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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. 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

CPAP and Bi-Level PAP (BiPAP) machines help many people with sleep apnea and other conditions. However, the very machines that many people need in order to breathe may also be releasing dangerous particles and toxins that the user may inhale or ingest during use. PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION CPAP Machines Read More Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us CPAP and Bi-Level PAP (BiPAP) machines help many people with sleep apnea and other conditions. However, the very machines that many people need in order to breathe may also be releasing dangerous particles and toxins that the user may inhale or ingest during use. Philips, a manufacturer of CPAPs, Bi-PAP machines and other mechanical ventilator devices recently issued a recall of numerous CPAP and Bi-PAP machines due to potential health risks from potential degradation of sound abatement foam, which is used in these devices to reduce sound and vibration. The foam, which is made of a polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR), can break down and potentially enter the device’s air pathway. When this occurs, chemicals and debris can be released and inhaled or swallowed by the person using the device. This can cause serious injury and permanent impairment, including the development of lung cancer, head, neck and respiratory carcinomas, breathing impairments, pulmonary hypertension, and other chronic respiratory illnesses. Recalled devices include: Dreamstation (1st Generation Product Family) C-Series Dorma 400 Dorma500 REMStar SE Auto SystemOne OmniLab Advanced Plus Medical devices can provide treatment for serious conditions and provide relief to many people. However, when medical devices have design defects or manufacturing defects, they may cause harm. Our attorneys are experienced in holding manufacturers and distributors accountable for harm caused by design defects, manufacturing defects, and failures to warn. If you or a loved one have used one of the recalled machines and suffered harm, call our products liability attorneys to schedule a free case review. You can discuss your potential claim with us at no cost by calling us today at 757-223-4545 or by filling out our contact form . Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks

Make an appointment with us today by calling (757) 223-4500. Soundscapes Golf Tournament 2021 Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Bobby Hatten and Friends Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD 1/5 PWHD is proud to report that it recently presented the Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic Tournament. PWHD Asbestos and Products Liability Lead Litigation Attorney, Bobby Hatten, played in the tournament along with other friends of the firm. Soundscapes is a local nonprofit organization that teaches critical life skills to students through music education. All proceeds from the Soundscapes Golf Classic support the student musicians, and the heart of Soundscape’s mission, which is the strong belief in the power of music to change lives and the understanding that all children have valuable contributions to make both musically and to our community. PWHD has been a supporter of Soundscapes since its inception. Bobby Hatten is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Soundscapes and has served as its Chairman of the Board since its inception in 2010. The Honorable Alan A. Diamonstein , former PWHD Partner, was also passionate about Soundscapes’ mission and served as a founding member of the Board of Directors of Soundscapes until he passed away in 2019. PWHD is dedicated and committed to supporting organizations like Soundscapes which positively impact the lives of children on the Peninsula. Learn more about Soundscapes , Bobby Hatten and PWHD here: PWHD in the Community Robert R. Hatten Products Liability Soundscapes General Litigation 16th Annual Food Frenzy to Benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank 16th Annual Food Frenzy For many years, PWHD has sought to help those in need and provide help for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances. PWHD is pleased to announce our participation in the 16th Annual Food Frenzy to benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. PWHD is a longtime supporter of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Since 1986, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has served those struggling with hunger throughout the Peninsula The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank also provides programs for children, seniors and others in our community facing food insecurity.. PWHD has also participated in the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Legal Food Frenzy since its inception and is continuing its support by participating in the 2021 Legal Food Frenzy. Contributions to the Foodbank can be made directly here: Patten Wornom Hatten Diamonstein L C is fundraising for Virginia Peninsula Foodbank (justgiving.com) In 2021, PWHD attorneys and staff again volunteered at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank in Hampton as part of the firm’s participation in the Legal Food Frenzy. At the event, volunteers packed boxes for the Foodbank’s community food pantry partners, which totaled in excess of 3,500 pounds of food. In addition, as a result of the firm’s fundraising efforts and contributions of non-perishable food in 2021 for the Legal Food Frenzy, the Foodbank will be able to provide 11,930 meals to those in need in our community. At PWHD, we are committed to ensuring a better day for our neighbors and friends. Read more about PWHD’s community involvement here: https://www.pwhd.com/community If you need legal representation, give us a call today at 757-223-4500 or fill out our online contact form . Our attorneys handle a variety of legal matters and are available by phone, videoconference, or in-person meetings to discuss your legal needs. Rector of CNU Robert Hatten 2020 Super Lawyers Rector Robert R. Hatten, Esq. Statement on Black Lives Matter and Social Justice CNU Board of Visitors, June 4, 2020 Good afternoon. I am Bobby Hatten. I am a trial lawyer and I have the great honor to serve as the Rector of the Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University, and I welcome all of you to this public meeting of that board. Before starting the business meeting I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to speak to everyone in the Commonwealth of Virginia who is listening: We have a crisis of structural and intractable racism in America. It is obvious and blatant to everyone who has eyes to see and a heart to understand. So obvious that the entire country has just seen a policeman murder a Black man in broad daylight, slowly killing him with his knee on his neck, while three other policemen stood by and did nothing to stop it. That crime, as well as other atrocities by police, has ignited the justifiable rage and anger of millions of Americans—Black, Brown and White—who are still marching through our cities and towns. Chanting, crying, shouting, and pleading “BLACK LIVES MATTER”—and indeed they do. One thing is certain: White people, like me, DO NOT KNOW what it is like to be Black in America, But IF this week has taught us anything, it has taught us that it is time—long past time—that White men and women in America need to start listening to Black people and standing up with them. Listen when they say: America has a crisis of impunity, immunity, and accountability for police brutality toward Black people. Listen when they say: America has a crisis of inequality in income, health care, opportunity, and education for Black people. Listen when they say: America has a crisis of justice in our courts and of leadership in our government. All over America, these cries of Black people for justice and fairness have not been answered. BUT today the whole world is listening. We—White people—should have been listening sooner – but this is not new. Systemic racism against Black people has been ingrained in American culture for hundreds of years. From slavery, to Jim Crow laws, to the Ku Klux Klan, to segregated schools, restaurants, and hotels, to the red lining of real estate, and the killing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this part of our American history is an ugly story. Only three years ago, as a country we shamed a Black football player who harmlessly put his knee on the ground to protest police brutality during the singing of our national anthem. He rightly believed that our national pledge of allegiance is to “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” But the police killings of Black men and women has continued. Enough is enough. White people can no longer look away and refuse to confront these issues. It is long past time for broad-reaching structural and institutional changes to our laws and our culture to root out and destroy racism against Black and Brown people in America. As leaders of this great University, we have heard the voices of the Black Community and we support you. Your voices, thoughts, and feelings matter to the University– but we want you to know that we have not been waiting for this national tragedy to respond. Under the progressive leadership of President Paul Trible, Last year we instituted the Community Captains program to directly change the lives of economically disadvantaged children in Newport News, most of whom are Black. This program will ultimately provide 100 students with a totally free college education at CNU. This progressive program is unmatched by any other college or university in the state of Virginia. Last week the University Council on Diversity and Inclusion, led by our colleagues Sheriff Gabe Morgan and Brad Hunter, and including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and leaders from the community—submitted Christopher Newport’s Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In thoughtful detail, this 25-page document outlines a bold plan of action for the University to overcome the remaining burdens of historical racism in higher education. Today, twenty-one percent (21%) of CNU’s 5,000 students are non-White, and 300 are Black. I am pleased to report that our focus on attracting more students of color has increased the number of Black students we expect to welcome to our Freshman class based on deposits received. This year we expect to welcome 91 Black students versus 78 last year—an increase of 16%. The Community Captains Program that I have just described will swell those numbers of Black students in future years. Paul Trible’s mantra and CNU’s mission is to change hearts and minds so that we can provide leadership to our community, our state, and our country. Happily, the hearts and minds of our nation are changing—yesterday thousands of Black, Brown, and White people gathered in front of the White House and their voices were lifted up in unison as they sang - Lean on ME – Lean on me when you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on. CNU’s message to our students and to this community is simple: Lean on Us because Black Lives Do Matter at CNU, and we intend to play a leadership role in changing the hearts and minds of our students, our community, and our country so that we can end the crisis of racism that is so destructive to our national ideals of equality, fairness, and justice. Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) is Excited to Announce Our Attorneys have been Named to the 2020 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 2020 SUPER LAWYERS Donald N. Patten 15th time selected as a Super Lawyer 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. Robert R. Hatten 15th time selected as a Super Lawyer 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 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. James H. Shoemaker, Jr. 14th time selected as a Super Lawyer James H. Shoemaker, Jr. is an attorney providing legal services covering Employment & Labor: Employee and Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff. James Shoemaker, Jr., who practices law in Newport News, Virginia, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2007 - 2020. Being chosen for multiple years is high recognition of peer and professional respect and achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors. 20th Annual Legal Elite Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) is Excited to Announce Our Attorney Named the 20th Annual Virginia Legal Elite! About Virginia Business Legal Elite The Virginia Business Legal Elite recognizes the top Virginia lawyers across 20 specialties as selected by their peers. The voting is open to all lawyers licensed to practice in Virginia. Virginia Business Legal Elite Lawyers can be found online at https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/virginia-business-legal-elite-2019/ James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Labor Employment Lung Cancer Month November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month About every two and a half minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women, and asbestos exposure can cause or contribute to cause lung cancer. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Individuals who worked in the shipbuilding industry, construction, railroads, and power plants and veterans often had occupational exposure to asbestos decades ago. As asbestos-containing products are cut, removed, or abraded, microscopic asbestos fibers are released. Workers inhale these fibers and they become lodged in their lung tissue. Over time, these fibers can cause cellular damage and mutations, suppress the body’s ability to fight off these mutations, and result in lung cancer. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with lung cancer, and worked in the shipbuilding industry, construction, railroads, and power plants or served in the Navy, you may be entitled to compensation. Call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. Patten Honorary Degree Donald N. Patten Receives Honorary Degree Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C., congratulates PWHD Partner, Donald N. Patten, on recently receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from William & Mary Law School. Mr. Patten joined the school’s Board of Visitors in 1999 and served as Rector of William & Mary from 2001 to 2003. He also became an honorary alumnus of the Law School Class of 2018 and is an Emeritus member of William & Mary’s Business School Foundation. Mr. Patten is also an avid supporter of William & Mary Law School’s trial team. View the video of Mr. Patten here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HZWvYzQW_c Mr. Patten’s legal career has spanned over fifty years. Since 1976, Mr. Patten has represented shipyard workers, veterans, and other workers and their families who were suffering from asbestos-related diseases. He currently serves on the C.E. Thurston & Sons Asbestos Trust Advisory Committee. Mr. Patten is a past President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, received the highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory for legal competence, and was selected by his peers to be included in the 2001-2002 edition of the “The Best Lawyers in America.” Mr. Patten was also very involved in his community. He served as a member of the Newport News City Council, was vice mayor, served as chair of the Newport News Planning Commission, served as the chair of the Peninsula Airport Commission, and he served on the Executive Committee of the State Council For Higher Education for Virginia. In addition, Mr. Patten served on the board of the Peninsula Alliance for Economic Development and the board for the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Virginia. Read more about Patten here: Donald N. Patten and the firm’s history here: PWHD History Read William & Mary’s full post about Patten’s Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws here: https://law.wm.edu/news/stories/2021/donald-n.-patten-named-honorary-law-alumnus-during-fall-commencement-ceremonies.php

