

Robert R. Hatten
PWHD Attorney
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawyers
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Lawyers
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which develops in the mesothelium.
Lung cancer starts in the lungs when cells begin to grow out of control.
Asbestosis is scarring of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos.
What Do Our Clients Say?
Those companies that made the products that contained asbestos, have hurt so many families. Mine included.
Every step of the way, someone from PWHD was with us.
There was a genuine caring. I would recommend this firm without question.
WE CAN HELP
We come to you and we work for you
Who Will Handle My Case?


Robert R. Hatten
PARTNER


Donald N. Patten
PARTNER


Hugh B. McCormick
PARTNER


William W. C. Harty
PARTNER


Jennifer W. Stevens
PARTNER


Erin E. Jewell
PARTNER


Jeanette M. Dodson-O'Connell
ASSOCIATE


Samantha P. Graham
ASSOCIATE


Daniel R. Long
ASSOCIATE
As one of the largest local law firms in the Hampton Roads region, with award-winning attorneys and a knowledgeable support staff, our law firm provides an extensive range of services to prosecute or defend your legal rights.


Why is PWHD Different?
PWHD is nationally and locally renowned for its excellence in all legal practice areas. We have been at the forefront of asbestos litigation for the past 45 years, winning our first asbestos verdict against Johns Manville in 1978. Since then our Virginia asbestos attorneys have obtained compensation for thousands of Virginia shipyard workers, industrial workers and Navy veterans in Virginia state and federal courts.
If You Have Questions,
We Can Answer Them
Q. If I recover compensation, what is your fee?
A. Our attorney’s fee is generally a “contingent fee” of 33.33% of the net compensation that you receive. This means you do not pay an attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you. Our firm will advance the expenses – interest free – necessary to investigate and prosecute with your case. After we recover compensation for you, we deduct the expenses that were advanced.
Q. Can I still recover money for mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis if I am or was a smoker?
A. Yes. Smoking by itself does not disqualify anyone from receiving compensation for mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.
Q. If I recover compensation, what income taxes must I pay?
A. None. Compensation for asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are free from federal and state income taxes.
Q. Do I have to go to court and testify in court if I file a claim?
A. In most cases, no. Bankruptcy claims do not require testimony in court to prove your claim. Additionally, most lawsuits are settled out of court, and most asbestos victims are not required to testify in court. In many cases, we can pursue claims based upon information provided about your employment history and asbestos exposure in a sworn affidavit, along with medical records, military records, and employment records that we obtain for you. In some cases, depositions of asbestos victims, family members, and physicians occur out of court, prior to trial. Whether your case goes to trial cannot be predicted in advance. You must personally make that decision based on the unique facts of your case and the careful advice of your attorneys.
Q. Why should you choose PWHD over an out-of-state law firm?
Although we are a local law firm, PWHD has a national reputation in asbestos litigation.
PWHD has over 45 years of experience in prosecuting asbestos claims in both state and federal court. Lawyers on our asbestos litigation team have been designated by their peers as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Top Lawyers in Tidewater Virginia, and Leaders in the Law in Virginia.
PWHD has a long track record of multi-million-dollar jury verdicts for asbestos victims from the late 1970s to the present.
Because of our national reputation for successful representation of asbestos victims; PWHD, along with other leaders of the asbestos litigation, was appointed by the bankruptcy courts to organize and develop many of the asbestos trust funds that now provide compensation to asbestos victims all over the United States.
PWHD has also been appointed to the technical advisory committees of many of these asbestos bankruptcy trust funds to assure continuing fairness of these settlements for asbestos victims.
PWHD has changed the laws for asbestos victims with landmark decisions in the Supreme Court of Virginia.
PWHD has repeatedly initiated and succeeded in efforts to bring changes to the laws of Virginia to benefit asbestos victims.
For more than 45- years, PWHD has successfully settled thousands of asbestos claims for shipyard workers, Navy sailors, refinery workers, union workers, and their families.
At PWHD, asbestos claims are personal. Tidewater Virginia is our home, and our clients are our friends and neighbors.