News

What Is the Liability of Local Bars Serving Drunk Drivers?

If you have been in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, they may owe you financial compensation for your injuries. In some cases, the motorist would not be the only one who is liable for what happened to you. There is a possibility that you could file a lawsuit against anyone who served […]

Hit by a Drunk Driver in Charleston: What Are My Legal Options?

Being hit by a drunk driver can be a life-altering experience, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. If you or a loved one have been injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver in Charleston, South Carolina, you may wonder what steps you can take to seek justice. What Should […]

How Is Fault Determined in a Left-Hand Turn Accident?

Left-hand turns cause a high number of car accidents in South Carolina because they require drivers to cross oncoming traffic lanes with precise timing. If a driver mistimes one of these turns, they could easily get into a sideswipe or T-bone collision, which can cause any number of physical and psychological injuries. If you get […]

Are Anxiety Treatments Covered Under Car Accidents?

Everyone thinks about the physical consequences of car accidents: fractures, concussions, scrapes, and bruises. However, fewer people consider the emotional and mental effects of collisions caused by the shock, noise, and sudden impact. Many of our car collision clients here at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC have come to us with anxiety issues that […]

What Are My Legal Options if I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver?

When inebriated, drivers act recklessly on the road, react more slowly to potential danger, and make poor decisions for their own and others’ safety. Unfortunately, drunk driving laws do not deter every driver in Charleston, South Carolina. Our legal team at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC serves victims of drunk driving collisions all too […]

Which Intersections in Charleston Are the Most Dangerous?

Charleston’s beauty and historical charm have attracted many new residents, but the city’s infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the growing population. The resulting congestion has led to a significant increase in accidents at several high-traffic intersections. Here are some of the most dangerous intersections in Charleston that you should be aware of: Dorchester Road and […]

Can Nerve Damage Occur After a Car Accident?

The aftermath of car accidents can introduce any number of stressors into your life: insurance negotiations, medical emergencies, property damage, and mental anxiety and trauma. While all these very real consequences come into play over time, victims notice their physical injuries immediately — and in some severe cases, those injuries last. Nerve damage sits near […]

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Mt. Pleasant?

Drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated when they get on the road in Mt. Pleasant. Local authorities simply have not kept up with their responsibility of providing a safe roadway for drivers. Furthermore, careless and reckless drivers have made the situation much worse. As a result, the area has a very high rate of serious car […]

Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Attorneys Named to 2025 The Best Lawyers in America®

Several Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC attorneys have been selected to the 2025 The Best Lawyers in America list, with three receiving Lawyer of the Year awards. All are recognized for their accomplishments in numerous practice areas, including antitrust law, mass tort, personal injury, product liability, class action, and medical malpractice litigation. Rogers, Patrick, […]

Types of Car Accidents—Which Are the Most Common?

With so many distractions in vehicles, there are many ways to blunder the importance of giving the road your undivided attention. Considering there is a traffic collision on South Carolina’s roadways every 3.6 minutes, it is important to look at all the types of car accidents and possible ways to avoid them. Here is a […]

Quartz Countertops Silicosis Lawsuits: What You Should Know

If you are a worker in the countertop manufacturing industry, you have probably heard of the lung disease called “silicosis.” If you believe you have been affected by silica exposure while on the job, Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC will help you. This article will provide an in-depth look at silicosis, its causes, and […]

Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Attorneys Named to 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC proudly announces that four of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2024 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Charles W. Patrick, Jr., Esq. is a founding member of the firm and serves as of counsel. He is an esteemed personal injury and product liability lawyer […]

Gordon Rhea Nominated To Be US-VI Attorney General

RPWB would like to extend a congratulations to our colleague, Gordon Rhea, on his nomination to become the next Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. recently announced the nomination of Rhea, who worked at RPWB first as a member attorney and then later in an of counsel capacity. While at […]

Asbestos Finally Banned in United States

We’ve been waiting nearly 50 years to type this: Asbestos is finally banned in the United States. After decades of inadequate protections for workers, the EPA has finally banned the only remaining type of asbestos still imported into America. More than 50 countries have already banned the use of asbestos, which is known to cause […]

