 1987. Eleanor clerked at the Appellate Division of the Internal Revenue Service. In the private practice of law since 1985, Eleanor has handled a wide range of complex transactions including structuring mergers, acquisitions, and tax-free reorganizations, tax exempt entities, and handled tax controversies at all levels of government. That transactional tax experience informs and augments her estate planning practice, which ranges from simple wills to complex generation skipping plans and charitable planning, including the use of charitable conservation easements and land preservation tax credits. Eleanor’s love of the law and desire to mentor young lawyers led her to teach law. Eleanor served as an associate professor with tenure at Regent University School of Law, where she taught Individual Federal Income Tax, Corporate Tax, Estate and Gift Tax, Wills and Trusts, Estate Planning and Business Associations. She was named multiple years by Regent University law students as Professor of the Year. Her publications include Transferable Conservation Easement Tax Credits, the Virginia Experience, CRITICAL ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION, INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES: VOL. VI, published by the prestigious Oxford University Press (2009). Eleanor is a frequent speaker on estate and tax matters including a number of continuing education programs for lawyers, accountants, certified life underwriters, and trust officers. She has been a guest speaker in the lifelong learning program at Christopher Newport University and has spoken at a number of forums presented by charitable organizations including Williamsburg Community Hospital, WHRO, Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters and the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck. Eleanor is a native of Hampton, Virginia and is active in many professional and civic associations. She was elected to Hampton City Council, where she led the city’s resiliency efforts, combining economic development initiatives with environmental stewardship goals. Former Governor Terry McAuliffe named Eleanor to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation Board of Trustees, where she served as Chairman for four years. She served for seven years as the Chairman of the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority where she led the transition to a citizen board. During her tenure, she shepherded numerous redevelopment efforts. Eleanor also served as Chairman of the Hampton Economic Development Authority. She was selected to serve on the Board of Directors of Hampton First, a coalition of community leaders, where she served as Vice Chairman. Hampton First developed recommendations to the City Council for the revitalization of downtown Hampton. Other past service includes Member of the Virginia Board of Historic Resources (appointed by then-Governor Terry McAuliffe), Member and Treasurer, Foundation for Virginia’s Natural Resources Board of Trustees (appointed by then-Governor Tim Kaine), Member of the Pro Bono Council of the Virginia Bar Association, Member of the Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Council and President of the Peninsula Estate Planning Council . Eleanor is admitted to practice in Virginia and North Carolina, the United States Tax Court and the United States Supreme Court. Eleanor was appointed by the judges of the Hampton Circuit Court as Commissioner of Accounts for the City of Hampton. During her professional career, Eleanor has earned numerous honors, including the Faculty Award for Excellence in Service, Regent University, the Presidential Award for Outstanding Citizenship from Hampton University and recognition as one of Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite, “Best Lawyers in Virginia” in the areas of Tax, Trusts, and Estates. Eleanor and her husband, Bill, divide their time between their home at historic Ft. Monroe, Virginia and their cottage in the Northern Neck, where they enjoy sharing their love of the Chesapeake Bay with their children and grandchildren. Education: William and Mary Law School - LL.M in Taxation University of Richmond School of Law - Juris Doctor University of Virginia - Bachelor of Arts Admissions: Supreme Court of United States United States Tax Court Supreme Court of Virginia Supreme Court of North Carolina Academic Experienc e: Regent University School of Law, Virginia Beach, Virginia Associate Profes sor of Law with Tenure, 2011-2015 Associate Professor of Law, 2003-2011 Visiting Professor, 2002-2003 Courses Taught: Individual Federal Income Tax Estate and Gift Tax Estate Planning Business Associations Corporate Tax Wills, Trusts and Estates Professional Skills Practicum, Wills and Corporations Publications: Book Chapters: Tax Sweets or Eliminate “Sweet” Subsidies from the American Diet? Can Taxation Make Us Healthier , MARKET INSTRUMENTS AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY (2012). Transferable Conservation Easement Tax Credits, the Virginia Experience, CRITICAL ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION, INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES: VOL. VI, Oxford University Press (2009). Articles: A Common Morality: Towards a Framework for Designing Fiscal Instruments to Respond to Global Climate Change, 15 U Widener L R 391 (2010). Healing Healthcare Through Tax Reform, 1 Regent J.L. & Pub. Pol'y 101(2010). Estate Administration in Virginia, NBI, March, 2005. S Corporation Reform under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, Virginia Bar Association Business Law Section Newsletter, Spring 2005. Honors: Hampton University Presidential Award for Outstanding Citizenship, January 2016 Faculty Award for Excellence in Service, Regent University, January 2013 3L Professor of the Year, Regent University School of Law (multiple years) 2L Professor of the Year, Regent University School of Law (multiple years) Virginia Bar Association Pro Bono Servant Charter Member, 2006 Virginia Business Magazine Legal Elite, “Best Lawyers in Virginia in Tax, Trusts & Estates” (multiple years) Professional and Community Memberships and Activities: Me mberships