PRO

Licensed for 41 years

Car accident Lawyer at Virginia Beach, VA
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Trucking Accident ... +3 more

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About Richard

Biography

Any person in need of a personal injury lawyer has a tremendous number of choices, so an important question is - what makes me, Rick Shapiro, different or unique from other practitioners that would warrant a prospective client taking time out of their busy schedule to reach out for representation? Well, I believe my background, skills, and actual trial experience help set me apart from the competition. In September 2023, I was selected as a recipient of the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) 2023 President’s Award. Although many nominations were submitted nationwide, I was just one of eight attorneys chosen by the prestigious National Board, certifying civil trial attorneys across the U.S. I was also recently named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2024 Virginia’s Go To Lawyers Medical Malpractice. The attorneys awarded this honor are nominated by their colleagues and chosen by a panel from the publication.

A relentless personal injury trial attorney, I was named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly. Successful American inventor & product designer (18 U.S. patents). Amazon best-selling thriller author. During my three-decade career, I have won personal injury client appeals before the VA Supreme Court, NC Supreme Court, SC Supreme Court, WV Supreme Court, TN Supreme Court, and three times before the federal 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, underscoring my trial achievements. In addition, my law firm has won settlements/verdicts in excess of $100 million dollars. On the successful TN Supreme Court appeal, I worked tirelessly for seven years to achieve victory for our client. When you consider hiring your personal injury lawyer, reputation, integrity, and track record all matter.

While attending the University of Maryland at College Park, where I obtained a government and politics degree, I was lucky to get a job on Capitol Hill as an intern. I was then offered a full-time job as a staff assistant for a U.S. Congressman. Learning how legislation really gets rolling, along with interacting with constituents, was great training for later becoming a lawyer.

While I was working on Capitol Hill, I decided to apply to law school and try to become a lawyer. I was accepted to George Mason Law School located in Northern Virginia. I graduated in the top 5 percent of my class and wrote a law review article that was published in the George Mason Law Review. I also worked part-time but still managed to pile up student loans (which took forever to repay).

I also heard about how it was a great experience to obtain a clerkship for a federal judge, so I put out a bunch of applications and ended up becoming a law clerk to a federal judge in Norfolk Virginia, my hometown. I spent a year, with pay, as one of Federal Judge Robert Doumar’s law clerks and saw great (and some bad) trial lawyers in court in both civil and criminal cases every week. This was great training.

By 1993, I was exclusively doing personal injury law. I am now licensed to practice in North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, DC, but actually handle personal injury litigation in nearly every state across the eastern United States by associating with other attorneys licensed in those states. I also applied for and am now honored to be admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

I have been involved in all kinds of personal injury and wrongful death trials, including car wreck cases, trucking cases, railroad injury and derailment, chemical and toxic spill cases, etc. In many instances, my seriously injured client’s case settles at or just before a jury trial, because if I do a good job for my client, the defendant pushes hard to settle their case rather than face a jury.

I have also been an officer of the Railroad Section of the American Association of Justice, the largest nationwide civil trial injury lawyer network, and remain involved in the motor vehicle, trucking, and railroad sections. Since 2006, I have been writing and editing personal injury law blog articles on Legal Examiner, which is the largest injury law blog in the country. I focus on important safety issues in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Northeast North Carolina regions. Over the years, I have lectured to other personal injury lawyers on a national basis, in Virginia, and in the state of Georgia. I have been asked by organizations to speak on topics of injury law as well as evidence law.

One of the things that really motivates me as an injury lawyer is helping people who are clearly being taken advantage of by a corporation or by a claims adjuster. Believe me, I have lots of examples. I have had cases where a claims adjuster strings along an injured person, and then springs the statute of limitations defense on them after it is too late. On several occasions, I was able to figure out how to file the suit in a different state (with a longer statute) and “revive” my client's claim. On other occasions, I have had potential clients call me and tell me that another lawyer turned their case down. I’ve taken many cases that other lawyers have refused and later settled the cases for substantial sums of money for (grateful) clients. Doing a good job means thinking about your client's case not only when you're in the office, but when you're home on the weekend, surfing the Internet on some other topic, or even when taking a shower. My job does not have any defined hours.

