Landau Injury Law

At ABRAMS LANDAU, we are thankful for the opportunity to help people, one at a time.  We appreciate the chance to assist families who come to us for help.  As the Landau Law Shop looks back on another successful year, we note some of the highlights of 2007:

Herndon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau was nominated again as a “Super Lawyer” by the Washington Post.  Remarkably, he was the only solo practitioner selected for Workplace Injury Cases in Virginia.  The listings in the special edition of the Sunday Post Magazine did not lead to a raise in allowance from Mr. Landau’s mom, but it did reaffirm what clients, co-counsel and those who have seen him in court already knew, that he’s a good lawyer who is passionate about what he does to help people.

Inclusion in the book “The Best Lawyers in America,”for Doug Landau.  This was again a very special honor, as hisfather, Norman Landau, was in the very first editions of this book.  Thereare very few lawyers anywhere in the country who are able to successfully trypersonal injury, workers compensation and Social Security Disability claims forthe same client (and their family).  There are even fewer who can do so inas many state and Federal Courts as the Landau Law Shop’s own Doug Landau. 

Once again receiving the highest ratings for skill and ethics by the respected, peer-reviewed Martindale Hubbell (Lexis Nexis).  Virginia Trial Lawyer Doug Landau once again received the “A-V” rating.  Norman Landau, Doug’s illustrious trial lawyer father, also received this highest rating during his lifetime.  The Herndon attorney feels this represents his continuation of excellence in the practice of law, and especially the trials of injury and disability cases for deserving clients.  

Our case against DoubleTree Hotels on behalf of a disabled, wheelchair-bound professor was selected as the “Spotlight” case of the month by the 70,000 member Association of Trial Lawyers of America (now American Association for Justice).  http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=30999365&message_id=235739&user_id=ATLA_Trial Doug Landau was successful on behalf of a hotel guest who was thrown and injured in a courtesy van.  This case was concluded in the Federal Court in Alexandria, Virginia for a client from South Carolina against a national hotel chain.  Herndon lawyer Doug Landau provided the former chief judge of the trial court with

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As we approach the New Year,Doug Landau has one final bit of advice for preparing for Court (as opposed topreparing the case):

NOTHING NEW/UNTESTED – DONOT try something new at trial ! DO not try new foods, drugs, diets, drinks, medications, etc., advisesSuper Lawyer Doug Landau.  Whetheryou’re from small town Herndon or you’re one of “The Best Lawyers in America,”do not do something untried and untested during your “day in Court.”

Snacks - Watch out WHERE you eat.  In some court houses, like the Fairfax County Judicial Center, there is one cafeteria, where counsel, claimants, defendants, witnesses and JURORS often eat.  This is because there is not enough time to get to the parking lots and go “off site” to a restaurant observes Herndon trial lawyer Doug Landau.  Because the jurors may be in line with you, watching you and listening, WATCH WHAT YOU SAY AND DO ! 

Super Lawyer Doug Landau recalls the World War One warning, “LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS !”  Do not discuss the case, testimony or strategy unless your lawyer initiates the conversation.  Consider bringing a snack or easily digested lunch in a brown bag.  But, warns Landau, find out if the court allows food (and cell phones, palm pilots, PDAs, camera phones, beepers, etc.), because you do not want to have to make an extra run to the car or be delayed returning from a lunch or other break.  Juries, Court personnel and especially judges do not like tardiness.  You do not want to be seen running back to court if you are claiming you cannot walk normally !  You do not want to be out of breath and red-faced when you take the witness stand because you were hurrying back from a long lunch or smoking break.  Even an All American Triathlon Trial Lawyer like Doug Landau tries not to arrive in the courtroom sweaty, out of breath and late.  Landau warns juries have a way of blaming the person bringing the case for any wasted time or delays.  Since that person is the Plaintiff, you do not want to be late for any court proceeding.  Ever. 

