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Car Accidents:

Chain-Reaction Car Accident? Read below ...
Legal Issues Surrounding Multiple Vehicle Car Accidents
Winter Weather Conditions And Car Accidents | Maryland Car Accident Lawyer
The rate of car accidents and car accident injuries goes up in the winter as bad weather makes for hazardous driving. In addition, drivers who do not often have to drive in snowy or icy weather may be more likely to have a car accident in such conditions.
Car Accident Hazard: Drunk Driving | Maryland, Virginia, And DC Car Accident Lawyers
Drunk driving is the single largest preventable problem that causes car accidents in Virginia, Maryland, and DC, with 36 percent of all accidents in the area involving alcohol consumption and drunk driving. Learn more drunk driving statistics and four easy ways that you can help prevent future drunk driving injuries and deaths.
Dangers of Driving on the Capital Beltway & Washington DC
The Inner Loop and Outer Loop of the Washington, DC Capital Beltway sees an average of 225,000 cars, trucks, and motorcycles each day. It is no wonder the eight-lane interstate is the backdrop of a large number of motor vehicle accidents, motor vehicle injuries, and motor vehicle fatalities.
Are Your Children Secure in Your Car?
Lewis and Tompkins is a DC area injury law firm that is currently accepting cases involving people who have been injured in car accidents due to no fault of their own. We have years of experience in helping injury victims in the District, Maryland and Virginia receive fair compensation for their injuries, and we make it a point to help them get past the unnecessary delays and denials that are caused by insurance companies. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions of someone else, contact the DC area car accident law firm of Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
Doing The Right Thing After The Accident
Lewis and Tompkins is an injury law firm that helps accident victims in D.C, Maryland and Virginia. We have years of experience and have helped many D.C. car accident victims get their lives back on track. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
Cell Phone Bans are Unenforced and Ineffective
A recent study shows that bans on cell phone use while driving are both ignored by the populace and unenforced by the police. As car accident attorneys in Washington, DC, we think thats very bad news.
Driver Safety is Important for Teens
Teens are more likely to get into accidents than anyone else. It's a sad but simple fact. Here are some tips that can help improve the odds for your teenager.
Billion Dollar Corporation Learns Tough Lesson About Distracted Driving
A representative of a billion dollar paper company was making business calls while driving 70 miles per hour. The results were sadly predictable.
"Optional" Car Safety
Removing the "optional" safety features from a car can completely change it's level of safety.
2007: Better for Drivers, Awful for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists took up an enormous percentage of Virginia traffic fatalities in 2007.
Insurance Adjusters: The First Hurdle is The Biggest
Insurance adjusters are under standing orders to get you to settle for the smallest amount possible. Which usually means that you are getting thousands of dollars less than you really should.
Knowing Your Policy is Crucial
Knowing all about your insurance policy can help you avoid unnecessary claim denials.
November Was Deadly for Area Teens
November of 2007 saw a tragic increase in the amount of teen fatalities on the road.
Newest Driving Hazard: Texting
People practically use the phone for texting more than talking. This isnt a problem until people text when they are behind the wheel.
There Are Safe Cars, and There Are American Cars
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently put out a list of the safest cars of 2007. If you look closely, you'll notice that none of them are American made.
Cell Phones and Car Accidents in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia
Cell phone useage and other distracting technologies are contributing to more and more car accidents, pedestrian accidents, trucking accidents and motorcycle accidents in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Serving the Mayor of Washington D.C. [PDF]
This document is the Mayor's authorization to serve the appropriate people when suing the D.C. Government.
Article by a Local Doctor Discussing Neck Injuries and "Whiplash." [PDF]
Automobile accidents cause neck injuries and whiplash.
Have you been served a subpoena? Information on being a witness.
Information for witnesses served with a subpoena in a personal injury case.

