Apr
29
2009
Author: William P. Bootwright
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 ]
Apr
27
2009
Summary by: Robert L. Mertig
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 ]
Apr
22
2009
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 ]
Apr
21
2009
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 ]
Apr
15
2009
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 ]
Apr
13
2009
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 ]
Apr
8
2009
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 ]
Apr
6
2009
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 ]
Apr
2
2009
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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