If you are in trial at a Court house where there are outside dining options, do a “scouting trip” BEFORE the day of trial emphasizes Virginia Trial Lawyer Landau.  This way, Herndon Super Lawyer Landau suggests, you will know where you will be eating, whether reservations are needed, if the service take forever and whether there are private booths or rooms where the case proceeding can be reviewed without fear of being overheard by jurors or your opponents. 

CONTINUED TOMORROW !

Protein – See “Carbs”.  A chicken, turkey or tuna sandwich, has a good mix of protein and carbohydrates.  Landau Law Shop founder Doug Landau notes, ‘You will have energy, not too many carbs to make you sleepy and no “spikes” and corresponding “lulls.”’  Reflecting upon his graduate studies in Sprots Medicine, Landau notes, “Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrate, and it keeps your metabolism up.  “You want to be in your best mental shape at trial.” Virginia multi-state lawyer Landau adds.

Likewise, you want to avoid the so-called “greasy spoons.”  Too much fat in one meal may cause gastrointestinal distress, interfere with medications and metabolism.  A balanced meal of proteins, carbohydrates and “healthy” fats (i.e., olive oil) may enable you to concentrate, be “energized”: and feel better during your court room participation advised experienced multi-state trial attorney and All-American Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau.  IF a greasy spoon or fast food joint is your only option, try to make a healthy, sensible choice.  Also consider bringing a piece of fruit or energy bar, but only if you have eaten these things before.

CONTINUED TOMORROW !

Non-Prescription, OTCmedications and Herbal Remedies – Again warns Herndon Virginia lawyer DougLandau, “stick to your regular routine when going to court.”  IF these things help you with yourpain, disability, movement and/or functionality, then it may be OK.  DO NOT BORROW someone else’smedications, and do not try “past expiration date” medicines at this criticaltime.  If, however, the diet pills,herbs or other medicaments make you jumpy, tired, irritable, etc., then discussit with the Abrams Landau trial team well in advance of going to Court.  After all, “the best surprise is NOsurprise.” 

Religious Holidays -  If you are fasting or drinking heavilyor doing some other “activity that may affect your metabolism, tell your lawyer!” urges experienced trial lawyer Doug Landau.  We have had clients fasting for Ramadan, Yom Kippur andother holidays who were light-headed, starved and could not even understand thetranslator brought in to speak to them in their native tongue !  This happened to a Palestinian clientof ours.  She not only did not tellher Abrams Landau Trial Team, she did not even tell the translator orjudge.  By the end of the hearing,which was unfortunately scheduled for the end of the docket, this client wasgiving answers that did not help her cause. 

Likewise, Herndon triallawyer Landau has had clients, who, because of their religion (Muslim), theywould FILL, but NOT TAKE the anti-inflammatory and pain medications prescribedby their authorized treating physicians. The doctors were furious, maintaining that the patient would bedischarged for “non-compliance.” The client’s family explained that as the capsules were “gelatin,” andeating pork was against their religion, they were filling the prescriptions asinstructed by the doctors, but not actually taking the medication because oftheir religious beliefs !  In thisinstance, Doug Landau earned his appellation as one of “The Best Lawyers inAmerica,” by getting the capsules exchanged for the tablet for of the samemedications.  The client finallystarted taking the medicine, and doctors were happy, her symptoms diminished,and she got better.  Also, herfamily was relieved of the stress of traveling a great distance and paying forprescriptions that she was not taking !

The Landau Law Shop advisesclients to let us know if you have special needs or holidays that may impactdepositions, mediation, arbitration or trial.

CONTINUED TOMORROW !

Bagels – If you are going to have to submit a urinalysis, steer clear of poppy seed bagels advises Herndon Super Lawyer Doug Landau.  It seems that these seeds give similar results to the urine samples of pot smokers. You do not want the Court suspecting marijuana use or THC dependence.  Other kinds of bagels are fine, unless the bakery is hiding other drugs in them or they’re full of alcohol !

