Search Results

PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Hernia Mesh Read More ​ Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us What Is A Hernia? Hernias can occur in a variety of ways, but most occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This often results in a bulge in the groin or stomach region that aches and burns. Depending on where the hernia occurs, it may also cause swelling of the testicles, heartburn, and vomiting. The primary concern with a hernia is small intestine strangulation. This occurs wh en the hernia blocks blood supply to the small intestines. Hernias typically require either open or laparoscopic surgery and may also require the use of hernia mesh. Hernia mesh is used to repair both ventral and inguinal hernias. ​ What Are Hernia Mesh Products? There are a wide variety of hernia mesh produc ts. Hernia meshes are loose, flexible meshes that are used during hernia surgery to support weakened or damaged tissue in order to aid in the healing process and prevent future hernias. Some patients who had a hernia mesh implant to treat a hernia have experienced complications including infections, adhesions, hernia recurrence, additional corrective surgery hernia recurrence, bowel perforation or obstruction, or other medical conditions. ​ There are a variety of hernia mesh products still in use today that have not been recalled by the FDA. PWHD’s attorneys are currently investigating hernia mesh claims related to the following products. Polypropylene Hernia Mesh Products: PHYSIOMESH Physiomesh Flexible Composite Mesh is a type of polypropylene hernia mesh made and released by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, Ethicon, in October 2010. Physiomesh is intended for use in laparoscopic surgery and is designed to reinforce the abdominal wall to prevent future hernias from occurring. In April 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) clearance to Physiomesh, meaning Physiomesh was not required to undergo FDA review or clinical trials to evaluate its safety before it was placed on the market. Johnson & Johnson recalled its product in May 2016, after unpublished studies demonstrated that Physiomesh had a higher hernia recurrence and reoperation rate than the average rates of other meshes on the market. The FDA has analyzed potential hernia repair surgery complications in situations where hernia mesh was used, and this review found that the most common adverse effects include pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Other potential complications include mesh migration and mesh shrinkage. ​ C.R. BARD HERNIA MESH C.R.Bard is the manufacturer of a variety of hernia mesh products, including SepraMesh, Ventralex, Bard 3D Max, Kugel, Kugel Composix Mesh, PerFix Plug, Ventrio, Ventrio ST, Composix E/X Mesh, Visilex, Spermatix and Marlex. C.R. Bard meshes are made of a material called Marlex HGX-030-01, which is a polypropylene resin. Extensive scientific research shows that polypropylene degrades in the human body. When the material degrades, it can break off inside the body resulting in injuries and complications. ​ PWHD is currently investigating claims for individuals who have undergone hernia surgery involving Physiomesh, C.R. Bard, and other hernia meshes, and who later experienced medical complications. ​ If you or a loved one have undergone hernia surgery using a hernia mesh product and have experienced medical complications, 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.

PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Sunscreen & Benzene 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 Talc Zantac Contact Us Valisure®, a firm that independently checks the chemical composition of medications before they reach consumers, recently tested many different sunscreen products for the presence of toxic substances. As a result of these tests, Valisure® discovered that many sunscreens on the market have alarming levels of benzene. What is Benzene? Benzene is typically a byproduct of oil, gasoline, and other volatile substances and processes. The toxicity of benzene has been known since at least 1897 and the International Agency for Research On Cancer (“IARC”) has classified benzene as a Group 1 human carcinogen that has been linked to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The FDA likewise recognizes the high danger of benzene and lists it as a “Class 1 solvent” that should not be employed in the manufacture of drug substances and products because of its unacceptable proximity. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers working with benzene wear protective equipment if they expect to be exposed to concentrations in excess of 0.1 parts per million (ppm). ​ Sunscreen Products Valisure® found that some of the sunscreen products tested had levels of benzene that surpassing 2 ppm or “over 400 times the threshold for systemic carcinogenicity assessment for at least one sunscreen active ingredient.” May 24, 2021 Valisure® Citizen Petition to FDA, at 2 (hereinafter Valisure® Petition). Valisure® also found that some sunscreens have no benzene contamination whatsoever, meaning that benzene apparently is not a necessary ingredient for sunscreen and there are reasonable and feasible alternatives. Valisure’s citizen’s petition to the FDA revealed that fourteen different sunscreen products had benzene contamination exceeding 2 ppm. Ten of these products were sold under the Neutrogena brand, two were sold under the CVS Health brand, and one each were sold under the Sun Bum and Fruit of the Earth brands. Thirteen of these products were spray products, while the one Fruit of the Earth product was a gel. Twenty-six additional sunscreen products contained benzene contamination from 0.1 ppm to 2 ppm. The majority of these were Neutrogena branded sunscreen, but they also include Banana Boat, CVS Health, SunBurnt, Goodsense, Raw Elements, TopCare Everyday, and EltaMD branded products. Though most were sprays, they also included lotions and gels. As one clinician and researcher from Yale commented: “Considering that human skin has a large total surface area (~1.85 m2), and that ~28.5 g of sunscreen is needed per application to properly cover that skin surface, it follows then that there is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products. The total mass of sunscreen required to cover and protect the human body, in single daily application or repeated applications daily, means that even benzene at 0.1 ppm in a sunscreen could expose people to excessively high nanogram amounts of benzene.” Valisure® Petition, at 17 (quoting Email from Dr. Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, New Haven, CT). PWHD is investigating cases involving personal injury or death as a result of benzene contamination of certain sunscreen products. If you or a loved one are a longtime user of sunscreen products and have been diagnosed with a benzene-related disease such as Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, or other blood diseases, please contact PWHD today for a free, NO COST consultation 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 Roundup Read More ​ Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us Monsanto’s Roundup® contains Glyphosate and a surfactant that have been proven in multiple trials to cause non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in humans. ​ Roundup® contains a surfactant that opens the pores of the weed it is sprayed on in order to cause the weed to absorb the Glyphosate more readily. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill most plants. It prevents the plants from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth. Roundup® also contains other “inert” ingredients that increase the potency of the mixture. The surfactant also works on the human body, opening the pores on human skin so that it may absorb Glyphosate that is spilled or sprayed onto the skin of a worker. The combination of the Glyphosate, the surfactant, and the other ingredients has been found to cause non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Monsanto’s warnings on this product fail to warn users of the cancer risk. Juries in recent cases have awarded millions of dollars in damages to workers suffering from non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. One jury awarded $289 million to a school grounds keeper who developed non-Hodgkin Lymphoma as a result of routine occupational use of Roundup®. Another jury awarded $80 million with $75 million in punitive damages, for Monsanto’s willful and wanton conduct. Plaintiffs in these cases and others have alleged that Monsanto failed to provide adequate warnings or other clinically relevant information and data regarding the appropriate use of its Roundup® products and the risks associated with the use of or exposure to Roundup® and the Glyphosate contained in it. They also allege that Monsanto knew or should have known of the risk and failed to properly test its product to determine the impact of the product on humans. If you have been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and routinely used Roundup® in the past, contact us. We can help. Products Liability Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Daniel R. O. Long

PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Talc 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 Zantac Contact Us Talcum powder (Talc) has been used for decades in a wide variety of consumer products. Because these consumer products were part of the cosmetic and fragrance industry, they were largely outside of the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Key companies using talc in consumer products include Johnson & Johnson, Colgate Palmolive, Chanel, Claire, and Beauty plus, among others. ​ What is Talc? Like asbestos, talc is a rock that is mined from the ground. Because talc and asbestos are similar minerals, asbestos typically is found intermingled with talc. Talc is mined through blasting and open pit mining, and it is impossible to separate asbestos fibers from talc during the mining process or during the subsequent refining process. Nevertheless, the cosmetic and fragrance industry lobbied hard to avoid FDA regulation and to convince the FDA that there was no asbestos contamination in cosmetic talc. We now know that the cosmetic industry relied on tests of talc that did not have the sensitivity to find asbestos and that talc products have been contaminated with asbestos for decades. ​ There is no safe level for asbestos. The asbestos contamination in talc has been proven to cause mesothelioma and cancers of the reproductive organs, such as ovarian cancer. ​ If you have mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or another cancer of the reproductive organs, and you routinely used a talc product throughout your life, contact us . 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

