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

ASBESTOS LITIGATION What Is Mesothelioma? Read More ​ Asbestos Exposure What is Asbestos? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us What is Mesothelioma ? Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which develops in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs. There are four main types of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma which occurs in the lining around the lungs; peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining around the stomach and abdomen; pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining around the heart; and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, which occurs in the lining around the testes. All four types are caused by asbestos exposure. By far the most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, shown below: The Symptoms of Mesothelioma The initial symptoms associated with mesothelioma are usually pain in the back, chest or abdomen as well as fatigue and loss of weight. This is usually followed by an unexplained and sudden shortness of breath caused by a buildup of fluid (called an "effusion") between the mesothelial lining and the organ it covers. Malignant mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose. A definitive diagnosis typically often may only be made after a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample. Because malignant mesothelioma is a rare disease, many hospitals and physicians do not have a great deal of experience with this disease and may have difficulty making the diagnosis. If you have any of the foregoing symptoms and have a history of asbestos exposure, contact your physician as soon as possible. ​ We have forty years of experience prosecuting mesothelioma cases. 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 . Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Jean nette M. Dodson-O'Connell Geoffr ey R. Grau

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. Daniel R. O. Long

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. Products Liability Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Jean nette M. Dodson-O'Connell Daniel R. O. Long Geoffr ey R. Grau

PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit If you or a loved one were affected, we can help. Contact Us Read More ​ Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us Camp Lejeune Presumptive Illnesses Camp Lejeune is recognized as the largest Marine Corps Base on the east coast. Over one million service personnel and their families were exposed to water contaminated by hazardous chemicals at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. These toxic chemicals are linked to numerous health issues, birth defects, cancers, and other life-altering diseases. The Honoring our PACT ACT of 2022 Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 (H.R. 3967) was signed into law to enable injured victims who were at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more during this period of time to receive compensation for costs the VA neglected to cover. Toxic Exposure Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Hugh B. McCormick, III. Contact PWHD What Was in the Water? According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs , two water wells located on base were discontinued in 1985. Both of these wells contained the following chemicals: ​ Trichloroethylene (TCE) Perchloroethylene (PCE) Benzene Vinyl Chloride Other Compounds Possible Effects of the Toxins Kidney Cancer Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cardiac Defects Bladder Cancer Leukemia Liver Cancer Multiple Myeloma Renal Disease Parkinson Disease Scleroderma Representing Veterans PWHD is honored to represent veterans and their families in litigation to help mitigate the effects of hazardous materials for U.S. troops and contractors. ​ If you or a loved one served or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and developed health complications, contact us for a free case evaluation. We are here to help. Contact Us

PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Zantac Read More ​ Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Contact Us What is Zantac? Zantac (ranitidine), a popular heartburn medication, has been linked to several types of cancer. Zantac was used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other conditions which cause heartburn or sour stomach. Millions of Americans have used Zantac to relieve heartburn and stomach ulcers. ​ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement in September 2019 warning that over-the-counter varieties of Zantac contained an impurity called Nnitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at low levels, which is classified as a probable human carcinogen linked to several types of cancer. ​ In April of 2020, the FDA recommended the removal of both prescription and over-the-counter versions of ranitidine, which is the active ingredient in the heartburn and acid reflux medicine Zantac. Testing by the FDA has confirmed that NDMA was present in ranitidine, and that even when stored under normal conditions, levels of NDMA increase substantially when stored at higher temperatures. This means that the longer this medication sat on a store shelf or in a medicine cabinet, the greater the level of NDMA. Although ingestion of low levels of NDMA is not linked to an increased risk of cancer, the FDA has stated that “sustained higher levels of exposure may increase the risk of cancer in humans.” This means that individuals who used Zantac for prolonged periods of time are at an increased risk of cancer. ​ PWHD is currently investigation claims for individuals who have used Zantac (ranitidine) and who have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer, including: bladder, liver, stomach, colon, kidney and pancreatic cancer. ​ If you or a loved one regularly used Zantac or any other product containing ranitidine and have been diagnosed with cancer, 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 757-223-4545 or filling out our online contact form . Products Liability Attorneys Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Daniel R. O. Long