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Uninsured Car Accident Claims:

DC and Uninsured Drivers
Lewis and Tompkins is a law firm based in Washington, D.C. Our purpose as a firm is to protect those who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. This includes victims of car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrians or bicyclists who have been hit by cars or trucks, victims of medical malpractice or surgical errors, victims of injuries due to faulty products or victims of uninsured drivers. We also help injury victims in Maryland and Virginia as well as the District. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in the D.C. area, contact the law offices of Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
Hit By an Uninsured Driver? You Have More Options Than You Think
Lewis and Tompkins is an injury law firm based in Washington, D.C. We offer legal help for those in the District, Northern Virginia and Maryland who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. We have proudly and successfully represented victims of car accidents, bicyclists and pedestrians who have been hit by cars or buses, victims who have fallen due to negligence of property owners, and victims of medical malpractice. Quite often, victims of accidents often receive much less than what they should from the insurance companies when they get injured. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, having legal representation to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf can significantly increase the compensation that you receive. If you have been injured in an accident in DC, Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
Insurance Coverage You Need
Lewis and Tompkins is a personal injury law firm that helps those who have been injured in car accidents through no fault of their own. The DC region has some of the heaviest traffic in the world, and not every one of those drivers has the best insurance coverage. At Lewis and Tompkins, we have helped many victims of uninsured or underinsured drivers get fair compensation for their injuries. Contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.

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Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents:

Five Accessories For Cyclist That Can Prevent Bicycle Accidents | Virginia Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Obeying the rules of the road is simply not enough for cyclists to stay safe on the roads in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Extra safety precautions, such as headlights, taillights, helmets, horns, and mirrors can prevent bike accidents and bike accident injuries.
National Bicycle Accident Statistics | Maryland & Virginia Bicycle Accident Injury Attorneys
How many people are injured in bicycle accidents each year? What percentage of fatal bike accidents involve drinking alcohol? At what time of year do the most bicycle accidents occur? Learn some interesting and sometimes shocking bicycle accidents statistics.
Bicycle Safety Tips For Kids | DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Your children love to ride their bikes - but how safe is it for them to ride in your neighborhood? Be sure to teach even your young children bike safety tips to help them prevent bike accidents and bike accident injuries.
Bicycle Accident Prevention
Bikes share the roads with cars, but have much less protection and many fewer safety features. If both cyclists and vehicle drivers were familiar with bike safety and bike accident prevention, lives could be saved.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
How safe is it to walk down the sidewalk, cross a street, or play in a suburban neighborhood? Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are all too common, both in our urban centers and in the rural outskirts. This article focuses on pedestrian statistics in the United States.
Pedestrian Safety Tips For Washington DC
Walking on the streets in Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland can be dangerous and even deadly. However, you can prevent many pedestrian accidents by using the following pedestrian safety tips.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in DC
Lewis and Tompkins is an injury law firm based in Washington, D.C. We have dedicated our practice to helping those in the Washington, D.C. area who have been hurt due to no fault of their own. We specialize in helping people who have been injured in car accidents, and also bicyclists and pedestrians who have been struck by cars. Despite being well known for its automotive traffic, the D.C. area still has a great many pedestrians and bicyclists, and it is quite easy for them to get injured on our streets. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle while walking or bicycling, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
How Pedestrian Accidents Occur
Lewis and Tompkins is an injury law firm based in Washington, D.C. that offers experienced and dedicated legal help to those who have been injured due to no fault of their own. We help those injured in pedestrian accidents receive fair compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the law offices of Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
How Most Bicycle Accidents are Caused
Lewis and Tompkins is a Washington, D.C. injury law firm that offers legal counsel to those who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. One important aspect of our practice is defending bicyclists who have been hit and injured by cars. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in D.C., Maryland or Virginia, contact the bicycle accident attorneys at Lewis and Tompkins today.
Remember the Rules for Pedestrians
Lewis and Tompkins is a Washington, DC personal injury firm that represents victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. If you or a loved one has been struck by a car while walking or riding a bike, contact our offices for a free legal consultation today.
WMATA: Who's Driving the Bus?
It has been a dangerous and deadly few months for the commuters of Washington, D.C.

Since November of 2006, citizens of the D.C. metropolitan area have seen train derailments, transit worker deaths, fires on the rail lines, and multiple accidents involving Metro buses that have resulted in fatalities.

