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“Benzene is known to cause cancer, based on evidence from studies in both people and lab animals. The link between benzene and cancer has largely focused on leukemia and other cancers of blood cells.” In addition to Leukemia, Benzene may cause Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia (AA), Myelodysplastic syndrome, Myelodysplasia (MDS), Multiple Myeloma, and other blood diseases. PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Benzene Exposure Read More Products Liability Home Asbestos Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us Workers in a number of industrial and maritime settings may be at risk of cancer or a number of blood disorders from exposure to Benzene. According to the American Cancer Society “Benzene is known to cause cancer, based on evidence from studies in both people and lab animals. The link between benzene and cancer has largely focused on leukemia and other cancers of blood cells. ” In addition to Leukemia, Benzene may cause Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia (AA), Myelodysplastic syndrome, Myelodysplasia (MDS), Multiple Myeloma, and other blood diseases. WHAT IS BENZENE USED FOR? Benzene is a very widely used chemical. As the American Cancer Society notes: “Benzene is among the 20 most widely used chemicals in the United States. It is used mainly as a starting material in making other chemicals, including plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. In the past it was also commonly used as an industrial solvent (a substance that can dissolve or extract other substances) and as a gasoline additive, but these uses have been greatly reduced in recent decades. ” The number and types of products that may contain benzene are widespread and somewhat surprising. They include: Paint thinners and removers; Adhesives; Printing solvents and other solvents; Carburetor cleaners Brake cleaners Liquid Wrench® Safety-Kleen® washing machines for parts; Paints; Crude oil; Refined petroleum products; Gasoline; Naphtha; Jet fuel; Aviation gas; Lubricants; and other aromatic hydrocarbons. WHO IS AT RISK FOR BENEZENE EXPOSURE? As a result of its widespread use, workers in a variety of trades may be chronically exposed to benzene. These trades include: gasoline distribution workers; industrial plant workers who use solvents, installers using glues & solvents; offshore oil rig workers; painters; paper and pulp workers; pesticide manufacturing; plumbers and pipefitters; refinery workers; tankermen and barge workers; dock workers; and truck drivers. SEAMEN, DOCK WORKERS AND BARGE WORKERS MAY BE ESPECIALLY AT RISK. Barge workers, tug boat crewmembers, maintenance workers, painters, chippers, welders, tankermen, dock workers, and seamen on chemical, gas or oil tankers are often exposed to benzene fumes as part of their daily work. Benzene typically causes latent diseases many years after exposure? The medical community has long known that benzene damages bone marrow. This damage occurs over a long period of time and involves cellular mutations. As a result, it may take up to 40 years for a benzene related disease to be diagnosable. Because it can take so long for Benzene to develop, it is known as a “latent” disease. In essence, once a person has been exposed, it is essentially a ticking time bomb—the exposed person has no idea whether or when a disease will develop. CAN I OBTAIN COMPENSATION FOR A BENZENE RELATED DISEASE? If your leukemia or other blood cancer was caused by exposure to benzene or other chemicals containing benzene, you may be entitled to compensation. If you can identify the product that is the source of your exposure, you may be able to sue that product’s manufacturer or supplier for failing to warn of the hazards of benzene or for incorporating benzene in its product if other alternatives were available. If you are a land-based worker, you may also have a workers compensation claim against your employer. If you are a barge worker or a seaman, you may also be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act and general maritime law. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a benzene-related disease such as Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Aplastic Anemia (AA), Myelodysplastic syndrome, Myelodysplasia (MDS), Multiple Myeloma, or other blood diseases, and you believe that it was caused by benzene exposure, please contact PWHD today at NO COST by calling 757-223-4500 or filling out our online contact form . Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks

Robert ("Bobby") R. Hatten is a pioneer and national leader in the field of asbestos litigation. Hatten served as a law clerk to the Honorable John A. MacKenzie in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In late 1973, he joined the law firm of Patten & Wornom and was made Partner in 1976. From 1991 to 2019, Hatten has served as the Managing Partner of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. ROBERT (BOBBY) R. HATTEN PARTNER Robert ("Bobby") R. Hatten is a pioneer and national leader in the field of asbestos litigation. Hatten served as a law clerk to the Honorable John A. MacKenzie in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In late 1973, he joined the law firm of Patten & Wornom and was made Partner in 1976. From 1991 to 2019, Hatten served as the Managing Partner of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. Hatten began the representation of workers with asbestos disease in 1975, when he filed the first asbestos disability and death claims in the history of the state of Virginia against the Newport News Shipyard for workers’ compensation benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. In 1976, Hatten and his co-counsel, Gene Locks of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Richard Glasser of Norfolk, Virginia, filed the first asbestos product liability claims in Virginia