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SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Virginia Case Summary Colas v. Tyree Virginia Supreme Court No. 211226 Decided: January 26, 2023 Adverse witness testimony binds the party calling the adverse witness. Background Bradley Colas, a police officer, shot and killed Jeffrey Tyree. There was no dispute that Tyree was having a mental breakdown and suffering from suicidal ideation… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Virginia Case Summary Howard v. WMATA Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission VA02000038634 Decided July 19, 2023 When a Metro employee was injured while riding a Metro bus from a depot to the first stop of the day, he was in the course of his employment and his accident was compensable. Background Claimant worked… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARIES Virginia Case Summary Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, LLC v. Anderson Virginia Court of Appeals No. 1180-22-1 Decided: July 11, 2023 Reasonable veterinary expenses may be recovered as damages for injuries to pets, even if they exceed the fair market value of the pet. Background Plaintiff Anderson filed suit against Blue Pearl Veterinary… read more

Below is a summary of laws passed during the 2023 Legislative Session, along with certain provisions of the Virginia Code enacted in prior legislative sessions, which will take effect this year.  2023 Va. Chapter 321 (HB 1495/SB 1216: “Transportation network companies; uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.” The above bills require transportation network companies, commonly referred… read more

SIGNIFICANT CASE SUMMARY Virginia Case Summary Kpakio v. Sentara Healthcare Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission VA00001762083 Decided June 8, 2023 When a Claimant lost the tips of his middle finger and ring finger, and his treatment and surgeries were confined to those fingers, it was appropriate to rate only the fingers for disability rather than the… read more