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Motorcycle Accidents:

Motorcycle Laws For Washington DC | District of Columbia Helmet Laws | Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
This is a comprehensive list of motorcycle laws for Washington DC. We list the District of Columbia laws for motorcycle riders concerning helmets, helmet speakers, passenger foot rests, passenger seats, maximum sound levels, mufflers, lane sharing, and lane spitting.
Maryland’s Motorcycle Laws | Maryland Helmet Laws
One of the best ways to avoid a motorcycle accident is by following motorcycle laws. Keep safe and keep legal by reviewing the Maryland motorcycle laws, which cover helmet use, handlebar height, helmet speakers, eye protection, lane splitting, and lane sharing.
Virginia’s Motorcycle Laws
Virginia motorcycle accident fatalities are on the rise, with a shocking 126 deaths recorded in the state in 2007. One of the best ways to begin to control these saddening numbers is to make sure that motorcycle riders are familiar with Virginia's motorcycle laws. In this article, we will summarize the rules and regulations for motorbike riders in Virginia.
The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Knowing the most common types of motorcycle accidents can spread awareness and combat biker fatalities in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Even if you do not ride a motorcycle, get educated!
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Due to the nature of many motorcycle accidents, serious injuries are common and fatalities happen far too often. Are you aware of the injuries that occur most frequently in conjunction with motorcycle crashes? Do you know how to better prevent them?
Be Safe and Share the Road With Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists take pains to be safe. It's too bad that other drivers dont do the same.

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Truck Accidents:

Truck Accidents And Improperly Loaded Trucks - do you need a truck accident lawyer?
Even if the truck driver involved in your truck accident was being responsible, your truck accident may be the fault of the trucking company that loaded the cargo into the tractor-trailer. An improperly loaded truck can cause objects to shift or fall during transport - and cause trucks to roll over or flip unexpectedly.
The Three Reasons You Need A Virginia/DC/Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are simply more complicated than car accidents. Truck companies know all of the right tricks to keep you from receiving compensation, as they are often confronted with truck accident personal injury cases. To ensure that you fully understand how to take on a truck accident injury case, make certain you have an experienced truck accident lawyer overseeing your case.
Dangers Of Lost Loads And Highway Debris
Each year, 350 accidents across Washington State are caused by improperly secured loads. When loads fly off of truck beds or 18-wheelers, the results can be deadly. Do you know the penalties for an unsecured load in Washington? Do you know how to properly secure your load before driving?
Sick Truckers Forge Bogus Health Certificates to Stay on the Road
A recent hearing at the House of Representatives shows that hundreds of truckers a year take to our roads with fake certificates of health. Considering the damage that a truck can do, we think this is a bad idea.
The Common Causes of Truck Accidents (Part One)
Most truck accidents don't just happen. They are caused by either the driver of the truck or the driver of a car.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents (Part Two)
While many truck accidents are caused by the drivers of the trucks, some are the fault of the other driver. DC truck accident attorneys Lewis and Tompkins offer advice on how to avoid accidents with commercial trucks.
Trucks are Built for Freight, Not Safety
Lewis and Tompkins is a Washington, D.C. law firm that specializes in helping those who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. It has been out experience that there is no traffic accident that is as destructive and potentially deadly than those involving commercial trucks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the D.C. Metro area, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.

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Insurance Practices, Claims and Coverage Issues:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) article Published in the Maryland Assocition for Justice TRIAL MAGAZINE. READ THIS BEFORE DOING ANYTHING WITH PIP. [PDF]
This article will answer all your questions about PIP in Maryland.
How to Deal With Insurance Companies
Lewis and Tompkins is a Washington, D.C. based injury law firm that offers legal help for those who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. We have helped thousands of people in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. who have been hurt in pedestrian accidents or car and motorcycle accidents. We also help those who have been injured due to medical malpractice, faulty or defective products, or those who were hit while bicycling. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident anywhere in the Washington, D.C. area, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
Personal Injury Attorneys in DC: AAJ Issues Report on Insurance Company Tactics [PDF]
The American Association of Justice has just released a very illuminating report about the ways in which insurance companies deny or minimize legitimate claims in order to maximize their profits. DC injury attorneys Lewis and Tompkins present the report in it's entirety.
Bigfoot, Flat Earth and Insurance: Eight Popular Insurance Coverage Myths
DC car accident lawyers Lewis and Tompkins offer legal assistance to those who have been injured in car accidents due to no fault of their own. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in the DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia area, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today. We know that insurance companies can be very difficult to deal with, and will be glad to help.
Customers are Being Overcharged by Insurance [PDF]
A groundbreaking study by Americans for Insurance Reform shows that insurance companies are systematically overcharging for premiums and underperforming on claims.

