TheAthletesLawyer

Tennis player lawyer Doug Landau hits the courts and has "raised a racket" to advocate for his injured clients

Having represented injured athletes throughout the Virginia, Maryland and Metropolitan DC region, sports injury lawyer Doug Landau has seen stoic sportsmen and sportswomen under-report their injuries and limitations to their treating doctors.  Unfortunately, “putting on a brave face” to the health care providers may lead to an inaccurate medical history and a discounting of the negligence, product or premises liability case by the Defendants’ insurance companies.  In bike crash, dog bite, swimming pool and jogger injury cases, the insurance adjusters and nurses carefully scrutinize the initial Emergency Room medical records and histories in order to deny, delay and discount otherwise strong liability personal injury claims.

While my grandfather Landau taught me to have a “stiff upper lip,” doing so in the context of medical care can lead to medical records that are not helpful to the physicians or the injured athlete’s legal counsel.  So, sports injury lawyer Landau suggests that athletes “raise a racket”and fully and completely advise ALL health providers of their pain, limitations and difficulties.  If you, or an athlete you know, has been injured in a bike and car crash accident, attacked by dogs or disabled due to defective sports products, please e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU (703-796-9555)

Recently, Ashburn and Herndon area injury lawyer Doug Landau has been contacted by injured bikers who already have a lawyer.  Some are dissatisfied with their current lawyer’s work. Others cannot reach their current attorney.  And still other cyclists are confused and do not understand the legal process or their present legal counsel’s instructions.

Herndon and Ashburn bike crash injury lawyer Doug Landau of ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. steers his bike with just 2 hands !

When A-V Rated attorney Doug Landau is contacted by a disabled biker or athlete or bike – car crash victim who is already represented by counsel, he and the ABRAMS LANDAU staff advise the caller to try to work things out with their present lawyer.  That lawyer presumably knows the case; has invested in the claim; and, will likely have a “lien” (an “IOU”) for attorney fees even if the case is taken over by another attorney or law firm.  Plus, switching counsel “mid-stream” sends a negative message to the insurance company.  It suggests that the client is impatient, may switch again, and that there will be dissonance on the plaintiff’s side of the case.  So, while the injury trial team at ABRAMS LANDAU wants to help everyone who calls, writes and e-mails, when there is already counsel retained, we decline representation unless the potential client has:

1. Genuinely tried to work things out with their original lawyer;
2. Settled up with their counsel, who may be owed money for costs and fees;
3. Put in writing that the lawyer is discharged; and
4. Have a copy of their file so that the next lawyer does not have to “reinvent the wheel” and duplicate expenses.

Cases the ABRAMS LANDAU injury trial team is currently working on that were started by other law firms include claims where the original lawyer has: retired, fallen ill, been disbarred, realized that they are not admitted to practice in the jurisdiction where the trial will be held and does not have the staff, resources or money to properly invest in the case.

For a quick meal on the go, Herndon trial lawyer Doug Landau, like Reston attorney Bob Nicoli, will often stop at Robeks for a healthy smoothie, wrap or salad. Since the smoothies are made to order, they are fresh and contain only those ingredients you select. After a particularly long or intense workout, or when recuperating from an injury, sports accident lawyer Landau will get a protein blend so that repair to damaged tissues can begin immediately with the necessary amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Winning races is not easy. It takes focused training, regular rest and diet discipline, especially during the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years. TriathlonTrialLawyer Doug Landau points out, “What we eat, how much rest we get and how hard we train are all important parts of the fitness equation. Smart triathletes and trial lawyers get all three in balance.” So the next time you need a quick meal, skip “Mickey D’s” and the “BK lounge” and instead try a healthier alternative like Robeks.

Doug Landau & Beatrice Vargas of ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. holding copies of his new bike crash book

ABRAMS LANDAU received its first shipment of Doug Landau’s new book, “Ten Mistakes That Can Derail Your Bicycle Injury Case.” Drawing upon over 25 years’ experience helping injured cyclists, disabled riders and their families, Herndon and Reston bike crash lawyer Landau compiled a book that cyclists have been requesting online since this summer’s court cases in Loudoun County. Landau’s bike crash book had been available through SPOKES Magazine, Potomac Peddler’s “Pedal Patter” newspaper and other Bicycle clubs and bike shops.  In addition to common sense tips and actual cases, Landau provides extensive forms, explanations and details that many so-called personal injury lawyers neglect to share with their clients. As the Landau Law Shop is regularly contacted by injured bikers, this new book is intended to be a helpful resource for injured cyclists.

If you or someone you know would like to get a copy, please e-mail ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. or call (703)796-9555.

Top masters finishers after the 2009 Lake Anna Virginia Triathlon Series sprint race

When a cabbie cut into cyclist Rob Urbach’s path and was sent through the windshield, who would have thought that 3 years later he would be at the top of his game, winning awards at the Dextro ITU Olympic Triathlon and this weekend winning a Masters prize at the Lake Anna Acorn Sprint Triathlon held in Bumpass Virginia. Despite some windshield glass that still has not worked its way out of “Rocket Rob’s” arm, the talented mulisport athlete has had a consistent season, leaving his legal counsel in the dust at every venue.

