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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

PRINCIPLES & VALUES PWHD believes that everyone is entitled to prompt, courteous, accurate and ethical legal advice on fair terms. We want to partner with our clients to obtain the very best results possible for the client, depending on the client’s needs and desires. This requires direct, open and honest communication and cooperation between our attorneys, staff members and clients. We endeavor to communicate with our clients on a timely basis, return their phone calls and inquiries promptly, and keep them fully involved in the conduct of their cases. ​ PWHD has a solid appreciation for the civil justice system and right of jury trial. We believe that all people should have the right to request a trial by a jury of their peers, and that they should be able to have their day in court. If your case is one that should be tried, we will represent you zealously and to the best of our ability. If we believe that an option other than trial may be better for your case, we will candidly and respectfully discuss that option with you. ​ Finally, PWHD believes that we have an obligation to support our community and neighbors through various volunteer and not-for-profit enterprises. As a firm, we are constantly learning, growing and seeking ways to improve our services to our clients and community. Through these activities we hope to help at risk children and other vulnerable members of our community to grow and thrive. PWHD History PWHD News

In remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr., the attorneys and staff at Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, LC, extend our sincerest gratitude for the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., our office will be closed on Monday, January 16th, 2023. We look forward to assisting you when our office re-opens on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023.

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

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

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."

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.

DANIEL R.O. LONG ATTORNEY Daniel R. Long is an associate attorney with Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. Mr. Long joined the firm in 2019, serving as a law clerk while attending law school. In 2020, Mr. Long joined the firm as a full-time attorney, and has focused his practice on representing asbestos victims and their families. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Long externed for The Honorable David J. Novak, a United States Magistrate Judge (now District Judge) with the Eastern District of Virginia. He has also served as an intern with the William & Mary Law School Veterans Benefits Clinic, and as a law clerk with a law firm in Culpeper, Virginia. While attending law school at William & Mary, Mr. Long served as an article’s editor with the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal. Additionally, as a member of the William & Mary Moot Court Team, Mr. Long and his teammate won best brief at the 2020 August A. Rendigs, Jr. National Products Liability Moot Court Competition. From his experiences, Mr. Long has developed the skills necessary to effectively assist clients with their legal needs. He currently lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, and relishes the opportunity to use his law practice to give back to his community Education: College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law - Juris Doctor University of South Dakota - Bachelor of Science ​ Admissions: 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 Virginia State Bar ​ Honors: Graduated Cum Laude from the College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law Articles Editor with the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal Graduated summa cum laude from University of South Dakota ​ Associations : Virginia State Bar American Association For Justice Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Newport News Bar Association Email: dlong@pwhd.com Phone: (757) 223-4570 Practice Areas: Asbestos Litigation Benzene Exposure CPAP Machines Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Litigation Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Litigation vCard Contact

LITIGATION AREA Asbestos Litigation Read More ​ What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us In PWHD’s hometown of Newport News, nearly one thousand people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last thirty-five years. The firm has represented most of these victims and hundreds of victims who were diagnosed in other Tidewater Virginia hospitals including Hampton, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation, or fill out our contact form . We will come to you. ​ Asbestos Exposure Due to its heat resistance and insulation properties, asbestos was used in thousands of products, including gaskets, packing, drywall, ceilings, pumps, valves, thermal insulation, boilers, turbines, blowers, automotive and industrial brakes and clutches, floor tiles and more. Working with these products using normal work practices caused the asbestos in the products to be released into the worker’s breathing zone to be inhaled by the worker. ​ Asbestos is the only cause of malignant mesothelioma. Unfortunately, throughout the 20th century, asbestos was very popular with manufacturers due to its heat resistance, availability, and relatively inexpensive cost. Even after learning that asbestos caused deadly diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, companies continued to manufacture asbestos-containing products such as gaskets, packing, thermal insulation and lagging, pumps, valves, distilling units, fans, generators, turbines, brakes, clutches, electrical components, plasters, mastics, and refractories. Consequently, malignant mesothelioma, asbestos related cancer and asbestosis have reached epidemic levels in Virginia. ​ Anyone who comes into contact with asbestos dust and fibers may be at risk. However, certain occupations have shown a high incidence of asbestos related disease due to their consistent and regular work with asbestos products. These include machinists and Navy machinist mates, pipefitters, pipecoverers, steamfitters, drywall and sheetrock workers, maintenance workers, automotive and equipment mechanics, electricians, boiler workers, plumbers, roofers, riggers, railroad workers and shipyard workers to name a few. Members of the same household as asbestos workers have also shown an increased risk of asbestos related diseases, and may be diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, simply by coming into contact with a loved one’s asbestos-contaminated work clothing. ​ ​ Occupations at Risk The shipbuilding industry in Virginia is one of the primary sources of asbestos exposure. Because of the numerous shipyards, such as the Newport News Shipyard (the largest private shipyard in the world), the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (the largest naval shipyard in the world), the Horne Brothers Shipyard, Colonna Shipyard, Metro Machine, Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, and others, hundreds of Virginia shipyard workers and dozens of family members have died or been severely disabled from mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis. ​ The many Virginia shipyards, especially in and around Norfolk and Newport News, are also responsible for exposing the crew members of Navy ships to asbestos. Many have since contracted asbestos related cancers such as mesothelioma. Whether aboard ship, while stationed in Virginia or based in Newport News, or during an overhaul in the Norfolk Navy Yard, the close quarters and poor ventilation, along with ubiquitous use of asbestos materials, have caused thousands of cases of mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, and asbestosis in Navy Veterans. ​ Other leading environments for exposure include large industrial plants such as the Yorktown Amoco refinery, the Yorktown boiler plant, the Hopewell Allied Chemical plant, various Virginia Power Company plants and others. ​Automobile repair shops are also sources of asbestos exposure through brakes, clutches, and gasket work. Railroad workers also routinely had direct contact with asbestos-containing products. Insulation was routinely used in the railroad industry to insulate machinery and piping, and at times, passenger cars, and asbestos-containing brake shoes and gaskets were commonly used. In addition to the foregoing environments, however, there have been many instances of “take-home” exposure through dust brought home on workers’ clothes and personal belongings. ​ If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form and we will contact you. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Jean nette M. Dodson-O'Connell Daniel R. O. Long Geoffr ey R. Grau

Free Case Evaluation 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) 223-4500 . First Name Last Name Phone Email Please select a litigation area that pertains to your issue/case: Asbestos Employment & Labor Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Products Liability Whistleblower / Qui Tam Workers' Compensation Other What injury, illness, or issue do you have? Submit

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

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