Also, I am a prolific inventor. I hold 18 United States patents (the patents cover “fold flat” wagons, carts, jogging strollers, etc. ) and I was granted patents in South Africa and Australia. I signed license agreements with several companies, including Radio Flyer, which licensed my folding wagon handle patent. I believe I am one of the only injury lawyers in the US who invent/design products and actively practice injury law. It provides a unique perspective. Also, I am a published fiction author, having written a No. 1 Amazon bestseller, Taming the Telomeres, and the acclaimed follow-up, Targeting the Telomeres.

I am proud of being a lawyer and especially proud of being a trial attorney. We have a framed poster in our law office reception area with the title: Where Would We Be Without Lawyers?” and it shows the nation’s “founding fathers” in an artist’s rendering with an empty silhouette for 35 of the famous faces--yes, 35 of the 55 framer’s of the Constitution were lawyers, and 25 of our nation’s presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, were lawyers. Part of my duty as an attorney is to stand between corporations, insurance companies, and government attempts to limit or wipe out the ultimate check and balance: the courthouse and our jury system. I am a strong believer in the US jury system as our system allows juries to decide important civil justice issues. The US jury system is vastly more important to our government system than most people realize and one of my roles is to see that the jury system is not eroded and that judges always recognize that most civil disputes should be resolved by juries if they can not be settled before trial.

Based in Virginia Beach, I am ready to serve clients throughout Hampton Roads -- Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk -- as well as the communities of Virginia's Eastern Shore and northeastern North Carolina.

Rick Shapiro has over 38 years total experience, and only handles personal injury law. He was named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly, and he has won client personal injury appeals before the VA, NC, SC, WV & TN Supreme Courts, & 3 times in the US Court of Appeals. Free Consults.

Rick Shapiro has over 38 years total experience, and only handles personal injury law. He was named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly, and he has won client appeals before the VA, NC, SC, WV & TN Supreme Courts, and 3 times in the US Court of Appeals. Free Consults.

Rick Shapiro has over 38 years total experience, and only handles personal injury law. He was named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly, and he has won client personal injury appeals before the VA, NC, SC, WV & TN Supreme Courts, & 3 times in the US Court of Appeals. Free Consults.

Our firm represented a brain injured gas station worker and won a 60 million dollar verdict (including interest) and the case was settled on appeal. Rick Shapiro has over 38 years total experience, and only handles personal injury law. Named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.

Rick is a U.S. inventor/product designer who holds 18 US patents and brings this experience to analyzing any potential product defect case. He has over 38 years total experience. He was named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly.

Rick Shapiro has over 38 years total experience, and only handles personal injury law. He was named a 2022 Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly, and he has won client personal injury appeals before the VA, NC, SC, WV & TN Supreme Courts, & 3 times in the US Court of Appeals. Free Consults.

Practice Areas

Car Accident 25%

I have handled hundreds of motor vehicle injury cases, including car/pedestrian/bicycle cases and pedestrians struck by cars. Licensed in VA, NC, WV, DC.

41 years | 150 cases

25%

Personal Injury 20%

Exclusively handling personal injury law (car, truck, railroad, brain injury, medical errors, industrial injuries, toxic-occupational diseases, faulty products) for the last 16 plus years of my practice, and roughly estimate that 10% of my personal injury work is personal injury/wrongful death representation. I am licensed in VA, WV, NC, DC and with co-counsel have handled injury litigation throughout the Southeastern US. Published author on injury law.

41 years | 300 cases

20%

Trucking Accident 20%

Trucking and commercial truck and van cases are challenging and our firm has handled truck cases throughout the southern and eastern USA. Some cases involved permanent brain injuries suffered when smaller cars were struck by trucks or 18 wheelers.

41 years | 25 cases

20%

Medical Malpractice 15%

We have handled and tried many medical malpractice cases, and actively receive referrals from lawyers who do not specialize in this area of the law. We have settled or tried cases with millions of dollars paid in such resolved cases.

