Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. - Newport News, VA

Seven Decades of Proven Trial Advocacy in Newport News

When catastrophic harm occurs or corporate employers violate worker protections, having an established, battle-tested legal team is indispensable. Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein, L.C., widely known as PWHD, is one of Virginia most revered litigation firms. Tracing its roots back to 1954 in Newport News, the firm has stood on the front lines of high-stakes civil litigation for over seventy years. Renowned nationwide for pioneering asbestos litigation on behalf of shipyard workers and Navy veterans, PWHD has recovered billions of dollars for injured individuals, workers, and whistleblowers throughout Virginia. When serious injuries strike or you need a lawyer urgently to confront corporate wrongdoing, PWHD provides relentless representation backed by extensive resources.

Comprehensive Litigation and Practice Disciplines

The litigators at PWHD combine deep institutional knowledge with aggressive courtroom advocacy across key civil practice areas:

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, and Toxic Exposure

PWHD has served at the forefront of national asbestos litigation for fifty years, securing Virginia first asbestos punitive damage verdict and landmark multi-million dollar jury awards. The firm champions shipyard tradespeople, industrial workers, Navy personnel, and family members suffering from mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or contaminated talcum powder exposure.

Catastrophic Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

Navigating traumatic injuries requires advocates who understand complex medicine and liability forensics. PWHD represents victims and grieving families in serious automobile crashes, tractor-trailer collisions, maritime accidents, premises liability, and medical malpractice, pursuing full compensation for medical care and lost earning capacity.

Defective Medical Products and Dangerous Pharmaceuticals

When manufacturers release unsafe pharmaceuticals or medical devices into the marketplace, patient safety is compromised. The firm handles mass torts and product liability actions involving defective hip replacements, surgical mesh, contaminated medications, and faulty equipment, taking decisive action against major manufacturers.

Whistleblower and False Claims Act Qui Tam Actions

PWHD boasts an acclaimed False Claims Act practice led by seasoned attorneys who have secured major recoveries and government interventions. The firm represents whistleblowers exposing Medicare and Medicaid fraud, defense contractor overbilling, anti-kickback violations, and procurement deception, safeguarding clients from retaliatory actions.

Employment and Labor Law Advocacy

PWHD protects workers facing wrongful termination, sexual harassment, racial discrimination, retaliatory discipline, and wage and hour violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The firm also assists executives with severance packages and non-compete agreements.

Why Clients Choose Patten, Wornom, Hatten and Diamonstein

When you prepare to hire an attorney for a high-stakes lawsuit, proven trial success is the defining metric. Key reasons clients trust PWHD include:

• Billions in Recoveries: A track record featuring numerous multi-million dollar jury verdicts in Newport News and federal courts.
• Recognized Leadership: Honored by Best Lawyers in America, Virginia Legal Elite, Super Lawyers, and recipient of the Courageous Advocate Award.
• Contingency Fee Commitment: Injured clients pay no upfront legal fees and owe nothing unless financial recovery is secured.
• Constant Availability: Legal counsel is accessible twenty-four hours a day with free initial case evaluations.

If you or a family member has been harmed by negligence or unlawful workplace conduct, reach out to PWHD today to consult a lawyer committed to fighting for your future.