Read the report here.
Bad Faith Laid Bare: Allstate Fights to Keep Documents Secret
Allstate is paying $25,000 a day in fines to keep a set of documents from going public.

What secrets are worth that kind of money?
Will California Become The New Gulf Coast?
FEMA has done a much better job taking care of all the evacuees in California. Will insurance companies do the same?
Groundbreaking New Law in The Pacific Northwest
Washington State just put a new law on the books that protects it's citizens from bad faith insurance practices.
Fall 2007 Firm Newsletter [PDF]
Lewis & Tompkins PC DC Maryland and Virginia personal injury lawyer and attorney automobile insurance newsletter.
The Insurance Company, In the Bank, With a Dropped Policy: How CLUE Can Unfairly Hurt Innocent Homebuyers
CLUE is a database that all insurance companies use. Unfortunately, they are using it to drop homeowners from their policies.
Insurer Tactics Used to Cheat Policy Holders
This is a good story on what our office has known for years, that insurance carriers have too much leverage with normal people to litigate, forcing many people to settle for less than what they deserve.
Hurricane Katrina: Seventeen Months and Counting
President Bush mentioned Iraq, Iran, the economy, the new Democratic majority and his arguments for a troop surge in his recent State of The Union Address.

The one thing he didn't mention was New Orleans.
Progressive Insurance: Patron of the Arts, But Not Thier Customers
Progressive Insurance is the proud owner of a collection of American Art that is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. You should remember that the next time they nickle and dime you on a claim.
The Harsh Education of Trent Lott
When it came to arguing for Tort Reform, Senator Trent Lott was one of the more strident voices in Washington. Will his treatment by State Farm after Hurricane Katrina change his position?
GEICO's Advertising Blitz: What the Lizard Won't Tell You
GEICO is one of the most profitable insurance companies in the United States, and it got that way through mass advertising, charming commercials, and treating its policyholders very badly. The Law Firm of Lewis and Tompkins takes a look at the Annual Report of GEICO’s parent company and explains what it means to you.
Colossus Software: High-Tech Solutions for Lowball Settlements
In order to create bigger profit margins, insurance companies like MetLife and Allstate are using settlement-averaging software called Colossus to literally automate your injury claim. The Law Firm of Lewis and Tompkins believe that this software doesn’t consider crucial factors that could be used to generate a more adequate settlement for accident victims. If you or a loved one has currently received a settlement offer for an accident that is too low to handle your expenses, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free case assessment.
Maryland Legislature Passes Much Needed Litigation Reform for Uninsured Motorist Claims [PDF]
The Maryland Legislature overrode the mean-spirited veto of Governor Ehrlich of House Bill 1162 which sets out a standard for proving that a vehicle was uninsured at the time of an accident. In Maryland, certain insurance companies -- notably Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund and Allstate -- engaged in extreme and unfair litigation tactics when defending lawsuits for benefits to be paid to insureds. This bill standardized the proof needed to show that a driver was uninsured, and is a benefit to the public who seeks to collect benefits from their own insuranc companies.

