Herndon Virginia car crash lawyer Doug Landau, seen here after another successful DC case for a disabled client, hopes that the ignition interlock for convicted drunk drivers will prevent needless harm and heartache

Having seen the devastation and death caused by those who choose to drive under the influence, Herndon injury lawyer Doug Landau is always looking for solutions to this behavior.  Roadblocks, “Designated Drivers,” bar breath testers and dram shop actions are some of the tools used to reduce and eliminate needless harm.  The ignition interlock system for convicted drunk drivers in Virginia is an idea whose time has come. While some contend that it is simply a windfall for the manufacturer of the safety device (who makes money by saving lives and preventing people from breaking the law a second or third time !), Herndon Virginia car crash lawyer Doug Landau believes that the device and the change in the law will help to prevent needless harm and highway fatalities. The Loudoun Times newspaper  reported that the Virginia State Senate approved House Bill 279 requiring Virginia drivers to have an ignition interlock installed after their first DUI offense. Former prosecutor Doug Landaunotes that, “this would prevent recidivism  as well as prevent needless injury or death on the road.”  Currently, the devices are required only after a second or subsequent DUI conviction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in Virginia alone, nearly 30,000 Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) offenders were convicted in 2010. That is more than three convictions every hour.

An ignition interlock requires a motorist to blow into a Breathalyzer before starting the car and at random intervals while driving. The car will not start if the driver’s blood alcohol content is above .02 percent. “If, before attempting to start their vehicle, the device senses a set amount of alcohol, the vehicle will not start,” said Kurt Erickson, president of the Washington Regional Alcoholic Program,  which campaigns against drunken driving. “If a running retest senses a set amount of alcohol, the vehicle’s horn will sound, along with its headlights flashing, in order to draw the attention of law enforcement.”  People convicted of their first DUI offense are less likely to re-offend if they have to install an ignition interlock in their cars and trucks, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  “Even if there are ‘false positives,’” notes Landau, “the benefits to Virginia’s motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians will outweigh any inconvenience to the convicted drunk driver.” If ignition interlocks are effective in stopping people from driving while under the influence of alcohol, then lives will be saved and needless injuries prevented.  If you or someone you know or care for has been injured as the result of a car, truck, bicycle or motorcycle crash with a drunk driver and there are questions about what laws apply, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555) at once.

Herndon Virginia lawyer Doug Landau takes special care when hand delivering important legal papers, like workers compensation settlements, even if he does not dress like a fancy attorney !

There are bike messengers, motorcycle delivery and courier car services, but Herndon injury lawyer Doug Landau took “hand carried” to a new level this week.  Anxious to finalize a workers compensation settlement for a client, lawyer Landau drove to Washington, D.C. to hand deliver the paperwork to insurance defense counsel after the injured worker had read and signed the documents at the Landau Law Shop in Herndon, Virginia.  Landau had his daughter wait in the car while he ran up to opposing counsel’s office.  When he was stopped at the reception desk, and asked his business, Landau replied, “On Foot Legal Delivery – At Your Service !”  The receptionist told the Triathlon Trial Lawyer that opposing counsel was not dressed formally, and Landau responded that neither was he !

The papers got signed and filed that same day with the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission for a young woman who was injured at Dulles Airport.  Landau then ran down to the car, and he and his youngest daughter then ran in the Monthly “Tidal Basin Run”, which is now held out on Hains Point, and is actually 3 races – a 3km. (about 2 miles), a 1,500M and a 5 km. (3.1 miles).  The Landaus ran in the 2 mile race (his daughter was 2nd woman, while her dad was 4th male), showered, and then this active attorney then went on to his other appointments.  Some of the best lawyers in the country tease Landau and tell him he gives new meaning to “walking the walk” !  The thankful client wrote:

This note is to extend my deepest gratitude to you both and thank you for everything you’ve done for me thus far. Mr. Landau I can’t thank you enough for rushing my settlement papers over to DC the other day.

Spring has sprung early at the Herndon law firm ABRAMS LANDAU, where the trees around the office are looking their best. Clients have enjoyed sitting with Virginia injury lawyer Doug Landau outside on the porch swing and rocking chairs!

The Herndon law firm ABRAMS LANDAU received notice that Doug Landau was recognized as a 2012 “LEGAL ELITE.”  This recognition for the “Most Respected Attorneys in the Commonwealth” of Virginia will be published in next month’s Virginia Living.  Landau, who has been recognized by “Super Lawyers”(for both Virginia and Washington, D.C.), Martindale Hubbell A-V rated and as One of “The Best Lawyers in America,” and as a “Legal Eagle” by American Registry.  However, the big question is whether these accolades meant hat lawyer Landau will get a raise in allowance.  We’ll have to see what Mrs. Landau does in light of all these honors heaped upon her husband.  The Las Vegas line indicates that the Herndon personal injury lawyer’s “Honey Do” list will not get any shorter, and that winning cases, races and getting recognition will not get him very far on the home front !