26 years | 20 cases

15%

Brain Injury 10%

Our firm obtained the (then) largest verdict ever in Virginia on a brain injury case, in the year 2000, and since that time we have handled and resolved numerous major cases involving TBI (traumatic brain injuries) to our clients.

26 years | 10 cases

10%

Defective and Dangerous Products 10%

Being an inventor and product designer assists greatly in evaluating the right cases. We provide free consultations.

41 years | 10 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Contingency

33%-45%

Awards

2010

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 29 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1996

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in North Carolina for 30 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in West Virginia for 30 years

State: West Virginia

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 41 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1984

Active

No misconduct found

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Location

Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

4705 Columbus Street, No. 304, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462

HSInjuryLaw.com

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Law Offices of Richard N Shapiro

101 Eaton Street, Mill Point Center, Hampton, VA, 23669

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Law Offices of Richard N Shapiro

440 Monticello Avenue, Suite 1800, Norfolk, VA, 23510

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Law Offices of Richard N Shapiro

355 Crawford Street, Seventh Floor, Portsmouth, VA, 23704

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Law Offices of Richard N Shapiro

434 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA, 23434

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Law Offices of Richard N Shapiro

8 Juniper Trail, Suite 7, Kitty Hawk, NC, 27949

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Gallery

Online Presence

Other places you can find Richard online.

Richard N Shapiro's Reviews

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

5.0 /5.0

13 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(10)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(3 )

See client reviews from Lawyers.com

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | June 24, 2010 | Mesothelioma & Asbestos

I am forever grateful for what you did for our family

My Dad died less than 3 months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He did not live to see the results of the work of what Rick Shapiro did for our family. We were caught up in delay after delay. I really believe the Railroad was trying to delay until after my mother's death. Rick never gave up,... he appealed the lower judge's decision to a higher court and got that decision overturned with a unanimous decision, making our case a landmark case for others in our situation to have legal ground to fight on. [The railroad] had no sympathy for the family; could care less that Dad was exposed to asbestos while he worked in the railroad shop and later as fireman on the steam engines and later as an engineer running the diesel engines. Rick realized the railroad knew of the dangers of asbestos years ago and intentionally failed to train the employees of the hazards in being exposed to asbestos nor did they ever offer any type of personal protective devices even though they had been available for years. That they knew and made intentional decisions to do nothing for their employees provided the fuel for anger from within the family. Over the life of the case, which extended almost 5 years, Rick visited our home; he wanted to develop a personal relationship with the family so he could better understand our needs and where our strengths were. His continued drive and positive attitude kept us from ever getting to the point where we just gave up and decided to take whatever deal the railroad laid on the table. Never did I send an email or left a message in Rick's office that we did not get a speedy answer. The courtesy he extended to our family was unmatched by anyone in his profession. We were successful in reaching a settlement amount with the railroad ... on behalf of our mother.... She just wanted to know that she would have money in the bank to pay the bills and not have to worry about somebody coming in and making her give up something that she and Dad had worked for. Rick made that possible. He has never led us astray and he always acted in our best interest. Now that this chapter is behind us, we still stay in touch from time to time. Rick evolved over time to become part of the family, a trusted, loyal friend. From not knowing us at all, to fighting for us, to the final battle, his guidance was always positive, and always in our best interest. On behalf of [all of us] we are eternally grateful for everything the firm did for our family.

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Posted by Kim | March 04, 2010 | Aviation

Airline Injury Testimonial

I am a flight attendant for a major airline and chose Shapiro,Cooper,Lewis & Appleton as my counsel. Mr. Richard N. Shapiro was able to understand the complex situation of my avaiation case and put together an agressive litigation strategy. We were able to file a compelling complaint and force oppo...sing counsel, who represented [a large] manufacture of aircrafts, and was represented by one of the largest law firms in New York, to make a substantial settlement offer shortly thereafter. I am truly impressed by Mr. Shapiro and his result oriented approach. I have high regard for Mr. Shapiro's expertise and have recommended him to other associates of the ariline industry and friends.