against more than 40 asbestos manufacturers and suppliers. In June 1978, Hatten and his co-counsel successfully prosecuted the first mesothelioma jury trial in Virginia (and only the third successful asbestos trial in the nation at that time) with a verdict against Johns-Manville Corporation in the amount of $750,000. From that time until the present, Hatten’s practice has been devoted exclusively to the representation of asbestos victims. He has published articles concerning asbestos litigation in the Washington & Lee University Law Review, the VTLA Journal, the Texas Lawyer, and the Washington Legal Times. His accomplishments include the first successful consolidation of more than 1,000 lawsuits, the first national settlement program with the asbestos industry, the first Virginia punitive damage jury verdict against the asbestos industry (1991) and the largest punitive damage verdict in an asbestos case (2011). For 6 consecutive years, Hatten’s verdicts against the asbestos industry were listed in the Top 10 Verdicts for the state of Virginia. These included the following multi-million dollar verdicts for mesothelioma victims: $7,500,000 (2016); $25,000,000 (2011); $5,977,482 (2010); $3,800,000 (2009); $4,390,000 (2008); $9,300,000 (2007); and $10,000,000 (2006). In 2006 Hatten won the landmark case of Jones v. John Crane in the Virginia Supreme Court which established that admiralty jurisdiction and maritime law applied to the claims of all shipyard and Navy asbestos victims. This legal precedent established the rights of family members of mesothelioma victims to receive compensation for the pain and suffering of their loved one after their death, it lessened the burden of proof for establishing liability of asbestos manufacturers, it extended the time allowed for filing asbestos lawsuits and it provides that the liberal remedies of maritime law would control the rights of shipyard and Navy asbestos victims--not state law. Email: rrhatten@pwhd.com Phone: (757) 223-4546 Practice Areas: Asbestos Litigation Toxic Tort Litigation (Carcinogens) Benzene Camp Lejeune Chemical Hair Straightener Pesticides Talc vCard Contact Education: Washington & Lee University Law School - Juris Doctor Hampden-Sydney College - Bachelors Admissions: Supreme Court of Virginia Supreme Court of United States United States Court of Appeals Honors: Best Lawyers in America (2001 - Present) Super Lawyers (2006 - Present) Best Lawyer of the Year in Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs 2023 Best Lawyer of the Year in Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs 2022 Best Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs 2015 and 2019 Best Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury Litigation 2012 Rector of the Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University and Member of the Board of Visitors since 2015 Chairman of the Board of Soundscapes for 12 years Consistently received highest rating of Martindale-Hubbell for thirty years Former Campaign Chair and Chairman of the Board of the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula Previously received the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Community and Justice Previously Johns-Manville Bankruptcy Reorganization Committee Member Previously Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Bankruptcy Reorganization Committee member Previously Chairman of the Litigation Section of the Multi-District Asbestos Litigation in Philadelphia, PA Previously Liaison to Congress for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America on asbestos-related matters Formerly served on the Board of Directors of the VTLA Former recipient of the first award for Courageous Advocacy from the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Previously designated by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as one of the top seven Leaders in the Law of Virginia Served on the Board of Trustees of St. Andrews Episcopal School Served on the Board of the Trustees for Hampden-Sydney College Served on the General Samuel V. Wilson Leadership Center at Hampden-Sydney College Served on the Board of Trustees for the Lexington Theological Seminary Founder of Operation Santa Co-Founder of the Virginia Asbestos Victims, Inc. Associations: American Associate for Justice (fka American Trial Lawyers Association) Southern Trial Lawyers Association National Trial Lawyers International Association of Trial Lawyers

PWHD is excited to announce that 5 of our attorneys have been named to the 2022 Super Lawyers List. Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state are selected to the Super Lawyers List, which evaluates lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.  Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. 2023 Best Lawyers Honorees According to Best Lawyers, "Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America." Donald N. Patten Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs Robert R. Hatten 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" for Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs in Norfolk Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs Hugh B. McCormick, III Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Employment Law - Individuals Litigation - Labor and Employment