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Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries:

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries | Virginia & Maryland Spinal Cord Accident Lawyer
Spinal cord injuries can be painful, debilitating, life-changing, and extremely expensive - but what are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States? Learn more about car accident spinal injuries, sport spinal cord injuries, assault spinal cord injuries, slip and fall spinal cord injuries, and drinking spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics | Virginia, Maryland, and DC Traumatic Brain Injury Accident Attorney
Do you know that millions of people are directly affected by traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States? Or that falls, car accidents, sports, and assaults are the major causes of traumatic brain injuries? Read about traumatic brain injury statistics.
Traumatic Brain Injury Facts
Traumatic brain injuries are much more common than you may think - and they can lead to a wide array of consequences, long-term disabilities, and ongoing health problems. Learn some facts about traumatic brain injuries: how many people get them, and who is most likely to get them.
ATV And Dirt Bike Accidents Can Lead To Head Injuries
Summertime means fun in the outdoors with all-terrain vehicles such as ATVs four-wheelers, three-wheelers, and dirt bikes. However, people of all ages should remember to wear helmets while riding and to ride safety in order to prevent brain injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury Frequently Asked Questions (Part One)
Millions of Americans each year suffer from traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild trauma to severe brain damage resulting in permanent disability. Here, we answer some basic questions that readers might have about traumatic brain injury accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injury Frequently Asked Questions (Part Two)
Serious Injuries need Serious Lawyers
Lewis and Tompkins is a Washington, D.C. injury law firm dedicated to helping injury victims receive fair compensation for their pain, suffering and property loss. A big part of what we do involves helping those who have suffered from severe, life changing injuries. Spinal and brain injuries are the sort that can irrevocably alter the lives of the victims. Aside from medical costs, there is also a loss of income, the costs of pain and suffering, and the costs of the emotional trauma that affect both the victim and their loved ones. We consider all of these factors while representing your interests. If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious, life changing accident, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.

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Defective Products & Consumer Protection:

Defective Car Parts And Car Recalls | Product Liability Attorney
This year has already seen a flood of large-scale car recalls by some of the most popular automakers in the world. This article discusses the danger of faulty or defective car parts and highlights some of 2010's largest defective car part recalls.
Dangerous Baby Products | Defective Infant Products | Virginia, Maryland, & DC Consumer Protection Lawyers
After a large defective stroller recall and a large defective crib recall, many parents are concerned about the well-being of their children and about potentially dangerous baby items that could be lurking in their home. Learn more about defective baby products and infant items as well as about dangerous infant product recalls.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission: What You Need To Know
The Consumer Protection Safety Commission regulates over 15,000 consumer products in the United States, ranging from bicycles to clothing to baby cribs to cleaning solutions. Learn more about what the CPSC does to protect your family and how it came into being.
The Most Dangerous Toys of 2008
The D.C. injury law firm of Lewis and Tompkins offers legal help to injury victims all over the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia area. For as long as we have been practicing law, we have made it a priority to help victims of car accidents, truck accidents and pedestrian and bicycle accidents get fair treatment and compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have been injured in an accident, contact the Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
What You Should Know About Product Liability
Lewis and Tompkins is a Washington, D.C. based injury law firm that helps residents of the D.C. area receive fair and realistic compensation for their injuries. We have successfully provided legal help to people in the District as well as the suburbs of Northern Virginia and Maryland. We are currently accepting cases involving those who have been injured while using products that were faulty or defective. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a product that was poorly made, contact the law offices of Lewis and Tompkins for a free legal consultation today.
Big Pharma Gets New Federal Testing Guidelines
The FDA has recently enacted new regulations that will make the testing and development of new drugs more transparent.
RC2: Recall the Right Way
RC2, the company that had to recall their Thomas the Tank Engine toys, is a model of positive corporate behavior.
Cheap Foreign Goods May Have Hidden Costs
Dangerous Chinese-made goods are flooding our market faster than our regulatory agencies can keep up with them.
OxyContin: Pharmaceutical Company Addicts Thousands for Profit
Purdue Pharma knowingly oversold it's powerful and addictive painkiller OxyContin.
The FDA: Is There a Doctor In The House?
The FDA has let yet another dangerous drug slip through the cracks. Are they asleep at the wheel?