Our legal team recently secured a $3.45 million dollar verdict in a highly contested asbestos-related lawsuit. The case was filed on behalf of the family of a retired millwright who tragically passed away from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure in early 2022. The Millwright was exposed to asbestos while working with industrial equipment containing asbestos gaskets and packing manufactured by John Crane Inc. during his time at the DuPont Spruance plant between 1961 and 1979. Jury Awards $3.45M to Family in Asbestos -Related Death Our legal team recently secured a $3.45 million dollar verdict in a highly contested asbestos-related lawsuit. The case was filed on behalf of the family of a retired millwright who tragically passed away from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure in early 2022. The Millwright was exposed to asbestos while working with industrial equipment containing asbestos gaskets and packing manufactured by John Crane Inc. during his time at the DuPont Spruance plant between 1961 and 1979. The lawsuit highlighted how asbestos fibers, invisible to workers, posed significant health risks and the hazards were well-known to scientific communities by the 1960s. Despite this knowledge, John Crane failed to provide adequate warnings until 1983. The Newport News jury found John Crane liable and awarded the family $3.45 million dollars. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding companies accountable when their product harms individuals and families. Our team continues to fight for the victims of asbestos-related illnesses, pursuing justice and compensation on their behalf. Contact PWHD See Full Article 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 757-223-4500 for a free consultation or fill out this contact form . Disclaime r: Past successes of PWHD litigation does not guarantee success in any new or future case. The information contained within this website does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. The outcome of each legal case depends upon many factors, and no attorney can guarantee a positive result in any particular case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mesothelioma Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks Read More Asbestos Litigation What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Asbestos Disease Claims Contact PWHD