PWHD attorneys have over 40 years of experience representing injured workers in claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act against their current or former employers.  Based on our extensive experience and knowledge, our attorneys thoroughly evaluate the locations, dates, and circumstances of our client’s asbestos exposure to determine the client’s best interests... LITIGATION AREA Workers' Compensation PWHD attorneys have over 40 years of experience representing injured workers in claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act against their current or former employers. Based on our extensive experience and knowledge, our attorneys thoroughly evaluate the locations, dates, and circumstances of our client’s asbestos exposure to determine the client’s best interests with respect to these programs and the intricacies of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. We also have experience successfully pursuing workers compensation benefits for employees and their families who have suffered from traumatic injuries and deaths on the job, as well as non-asbestos related occupational injuries. If you have been injured or diagnosed with a disease as a result of an injury or exposure at work, contact us. We can help. Workers' Compensation Attorney Hugh B. McCormick, III. Contact PWHD

PWHD is pleased to announce that Governor Northam signed HB 2139 into law. This bill amends Virginia Code § 8.01-249 by providing a more reasonable time limit for Virginians suffering from latent diseases caused by toxic substances and defective products to bring a claim. Delegate Elizabeth Guzman was the Chief Patron of this bill, which will go into effect on July 1, 2021.  Governor Northam Signs LandMark Product Liability Bill Into Law Read More Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Zantac Contact Us PWHD is pleased to announce that Governor Northam signed HB 2139 into law. This bill amends Virginia Code § 8.01-249 by providing a more reasonable time limit for Virginians suffering from latent diseases caused by toxic substances and defective products to bring a claim. Delegate Elizabeth Guzman was the Chief Patron of this bill, which will go into effect on July 1, 2021. Under prior law, many victims' claims were time barred before they even knew they were injured. This bill corrects this inequity by providing that the statute of limitation in a case involving a latent disease or injury resulting from exposure to a substance or the use of a product does not start to run until the injured person knew or should have known of the injury and its causal-connection to an injury-causing substance or product. PWHD attorneys have worked hard for many years to promote this change to Virginia law. During the 2021 session, PWHD products liability partner, Robert R. Hatten, testified in the House Courts of Justice and Senate Judiciary Committees about the need for this change, and the inherent injustice that existed for those suffering from latent diseases in Virginia under existing law. This bill was supported by a 2020 Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, which applied Virginia’s statute of limitations to dismiss a latent disease claim filed by a coal miner against the manufacturer of a defective respirator. The court’s opinion characterized the current Virginia statute of limitations for latent disease claims as tantamount to a “get out of jail free card” for manufacturers of dangerous products because the time limit on these claims expires before the victim is even diagnosed with the disease, much less is aware of the cause of that disease. See Adams v. American Optical Corp., 979 F.3d 248 (2020). As the court observed, Virginia’s law is manifestly unfair because an individual with a latent disease or injury will never get his or her day in court. This inherent inequity was based upon the 1981 Virginia Supreme Court decision Locke v. Johns-Manville Corp., 221 Va. 951, 275 S.E.2d 900, which held that the statute of limitations for latent disease claims “do[es] not accrue when the diagnosis is first made or when symptoms first occur.” Instead, the court held, the statute of limitations begins to run when any "injury, however slight" first occurs in the body, a time that “expert medical testimony may demonstrate to have occurred weeks, months, or even years before the onset of symptoms.” The Court concluded that “the adoption of a discovery rule which triggers the running of the statute only when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered in the exercise of reasonable diligence must be accomplished by the General Assembly.” Following Locke, in 1985, Robert R. Hatten spearheaded the passage of statutes by the Virginia General Assembly to change the time limit for filing asbestos claims, so that the time limit did not begin to run until an individual received a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease from his or her physician. Unfortunately, the change regarding asbestos-related diseases did not address other toxic and carcinogenic substances. The new amendment to Virginia Code § 8.01-249 signed into law by Governor Northam corrects this inequity and brings Virginia law in line with the majority of other states by stating that the statute of limitation does not start to run the injured person knows or should know of the injury and its causal-connection to an injury-causing substance or product. The attorneys at PWHD bring over 70 years of litigation experience to a variety of complex matters. PWHD is a local firm with a national reputation. Starting as a pioneer and champion of the rights of asbestos victims, PWHD’s product liability practice has grown over time to handle a wide variety of defective product lawsuits, including breast implants, hernia mesh, Zantac, Roundup®, Biocell, Benzene, and talc. If you have been injured as a result of a defective product design, manufacturing defect, or a failure to warn of the hazards of a product, please contact us for a free case evaluation . We can help. Products Liability Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Jean nette M. Dodson-O'Connell Daniel R. O. Long Geoffr ey R. Grau

Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. is locally and nationally renowned for its excellence in multiple areas of litigation. Our team is dedicated to fulfilling the legal needs of individuals and businesses. How can we help you? Practice Areas Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. is locally and nationally renowned for its excellence in multiple areas of litigation. Our team is dedicated to fulfilling the legal needs of individuals and businesses. How can we help you? Contact an Attorney What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk? Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Asbestos Case Evaluation Form Asbestos Litigation Employment Contracts and Severance Negotiations Employment Discrimination Litigation of All Workplace Issues Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenant Litigation Racial Harassment Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in the Workplace Wage and Hour Overtime Violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act Workplace Retaliation Wrongful Discharge Employment & Labor Aircraft Accidents Automobile Accidents Boating Accidents Brain and Spinal Injuries Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents Dog Bites Jones Act Litigation Maritime Litigation Motorcycle Accidents Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Pedestrian Accidents Premises Liability Slip and Fall Accidents Tractor Trailer Accidents Uninsured Motorist Claims Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Products Liability Asbestos Litigation Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Chemical Hair Straighteners CPAP MachinesHernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat & Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Litigation Sunscreen and Benzene Talc Litigation Zantac Whistleblower / Qui T am Contractor Fraud Education and Grant Fraud Financial Services Fraud Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act Violations General Services Administration (GSA) Fraud Health Care Fraud IRS Tax Fraud Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Nursing Home and Hospice Fraud Pharmaceutical Fraud Procurement Fraud SEC Dodd-Frank Violations Stark Violations Workers Compensation Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation State Workers' Compensation Asbestos Exposure Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer? Click here to learn more about your rights and option. We have been at the forefront of asbestos litigation for the past 50 years!

Make an appointment with us today by calling (757) 223-4500. Soundscapes Golf Tournament 2021 Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Bobby Hatten and Friends Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic presented by PWHD 1/5 PWHD is proud to report that it recently presented the Soundscapes 2021 Golf Classic Tournament. PWHD Asbestos and Products Liability Lead Litigation Attorney, Bobby Hatten, played in the tournament along with other friends of the firm. Soundscapes is a local nonprofit organization that teaches critical life skills to students through music education. All proceeds from the Soundscapes Golf Classic support the student musicians, and the heart of Soundscape’s mission, which is the strong belief in the power of music to change lives and the understanding that all children have valuable contributions to make both musically and to our community. PWHD has been a supporter of Soundscapes since its inception. Bobby Hatten is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Soundscapes and has served as its Chairman of the Board since its inception in 2010. The Honorable Alan A. Diamonstein , former PWHD Partner, was also passionate about Soundscapes’ mission and served as a founding member of the Board of Directors of Soundscapes until he passed away in 2019. PWHD is dedicated and committed to supporting organizations like Soundscapes which positively impact the lives of children on the Peninsula. Learn more about Soundscapes , Bobby Hatten and PWHD here: PWHD in the Community Robert R. Hatten Products Liability Soundscapes General Litigation 16th Annual Food Frenzy to Benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank 16th Annual Food Frenzy For many years, PWHD has sought to help those in need and provide help for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances. PWHD is pleased to announce our participation in the 16th Annual Food Frenzy to benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. PWHD is a longtime supporter of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Since 1986, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has served those struggling with hunger throughout the Peninsula The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank also provides programs for children, seniors and others in our community facing food insecurity.. PWHD has also participated in the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s Legal Food Frenzy since its inception and is continuing its support by participating in the 2021 Legal Food Frenzy. Contributions to the Foodbank can be made directly here: Patten Wornom Hatten Diamonstein L C is fundraising for Virginia Peninsula Foodbank (justgiving.com) In 2021, PWHD attorneys and staff again volunteered at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank in Hampton as part of the firm’s participation in the Legal Food Frenzy. At the event, volunteers packed boxes for the Foodbank’s community food pantry partners, which totaled in excess of 3,500 pounds of food. In addition, as a result of the firm’s fundraising efforts and contributions of non-perishable food in 2021 for the Legal Food Frenzy, the Foodbank will be able to provide 11,930 meals to those in need in our community. At PWHD, we are committed to ensuring a better day for our neighbors and friends. Read more about PWHD’s community involvement here: https://www.pwhd.com/community If you need legal representation, give us a call today at 757-223-4500 or fill out our online contact form . Our attorneys handle a variety of legal matters and are available by phone, videoconference, or in-person meetings to discuss your legal needs. Rector of CNU Robert Hatten 2020 Super Lawyers Rector Robert R. Hatten, Esq. Statement on Black Lives Matter and Social Justice