Clients and staff at the Herndon law firm ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. have suffered the debilitating effects of migraine headaches, here are some helpful options

With clients and staff sometimes suffering from migraines, Herndon injury lawyer Doug Landau is always on the lookout for cures, solutions and strategies to help.  Seeing others disabled by migraine headaches is frustrating.  However, an article in USA Weekend had some good ideas.  They are set forth below; please let us know if they work for you.  When people describe a migraine as though they have a nail being driven through their skull, one realizes that it is a serious, debilitating condition. This head pain is often accompanied by blurred vision, nausea and vomiting.  Other migraine sufferers note extreme sensitivity to light and noise. And it can last for  days.

According to the news report, “30 million Americans get migraines, three times more women than men — but sufferers can find relief. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lessen the severity or frequency of headaches; lifestyle changes, such as a consistent sleep schedule and healthy weight, also can help. Even alternative treatments may work: Research shows acupuncture may be effective. Here are some other research-backed remedies, but talk to your doctor first.

• Botox. You might know it for smoothing wrinkles, but botulinum toxin type A is also Food and Drug Administration-approved to treat chronic migraines in adults. Scientists at the University of Granada recently identified trigger points in the head and neck muscles for migraines and confirmed that injecting botox into specific spots reduces the frequency of attacks.
• Exercise. Migraine sufferers might skip the gym, afraid that working out will provoke one, but scientists in Sweden found that exercise can be as effective as medication at preventing migraines. If you do work out, warm up slowly, stay hydrated, and be aware of exposure to humidity or hot or cold weather, which can trigger an attack.
• Supplements. Some evidence suggests that high doses of riboflavin may prevent migraines, and coenzyme Q10 may decrease the frequency of the headache. Research indicates the herbs feverfew and butterbur can help prevent attacks.

Sometimes the best reward is happy clients, such as these shown in front of the DC Social Security Disability Hearing office

When clients get winning Social Security Disability decisions in the mail, they are happy.  When they get additional money for themselves, their children or other loved ones, they call to thank us once again.  The Landau Law Shop received a copy of a letter from the Federal Government this month that was sent to a client for whom Doug Landau, of the Herndon Virginia law firm ABRAMS LANDAU, had won a disability case.  The letter from the Baltimore Maryland “Office of Central Operations” for Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance had good news for this young Purcellville Virginia woman.  Social Security wrote to tell Landau’s client that she “will soon receive a check for $3,401.50 because we are sending you money which we did not have to use to pay an attorney fee.”  That is because Mr. Landau’s fees are CONTINGENT, which means he is NOT PAID unless he wins the case.

In Social Security Disability Income cases, fees are 25% of the back due benefits.  Herndon disability lawyer Doug Landau does his best to make sure that fees and costs are kept low. Lawyer Landau’s attorney fees are also CAPPED at no more than $6,000 in 2012 (this amount is periodically modified by the Federal Government).  Even if a client gets $100,000 in back due benefits in their disability case, Mr. Landau’s fee is a maximum of $6,000.  In this case, the $6,000 amount had been reached, so the happy client received additional money, as the Federal Government had set aside 25%, which is more than Mr. Landau would take.  The best Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC Social Security lawyers care about their clients, thoroughly prepare them for court and do not charge excessive fees.  If you or someone you know or care for has become disabled and there are questions about what laws apply, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555) at once.

At the VTLA Advanced Workers Compensation Law Retreat, some of the best Virginia workers comp lawyers presented Allison Love with roses to mark her retirement. VTLA members Andrew Reinhardt (Richmond, VA) & Doug Landau (Herndon, VA) flank Ms. Love

Alison G. Love, the Director, Education and Meeting Services for the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (“VTLA”) has retired after many years of service to VTLA.  My long time friend, whom I could count on at Conventions, Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) programs and whenever I would visit the VTLA headquarters in Richmond, was always quick with a smile; my “marching order” when I was to be a speaker, panelist or presenter; and a kind word for everyone.  Even though she dealt daily with trial lawyers, many of whom are egotistical professional complainers, she never lost her cool.  And the best lawyers in Virginia all knew her, respected her and enjoyed her company.  I will miss her very much, as her tenure was one of expert organization and excellent attendance.

