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Disclaimers 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.

2022 Top CoVa Biz Lawyers Robert Hatten - Product Liability, Duncan Garnett, Jr - Medical Malpractice Plaintiff, and James Shoemaker, Jr - Labor and Employment. 2022 Top CoVa Biz Lawyers Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, LC (PWHD) is pleased to announce that our attorneys were named to CoVa Biz Magazine’s 2022 Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia. Robert R. Hatten Product Liability James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Labor and Employment Law

Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. is locally and nationally renowned for its excellence in multiple areas of litigation. Our team is dedicated to fulfilling the legal needs of individuals and businesses. How can we help you? Practice Areas Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. is locally and nationally renowned for its excellence in multiple areas of litigation. Our team is dedicated to fulfilling the legal needs of individuals and businesses. How can we help you? Contact an Attorney What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk? Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Asbestos Case Evaluation Form Asbestos Litigation Employment Contracts and Severance Negotiations Employment Discrimination Litigation of All Workplace Issues Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenant Litigation Racial Harassment Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in the Workplace Wage and Hour Overtime Violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act Workplace Retaliation Wrongful Discharge Employment & Labor Aircraft Accidents Automobile Accidents Boating Accidents Brain and Spinal Injuries Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents Dog Bites Jones Act Litigation Maritime Litigation Motorcycle Accidents Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Pedestrian Accidents Premises Liability Slip and Fall Accidents Tractor Trailer Accidents Uninsured Motorist Claims Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Products Liability Asbestos Litigation Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Chemical Hair Straighteners CPAP MachinesHernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat & Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Litigation Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Litigation Zantac Whistleblower / Qui T am Contractor Fraud Education and Grant Fraud Financial Services Fraud Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act Violations General Services Administration (GSA) Fraud Health Care Fraud IRS Tax Fraud Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Nursing Home and Hospice Fraud Pharmaceutical Fraud Procurement Fraud SEC Dodd-Frank Violations Stark Violations Workers Compensation Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation State Workers' Compensation Asbestos Exposure Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer? Click here to learn more about your rights and option. We have been at the forefront of asbestos litigation for the past 50 years!

Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of car crashes and trucking crashes obtain justice for their injuries, and maximum compensation from the parties responsible in causing them harm. On average, there is one car crash every five minutes and 144 people injured per day from car crashes. LITIGATION AREA Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Litigation Our Approach Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of car crashes and trucking crashes obtain justice for their injuries, and maximum compensation from the parties responsible in causing them harm. On average, there is one car crash every five minutes and 144 people injured per day from car crashes. Commercial trucking crashes also occur every day, and in 2020, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ annual Virginia Traffic Crash Facts reported that there were 4,296 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles alone, 1,605 of which involved injury and 93 fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of a car crash or trucking crash, our personal injury attorneys can help. Our Experience in Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Litigation Since 1954, the Virginia trial lawyers at Patten, Wornom, Hatten, & Diamonstein, L.C. have successfully prosecuted serious and complex personal injury and wrongful death actions. During the past 25 years, they have won compensation for thousands of asbestos product liability claims and have become national leaders in mass tort litigation. They are also leaders of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. Today, PWHD's trial lawyers are at the forefront of personal injury litigation against reckless drivers, negligent health care providers and nursing homes, and manufacturers and suppliers of dangerously defective products. To view a complete list of personal injury cases accepted by the firm, please view our practice areas. For the past several decades, our Virginia personal injury law firm has dedicated its practice to helping accident victims obtain justice for their injuries and maximum compensation from the parties responsible for causing them harm. With its roots in asbestos litigation, Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein has seen the devastating effects another’s negligence can have on an individual and has dedicated its practice to ensuring those who fail to provide a reasonable level of care, whether in a hospital or on the roadway, are held accountable for their actions. Providing both aggressive representation and compassionate advice, our Virginia accident attorneys have successfully represented car crash, medical malpractice and other accident victims, building a strong and enviable track record of results. Our attorneys have successfully represented personal injury victims in the following areas: Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Tractor Trailer Accidents Premises Liability Brain and Spinal Injury Pedestrian Accidents Slip and Fall Accidents Uninsured Motorist Claims Dog Bites Boating Accidents Maritime Litigation Jones Act Litigation No amount of money can replace a loved one in the event of an unexpected accident, but there are instances in which surviving loved ones may have an outlet to pursue justice and compensation to assist with finances in an unstable time. Essentially, when an individual dies as a result of another’s negligence, certain family members may be able to pursue a Virginia wrongful death lawsuit, in which compensation for medical bills, loss of spousal services and wages and other damages may be available. At our law firm, our Newport News wrongful death attorneys understand that taking legal action and recovering monetary damages will not ease the anguish that accompanies a loved one’s death. It can, however, provide some peace of mind and offer compensation for expenses that would not have been incurred if it hadn’t been for the negligence of another individual or entity. To find out if you are eligible for a Virginia wrongful death lawsuit, complete our free, no obligation case review form today. Our Virginia wrongful death lawyers represent surviving loved ones of those who passed away in the following types of accidents: Truck accidents Car crashes Motorcycle accidents Nursing home abuse Medical errors Premises liability As local Newport News attorneys, our firm has obtained a well-known reputation as providing compassionate and aggressive services to those who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. To find out how we can help, contact us at 757-223-4545 today or online for a free case review . There is a time limit for filing Virginia wrongful death claims, so do not hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced attorneys, who are ready to listen to your claim and outline the steps which may be possible to death with both the emotional and financial ramifications of your loss. Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Personal Injury Attorney

Robert Hatten recently spoke at CNU’s commencement for 2020 and 2021 graduating classes. As a result of COVID-19, 2020’s commencement ceremony occured May 2021 and 2021’s was the following weekend. Hatten’s commencement speech emphasized graduates should be commended for enduring the challenges that the pandemic brought in 2020 and 2021 for academic success yet graduates still persevered against serious adversity and came out better prepared for their next challenge post-graduation. Robert R. Hatten Speaker at CNU Commencement 2020/2021 PWHD’s Robert “Bobby” Hatten, Lead Trial Lawyer for the Asbestos Litigation Team, and Rector of Christopher Newport University, recently spoke at CNU’s commencement for both the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes. As a result of COVID-19, the class of 2020’s commencement ceremony did not occur until May of 2021, and the class of 2021’s commencement occurred the following weekend. Hatten’s commencement speech emphasized that graduates of both classes should be commended for enduring the challenges that the pandemic brought in 2020 and 2021 for academic success yet graduates still persevered against serious adversity and came out better prepared for their next challenge post-graduation. PWHD is a proud supporter of CNU. Read more about PWHD’s leadership and service to CNU, as well as other community contributions . Get to know more about Bobby Hatten .

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."