CNU Board of Visitors, June 4, 2020 Good afternoon. I am Bobby Hatten. I am a trial lawyer and I have the great honor to serve as the Rector of the Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University, and I welcome all of you to this public meeting of that board. Before starting the business meeting I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to speak to everyone in the Commonwealth of Virginia who is listening: We have a crisis of structural and intractable racism in America. It is obvious and blatant to everyone who has eyes to see and a heart to understand. So obvious that the entire country has just seen a policeman murder a Black man in broad daylight, slowly killing him with his knee on his neck, while three other policemen stood by and did nothing to stop it. That crime, as well as other atrocities by police, has ignited the justifiable rage and anger of millions of Americans—Black, Brown and White—who are still marching through our cities and towns. Chanting, crying, shouting, and pleading “BLACK LIVES MATTER”—and indeed they do. One thing is certain: White people, like me, DO NOT KNOW what it is like to be Black in America, But IF this week has taught us anything, it has taught us that it is time—long past time—that White men and women in America need to start listening to Black people and standing up with them. Listen when they say: America has a crisis of impunity, immunity, and accountability for police brutality toward Black people. Listen when they say: America has a crisis of inequality in income, health care, opportunity, and education for Black people. Listen when they say: America has a crisis of justice in our courts and of leadership in our government. All over America, these cries of Black people for justice and fairness have not been answered. BUT today the whole world is listening. We—White people—should have been listening sooner – but this is not new. Systemic racism against Black people has been ingrained in American culture for hundreds of years. From slavery, to Jim Crow laws, to the Ku Klux Klan, to segregated schools, restaurants, and hotels, to the red lining of real estate, and the killing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this part of our American history is an ugly story. Only three years ago, as a country we shamed a Black football player who harmlessly put his knee on the ground to protest police brutality during the singing of our national anthem. He rightly believed that our national pledge of allegiance is to “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” But the police killings of Black men and women has continued. Enough is enough. White people can no longer look away and refuse to confront these issues. It is long past time for broad-reaching structural and institutional changes to our laws and our culture to root out and destroy racism against Black and Brown people in America. As leaders of this great University, we have heard the voices of the Black Community and we support you. Your voices, thoughts, and feelings matter to the University– but we want you to know that we have not been waiting for this national tragedy to respond. Under the progressive leadership of President Paul Trible, Last year we instituted the Community Captains program to directly change the lives of economically disadvantaged children in Newport News, most of whom are Black. This program will ultimately provide 100 students with a totally free college education at CNU. This progressive program is unmatched by any other college or university in the state of Virginia. Last week the University Council on Diversity and Inclusion, led by our colleagues Sheriff Gabe Morgan and Brad Hunter, and including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and leaders from the community—submitted Christopher Newport’s Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In thoughtful detail, this 25-page document outlines a bold plan of action for the University to overcome the remaining burdens of historical racism in higher education. Today, twenty-one percent (21%) of CNU’s 5,000 students are non-White, and 300 are Black. I am pleased to report that our focus on attracting more students of color has increased the number of Black students we expect to welcome to our Freshman class based on deposits received. This year we expect to welcome 91 Black students versus 78 last year—an increase of 16%. The Community Captains Program that I have just described will swell those numbers of Black students in future years. Paul Trible’s mantra and CNU’s mission is to change hearts and minds so that we can provide leadership to our community, our state, and our country. Happily, the hearts and minds of our nation are changing—yesterday thousands of Black, Brown, and White people gathered in front of the White House and their voices were lifted up in unison as they sang - Lean on ME – Lean on me when you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on. CNU’s message to our students and to this community is simple: Lean on Us because Black Lives Do Matter at CNU, and we intend to play a leadership role in changing the hearts and minds of our students, our community, and our country so that we can end the crisis of racism that is so destructive to our national ideals of equality, fairness, and justice. Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) is Excited to Announce Our Attorneys have been Named to the 2020 Super Lawyers List. About Super Lawyers Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state are selected to the Super Lawyers List, which evaluates lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Virginia Super Lawyers can be found by searching the directory online at superlawyers.com 2020 SUPER LAWYERS Donald N. Patten 15th time selected as a Super Lawyer Donald Patten, a Newport News attorney, has represented individuals and businesses in product liability and negligence actions, commercial contract disputes and real estate business matters for over 50 years. Patten, who represents firm clients in multi-jurisdictional asbestos related bankruptcy proceedings, has been named in Best Lawyers in America every year since 2001 and has been chosen as a Virginia Super Lawyer every year since 2006. He is a former President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and has been awarded the highest AV ranking by the Martindale-Hubbell® lawyer rating service. Approximately 10% of all attorneys hold an AV Preeminent Rating, a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services. Robert R. Hatten 15th time selected as a Super Lawyer For over 40 years Bobby Hatten has been a pioneer and national leader in asbestos litigation, prosecuting cases across Virginia and the nation for shipyard workers, Navy veterans, industrial workers, and their families. His work has established landmark decisions relating to maritime jurisdiction, statutes of limitations, conflicts of law, monetary damages, and product liability. For 25 years he has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and chosen by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year for 2019. In 2010 he was chosen to be a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. VTLA, ATLA, and Lawyers Weekly have each conferred special advocacy awards for his many contributions to the law. Jury verdict in the Top 10 Verdicts in Virginia for 8 consecutive years (2006-2013) and 2016. James H. Shoemaker, Jr. 14th time selected as a Super Lawyer James H. Shoemaker, Jr. is an attorney providing legal services covering Employment & Labor: Employee and Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff. James Shoemaker, Jr., who practices law in Newport News, Virginia, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2007 - 2020. Being chosen for multiple years is high recognition of peer and professional respect and achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors. 20th Annual Legal Elite Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) is Excited to Announce Our Attorney Named the 20th Annual Virginia Legal Elite! About Virginia Business Legal Elite The Virginia Business Legal Elite recognizes the top Virginia lawyers across 20 specialties as selected by their peers. The voting is open to all lawyers licensed to practice in Virginia. Virginia Business Legal Elite Lawyers can be found online at https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/virginia-business-legal-elite-2019/ James H. Shoemaker, Jr. Labor Employment Lung Cancer Month November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month About every two and a half minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women, and asbestos exposure can cause or contribute to cause lung cancer. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Individuals who worked in the shipbuilding industry, construction, railroads, and power plants and veterans often had occupational exposure to asbestos decades ago. As asbestos-containing products are cut, removed, or abraded, microscopic asbestos fibers are released. Workers inhale these fibers and they become lodged in their lung tissue. Over time, these fibers can cause cellular damage and mutations, suppress the body’s ability to fight off these mutations, and result in lung cancer. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with lung cancer, and worked in the shipbuilding industry, construction, railroads, and power plants or served in the Navy, you may be entitled to compensation. Call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. Patten Honorary Degree Donald N. Patten Receives Honorary Degree Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C., congratulates PWHD Partner, Donald N. Patten, on recently receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from William & Mary Law School. Mr. Patten joined the school’s Board of Visitors in 1999 and served as Rector of William & Mary from 2001 to 2003. He also became an honorary alumnus of the Law School Class of 2018 and is an Emeritus member of William & Mary’s Business School Foundation. Mr. Patten is also an avid supporter of William & Mary Law School’s trial team. View the video of Mr. Patten here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HZWvYzQW_c Mr. Patten’s legal career has spanned over fifty years. Since 1976, Mr. Patten has represented shipyard workers, veterans, and other workers and their families who were suffering from asbestos-related diseases. He currently serves on the C.E. Thurston & Sons Asbestos Trust Advisory Committee. Mr. Patten is a past President of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, received the highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory for legal competence, and was selected by his peers to be included in the 2001-2002 edition of the “The Best Lawyers in America.” Mr. Patten was also very involved in his community. He served as a member of the Newport News City Council, was vice mayor, served as chair of the Newport News Planning Commission, served as the chair of the Peninsula Airport Commission, and he served on the Executive Committee of the State Council For Higher Education for Virginia. In addition, Mr. Patten served on the board of the Peninsula Alliance for Economic Development and the board for the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Virginia. Read more about Patten here: Donald N. Patten and the firm’s history here: PWHD History Read William & Mary’s full post about Patten’s Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws here: https://law.wm.edu/news/stories/2021/donald-n.-patten-named-honorary-law-alumnus-during-fall-commencement-ceremonies.php