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. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 1-800-459-1881 or locally at 757-223-4545​ for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form​ for a free case evaluation. ASBESTOS LITIGATION Occupations at Risk Read More Asbestos Exposure What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us 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. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 1-800-459-1881 or locally at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. Workers including shipyard and Navy machinists, pipefitters, insulators, boiler tenders, and steamfitters at local shipyards and Navy installations. These workers used asbestos gaskets, packing, boiler refractories, pumps, valves, distilling units and other asbestos-containing equipment. These workers used asbestos gaskets, packing, boiler refractories, pumps, valves, distilling units and other asbestos-containing equipment. Operators and maintenance workers at large industrial plants such as refineries, paper mills, and other factories used the same products. The construction workers were also exposed through a variety of construction materials including asbestos-containing tile, roofing, drywall compound, asbestos-cement pipe, electrical components and other materials used on both residential and commercial sites. In addition to the foregoing occupational exposure, however, there have been many instances of “take-home” exposure through dust brought home on workers’ clothes and personal belongings. Many of these cases have arisen in our own community. Automobile mechanics were also routinely exposed to asbestos dust and fibers from brake and clutch pads, gaskets and other asbestos products during the normal and routine maintenance of cars, trucks, trailers, cranes and other heavy equipment. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 1-800-459-1881 or locally 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

