Weekly Edition
Prince Wm. couple gets $310K for synthetic stucco problems
By Alan Cooper
July 28, 2008
A Prince William County jury has returned a $310,000 verdict for a couple who contended that they were told their new home would be built with a drainable exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS).
In fact, the house was built with a barrier EIFS, and moisture got behind the barrier and much of the wood structure […]
Man settles burn lawsuit for $4.75M
By Alan Cooper
July 28, 2008
An electrician has won a $4.75 million settlement from the Missouri company that designed the overcurrent protection system for the Middle River Regional Jail in Augusta County.
Larry Shifflett suffered burns to his arms, torso and neck as he was attempting to connect a ground cable to an electrical switchboard in January 2005.
The cable slipped […]
Senate debate focuses on trust, energy policy
By The Associated Press
July 28, 2008
HOT SPRINGS (AP) Democrat Mark Warner and Republican Jim Gilmore feuded July 19 over energy policy and trustworthiness in a debut debate in their race for the U.S. Senate, but neither former governor scored a breakthrough.
Gilmore, trailing significantly in polls and fundraising and badly needing a break, attacked Warner’s veracity pointedly and often, mostly on […]
Dentist regulation: one man is vindicated, another presses on
By Peter Vieth
July 28, 2008
While one Virginia dentist celebrates his apparent vindication in a three-year struggle with the state Board of Dentistry, another plans to take his case to the Supreme Court of Virginia after rejection by the Court of Appeals in a case of alleged poor record keeping.
The exonerated dentist, Dr. Farid A. Zurmati of Fairfax County, did […]
Decision preempts surgical device claim
By Peter Vieth
July 28, 2008
A woman who claims that a surgical device malfunctioned during an operation, resulting in severe damage to both her uterus and her colon, may be prevented from suing the manufacturer of the device.
A February decision by the U.S. Supreme Court bars product liability claims against the makers of most medical devices. In that decision, […]
Obituaries
By Virginia Lawyers Weekly
July 28, 2008
Joseph V. Gartlan Jr.
Joseph V. Gartlan Jr., an attorney and an unabashed liberal in a conservative Virginia Senate for 28 years, died July 18 from sepsis at a Fairfax hospital. He was 82.
“He was a tireless and effective advocate for the environment, the mentally and physically disabled, and for abused and neglected children,” Gov. […]
Law Foundation receives largest bequest ever
By News in Brief
July 28, 2008
The Virginia Law Foundation this month received its largest bequest ever: a $25,000 gift from the estate of attorney Ken McFarlane Smith.
Mr. Smith, a longtime Arlington lawyer, was a member of the Fellows Class of 1998 and served on the VLF board of directors from 2004-2007. He died in January of this year.
“Ken was […]
UR, Criminal Justice Services launch victim assistance academy
By News in Brief
July 28, 2008
The University of Richmond and the state’s Department of Criminal Justice Services is conducting Virginia’s first victim assistance academy this week. The academy will train service providers and advocates to more effectively help crime victims regain control of their lives.
Modeled after the National Victim Assistance Academy, the program will make Virginia one of 34 states […]
Civil rights champions are honored on Capitol grounds
By News in Brief
July 28, 2008
Half a century after black schoolchildren and civil rights champions struggled to desegregate Virginia’s schools, statues honoring them desegregated the state Capitol grounds.
Thousands of people crowded Capitol Square in 95-degree heat last week for the dedication of the civil rights monument alongside those of Confederate icons.
The Capitol a few steps away was once […]
VCU administrators quit after degree investigation
By News in Brief
July 28, 2008
Several Virginia Commonwealth University administrators are stepping down following an investigation into the improper awarding of a bachelor’s degree to Richmond’s former police chief.
University officials aren’t linking the resignations to the investigation.
Robert Holsworth is resigning as interim dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. Michael Pratt is stepping down as interim director […]
IMPORTANT OPINIONS
- Traffic Offenses - Bifurcated Trial ‘Notice’ DNA in Traffic Court
- Tort - Telecom Company Can Sue for Business Conspiracy
- Tort - Government Not Liable for Stability Test
- Search & Seizure - Vague Affidavit Cannot Support Warrant
- Search & Seizure - Invalid Warrant - Affidavit Specificity
- Negligence - FELA - Wrongful Death - Release