Looking for Awarding and Challenging career helping others - Contact PWHD CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein (PWHD) has been serving the Hampton Roads area since 1954 with measurable success. We pride ourselves on a deep tradition of excellence, and ensuring only the highest quality of service. We understand the challenges and pressure that comes with every case. If you are looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding team environment check out our current opportunities available. PWHD Careers Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay informed. Facebook Email Human Resources LinkedIn Blank Page: About

In PWHD’s hometown of Newport News, nearly one thousand people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last thirty-five years. The firm has represented most of these victims and hundreds of victims who were diagnosed in other Tidewater Virginia hospitals including Hampton, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis. ​ LITIGATION AREA Asbestos Litigation Read More What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us In PWHD’s hometown of Newport News, nearly one thousand people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the last thirty-five years. The firm has represented most of these victims and hundreds of victims who were diagnosed in other Tidewater Virginia hospitals including Hampton, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation, or fill out our contact form . We will come to you. Asbestos Exposure Due to its heat resistance and insulation properties, asbestos was used in thousands of products, including gaskets, packing, drywall, ceilings, pumps, valves, thermal insulation, boilers, turbines, blowers, automotive and industrial brakes and clutches, floor tiles and more. Working with these products using normal work practices caused the asbestos in the products to be released into the worker’s breathing zone to be inhaled by the worker. Asbestos is the only cause of malignant mesothelioma. Unfortunately, throughout the 20th century, asbestos was very popular with manufacturers due to its heat resistance, availability, and relatively inexpensive cost. Even after learning that asbestos caused deadly diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, companies continued to manufacture asbestos-containing products such as gaskets, packing, thermal insulation and lagging, pumps, valves, distilling units, fans, generators, turbines, brakes, clutches, electrical components, plasters, mastics, and refractories. Consequently, malignant mesothelioma, asbestos related cancer and asbestosis have reached epidemic levels in Virginia. Anyone who comes into contact with asbestos dust and fibers may be at risk. However, certain occupations have shown a high incidence of asbestos related disease due to their consistent and regular work with asbestos products. These include machinists and Navy machinist mates, pipefitters, pipecoverers, steamfitters, drywall and sheetrock workers, maintenance workers, automotive and equipment mechanics, electricians, boiler workers, plumbers, roofers, riggers, railroad workers and shipyard workers to name a few. Members of the same household as asbestos workers have also shown an increased risk of asbestos related diseases, and may be diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis, simply by coming into contact with a loved one’s asbestos-contaminated work clothing. Occupations at Risk The shipbuilding industry in Virginia is one of the primary sources of asbestos exposure. Because of the numerous shipyards, such as the Newport News Shipyard (the largest private shipyard in the world), the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (the largest naval shipyard in the world), the Horne Brothers Shipyard, Colonna Shipyard, Metro Machine, Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, and others, hundreds of Virginia shipyard workers and dozens of family members have died or been severely disabled from mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis. The many Virginia shipyards, especially in and around Norfolk and Newport News, are also responsible for exposing the crew members of Navy ships to asbestos. Many have since contracted asbestos related cancers such as mesothelioma. Whether aboard ship, while stationed in Virginia or based in Newport News, or during an overhaul in the Norfolk Navy Yard, the close quarters and poor ventilation, along with ubiquitous use of asbestos materials, have caused thousands of cases of mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, and asbestosis in Navy Veterans. Other leading environments for exposure include large industrial plants such as the Yorktown Amoco refinery, the Yorktown boiler plant, the Hopewell Allied Chemical plant, various Virginia Power Company plants and others. Automobile repair shops are also sources of asbestos exposure through brakes, clutches, and gasket work. Railroad workers also routinely had direct contact with asbestos-containing products. Insulation was routinely used in the railroad industry to insulate machinery and piping, and at times, passenger cars, and asbestos-containing brake shoes and gaskets were commonly used. In addition to the foregoing environments, however, there have been many instances of “take-home” exposure through dust brought home on workers’ clothes and personal belongings. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form and we will contact you. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks