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Medical Malpractice:

Here are a list of medical errors to discuss with your physician and discuss how to avoid them.
Medical Errors that should never occur but still do.
Unnecessary Surgery | Virginia, Maryland & DC Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Can you imagine going through the pain and stress of a serious operation that you didn't even need? Shockingly, unnecessary surgeries not only happen but are becoming more and more common. Unneeded surgery can take place if a doctor lies to you in order to operate, if the doctor does not follow common practice to operate, or if your operation becomes more extensive than needed.
Medical Malpractice & Dosage Errors | Medication Mistakes | Maryland & Virginia Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Every year, an estimated 500,000 people are injured or harmed because of a medication error - patients are given the wrong dose of a medication, the wrong medication altogether, or a medication that reacts badly with one they are already taking. A new program launched by the FDA hopes to reduce the number of medication mistakes - read more.
Blood Transfusions Mistakes and Medical Malpractice | Blood Transfusion Error Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Although blood transfusions have saved untold lives in past decades, blood transfusion mistakes can kill patients. Receiving the wrong kind of blood type, receiving a botched blood transfusion, or not receiving a blood transfusion when you need one are just three types of blood transfusion errors that can lead to medical malpractice lawsuits.
Objects Left Behind In the Bodies Of Surgery Patients?
Although it may seem like a freak accident, it is all too common: surgery instruments and materials are left behind in the bodies of patients causing dangerous infections and complications. Have you or a loved one suffered from this form of medical malpractice?
Errors in Surgery
Lewis and Tompkins is a Washington, D.C. based injury law firm. We are always ready to help those who have been injured due to the negligence or incompetence of someone else, and that includes those who have been injured due to medical malpractice or surgical errors. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the actions of a medical professional, we can help you. Contact our offices for a free legal consultation today.
Medical Errors That Should Never Happen
While some medical errors can be remedied quite quickly with no lasting side effects, there are some medical errors that should never happen.
Hospitals and HMO's are Charging for Medical Errors
It seems absurd that a hired professional would charge you for a mistake. But that is exactly what some doctors are doing.
The Fallacy of "Between You and Your Doctor"
In the recent debates over whether or not health care should be reformed, no one ever seems to mention that the practices of insurance companies are a big part of the problem.
Blood Thinner Overdose Nearly Kills Quaid Twins
Dennis Quaid can count himself lucky to still have his children. A prescription error caused by bad packaging almost killed his newborn twins.
Looking Good on TV Doesn't Make You a Good Doctor
Dr. Jan Adams was a celebrity doctor with a busy schedule of TV appearances and tv star patients. What he didnt have was a good record.
Doctors Shouldn't Sleep On The Job
No one can reasonably expect someone to perform a task responsibly after they have been awake for 30 hours. Yet doctors are expected to do just that.
New Report Shows Medical Malpractice Insurers Price Gouging and Driving up Costs [PDF]
Former Missouri Insurance Commissioner Jay Angoff just released a report ("No Basis for High Insurance Rates"). It is attached, and I encourage you to peruse it. Mr. Angoff's study makes clear what its title suggests - there is no basis for high insurance rates. The study puts the lie to the claim that there is a "medical malpractice crisis" and reveals an insurance crisis, where insurance companies are gouging doctors, padding their profits, and driving up the cost of medicine.

Here are some of the study's salient findings:

Projected and actual payouts have declined. The losses of the leading medical malpractice insurers have dropped nearly 50% over the last three years, even as the industry has publicly claimed losses are increasing.

While payouts are decreasing, surplus is soaring. The 2006 surplus is 43% greater than in 2003, drastically exceeding the surplus levels mandated to ensure a carrier's stability.

Insurers are paying out only 39 cents for each dollar of premium they receive.

Even mutual insurers, whose sole duty is to their owners/policyholders, are gouging doctors. Only three of the 15 leading insurers issued dividends to doctors in 2006.

The study is thorough and informative.
Professor Phillip Peters, Article on Medical Malpractice Suits [PDF]
This article researches medical malpractice verdicts from juries. This article shows just how much of a myth the "litigation crisis" really is. The data show clearly that plaintiffs face an enormous task to overcome jury disposition towards doctors and hostility to those making claims for medical negligence.
The Medical Malpractice "Crisis" Revisited
Are malpractice lawsuits hurting the medical establishment? According to the Department of Justice, the answer is no.
Your Rights are Threatened by Limits on Medical Malpractice Recoveries
This page discusses medical malpractice and the current political trend to limit the rights of victims of medical mistakes.