Terms of Use Defined TERMS OF USE Thank you for visiting the web site of Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C., ("PWHD"). This web site was created by PWHD so that you could learn more about the legal services that we offer and other information related to the law. This content is for informational purposes only. None of the information at this web site is intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, legal advice, and none of the information necessarily reflects the opinions of PWHD, its attorneys or clients. Please read our Disclaimer which is incorporated into these Terms, for additional limitations on the use and effect of this web site. This "Terms of Use " document outlines the conditions on which this web site is made available to you. Read the Terms of Use carefully. If you use this Web site, you are deemed to have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Use. If you do not accept the Terms of Use, you should stop reading or otherwise using the web site or any materials obtained from it. PWHD IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT PWHD may periodically change, remove, or add to the material on this web site without notice. This material may contain technical or typographical errors. PWHD does not guarantee its accuracy, completeness or suitability. In addition, PWHD hereby advises you that legal advice will only be accurate and applicable if provided by a licensed attorney who is familiar with the factual circumstances of your situation. The information provided by our web site is not intended to replace or substitute for review by a licensed attorney. PWHD assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the contents of this web site. Your use of this web site is at your own risk. 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PWHD is not responsible for the contents or availability of any linked sites. These links are provided only as a convenience to the recipient. STATE LAWS VARY PWHD lawyers are licensed to practice law only within the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and Virginia, but we affiliate or form relationships with lawyers throughout the United States. PWHD may refer prospective clients to other law firms located throughout the country, who have relationships with PWHD, and are experienced in handling such cases. PWHD may also undertake legal representation in certain cases, and will affiliate with other legal counsel located throughout the country to provide legal representation. The laws of each State are different. This web site contains information about general or common rules that apply in some states. This web site also contains information about verdicts or settlements in past cases. You cannot assume that the same rules apply, or that the same result would occur, in your state or any particular state. Statutes of Limitations are especially important. Every state has laws called the "statute of limitations" which set a deadline to file litigation. That means that if litigation is filed too late, it may be thrown out of court, regardless of the defendant's fault or the severity of the injuries. Some states have a two-year period for negligence injury claims; the time period in other states may be longer or shorter. Insurance policies, particularly homeowners insurance, may require that suit be filed within one year of a loss. Some states allow claims against government agencies, but require a written notice very soon after the accident, perhaps within three months. Because investigation and research is needed to identify all possible defendants and theories of recovery, if you have an accident or injury, you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible. 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Wyoming: The Wyoming State Bar does not certify any lawyer as a specialist or expert. Anyone considering a lawyer should independently investigate the lawyer's credentials and ability, and not rely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. GOVERNING LAWS IN CASE OF DISPUTE; JURISDICTION These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, USA, without regard to any choice of law principles. Disputes arising hereunder shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts of Virginia. COPYRIGHT Copyright © 2020 Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C. All rights reserved. All materials presented on this site are copyrighted and owned by Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C., unless in the public domain or attributed to another source. Any republication, retransmission, reproduction, downloading, storing or distribution of all or part of any materials found on this site is expressly prohibited.

Our Employment Law Practice Group approaches this critical and constantly evolving area of law with broad experience and balanced perspective. We have represented businesses of all types and sizes in nearly every kind of workplace dispute. In addition, in significant cases, we have represented individual plaintiffs and groups of plaintiffs in wrongful discharge, employment contract disputes, and harassment and discrimination cases. LITIGATION AREA Employment & Labor Our Approach Our Employment Law Practice Group approaches this critical and constantly evolving area of law with broad experience and balanced perspective. We have represented businesses of all types and sizes in nearly every kind of workplace dispute. In addition, in significant cases, we have represented individual plaintiffs and groups of plaintiffs in wrongful discharge, employment contract disputes, and harassment and discrimination cases. Business Clients For our business clients, we recognize that building and administering an effective workforce is fraught with challenge. The firm believes strongly that proactive implementation of well-crafted personnel policies and effective training is vital to achieving a productive work environment and reducing the risk of employee lawsuits. We have extensive experience drafting employee handbooks, drug-free workplace programs and the myriad policies required by the constantly evolving field of employment law. In addition, we have extensive experience crafting employment agreements, non-solicitation and non-competition agreements and provisions to protect confidential and proprietary information. Our Experience in Employment & Labor Litigation Finally, and most importantly, our experience and expertise derives from litigating employment law issues and seeing, first hand, how judges and juries react to employers who have not been proactive in their compliance efforts. We have a depth of experience representing businesses and individuals on the many kinds of employment law disputes. This gives us a perspective that is truly unique. Whether you have found yourself in a lawsuit, contemplating one, or you simply want to ensure that your business has done everything it can to reduce the risk of becoming embroiled in employment litigation, our Employment Law Practice Group has scaled the complex "learning curve" associated with employment law issues and can quickly and effectively address your needs. If you need assistance, please contact James H. Shoemaker, Jr., Esq . at (757) 223-4580 or (757) 223-4500 . Employment & Labor Attorney James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Contact PWHD