There are legal remedies for most people who suffer disease or disability as a result of exposure to asbestos. These remedies are way of recovering compensation for your injury. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form​ for a free case evaluation.   ASBESTOS LITIGATION Asbestos Disease Claims Read More Asbestos Exposure What is Asbestos? What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Contact Us There are legal remedies for most people who suffer disease or disability as a result of exposure to asbestos. These remedies are way of recovering compensation for your injury. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4500 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. The Principal Remedies Are: a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing products to which you were exposed; § 524(g) Trust claims on the trusts set aside for asbestos victims by companies that are no longer in litigation; a worker's compensation claim against the employer that you worked for when you were exposed to asbestos; other disability benefits including veterans and social security disability benefits. Some or all of these remedies may be available to you, but whatever remedy is available, it is best pursued with the assistance of an attorney. Be aware that most jurisdictions have time limits for filings claims. These time limits are called “statutes of limitation” and generally prohibit lawsuits or other claims for injuries that were diagnosed or known to you for more than a specified period of years. Statutes of limitation vary depending on the jurisdiction. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we encourage you to seek the advice of an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claims may be prosecuted in a timely manner. In the event that you or a relative or friend is afflicted by an asbestos illness, call us at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form for a free case evaluation. We will come to you. We have successfully handled thousands of asbestos-related claims since the 1970s. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks

Asbestos, a set of six naturally occurring minerals, has been used for more than 2000 years for its heat resistance and insulation properties. Three of these asbestos types, chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, were actively mined for their heat resistant properties. The remaining three types, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, were primarily non-commercial contaminants in other types of asbestos ore or in talc ore. ASBESTOS LITIGATION What Is Asbestos? Read More Asbestos Exposure What is Mesothelioma? What did Companies Know? Occupations at Risk Ship Builders, and Navy Veterans Asbestos Disease Claims Contact Us What is Asbestos? Asbestos, a set of six naturally occurring minerals, has been used for more than 2000 years for its heat resistance and insulation properties. Three of these asbestos types, chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, were actively mined for their heat resistant properties. The remaining three types, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite, were primarily non-commercial contaminants in other types of asbestos ore or in talc ore. When was Asbestos Utilized and Why? Asbestos use gained popularity in the late 1800s during the Industrial Revolution and peaked during World War II. By the early 1900s, however, it was reported that inhaling asbestos dust and fibers could cause deadly lung diseases. Asbestos was used in a variety of products which were commonly used in shipbuilding and repair, in construction at industrial sites, and in railroads and the automotive industry. Veterans, shipyard workers, railroad workers, and those involved in construction and maintenance at power plants, refineries and other industrial sites where asbestos products were commonly used or installed are at an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Family members of those workers are also at an increased risk of asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, or Asbestosis, call us at 757-223-4545 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form and we'll contact you. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks

What is Talc? Like asbestos, talc is a rock that is mined from the ground. Because talc and asbestos are similar minerals, asbestos typically is found intermingled with talc. Talc is mined through blasting and open pit mining, and it is impossible to separate asbestos fibers from talc during the mining process or during the subsequent refining process... PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION Talc Read More Products Liability Home Asbestos Benzene Exposure Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit CPAP Machines Hernia Mesh Medical Devices Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease Roundup Sunscreen and Benzene Zantac Contact Us Talcum powder (Talc) has been used for decades in a wide variety of consumer products. Because these consumer products were part of the cosmetic and fragrance industry, they were largely outside of the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Key companies using talc in consumer products include Johnson & Johnson, Colgate Palmolive, Chanel, Claire, and Beauty plus, among others. What is Talc? Like asbestos, talc is a rock that is mined from the ground. Because talc and asbestos are similar minerals, asbestos typically is found intermingled with talc. Talc is mined through blasting and open pit mining, and it is impossible to separate asbestos fibers from talc during the mining process or during the subsequent refining process. Nevertheless, the cosmetic and fragrance industry lobbied hard to avoid FDA regulation and to convince the FDA that there was no asbestos contamination in cosmetic talc. We now know that the cosmetic industry relied on tests of talc that did not have the sensitivity to find asbestos and that talc products have been contaminated with asbestos for decades. There is no safe level for asbestos. The asbestos contamination in talc has been proven to cause mesothelioma and cancers of the reproductive organs, such as ovarian cancer. If you have mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or another cancer of the reproductive organs, and you routinely used a talc product throughout your life, contact us . We can help. Asbestos Litigation Attorneys Robert R. Hatten Contact PWHD Hugh B. McCormick, III. Geoffr ey R. Grau Adam M. Hawks