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Wrongful Death:

Wrongful Death And Motorcycle Accidents
Could the motorcycle accident death of your loved one result in a wrongful death case in Virginia? All too often, motorcycle accidents are not caused by the driver himself, but by the carelessness or negligence of another party. Learn more about common causes of motorcycle accidents and about what to do if you think you may have a Virginia wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful Death And Car Accidents
Tens of thousands of people die in car accidents each year across the nation. In some of those cases, the families of those who lost their lives can file a wrongful death lawsuit to find justice and collect damages from the person or entity who caused the death of their family member.
Secondary Impacts in Sports Can Kill
Concussions are dangerous for two reasons. They arent easily recognized, and a secondary injury suffered before the victim has healed can be fatal.

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Plane Crashes, Injuries and Deaths:

Dangers of Flying Banner Planes | Maryland and Virginia Plane Crash Lawyers
Banner planes may be an accepted part of your Maryland or Virginia beach vacation, but you may not have realized that flying a banner plane can be extremely dangerous. Banner planes often have to make emergency landings and crash landings, and picking up and flying the huge advertisements can lead to plane crashes and plane crash injuries.
Pilot Error: The Most Common Cause of Airplane Crashes | Aircraft Accident Lawyer
The most common cause of plane accidents is not adverse weather conditions or mechanical errors - it is simple human error. The following article explains why pilot error is so prevalent in our skies and gives a number of examples of deadly pilot errors that led to plan crashes around the world.
Federal Aviation Administration Information | FAA Facts
The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for keeping flying as safe as possible. However the government agency has often been under fire for not preventing as many air plane accidents as possible. Read more information about the FAA in this article.
Common Reasons For Plane Accidents
Why do airplane accidents happen? Just as with other vehicle accidents, there are a number of causes, ranging from human error to bird strikes to adverse weather conditions.
Plane Accident Statistics
Plane accidents are more common than many people think - with around 1,000 people dying in aircraft accidents each year. Read some shocking plane accident statistics and learn about how small aircraft are more likely to crash than larger jets.
TWA Flight 800: Ten Years and Nothing has Changed
When TWA Flight 800 exploded in mid-air ten years ago, the cause was found to be a surge in the electrical wiring that sent a charge into the fuel tanks. After a decade, the FAA has done nothing to fix this design flaw.

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Personal Injury Documents:

Need help figuring out how to document your lost wage forms? These Lost Wage Forms will help you get organized and present your claim. [PDF]
This Lost Wage Form Will help you get organized and document your lost income
Why You Should Choose Lewis & Tompkins to Represent You
The personal injury practice of Lewis & Tompkins relies solely on referral cases. You won’t find our firm advertising in tacky yellow page ads or seedy late-night television ads. We don’t declare MILLIONS RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS. EVERY decent lawyer, including exceptional ones like us, has recovered millions for their clients. We have recovered millions for our clients, but your case is unique. You are not a number in our firm, or part of our “tally.” If you live in Virginia, Maryland or DC, we care about you, and your case.

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Attorney Resources:

DC Civil Calendar Assignments 2009 [PDF]
D.C. Superior Court Calendar Assigments 2009 D.C. Car Accident Negligence Personal Injury Attorney
New Continuance Policy for Prince George's County District Court [PDF]
Prince George's County District Court has issued new continuance policies that effect the granting of postponement of trial dates. Judge Love has issued this to force lawyers to try cases more quickly.
Civil Rules of Civil Procedure - D.C. Superior Court [PDF]
These are the current, as of September 2007, Civil Procedure Rules for D.C. Superior Court. Note the changes to Certificates Regarding Discovery and discovery motions.

