Virginia

Virginia Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds $7 Million Verdict for Injured Passenger in 2014 Car Crash

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Richmond, Virginia — In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Virginia recently upheld a $7 million jury verdict, reinstated in favor of Tamara Al-Saray, a passenger grievously injured in a 2014 automobile accident. The state’s highest court found substantial grounds to support the original jury’s decision, which had been previously overturned by an appellate court. The controversy stemmed from a severe collision that occurred in November 2014, when Janaia Spurlock, while making a left-hand turn, was struck by another vehicle operated by Sharon Furr. Al-Saray, a passenger in Spurlock’s car, sustained serious injuries, including … Read more

Virginia Lawmakers Revisit Campaign Finance Reform: The Battle Over What Defines Personal Spending

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RICHMOND, Va. – Campaign finance reform is emerging once more as a critical subject of debate among Virginia legislators. Known for its lax campaign finance laws, Virginia allows candidates unrestricted fundraising capacity and considerable freedom on the expenditure of those funds. This year, efforts to tighten controls on these practices have taken center stage in the General Assembly’s agenda. In a compelling stance that illustrates the current rules’ breadth, Delegate Joshua Cole of Fredericksburg, also a member of the Legislative Black Caucus, pointed out the surprising items not presently excluded from campaign spending. “Rolex watches, … Read more

Virginia Court Orders New Trial Over Excluded Employment Evidence in $5 Million Award Case

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RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia appellate court has overturned and sent back for a new trial the $5 million jury award in a malicious prosecution case invoicing a former teacher. The decision was made after it was determined the trial court incorrectly excluded key evidence regarding the plaintiff’s termination from employment, which was central to her claim for lost future income and earning capacity. Kimberly Winters, a former teacher at Loudoun County Public Schools, had won a substantial judgment for damages following her wrongful prosecution and subsequent firing. Winters was accused of having a sexual … Read more

West Virginia Healthcare Facilities Under Fire: Disability Rights Group Sues Over Patient Safety and Worker Misconduct

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A major legal battle is underway in West Virginia as Disability Rights of West Virginia has brought a lawsuit against top officials in the state health department. The litigation targets the alleged mismanagement and harmful behaviors perpetrated by contracted personnel at various state-run healthcare facilities. The focus of the legal challenge is Secretary Michael Caruso of the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities and Chief Human Resources Officer Angie Jacobs-Ferris. Accusations laid out in the lawsuit assert that these leaders have failed to take action against contractors who have reportedly harassed and … Read more