PWHD is currently investigating claims for individuals who have used Paraquat commercially and now have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, rigidity in the joints, slowness in movement, or instability. If you have used Paraquat and have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease or have developed symptoms of this disease, please contact us for a NO COST consultation. PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Paraquat & Parkinson's Disease Read More Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us PWHD is currently investigating claims for individuals who have used Paraquat commercially and now have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, rigidity in the joints, slowness in movement, or instability. If you have used Paraquat and have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease or have developed symptoms of this disease, please contact us for a NO COST consultation. What is Paraquat? Paraquat, or paraquat dichloride, is a powerful herbicide manufactured by Syngenta and sold by Syngenta and by Chevron Phillips, Chemical Company LP. It has been sold under numerous brand names to include: Gramoxone, Paraquat Concentrate, Blanco, Cyclone SL 2.0, Firestorm, Helmquat 3SL, Bonedry, Devour, and Para-squat 3.0, among others. Since 1964, Paraquat has been used commercially in the United States to kill broadleaf weeds and grasses before the planting of fruit, vegetable, and plantation crops, to control weeds in orchards, and to desiccate (dry) plants before harvest. Paraquat is highly toxic, and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has made it a “restrictive use” pesticide. It typically has a blue tint and a very pungent odor. Until 2020, a special license was required to purchase paraquat. In 2020, it was changed so that anyone who intends to purchase or use the product must also have the license. As a consequence of its toxic nature, Paraquat can enter the blood stream and kill the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (meaning it is used to communicate with other nerve cells) and is essential for normal control of movement. Without dopamine, the thought of lifting an arm cannot be transferred to the act of lifting the arm. Without adequate levels of dopamine, the motor system in the body shuts down, and the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease start to occur. Thus, Paraquat has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. If you or a loved one have used Paraquat commercially and now have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, which include tremors, rigidity in the joints, slowness in movement, or instability, our products liability attorneys would like to talk to you. You can discuss your potential claim with us at no cost by calling us today at 757-223-4500 or filling out our online contact form . Products Liability Attorneys Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III.

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

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

Hugh McCormick is a first chair trial lawyer and partner with Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, LC, where he represents individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by mesothelioma and other asbestos related lung diseases. Mr. McCormick has litigated and tried cases involving mesothelioma in state and federal courts for over 20 years, and he has served on numerous trial teams that have achieved multi-million dollar verdicts for hardworking shipyard workers and navy sailors. HUGH B. McCORMICK, III PARTNER Hugh McCormick is a first chair trial lawyer and partner with Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, LC, where he represents individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by mesothelioma and other asbestos related lung diseases. Mr. McCormick has litigated and tried cases involving mesothelioma in state and federal courts for over 20 years, and he has served on numerous trial teams that have achieved multi-million dollar verdicts for hardworking shipyard workers and navy sailors. Two of these verdicts were reported in Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly as “Virginia’s Largest Verdicts” for 2008 (#10) and 2010 (#5). Mr. McCormick grew up in Newport News, and has lived on the Virginia peninsula for over 45 years. Because of this background, he has had the privilege of representing friends, neighbors, church members, and parents of school mates who have been victimized by corporate indifference and greed. Education: Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law - Juris Doctor Washington & Lee University - Bachelor of Science Biology Admissions: Supreme Court of Virginia United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia Honors: Best Lawyers in America (2021 & 2022) Awarded "AV" by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory Super Lawyers Associations: Virginia State Bar American Association for Justice Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Governors 2006-2010) Newport News Bar Association Email: hughmccormick@pwhd.com Phone: (757) 223-4556 Practice Areas: Asbestos Litigation Benzene Exposure CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Jones Act Litigation Maritime Litigation Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Litigation Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Litigation Workers Compensation Zantac vCard Contact

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.