Medicine – Prescription medications may be necessary for functionality, advises Virginia Trial Lawyer Doug Landau.  However, CHECK THE LABELS !  If the medication causes “drowsiness,” requires food, water or other things, “make sure that your testimony and observation abilities will not be impacted,” adds the Landau Law Firm’s resident “label reader” and “pill bottle collector.”  However, some clients make the mistake of not taking pain medications, and then cannot sit and concentrate on the testimony and the proceedings because of their discomfort.  Also, opposing counsel may ask, “ Are you taking anything that may affect your ability to hear, see, understand or testify ?”  “So talk with your doctor about how best to be ready for Court given your unique medical needs and treatment regimen,” advises Herndon Super Lawyer Landau.

CONTINUED TOMORROW !

Carbs – To many carbs before coming to Court or testifying can be a bad idea.  The “carbohydrate high” can lead to a “low” and the urge to nap.  Taking a “siesta” at counsel table is something even Herndon Super Lawyer Doug Landau would not attempt.  Even though the trial judge may supply a toothbrush, paste and water, no one wants “three hots and a cot,” by a finding of “contempt of court.”  Resist the urge to “Super Size” advises Virginia Super (but not “Super Sized”) Lawyer Landau.

A Coffee, Tea , or 3 ! – Too much caffeine can be a bad idea. While a “cup of Joe” may be part of your regular morning routine, too much coffee, tea or caffeinated soda may cause you (your family, witnesses and observers) to be jittery, jumpy and needing the lavatory far too frequently.  On the day of trial the mantra should be, “stick to your regular routine” eating habits. Even “The Best Lawyers in America” are nervous when they go to trial.  Don’t make things worse by consuming MORE than normal.

CONTINUED TOMORROW !

How many lawyers think about or even talk to their clients and their families about what to eat (or not eat) ? 

During this time of holiday meals and cheer, this unique Lawyer reflects upon even this seeming small detail of trial and case preparation.  Super Lawyer Doug Landau has been known to consume huge quantities of food after “flying faster than a jet” on his bike or “running faster than a locomotive,” but even this is part of a larger plan (to “tri” to win all races and all cases !).

While Landau avoids spicy foods, beans and Kryptonite, Herndon trial lawyer Landau advises clients to steer clear of the following:

Alcohol and Booze – this one should be obvious !  However, Landau had a client show up inebriated to his own trial.  That was bad.  What was worse, the Virginia Trial Lawyer’s case was heard in the Fauquier County Circuit Court.  The judge sat across from the client when he testified.  He was so intoxicated that he actually spit alcohol on the judge’s clothes !  While this misguided client may have been “relaxed,” the judge was not impressed with his B.A.C., testimony or credibility.  The good news of the story was, according to court room observers, “It was good stuff !”

CONTINUED TOMORROW ! 

When a personal injury case settles, the Insurance Company wants a Release to be signed before the check is cashed so that they (and their insureds) will not get sued again on the same claim.  When a case is filed in Court, and a settlement reached or verdict in favor of the injured plaintiff returned, the Court wants a “Final Order” signed showing that the case is resolved and can be dismissed from the active Trial or Hearing calendar.  Many clients wonder, if the “Final Order” ends the case, why does the Insurance Company and its lawyers want signatures on a separate (and seemingly superfluous) “Release” ?

One reason the lawyers for the Defendants in Product Liability, Negligence, Defective Products and Food, Slip and Fall, Children’s cases, Sports Accident, Brain Trauma, and other types of Personal Injury claims, want this Release, is that

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Food poisoning cases can be tricky, because it is often hard to pinpoint what exactly has caused the illness or injury. The team at Abrams Landau has been contacted on a number of occasions by people who have been sickened or injured by tainted or poisoned food. There are several important steps you can take to protect your legal rights if you or someone you know has been injured or disabled due to “bad food” or defective food products. (more…)