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Richard N Shapiro
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Location: Shapiro, Cooper & Lewis, P.C. 1294 Diamond Springs Road Virginia Beach VA 23455 |
Contact Information: Phone: (757) 460-7776 Fax: (757) 460-3428 |
Profile :
Richard N. Shapiro served as a law clerk to Federal District Court Judge Robert G. Doumar in Norfolk (E.D. VA), and now exclusively handles injury law. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification of Massachusetts (ABA Accredited) and has litigated injury cases throughout the southeastern U.S.A. He co-authored “Railroad Health & Safety; a Litigator’s Guide” which appears in a leading law encyclopedia, “American Jurisprudence Trials." Rick was elected chair of the Railroad Law section of the American Association for Justice (2005-2006) and has written and lectured on evidence law to the AAJ, VTLA, Georgia TLA, as well as to Virginia lawyers.
Read what some of Rick's clients say about him:
"You built a very strong case, which showed when the rubber hit the road and it really showed at settlement time" - Arthur
"Rick was so passionate about my case." - Anne
"I couldn't be more pleased with the services provided by Mr. Shapiro." - Mike
Rick is a member of Primerus Society of Law Firms, along with his partners. This is an organization of highly experienced and ethical attorneys.
Rick regularly writes/blogs on injury law topics, along with his partners, as one of the editors of Virginia Beach Injuryboard , Norfolk Injuryboard, and the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard blogs.
See Richard N. Shapiro's lawyer rating on Avvo lawyer rating service.
Rick received an "A V" rating (the highest available) from Martindale-Hubbell, another prominent legal rating service. This rating means Rick has a reputation among other lawyers and judges as being highly ethical and of being very high, to pre-eminent, in his legal ability.
Another prominent distinction is being named a Virginia "Super Lawyer." Less than 5% of attorneys practicing in personal injury law are selected as "Super Lawyers." visit the official site for more details.
Rick is also ranked as a top-100 trial lawyer by the American Trial Lawyers Association
Selected for inclusion in the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 publication (Railroad Injury Law) which only includes a tiny number of the active attorneys in any given state.
Education:
Richard N. Shapiro received his college degree from the University of Maryland, served as staff assistant to U.S. Congressman Whitehurst, and graduated from George Mason Law School With Distinction.
Professional Honors & Activities:
Named as a Virginia "Super Lawyer" for personal injury/general category by Law & Politics publication for the State of Virginia (2009);
Invited Member: Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the USA;
Selected to the "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" of Virginia, by the American Trial Lawyers Association
Selected to Who’s Who in American Law-2009
Recipient, George Mason Law Alumni Honor Scholarship, 1984.
Member, George Mason University Law Review, 1982-1984 (Article Published-1984) Law School:
George Mason University, J.D. with distinction (top 5% of class) 1984.
Member of the Primerus International Society of Law Firms .
Rick is an inventor, holding 14 U.S. patents relating to compact, folding wheel axle technology applied to wagons, carts, jogging strollers and other products. He also has been granted several international patents and several of his designs are used on products sold in the US and internationally.
Presentations & Speeches:
Rick has lectured before lawyers with the AAJ, VTLA and GTLA, for Virginia CLE on evidence law and railroad/FELA law, and published an article entitled "Using Medical Evidence to Maximize Personal Injury Case Damages, in the VA Trial Lawyers Law Letter Vol. 21, No. 1 (2009).
Invited Presenter: AAJ Seminar on Railroad Release Law (June 2009), and has been an invited speaker at a number of national and regional lawyer seminars.
Publications:
Railroad Health & Safety; a Litigator’s Guide. Co-Author, 72 Am. Jur. Trials, p.1 (West).
Reported/Published legal decisions: Bray v. Ins. Co. of State of Pa., 917 F2d 130 (4th Cir. 1990).
Ratliff v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co., 2009 WL 649268 (March 12, 2009) (Link to WV Supreme Court Website-Opinion)
Regular author/writer on Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard and NE NC Injuryboard law blogs.
Bar Admissions:
He is admitted to practice law in Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina, and has litigated cases throughout the eastern U.S. with co-counsel under pro hac vice admission.
Court Admissions:
U.S. Supreme Court, 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, numerous Fed. courts. VA, WV, NC, WASH, DC licensure.
Community Activities:
Rick donates to numerous charitable organizations outlined elsewhere on this website. Member: Norfolk-Portsmouth and Virginia Beach Bar Associations; Virginia State Bar; Virginia Trial Lawyers Association; American Association For Justice (Chairman, Railroad Section, 2005-2006); American Trial Lawyers Ass'n, Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys.
Publications:
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
Virginia Injury Lawyers Advice: 'Other Similar Incidents' Can Help Achieve a Successful Verdict or Settlement
Rick Shapiro Recertified as a Member of the National Board of Trial Advocacy
Bulging and Herniated Disc Injuries: How Experienced Injury Attorneys Best Present Back and Neck Disc Injuries in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Car Accident Wrist Injury Settlements in Virginia
Fatal Accidents Involving Company Cars or Trucks - Who Pays?