and Appointments: Commissioner of Accounts, Circuit Court for the City of Hampton, Virginia (Judicial Appointment 2019-2023) Elected to City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia (July 1, 2018-December 31, 2022) Chairman, Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Gubernatorial appointee November 2017- 2019) Member, Virginia Outdoors Foundation Board of Trustees (Gubernatorial Appointment July 1, 2016- present) Member, Virginia Board of Historic Resources (Gubernatorial appointment July 1, 2015- June 2016) Chairman, Hampton Economic Development Authority (City Council Appointment January 2016-2018) Vice Chairman, Hampton Economic Development Authority (City Council Appointment January 2015-2016) Member, Hampton Economic Development Authority (City Council Appointment 2014-2018) Member, Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (City Council Appointment 2007-2014; 2017- 2018) Chairman, Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (City Council Appointment 2007-2014) Member, H2O Community Development Authority (City Council Appointment 2008-2018) Vice Chairman, Hampton First (City Council Appointment 2012-2018) Member and Treasurer, Foundation for Virginia’s Natural Resources Board of Trustees (Gubernatorial Appointment 2006-2011) Virginia Bar Association Community Service Council (Dean’s Appointment, 2004) Pro Bono Participant in Leave a Legacy, Christopher Newport University (May 2003) President, Peninsula Estate Planning Council (2001-2002) Member, Peninsula Estate Planning Council (1989-present) Member, Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Council (City Council Appointment 1992-1993) Member, Junior League of Hampton Roads (1986-1996), Chairman, Endowment; Sustainer (1996-present) Virginia Living Museum Capital Campaign Committee Hampton Yacht Club, Board Member (2011-2014) Member, Huntington Garden Club, Treasurer ( Merrimac Garden Club (President 2015-2016) St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hampton, Virginia (Stewardship Chairman)
- Whistleblower / Qui Tam | Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein
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.
- CNU Rector Robert R. Hatten | Recognition | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein
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.
- Hatten Awarded Martindale-Hubbell AV | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein
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 L. Reichle | Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C.
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
- Mesothelioma Awareness Day | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein
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
- Products Liability Litigation | Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein
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 products, including breast implants, welding rods, medical devices, 3M combat earplugs, Roundup®, and talc. Since 1975, this firm has won landmark decisions, dozens of jury verdicts and thousands of settlements for mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer victims against negligent asbestos product manufacturers. LITIGATION AREA Products Liability Litigation Read More 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 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 products, including breast implants, welding rods, medical devices, 3M combat earplugs, Roundup®, and talc. Since 1975, this firm has won landmark decisions, dozens of jury verdicts and thousands of settlements for mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer victims against negligent asbestos product manufacturers. PWHD’s jury victories for mesothelioma victims were in the top 10 multi-million dollar verdicts of the year for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011— the only Virginia law firm to have top ten verdicts for all six consecutive years. If you have been injured as a result of a faulty product design, manufacturing defect, or a failure to warn you of the hazards of a product, please contact us for a free case evaluation . We can help. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks
- Asbestos Litigation | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein
In PWHD’s hometown of Newport News, nearly one thousand people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last thirty-five years. The firm has represented most of these victims and hundreds of victims who were diagnosed in other Tidewater Virginia hospitals including Hampton, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis. LITIGATION AREA Asbestos Litigation Read More What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us In PWHD’s hometown of Newport News, nearly one thousand people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last thirty-five years. The firm has represented most of these victims and hundreds of victims who were diagnosed in other Tidewater Virginia hospitals including Hampton, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. 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, or fill out our contact form . We will come to you. Asbestos Exposure Due to its heat resistance and insulation properties, asbestos was used in thousands of products, including gaskets, packing, drywall, ceilings, pumps, valves, thermal insulation, boilers, turbines, blowers, automotive and industrial brakes and clutches, floor tiles and more. Working with these products using normal work practices caused the asbestos in the products to be released into the worker’s breathing zone to be inhaled by the worker. Asbestos is the only cause of malignant mesothelioma. Unfortunately, throughout the 20th century, asbestos was very popular with manufacturers due to its heat resistance, availability, and relatively inexpensive cost. Even after learning that asbestos caused deadly diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, companies continued to manufacture asbestos-containing products such as gaskets, packing, thermal insulation and lagging, pumps, valves, distilling units, fans, generators, turbines, brakes, clutches, electrical