Virginia injury lawyers Brenda Page and Doug Landau want injured and disabled clients and their families to understand their surgical options and ask questions of doctors and other medical specialists

Free information to help make informed medical decisions is a good thing.  Even if your treating doctors are not at any of the INOVA Hospitals, if you are in the Lorton Virginia area, the upcoming free community seminar may be a wise investment of your and your family’s time. You and your family can ask the joint replacement experts of the INOVA Joint Replacement Center (“IJRC”) about relief from arthritis, repair of damaged bones and painful inactivity. Surgical joint replacement, with minimally invasive techniques may be the solution to your disability, pain and osteoarthritis. Advances in orthopedic hip replacement surgery including anterior hip replacement and minimally invasive techniques, knee replacement options such as mini-incision knee replacement, gender knee, partial knee replacement and customized patient specific instruments.

IJRC is the largest joint replacement center in the Metro-Washington DC area, performing over 2,000 joint replacements annually. With the latest techniques and medical equipment, patients are returning to more active lifestyles. Herndon joint injury lawyer Doug Landau has attended past programs, along with ABRAMS LANDAU staff, and new insights are always gained and tough questions are always answered. While knee, hip and shoulder joint replacement surgery is not for everyone, workers compensation and disability lawyer Landau has seen friends, family members and clients make wonderful recoveries as the result of such operations.

A FREE Community Seminar on Osteoarthritis and Joint Replacement Advances will be held with Drs. Kevin Fricka, William Hamilton and Nitin Goyal:

    Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012
    Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Address: Laurel Hill Golf Club, 8701 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079
    Contact Phone: (855) 694-6682

Inova Health System is pleased to present our “Ask the Joint Replacement Expert” community lecture series. All lectures are free, but advance registration is requested. Register online or call 855-MY-INOVA (855-694-6682).

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we.
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living. Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.”

[Source: “ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN” by Robert Fulghum.

The statistics as to how many cases each judge will approve and deny is now available on the internet.  And with listServs and other electronic fora to share information, the representatives for disabled claimants are able to share notes and find pout which judges are not able to treat people fairly.  While most Social Security judges Doug Landau has appeared before are wonderfully prepared, civil and fair, there are a few “bad apples” who are known to be ill-suited for their important judicial role.  While Herndon Social Security Lawyer Doug Landau understands that some lawyers were abusing the system by “forum shopping” in order to file cases before more favorable judges, not identifying the decision maker in a disabled worker’s all important lifetime benefits case is simply cowardly.  This new policy is tacit admission by Social Security that there are some judges who are not in touch with reality and who have such difficulty at Hearings that experienced lawyers and claimants try to avoid them like the plague !  Everyone at ABRAMS LANDAU believes that ALJs should be identified BEFORE the Hearing, and that secrecy in this case has nothing to do with security and everything to do with hiding problem judges that need to be re-assigned, re-trained or simply “RIF’d”.

                 Always call the day before you come to see us in action !  

Cases set on a court’s schedule can be cancelled (like when the storms struck in September !), continued, postponed, settled, re-scheduled for mediation or arbitration.  So, always call our office the day before you want to come and watch to make sure the insurance company has not paid for the losses caused by the negligent defendant or unsafe employer at “the 24th hour.”  Your time is valuable.  We do not want any client, family member, friend or neighbor to make a wasted trip.  Doug Landau has even encouraged people to observe other cases that are not from the Herndon Reston law firm ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd., when there is little time before a client’s own Hearing or trial. To that end, here are some upcoming dates:

Date               Place    Case, Race &/or Program

2/2/2012 Social Security Disability Hearing, Richmond office of Hearings and Appeals, VA

2/9-15/2012    American Association for Justice, (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) Winter Convention, Phoenix, AZ

2/12/2012 “Double Down” races for Downs Syndrome, Phoenix, AZ

2/23/2012 Social Security Disability Income Administrative Law Judge Hearing, Washington D.C.

2/24/2012 Prince William County Circuit court, Manassas, VA Motion to Compel Discovery in a fast food slip and fall case

2/26/2012 Jack Corkey Memorial Aquathon at the Herndon Virginia Community Center, sponsored by ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd.

2/27/2012 Hanover, VA – Hanover Junior Idol Competition (spectator, not as a competitor !)

2/27-3/1/2012 Depositions in Jacksonville, FL and Atlanta, GA for an disabled trucker’s Fulton County, GA injury case

2/28/2012 Annual Science Fair (Judge), The Madeira School, McLean, VA

3/9/2012 Social Security Disability Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Washington, D.C.

3/13/2012 Social Security Disability Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, Washington, D.C.

3/30-4/2/2012    Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

4/12/2012 Virginia Workers Compensation Hearing, Northern Virginia Regional Office (Employers Application cutting worker off)

4/16/2012  Spotsylvania, Virginia Hearing before senior Deputy Commissioner (RSD or CRPS as a “compensable consequence”)