This article examines allegations made by a "whistleblower" who used to be Toyota Motors defense attorney. This attorney alleges the company, and fellow defense attorneys, hid important documents and test results which proved the car company had weak roof structures and this structural flaw was instrumental in numerous rollover car accidents.
Health Insurance Repayment/Reimbursement in VA/Carolina Car Accident or Injury Cases
Winter Driving Conditions like Black Ice and Heavy Snow Can Be Challenging for Virginia (VA) Drivers.
Injured in a moped accident? You've come to the right place. Our firm focuses exclusively on injury law. Take a moment to view our informative videos and read our FREE consumer reports.
Runaway Trailers a Major Injury Risk on the Road
Look Both Ways When Crossing the Street
Demystifying Injury Litigation for Clients
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Car Insurance: It Can Be Your Most Important Car Insurance and Here Is Why (Part 2 in the Series)
Another Drunk Driver Causes Heartache and Death
Keeping Our Kids Safe: A Review of Child Safety Inside Cars, Including Proper Installation of Car Safety Seats and Other Alternative Safety Restraint Systems
Chesapeake, Virginia (VA) man riding bicycle killed after being struck by vehicle
Governor Kaine to Sign Ban on Texting While Driving
North Carolina Man Killed in Vehicle Crash Identified
Virginia & Carolina Lawyers: Personal Injury or Death Caused by DUI/DWI Drivers in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina or South Carolina
Distracted driving due to cell phone use is a major safety issue and causing an alarming number of motor vehicle/car crashes. This page provides relevant information regarding the risks associated with distracted driving and advice on what you should do to avoid getting into a car wreck. After viewing this page, please download our free consumer guide about distracted driving.
Will an MRI help my personal injury case evidence?
What It Means To Be An Ethical Injury Attorney in Virginia
Keeping Our Kids Safe: Child Car Seat Safety-Amazingly Little Federal/State Regulation Leaves Kids Vulnerable
Keeping Our Kids Safe: A Practical Parent’s Guide For Safe Use of Child Safety Seats (CSS)
Keeping Our Kids Safe:What To Do And Know If You Suspect A Faulty Car Safety Seat
Basics about auto and car accidents-frequently asked questions by our clients.
Crashes Caused by Trucks
Top Three Risks Posed by Drivers of Commercial Vehicles
Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes
Interview with James Lewis, Virginia and Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorney on Cut, Severed and Perforated Ureter Claims
Dennis Quaid's Medical Malpractice/Dangerous Drug-Device Testimony To US Congress
Chesapeake Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Brain Damage/Head Injuries
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Damage, Brain Injury or Closed Head Injuries
Wrongful Death
Virginia Injury Lawyers Advice: Handling a Multimillion Dollar Personal Injury Appeal
Building Your Case: How Experienced Injury Lawyers Investigate Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Accident Claims
Railroad Injury/FELA
What Was the Largest Virginia (VA) Railroad Injury Verdict Ever? ($60 Million, Including Interest)
Railroad/FELA Lawyer Info:Cancers, Leukemia, Asthma, COPD Caused By Diesel Exhaust Fumes
VA-Based FELA Plaintiff’s Attorney: Industrial Hygiene and Rail Companies’ Duty to Inspect to Ensure Workers Have Adequate On-the-Job Protections
Railroads Have the Sole Duty to Ensure Rail Workers’ Health and Safety
FELA’s Statute of Limitation for an Occupational Disease Claim Dates to When the Rail Employee Learns of the Work-Related Illness
Evidence of Toxic Exposure, Not Dose, Required for a Railroad Employee’s Cancer Claim Under FELA
Info on Railroad Asbestos-Mesothelioma Cancer Claims & Suits: By Virginia (VA) Railroad Asbestos Cancer Lawyer Richard N. Shapiro
Railroad Mesothelioma Cancers: What the Railroads Knew and When
$8.6 Million Jury Verdict for Railroad Worker Who Lost Life to Asbestos, Diesel Fume, and Radiation Exposure
Best Part of Being an Injury Lawyer – Leveling the Playing Field in Pursuit of Justice
Virginia railroad injury lawyers--A short history of railroad injury law in Virginia
Railroad Injury FELA Injury Lawyers Use Safety Regulations Against Railroads
Railroad Workers (Engineer/Conductors/Switchman) Developing Variety of Cancers From Exposure to Radioactive Cargo on Railroad-Review of the Facts
Railroad Injury Attorneys in VA/WV/NC-Use of Brief on Radio Dispatch Regulation Violations In FELA Case
Locomotive Inspection Act Regulation Violations Involving Diesel Fumes or Toxic Exhaust Fumes, Including Asbestos Insulation
In railroad worker injury/death cases the Safety Appliance Act regulations are critical-proof of violations makes the case easier to prove.