components, plasters, mastics, and refractories. Consequently, malignant mesothelioma, asbestos related cancer and asbestosis have reached epidemic levels in Virginia. Anyone who comes into contact with asbestos dust and fibers may be at risk. However, certain occupations have shown a high incidence of asbestos related disease due to their consistent and regular work with asbestos products. These include machinists and Navy machinist mates, pipefitters, pipecoverers, steamfitters, drywall and sheetrock workers, maintenance workers, automotive and equipment mechanics, electricians, boiler workers, plumbers, roofers, riggers, railroad workers and shipyard workers to name a few. Members of the same household as asbestos workers have also shown an increased risk of asbestos related diseases, and may be diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, simply by coming into contact with a loved one’s asbestos-contaminated work clothing. Occupations at Risk The shipbuilding industry in Virginia is one of the primary sources of asbestos exposure. Because of the numerous shipyards, such as the Newport News Shipyard (the largest private shipyard in the world), the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (the largest naval shipyard in the world), the Horne Brothers Shipyard, Colonna Shipyard, Metro Machine, Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, and others, hundreds of Virginia shipyard workers and dozens of family members have died or been severely disabled from mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis. The many Virginia shipyards, especially in and around Norfolk and Newport News, are also responsible for exposing the crew members of Navy ships to asbestos. Many have since contracted asbestos related cancers such as mesothelioma. Whether aboard ship, while stationed in Virginia or based in Newport News, or during an overhaul in the Norfolk Navy Yard, the close quarters and poor ventilation, along with ubiquitous use of asbestos materials, have caused thousands of cases of mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, and asbestosis in Navy Veterans. Other leading environments for exposure include large industrial plants such as the Yorktown Amoco refinery, the Yorktown boiler plant, the Hopewell Allied Chemical plant, various Virginia Power Company plants and others. Automobile repair shops are also sources of asbestos exposure through brakes, clutches, and gasket work. Railroad workers also routinely had direct contact with asbestos-containing products. Insulation was routinely used in the railroad industry to insulate machinery and piping, and at times, passenger cars, and asbestos-containing brake shoes and gaskets were commonly used. In addition to the foregoing environments, however, there have been many instances of “take-home” exposure through dust brought home on workers’ clothes and personal belongings. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form and we will contact you. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks
- Robert R. Hatten | Asbestos & Toxic Tort Attorney | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C.
Robert ("Bobby") R. Hatten is a pioneer and national leader in the field of asbestos litigation. Hatten served as a law clerk to the Honorable John A. MacKenzie in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In late 1973, he joined the law firm of Patten & Wornom and was made Partner in 1976. From 1991 to 2019, Hatten has served as the Managing Partner of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. ROBERT (BOBBY) R. HATTEN PARTNER Robert ("Bobby") R. Hatten is a pioneer and national leader in the field of asbestos litigation. Hatten served as a law clerk to the Honorable John A. MacKenzie in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In late 1973, he joined the law firm of Patten & Wornom and was made Partner in 1976. From 1991 to 2019, Hatten served as the Managing Partner of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. Hatten began the representation of workers with asbestos disease in 1975, when he filed the first asbestos disability and death claims in the history of the state of Virginia against the Newport News Shipyard for workers’ compensation benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. In 1976, Hatten and his co-counsel, Gene Locks of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Richard Glasser of Norfolk, Virginia, filed the first asbestos product liability claims in Virginia against more than 40 asbestos manufacturers and suppliers. In June 1978, Hatten and his co-counsel successfully prosecuted the first mesothelioma jury trial in Virginia (and only the third successful asbestos trial in the nation at that time) with a verdict against Johns-Manville Corporation in the amount of $750,000. From that time until the present, Hatten’s practice has been devoted exclusively to the representation of asbestos victims. He has published articles concerning asbestos litigation in the Washington & Lee University Law Review, the VTLA Journal, the Texas Lawyer, and the Washington Legal Times. His accomplishments include the first successful consolidation of more than 1,000 lawsuits, the first national settlement program with the asbestos industry, the first Virginia punitive damage jury verdict against the asbestos industry (1991) and the largest punitive damage verdict in an asbestos case (2011). For 6 consecutive years, Hatten’s verdicts against the asbestos industry were listed in the Top 10 Verdicts for the state of Virginia. These included the following multi-million dollar verdicts for mesothelioma victims: $7,500,000 (2016); $25,000,000 (2011); $5,977,482 (2010); $3,800,000 (2009); $4,390,000 (2008); $9,300,000 (2007); and $10,000,000 (2006). In 2006 Hatten won the landmark case of Jones v. John Crane in the Virginia Supreme Court which established that admiralty jurisdiction and maritime law applied to the claims of all shipyard and Navy asbestos victims. This legal precedent established the rights of family members of mesothelioma victims to receive compensation for the pain and suffering of their loved one after their death, it lessened the burden