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Litigation Forms:

D.C. Casefilexpress Filing Instructions
This document is a checklist for items to check before using D.C. Superior Court electronic filing for any Civil II case.
Preparing for a Deposition
This article addresses some common concerns and provides helpful suggestions on preparing for your deposition.
D.C. Superior Court Multidoor Dispute Resolution Forms and Instructions [PDF]
D.C. Superior Court Multidoor CSS Mediation Instructions Forms

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Pattern Discovery:

Judge Wetzel's Discovery Checklist for Virginia Trial Attorneys
Virginia Discovery checklist
Virginia Discovery disputes
Guidelines for discovery in Virginia

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General:

What Will Lewis and Tompkins Do For You? (Part 2 of 2)
Lewis and Tompkins is a DC area injury law firm that offers legal assistance to those who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. We are currently accepting cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, accidents involving uninsured drivers, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, slip and falls and product liability. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in DC, Maryland or Virginia, contact Lewis and Tompkins for a free case assessment.
What Will Lewis and Tompkins Do For You? (Part 1 of 2)
Lewis and Tompkins is a D.C. injury law firm that helps those who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own. We offer aggressive legal counsel for those who have been hurt in car accidents, truck crashes, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, and trips or falls. We help those who have suffered due to medical malpractice and negligence, and we help the families of those who have lost a loved one due to the incompetence or irresponsibility of someone else. We also help those in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the law offices of Lewis and Tompkins today.
What Happens During a Lawsuit?
Lewis and Tompkins is a DC area injury law firm that is dedicated to helping those who have been injured in an accident. Lawsuits can be long and complicated, and having an attorney with experience and skill is crucial towards a successful result.
Crane Collapses are a new epidemic
Crane collapses have become a nationwide epidemic. DC attorneys Lewis and Tompkins represent those who have been injured in accidents due to no fault of their own.
Cars Can Do Everything But Drive Themselves
According to several new studies, driving while distracted (texting, talking on the phone, etc) is just as dangerous as driving while drunk.
Higher Insurance Rates Should Be Coming Soon
If you think the subprime crisis wont touch you, wait until you get your insurance bill.
Solid Economics: How Insurance Companies Have Boosted Their Profits
Insurance companies make extra money by denying claims and lowering customer service standards.
The "Frivolous Lawsuits" You Never Hear About
We tort reform organizations talk about "frivolous lawsuits," they never seem to mention the suits filed by wealthy corporations on a daily basis.
So Much for the Malpractice "Crisis:" A Look at the 2006 Financial Reports for Medical Malpractice Insurers
A recent report from the American Association of Justice
took a look at the financial reports from 2006 of medical malpractice insurers company.
$54 Million Pants Lawsuit is Bad for Everybody
Judge Pearson's $54 Million Pants lawsuit failed, and we're glad. But the damage from this case might go a lot further.
Tort Reform Advocates Have Litigious Pasts
The Center for Justice and Democracy has compiled an interesting list of some of the more lawsuit-happy members of the Tort Reform movement. The names on the list may surprise you.
Lewis and Tompkins Newsletter for Spring 2006 [PDF]
More Accolades for Lewis and Tompkins in 2006.

Get the details in our Spring Newsletter.
Tips for a Safer Holiday Season
Fires and injuries increase dramatically during the holiday season. taking a few simple steps can help you enjoy the holidays safely.
Fall 2006 Newsletter [PDF]
Insurance Companies Deny Claims, Reality
Insurance Companies are denying auto theft claims on the grounds that anti-theft technology makes them impossible to steal. Police, car dealers, repair shops, and especially auto theives say differently.
Veterans Administration Identity Theft: Inexcusable Negligence
The recent theft of personal records from the Veterans Administration put the identities and financial security of millions of Americans at risk. The thefts occurred due to the negligent actions of a VA employee. If you or a loved one has been a victim of identity theft and believe that it occurred due to the negligence of others, contact our offices for a free case assessment today.
The Use of Presentation Technology in the Courtroom
The use of presentation technology can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. The Law Firm of Lewis and Tompkins combine their experience and depth of knowledge of personal injury law with cutting edge presentation technology to present the cases of their clients in a clear and easily comprehensible manner.
Insurance Company Phone Numbers!
This page lists the telephone numbers of all insurance companies to report claims.
Preparing for a Deposition
Preparing a witness for a deposition in a personal injury case.

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Lewis & Tompkins
1432 K Street N.W.
9th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-296-0666
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