There are “Ironmen” and then there are Ironmen. Rob Urbach is truly a man made of iron. Shown to the left are the Masters triathletes after the Virginia Triathlon race at Lake Anna, the same venue as the “Rumpass in Bumpass.” This event benefits Organization for Autism Research and Lake Anna Rescue Squad. They serve the Lake Anna region and many of them were on site race day. This weekend benefits both the Lake Anna Rescue Squad and the Organization for Autism Research. The Organization for Autism Research and it’s “Tri For Autism” program allows athletes to race and raise funds for Autism research. It’s better when you tri for a cause…

The Chantilly "BLAST" a local U-16 girls' travel team, was an undefeated division winner at the Battlefield Blast soccer tournament

Our fourth child is competing in the Bristow Virginia “Battlefield Classic” soccer tournament this weekend. Our kids have participated in the Manassas soccer club’s highly competitive tourney many times. The well-maintained fields and excellent organization make this tournament one of the highlights of the season. Located about 15 minutes past the George Mason University Prince William County Campus and the adjacent Freedom Fitness Center, the Bristow sports complex has excellent soccer, baseball and lacrosse fields for kids of all ages. I had trained with a Masters Swim Team that held weekend practices at the Freedom Fitness facility, where Shandra Richardson of Riptide Swim & Sport now coaches. The Prince William athletic facilities are wonderful, and I will frequently get in a workout before or after court in order to avoid traffic and take advantage of the local pool, trails, battlefield park running trails, tennis courts and bike classes.

Dr. Dowling is shown giving ART treatment to competitor (& Maccabiah Gold Medal Winner after the ITU Dextro Triathlon in Washington, D.C.

“Active Release Technique” or “ART” is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Doug Landau has had ART treatment before and after races and found it to be beneficial, especially with regard to iliotibial band (”IT Band”) pain and hamstring tightness after hard multi sport training.

Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee Read the rest of this entry »

Doug Landau works hard at being the best lawyer for his injured clients and the best Master triathlete

While preparing for several Fall trials in Virginia, New Jersey and Florida, Doug Landau was also finishing up his multi-sport season after strong finishes in several local sprint triathlons. Imagine the TriathlonTrialLawyer’s surprise when he was notified that he was selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers, which is based entirely on peer review. According to the Best Lawyers website:

“For 25 years, the top lawyers in the U.S. have helped make The Best Lawyers In America the leading legal referral guide by candidly evaluating the work of other top lawyers in the same specialties and geographic areas. In large legal communities (such as New York City and Washington, D.C.), lawyers are asked Read the rest of this entry »

Doug Landau & Sandra Rohrstaf, VTLA President, at the Brain Injury "Miracle Mile" 10 km running race

At the Brain Injury Association’s annual “Miracle Mile” road race, I had the pleasure of not only being a volunteer, but seeing friends from the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, including VTLA President elect Sandra Rohrstaf.  VTLA provides its members with Professional Development in the form of outstanding Continuing Legal Education (CLE), several of which I and my staff attend every year in order to keep up with the latest developments in law, medicine and legislation.

VTLA also publishes “The Journal,” an award-winning quarterly magazine which features practical articles on trends in Virginia trial law. I have written for “The Journal,” which is a peer-reviewed publication that is now also available online.  VTLA also has several ListServers, whereby we are able to network by email with other VTLA members on nearly every subject area. Through E-Clips, I and other VTLA members receive a daily news service that highlights the latest legal news.  Lastly, our Annual Convention presents top-rated CLE programs, opportunities to meet prominent judges, Virginia’s and the nation’s top legal experts and colleagues.  Having served on the VTLA Convention Committee for many years, I am proud to say that our annual meetings are well attended, full of worthwhile programming, educational opportunities and inspirational presentations.  I know that Sandra will continue VTLA’s tradition of excellence and advocacy for the victims and the disabled who would otherwise have no voice.

Triathlon Trial Lawyer Doug Landau and 6 time Ironman World Champion Dave Scott

Even an experienced cyclist like Six time Ironman world champion Dave Scott can get struck by car while cycling.  While riding in his home town of Boulder, Colorado, Ironman Champion Dave Scott was hit by a car while on a training ride.  Witness at the scene of the accident report that Scott was conscious and talking after being struck, and that it looked to them like the car accident had potentially broken Scott’s collar bone or separated his shoulder with other multiple cuts on his legs and arms.  News reports indicate that the bike crash took place as he was riding down a hill and a car suddenly made a U-turn in his path.  The motorist was from out of town and was looking at real estate signs.

According to a biker who came on the scene shortly after the crash, the champion triathlete put two massive dents in the driver’s side door. he was taken to the hospital.  Witnesses at the scene also report that Scott was well taken care of by both emergency services and fellow cyclist.  Since 1999, Dave has served as head triathlon coach for Team In Training.  I have met and spoken to Scott at the Columbia and DC Nations Triathlons.  He is personable, with a ready sense of humor and an athlete who lives what he preaches.  I hope that he has a full and complete recovery from this bike crash.