Contributory Negligence: A Trap for the Unwary Claimant

Author: William P. Bootwright

Bill Bootwright, Claims Consultant

Bill Bootwright, Claims Consultant

It’s often been said, and with good reason, that the contributory negligence defense is “an insurance company’s dream” and plaintiff’s “worst nightmare.” Under the common law doctrine of contributory negligence, there is no comparison of fault between the wrongdoer and the injured person. If the injured person is even 1% at fault in a way that significantly contributes to cause the… [ read more ]


Virginia Boating Safety: New Required Operator Licenses and Education

Summary by: Robert L. Mertig

Robert L. Mertig, Claims Consultant

Robert L. Mertig, Claims Consultant

As summer approaches, it’s important to be aware of recent changes in the boating laws in Virginia pertaining to the operation of personal water craft (PWC) such as Jet Skis and motorboats. These changes include a schedule of required licenses and boating safety instruction that begin to take effect this summer. Over the next few years, eventually all users of PWC will be required to… [ read more ]


Patient Tests Positive and Thousands Told To Get Tested After Exposure to Unsterilized Equipment at VA Hospitals

Patients Test Positive for HIV After Exposure in VA Hospitals

According to the Associated Press, The Veterans Affairs Department is investigating a possible link between patients testing positive for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and the use of unsterilized equipment that may have caused thousands of veterans to be exposed to infectious diseases.

Initial tests show patients from VA medical facilities in Murfreeboro, Tennessee; Augusta, Georgia; and Miami, Florida have tested positive for HIV… [ read more ]


Defamation Liability and the case of Vicki Iseman v. The New York Times – A Recap

Attorney W. Coleman Allen, Jr.

Attorney W. Coleman Allen, Jr.

Author: Attorney W. Coleman Allen, Jr.

The tort of defamation occurs when an individual, corporation or media outlet negligently publishes a false statement concerning a private individual, or in the case of a public figure, publishes a false statement with malice. The higher standard that must be met with regard to a public figure reflects the court’s efforts to balance the… [ read more ]


Stay Safe When You Run – Jogger Safety Tips

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

Author: Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

The weather is warming up and more of us are taking to the streets to get some exercise. Jogging and running are great workouts, but it is important to remember that as a pedestrian, you bear primary responsibility for your own safety. It’s important to stay aware and alert to hazards when you go for a jog.

Pay attention and keep your mind on the most… [ read more ]


The Recorded Statement: A Trap for the Unwary

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

Attorney Elizabeth M. Allen

Author: Attorney Elizabeth Morrell Allen

You’ve been in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault. Within a few days, an adjuster for the insurance company of the guy who hit you calls on the telephone. The adjuster wants you to give a recorded statement telling her how the accident happened and also asks you to provide some personal information. She says she wants to help you,… [ read more ]


Discover Petersburg, a Historic City in Southside Virginia

Petersburg Office of Allen & Allen

Petersburg Office of Allen & Allen

Author: Attorney Elizabeth Morrell Allen

Conveniently located at the intersection of Interstates 95 and 85 and Virginia Route 460, the City of Petersburg overlooks the falls of the Appomattox River just 25 miles south of Richmond, Virginia. Petersburg is an old city. Its origins date from the establishment of Bristol Parish in 1643 and Fort Henry in 1645-1646. The town itself was established in 1748. Before the Civil War,… [ read more ]


Securing Witness Information After an Accident

Claims Consultant Chris Cloude

Claims Consultant Chris Cloude

Author: Chris Cloude

You are driving to the grocery store taking your time and following your normal route. As you approach an intersection, the stoplight is green and you proceed into the intersection. Out of the corner of your eye you see a flash, and your car is hit on the passenger side.

A few days later, an adjuster calls you from the insurance company for the person that hit you.… [ read more ]


Water Craft and Boating Safety

Attorney Paul D. Hux

Attorney Paul D. Hux

Author: Attorney Paul D. Hux

Warm weather is coming, and that means people will be enjoying the outdoors and water sports. We need to be careful when being around the water. One minute it can be beautiful and fun and the next it can turn into a life threatening accident.

If you use a Jetski… [ read more ]


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