Impact of Safety Appliance Act Regulations on Railroad Worker Injury Cases Under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA)
What Every Railroad Worker Should Know About Diesel Exhaust Fumes, Lung Disease and Lung Cancer
Prevention of Railroad Lifting and Repetitive Stress Injuries Using Ergonomic Analysis
Railroad Personal Injury Lawyer Rebuttal Provides Injured Worker Reality Check–Read Here What Norfolk Southern Does Not Want Injured Railroad Workers To Know
FELA lawyers challenge Norfolk Southern Safety Award
Railroad Injury or Diseases, Like Asbestos Disease, Can Fall Under Various Laws
General Review of Railroad Asbestos Cancer & Mesothelioma Claims Affecting Railroad Workers, Advice from a Virginia (VA) FELA Lawyer
All Serious Injuries
Travails of a Virginia Injury Lawyer: Why I Can’t Tell You About Some Multimillion Dollar Settlements
Virginia Injury Lawyers Advice: Small-Town, Rural Injury Lawyer or Big-City Injury Lawyer?
Medical Evidence Can Make a Major Difference in Your Personal Injury Case
Handling Amputated Thumb, Finger or Arm Personal Injury Lawsuits: Legal and Medical Issues
Can an Injured Minor Child Recover Against Their Parent For Serious Injuries?
When Medical Experts Clash: Convincing Doctor Testimony Can Be Key in Winning Your Personal Injury Case
Child’s Play: Millions of Kids Get Hurt or Suffer a Loss of Life Due to Accidents
Suffered scarring or disfigurement from an accident? You've come to the right place. Our attorneys are here to help you. Check out our FREE consumer reports and view our video library.
Many States Adopting Voluntary Mediation in Injury Cases
Analysis of Discovery Provisions in Virginia (VA)
Why Medical Professionals Like Nurses, Doctors/Physicians, EMT’s Have Retained Our Injury Lawyers-Virginia (VA)/Carolina (NC)
Personal Injury Lawyer Discusses Typical Ethical Issues in Personal Injuries
Virginia Injury Lawyer Talks About Electrical Shock/Burns, Explosions, Industrial Explosions & Accidents
Forensic Evidence Law-How Personal Injury Attorneys Analyze Forensic Evidence
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
Virginia (VA) enters the modern era regarding boating licenses
Slips, Trips & Falls
Falling Products and Merchandise Cause Personal Injury Claims to Stack Up Against Retailers
Dangerous Drugs & Devices/Product Recalls
Request by law firm to create FDA Task Force to investigate the disturbingly high number of accidental overdose deaths from Fentanyl/Duragesic pain patches.
Fentanyl (Duragesic) Pain Patch Overdose Deaths
The Client Experience
I would recommend Mr. Shapiro and his staff to other persons who have a personal injury and need help with their situation as I did.
It was apparent to us that we had the right team fighting for our father.
In no time at all Mr. Shapiro had my case settled, my funds were in my bank, and all was resolved. After being told by my attorney in North Carolina, that basically I did not have a case. Again, all I can say is what a wonderful team Mr. Shapiro has, and how fast they worked to get my case settled.
I am truly impressed by Mr. Shapiro and his result-oriented approach. I have high regard for Mr. Shapiro's expertise
Testimony Excerpts from Personal Injury Cases
A physician's assistant employed by Norfolk Southern railroad who has the responsibility for documenting whether rail workers hurt on the job are healthy enough to return to their jobs answers questions about the medical management of our NS employee client.
Related to a case brought by the estate of a former Norfolk Southern worker who died from the asbestos-caused cancer mesothelioma, a pathologist who examined lung tissue from the deceased man discusses his findings with one of our firm's attorneys.
A railroad union representative and Amtrak utility worker describes to one of our firm's attorneys how a fellow rail employee might have become injured while collecting trash bags unloaded around the clock from passenger trains at Union Station in Washington, DC.
A CSX environmental health specialist testifies on the dangers posed to a railroad employee by silica dust and the possibility of developing the painful, disabling and often fatal lung disease silicosis.
An Amtrak supervisor testifies about the safety appliances, train equipment and circumstances that could have contributed to the injury suffered by a conductor working out of Washington, DC, for the company formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Company.
A former Norfolk Southern brakeman who worked as a railroad employee accident investigator for us describes his witness interview process during the collection of evidence for a case brought against CSX Transportation.
Co-Counsel
We Welcome Lawyer Referrals For Cases Involving Personal Injury or Loss of Life
All We Do is Injury Law
Solutions: Preventing Amputations in Hazardous Work Areas
Exhibits - How We Present Medical Evidence
Techniques Our Injury Trial Attorneys Present Medical Evidence to Build Cases, Pt.3
Techniques Our Injury Trial Attorneys Use to Present Medical Evidence to Build Cases, Pt.2
Techniques Our Injury Trial Attorneys Use to Present Medical Evidence to Build Cases, Pt.1
General
Railroads Have a Duty to Warn Rail Employees of Known and Likely Dangers in the Workplace