of proof for establishing liability of asbestos manufacturers, it extended the time allowed for filing asbestos lawsuits and it provides that the liberal remedies of maritime law would control the rights of shipyard and Navy asbestos victims--not state law. Email: rrhatten@pwhd.com Phone: (757) 223-4546 Practice Areas: Asbestos Litigation Toxic Tort Litigation (Carcinogens) Benzene Camp Lejeune Chemical Hair Straightener Pesticides Talc vCard Contact Education: Washington & Lee University Law School - Juris Doctor Hampden-Sydney College - Bachelors Admissions: Supreme Court of Virginia Supreme Court of United States United States Court of Appeals Honors: Best Lawyers in America (2001 - Present) Super Lawyers (2006 - Present) Best Lawyer of the Year in Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs 2023 Best Lawyer of the Year in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs 2022 Best Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs 2015 and 2019 Best Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury Litigation 2012 Rector of the Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University and Member of the Board of Visitors since 2015 Chairman of the Board of Soundscapes for 12 years Consistently received highest rating of Martindale-Hubbell for thirty years Former Campaign Chair and Chairman of the Board of the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula Previously received the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Community and Justice Previously Johns-Manville Bankruptcy Reorganization Committee Member Previously Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Bankruptcy Reorganization Committee member Previously Chairman of the Litigation Section of the Multi-District Asbestos Litigation in Philadelphia, PA Previously Liaison to Congress for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America on asbestos-related matters Formerly served on the Board of Directors of the VTLA Former recipient of the first award for Courageous Advocacy from the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Previously designated by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as one of the top seven Leaders in the Law of Virginia Served on the Board of Trustees of St. Andrews Episcopal School Served on the Board of the Trustees for Hampden-Sydney College Served on the General Samuel V. Wilson Leadership Center at Hampden-Sydney College Served on the Board of Trustees for the Lexington Theological Seminary Founder of Operation Santa Co-Founder of the Virginia Asbestos Victims, Inc. Associations: American Associate for Justice (fka American Trial Lawyers Association) Southern Trial Lawyers Association National Trial Lawyers International Association of Trial Lawyers
- News Updates | Patten Wornom Hatten & Diamonstein
Stay up to date with PWHD. Call (757) 223-4500 to speak with an attorney today. News Updates Robert R. Hatten, Esq. Awarded Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent For Thirty Years October 25, 2022 Rector Robert R. Hatten, Esq. CNU Recognition September 23, 2022 2022 Super Lawyers September 9, 2022 Best Lawyers in America (Edition 2023) August 18, 2022 PWHD Attorneys Named to CoVa Biz Magazine’s 2022 Top Lawyers in Coastal Virginia February 09, 2022 Donald N. Patten receives honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from William & Mary Law School November 19, 2021 Lung Cancer Awareness November 16, 2021 Hatten Inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa November 3, 2021 Mesothelioma Awareness Day September 26, 2021 CPAP Machines August 8, 2021 Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD June 8, 2021 Hatten Speaks at CNU Commencements for 2020 & 2021 May 26, 2021 16th Annual Food Frenzy to Benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank April 1, 2021 Governor Northam Signs Landmark Product Liability Bill into Law. March 26, 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 January 27, 2021 Rector Robert R. Hatten, Esq. Statement on Black Lives Matter and Social Justice CNU Board of Visitors June 04, 2020
- What is Asbestos | Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein
Asbestos, a set of six naturally occurring minerals, has been used for more than 2000 years for its heat resistance and insulation properties. Three of these asbestos types, chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, were actively mined for their heat resistant properties. The remaining three types, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, were primarily non-commercial contaminants in other types of asbestos ore or in talc ore. ASBESTOS LITIGATION What Is Asbestos? Read More Asbestos Exposure What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us What is Asbestos? Asbestos, a set of six naturally occurring minerals, has been used for more than 2000 years for its heat resistance and insulation properties. Three of these asbestos types, chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, were actively mined for their heat resistant properties. The remaining three types, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, were primarily non-commercial contaminants in other types of asbestos ore or in talc ore. When was Asbestos Utilized and Why? Asbestos use gained popularity in the late 1800s during the Industrial Revolution and peaked during World War II. By the early 1900s, however, it was reported that inhaling asbestos dust and fibers could cause deadly lung diseases. Asbestos was used in a variety of products which were commonly used in shipbuilding and repair, in construction at industrial sites, and in railroads and the automotive industry. Veterans, shipyard workers, railroad workers, and those involved in construction and maintenance at power plants, refineries and other industrial sites where asbestos products were commonly used or installed are at an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Family members of those workers are also at an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one 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 and we'll contact you. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks