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Posted by Debbie | February 26, 2010 | Slip and Fall Accident

Thank You So Much

I would like to personally thank you and your office for taking care of my accident. I had a fall case in a restaurant in Virginia, which I live in North Carolina. I had an attorney here working on the case for more than a year, that attorney then told me that I did not have a case that the statute o...f limitations in Virginia had run out. Mr. Shapiro proved them wrong. I contacted his office via the internet, got an immediate response. He is an extremely nice man that made me feel like he cared, which he truly did indeed. I spoke with him on the phone and in no time he had the case rolling. He in fact advised me that the statutes had not run out and that since the accident did happen in Virginia and I am a resident of North Carolina, that the statutes in this state were still good. All I can say is WOW what a wonderful group of people he has there. 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. Everyone at his office made me feel not only special but like I was a member of their family. I can not say enough how extra nice and intelligent this group is. They are professional, expedient and a very caring group. If you need an attorney, please contact Mr. Shapiro, he is the best. I have told everyone I know about his firm, and will continue to spread the word. Mr. Shapiro, thank you with all my heart. Debbie ___ ____ ______ Thanks!

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Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2009 | Personal Injury

rail road personal injury

I had a personal injury on the Railroad about 4 years ago, were I suffered, a mild traumatic Brain injury, during a rear end collision. I called this law firm because they came recommended by a fellow worker. I did not know what to expect, for I have never had an injury nor ever needed a lawyer befor...e. I made the call to an investigator around 8pm that night, and within 2 hours , I had a lawyer on the phone. I had many questions, and they had the answers. Mr. Shapiro and his firm were very up front and told me the truth. Not to run me in circles or to beat around the bush. They told me the truth. And I feel you need that ,and it was very important to me. During my injury when I had been to some local specialist for my Brain injury,and noting seemed to help. They looked into finding me a specialist that specificity specialized in the type of injury I had, I finally got some relief. I must say they were very concerned about my well-being first and for most. Their investigator on my case called me at least once a week to check on me. And if I needed them, I knew they were only a phone call away. I was took out of service of course by the Rail Road, as most rail roader's are in a case of this nature. During the time I was off, I was not able to pay the doctor bill's that had accumulated, and the lawyer and his firm, did not hesitate to send out a lean letter to the providers, to make sure that all I had to do is get better. It was very hard during this time, My wife did not work, and I had three small children that depended on me. There was no way I thought this could have ever happened to me. But I am sure glad there was Mr. Shapiro and his firm was there to see me threw it. I was off for a year, and 29 days. After recovering from my injury, I was able to return to work. With the help I received from this very knowledgeable firm with a rail road case, and my personal injury case. They helped with contacting the right people to aid in getting me back to work to continue my career, as a locomotive engineer. I did settle for an agreed amount between me and my lawyer, with out having the pressure of going to court. I was very happy with the out come with the case, I got my job back and a settlement to boot. After all isn't that what we all hope for. I would highly recommend Mr. Shapiro and his firm In an Injury on the Rail Road, or in any Personal injury case. I know my self I keep there phone number with me at all times.

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Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2009 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent Experience

No one enjoys going to court and being faced with the unknown. Recently, I found myself needing a lawyer. I am so glad that I chose Richard Shapiro to represent me in my case. He took the time to listen to my concerns and addressed each one. With his vast knowledge of the law and experince he t...ook the time to explain each aspect my case throughout the process. He researched the law and was well versed on the particulars as they pertained to my case When we went to court , twice, he argued my case impressively. We won!! I am relieved and glad that I asked Richard Shapiro to represent me. I would recommend him to anyone. If you are looking for somone who can get the job done, he can!

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Richard N Shapiro's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard

Andrew Stover

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend and endorse Rick. Rick genuinely cares about and gets results for his clients."

Paige Ferros

Personal injury lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brandon Bybee

Car accident lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A few years ago I was one of the opposing counselors on a case with Rick. Both then and now he is a zealous advocate for his clients, and an excellent attorney. I recommend Rick to anyone in need of excellent legal representation."

Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Gregory Sandler

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Rick for many years, and he has deserved a reputation for being a talented plaintiff's injury lawyer."

John Sammons

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Rick for a number of years through our mutual involvment in the American Association for Justice's Railroad Law Section, a national organization composed of attorneys representing injured railroad workers and their families. I have had the honor of co-presenting a legal seminar to that organization with Rick and we have shared information and ideas on numerous occassions over the years. I have found Rick's knowledge and insight extremely helpful and I consider Rick to be one of the top railroad/FELA attorneys in the Eastern United States."

Joseph Miller

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Rick Shapiro is one of the leading litigators in his region, if not the country. Rick and I first got to know each other through the American Association for Justice and Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys organization were he has been an active and contributing member for years. Later, Rick's firm associated with our firm in the New Orleans Metro Area to act as co-counsel in a Louisiana railroad injury case under FELA. The case went to trial in August of 2011 where I was able to observe Rick's diligence and competence first hand, and the trial resulted in a verdict over 1.5 million dollars. Highly prepared, and always motivated to work his tail off for the client are the best way to describe Rick! I hope I can work with him again soon!"

Francis Hajek

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Rick and I have been friends and colleagues for 30 years. For many years, we worked together and I was continually impressed by Rick's dedication to his personal injury clients and their cases. He always gives 100% and as a result, he has had tremendous success in obtaining significant settlements and verdicts for his personal injury clients. Recently, Rick obtained a multimillion dollar verdict in a railroad/FELA personal injury case involving occupational exposure to radioactive materials. He has also served as designated counsel to a major rail union, a public recognition of his expertise in FELA law. Rick is very active in trial lawyer organizations and has lectured other personal injury lawyers on trial practice and tactics."

Benjamin Glass

Personal injury lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Rick for many years. He is a terrific personal injury and maritime attorney. I would highly recommend that you talk to him first if you think you may have a case."

James Lewis

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"Rick is one of the best lawyers I know. He has a tireless work ethic and a knack for thinking out of the box. He also has a sterling reputation in the legal community. He is recognized as a Virginia "Super Lawyer" and one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by U.S. News & World Report. He is a fantastic attorney."

Diane McNamara

Personal injury lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Rick and I represented a mutual client in a matter where he handled the personal injury/product liability claim and I handled the workers' compensation claim. Rick achieved excellent settlement results in the personal injury/product liability case, and he was careful to work closely with me with respect to the workers' compensation lien to assure protection of the ongoing workers' compensation claim. I have since referred other clients to Rick for similar assistance, and will continue to do so in the future for his quality work, as well as his pleasant, cooperative demeanor."

Mark Baran

Transportation lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with Rick on cases in the past and he is responsive and knowledgable as well as timely in responding to matters of urgency. I highly recommend Michael for any consideration of legal services."

Michael Leizerman

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I've know Rick professionally for over 10 years, and have sent him cases in Virginia. Rick is very thorough, aggressive and competent. I strongly recommend him for any personal injury, or to refer him a case if you're a lawyer."

Lawrence Egerton

Personal injury lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard and his firm are well-known in eastern NC and VA for their professionalism and tireless advocacy on behalf of their clients!"

Andrew Thompson

Litigation lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I was co-counsel with Mr. Shapiro on a case under the Federal Employers' Liability Act. I worked with him on all aspects of the case. He was lead counsel in obtaining a very favorable resolution of the matter at a difficult mediation. I would endorse Mr. Shapiro in any litigation matter."

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James St. Clair

Personal injury lawyer

Andrew Stover

Car accident lawyer

Paige Ferros

Personal injury lawyer

Brandon Bybee

Employment and labor lawyer

Kevin Sharp

Personal injury lawyer

Eric Washburn

Car accident lawyer

Jessica Booth

Estate planning lawyer

Edwin Booth

Medical malpractice lawyer

Robert Feisee

Estate planning lawyer

Patrick Austin

Personal injury lawyer

John Sammons

Personal injury lawyer

Joseph Miller

Personal injury lawyer

Francis Hajek

Personal injury lawyer

Benjamin Glass

Medical malpractice lawyer

Mark Favaloro

Medical malpractice lawyer

Diane McNamara

Workers compensation lawyer

James Lewis

Personal injury lawyer

Kevin Duffan

Personal injury lawyer

Mark Baran

Transportation lawyer

Michael Leizerman

Trucking accident lawyer