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

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

PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Benzene Exposure Read More ​ Products Liability Home Asbestos Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us Workers in a number of industrial and maritime settings may be at risk of cancer or a number of blood disorders from exposure to Benzene. ​ According to the American Cancer Society “Benzene is known to cause cancer, based on evidence from studies in both people and lab animals. The link between benzene and cancer has largely focused on leukemia and other cancers of blood cells. ” ​ In addition to Leukemia, Benzene may cause Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia (AA), Myelodysplastic syndrome, Myelodysplasia (MDS), Multiple Myeloma, and other blood diseases. ​ WHAT IS BENZENE USED FOR? Benzene is a very widely used chemical. As the American Cancer Society notes: “Benzene is among the 20 most widely used chemicals in the United States. It is used mainly as a starting material in making other chemicals, including plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. In the past it was also commonly used as an industrial solvent (a substance that can dissolve or extract other substances) and as a gasoline additive, but these uses have been greatly reduced in recent decades. ” The number and types of products that may contain benzene are widespread and somewhat surprising. They include: Paint thinners and removers; Adhesives; Printing solvents and other solvents; Carburetor cleaners Brake cleaners Liquid Wrench® Safety-Kleen® washing machines for parts; Paints; Crude oil; Refined petroleum products; Gasoline; Naphtha; Jet fuel; Aviation gas; Lubricants; and other aromatic hydrocarbons. ​ WHO IS AT RISK FOR BENEZENE EXPOSURE? As a result of its widespread use, workers in a variety of trades may be chronically exposed to benzene. These trades include: gasoline distribution workers; industrial plant workers who use solvents, installers using glues & solvents; offshore oil rig workers; painters; paper and pulp workers; pesticide manufacturing; plumbers and pipefitters; refinery workers; tankermen and barge workers; dock workers; and truck drivers. ​ SEAMEN, DOCK WORKERS AND BARGE WORKERS MAY BE ESPECIALLY AT RISK. Barge workers, tug boat crewmembers, maintenance workers, painters, chippers, welders, tankermen, dock workers, and seamen on chemical, gas or oil tankers are often exposed to benzene fumes as part of their daily work. Benzene typically causes latent diseases many years after exposure? The medical community has long known that benzene damages bone marrow. This damage occurs over a long period of time and involves cellular mutations. As a result, it may take up to 40 years for a benzene related disease to be diagnosable. Because it can take so long for Benzene to develop, it is known as a “latent” disease. In essence, once a person has been exposed, it is essentially a ticking time bomb—the exposed person has no idea whether or when a disease will develop. ​ CAN I OBTAIN COMPENSATION FOR A BENZENE RELATED DISEASE? If your leukemia or other blood cancer was caused by exposure to benzene or other chemicals containing benzene, you may be entitled to compensation. If you can identify the product that is the source of your exposure, you may be able to sue that product’s manufacturer or supplier for failing to warn of the hazards of benzene or for incorporating benzene in its product if other alternatives were available. If you are a land-based worker, you may also have a workers compensation claim against your employer. If you are a barge worker or a seaman, you may also be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act and general maritime law. ​ If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a benzene-related disease such as Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia (AA), Myelodysplastic syndrome, Myelodysplasia (MDS), Multiple Myeloma, or other blood diseases, and you believe that it was caused by benzene exposure, please contact PWHD today at NO COST by calling 757-223-4500 or filling out our online contact form . Products Liability Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Daniel R. O. Long

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PARTNER Currently only accepting False Claims Act cases. Now sitting on Tygrus’ Board of Managers and it’s pharma subsidiary’s Board of Managers, Miracus, LLC. Co-lead counsel for the central whistleblower whose case against Reckitt Benckizer Group plc led to the 2019 historic and largest US opioid False Claims Act settlement of $1.4 billion. The case is reported in Corporate Counsel click here for more information ​ Subsequently in 2020, a second settlement was reached for $600,000,000 with Indivior, formerly Reckitt Benckizer Pharmaceutical Inc. Email: kyoffy@pwhd.com Phone: (757) 223-4500 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 KENNETH R. YOFFY

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)