All Topics

• Bill to Ban Cell Phone Use in Virginia

  Ben Glass | January 17, 2007 2:35 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  A bill has been introduced in the Virginia General Assembly to ban most cell phone use while driving. Exceptions would be made for emergency use and for hands free devices.House bill 233 Provides that, except in certain emergency situations, the operator of a moving motor vehicle is prohibited from using any wireless communication device unless the device is equipped for hands-free communication...

• When will we see certifications of meritorious defenses?

  Ben Glass | January 15, 2007 2:11 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  The 2007 Virginia General Assembly Session brings with it more attempts to make Virginia medical malpractice claims more difficult for patients, while not providing any balancing requirements for defendants. A bill introduced in the House would allow for dismissal with prejudice of any malpractice claim where a court finds that the certification of merit currently required to be obtained by the...

• Sleep Deprive Resident Still Hurting Patients

  Ben Glass | December 14, 2006 5:38 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  Kathleen Fackelmann is reporting in USA TODAY that medical residents are still hurting patients because of their own sleep deprivation. Apparently the risk of injuring or killing a patient by an overworked health care provider can increase as much as 700% with some schedules."Working for more than 24 hours is hazardous," says sleep researcher Charles Czeisler at the Harvard Medical School....

• Effective, Ethical Marketing for Attorneys

  Ben Glass | December 10, 2006 3:08 PM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  Attorneys struggle with trying to market themselves ethically and effectively, without busing the bank. I've got ideas on that subject so, together with my friends from ClarisLaw, I've started up the "Effective, Ethical and Outside the Box Marketing for Attorneys web site. Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think,

• ALEXANDRIA JUDGE THROWS OUT FRIVOLOUS MILK LAWSUIT

  Ben Glass | December 08, 2006 5:27 AM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  A big cheer for local Federal District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema who threw out a lawsuit filed by an Arlington woman who says she gained three pounds on the "milk diet" which dairy companies have been promoting. Her lawsuit was against the industry. Judge Brinkema ruled that individual people cannot take on the industry in court. An individual may file a claim for specific damages to herself...

• Medication Errors Lead to Death and Injury

  Ben Glass | July 21, 2006 5:57 AM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  One of the most frequent calls we get at our office involves medication errors, usually in a hospital setting. Fortunately, most errors are caught before any permanent harm is done. A new report from the Institute of Medicine suggests that the problem may be even more widespread than previously imagined.The report said that at least 1.5 million people are sickened, injured or killed each year...

• Eliminating Disability Claim Mistake #4

  Ben Glass | March 28, 2006 6:48 AM | 0 CommentsNorthern Virginia, VA

  If your employer sponsored disability benefits have been terminated or suspended, then your employer owes you documents as well. You should request the plan documents and summary plan description for the disability plan. Employers are required to provide you with the ERISA disability plan documents and the summary plan description (SPD) upon your written request. Employers face stiff daily...