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

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) has been serving the Hampton Roads area since 1954 with measurable success. We pride ourselves on a deep tradition of excellence, and ensuring only the highest quality of service. We understand the challenges and pressure that comes with every case. If you are looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding team environment check out our current opportunities available. PWHD Careers Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay informed. Facebook Email Human Resources LinkedIn Blank Page: About

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

LITIGATION AREA Workers' Compensation PWHD attorneys have over 40 years of experience representing injured workers in claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act against their current or former employers. Based on our extensive experience and knowledge, our attorneys thoroughly evaluate the locations, dates, and circumstances of our client’s asbestos exposure to determine the client’s best interests with respect to these programs and the intricacies of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. We also have experience successfully pursuing workers compensation benefits for employees and their families who have suffered from traumatic injuries and deaths on the job, as well as non-asbestos related occupational injuries. ​ If you have been injured or diagnosed with a disease as a result of an injury or exposure at work, contact us. We can help. Workers' Compensation Attorney ​ Hugh B. McCormick, III. Contact PWHD

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. Under no circumstances shall PWHD or any other party involved in the creation, production or delivery of this web site be liable to you or any other person for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind arising from your access to, or use of, this web site. IN NO EVENT SHALL PATTEN, WORNOM, HATTEN AND DIAMONSTEIN, L.C., BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS MATERIAL, FOR ANY USE OF THIS WEB SITE, OR FOR ANY OTHER LINKED WEB SITE. THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES This web site contains links to third party web sites for the convenience of our users. PWHD does not endorse any of these third party sites and does not imply any association between PWHD and those sites. PWHD does not control these third party web sites and cannot represent that their policies and practices will be consistent with these Terms of Use. If you use links to access and use such web sites, you do so at your own risk. 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. ​ LEGAL AND ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS PWHD has tried to comply with all applicable legal and ethical requirements in compiling this web site. We welcome comments about our compliance with the applicable rules and will update the site as warranted upon learning of any new or different requirements. To the extent that the professional responsibility rules of any jurisdiction require us to designate a principal office or an attorney responsible for this web site, Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C., designates its office in Newport News, Virginia (USA), 12350 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 300, and its managing Member, Robert R. Hatten, Esq. ​ STATE ADVERTISING DISCLOSURES Because some material on this web site constitutes lawyer advertising, and this web site may be viewed from anywhere in the United States, particular disclosures are required by the rules of some states. PWHD adopts and makes the following disclosures: Alabama: No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Colorado: Colorado does not certify attorneys as specialists in any field. Florida: The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. Iowa: The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa. ​ NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: Memberships and offices in legal fraternities and legal societies, technical and professional licenses, and memberships in scientific, technical and professional associations and societies of law or field of practice do not mean that a lawyer is a specialist or expert in a field of law, nor do they mean that such a lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer. All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered. This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa. ​ Kentucky and Oregon: THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. Mississippi: The Mississippi Supreme Court advises that a decision on legal services is important and should not be based solely on advertisements. Missouri: Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri nor the Missouri Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Nevada: The State Bar of Nevada does not certify any lawyer as a specialist or expert. New Jersey: ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT -- NOT A REFERRAL SERVICE. Before making your choice of an attorney, you should give this matter careful thought. The selection of an attorney is an important decision. New Mexico: LAWYER ADVERTISEMENT. New York : ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Tennessee: None of the attorneys in this firm are certified as a Civil Trial, Criminal Trial, Business Bankruptcy, Consumer Bankruptcy, Creditor's Rights, Medical Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, Accounting Malpractice, Estate Planning or Elder Law specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization. Certification as a specialist in all other listed areas is not currently available in Tennessee. Texas: Unless otherwise stated, our attorneys claiming certification in an area of law are not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. 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.

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