Virginia Injury Lawyer Blog

A new pool/spa safety law, designed to prevent the children from being entrapped by drains, is now in effect. Congress in 2007 passed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, named after former Secretary of State James Baker's granddaughter, who became trapped in a hot-tub drain and drowned in 2002. The law, which grew out of the lawsuit brought by Hall Sickels against the spa and drain manufacturer, set new standards for drain covers for public pools and spas, or hot tubs. The standards are optional for existing residential pools. This law requires installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other systems as outlined in the Act.

To learn more, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09065.html

The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association has honored Hall Sickels partner Robert Hall with its Lifetime Achievement Award Hall, marking only the second time the honor has been bestowed in the group's 50-year history.

The VTLA created the award to honor a lawyer "who has been in practice for many years and demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the mission and principles of the association."

Hall's 45-year career includes distinguished civil and criminal litigation, including the landmark exoneration through DNA testing of a man on death row who had been convicted of rape and murder.

Hall has practice law since 1964 and is a past president of the VTLA. In 2007-2008, he served as president of the International Association of Trial Lawyers. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and of the Virginia Law Foundation. He has served as Dean of the Virginia College of Trial Advocacy.

Hall, Sickels, Frei & Mims is one of the most experienced personal injury trial firms in Virginia, representing those seriously injured through accidents, defective products and medical malpractice.