Gordon Rhea Wins USVI Bar Association’s Highest Honor

RPWB of counsel attorney Gordon Rhea was honored with the highest award during the Virgin Islands Bar Association’s annual meeting on December 8, 2023. The award ceremony highlighted Rhea’s dedication to the legal profession and his commitment, dedication and valuable contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands. The Winston A. Hodge Award for Public […]

RPWB Represented a Whistleblower who Helped the Federal Government Recoup $1.7 million

ORLANDO, Fla. – The federal government has recouped $1.7 million from a healthcare provider who fraudulently billed Medicare and TRICARE for medical procedures that were not deemed necessary and were performed by an unqualified technician. In the settlement agreement, Jena Medical Group LLC, as well as several individuals associated with the company, have agreed to […]

Local Non-Profit to Receive $500,000 to Help Low Income Households Save Money on Power Bills

CHARLESTON, S.C. – A local energy conservation non-profit will receive nearly $500,000 to help low income residents in Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties conserve energy and save money on energy bills. The Sustainability Institute will receive $484,345.89 in unclaimed monies from the 2021 settlement of the class action lawsuit Hearn v. Santee Cooper. The case […]

RPWB Announces the Passing of J. David Butler

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend, colleague and law partner, J. David Butler on September 30, 2023, after a valiant three-year battle with cancer. He was a friend to all and was, quite simply, the nicest guy one could have the pleasure of knowing. Dave […]

17 RPWB Attorneys Selected for Best Lawyers in America List

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C – Seventeen RPWB attorneys were selected for the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® list for numerous practice areas including personal injury, product liability, mass tort, class action, qui tam and medical malpractice litigation. This marks the seventh consecutive year in which RPWB is the top-listed plaintiff law firm in […]

Trial Lawyer Deon Tedder Joins RPWB

Trial attorney Deon Tedder has joined Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC, where he will focus on personal injury, mass torts and criminal defense work out of the firm’s Mount Pleasant and Columbia offices. Tedder joins RPWB after working at David Aylor Law Offices for the past five years, where he helped many clients in […]

Johnson & Johnson Talc Bankruptcy Petition Dismissal is a Win for Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Victims

By Dave Butler In a significant victory for injured consumers, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the bankruptcy petition of a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary that holds the company’s liabilities for claims brought by thousands of consumers injured by exposure to asbestos-contaminated talc in Johnson & Johnson products.  The dismissal, on January 30, 2023, […]

U.S. News & World Report: RPWB is a Top National Law Firm for Mass Torts & Class Actions

CHARLESTON, S.C. — RPWB is incredibly proud to be selected as one of the top national law firms for mass torts and class actions by U.S. News & World Report. RPWB is officially listed as a Tier 1 law firm for such cases, the highest possible designation. In addition to the national selection, RPWB also […]

How Do Camp Lejeune Lawsuits Actually Work?

You’ve no doubt seen the ads on television, but did you ever wonder how Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits actually work? Our team breaks it down for you. RPWB has filed its first administrative claims with the Navy JAG, the first step in the litigation process under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The JAG is tasked […]

With Sixteen Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers List, RPWB is the Top-Listed Product Liability and Class Action Law Firm in the State

Sixteen RPWB attorneys were selected for the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® list for numerous practice areas including personal injury, product liability, mass tort, class action and medical malpractice litigation. This marks the sixth consecutive year in which RPWB is the top-listed plaintiff law firm in South Carolina for both product liability […]

With a New Law, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Victims Finally Have Legal Recourse

For more than 30 years, the drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was contaminated with a cocktail of dangerous toxins linked to cancer, leukemia, Parkinson’s disease and other serious medical conditions. Now after intense lobbying by veteran’s groups and others, victims of Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water have legal recourse for compensation. On Wednesday, […]

Congress Passes Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Law

Over a 34-year period, many thousands of Marines and their families were exposed to dangerous water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. After a long wait, justice may finally be in sight. Congress approved bi-partisan legislation on Tuesday night that will clear the way for veterans and their families to seek compensation in federal […]

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Law Close to Passing, Would Finally Bring Justice to Veterans and their Families

A bill that is close to becoming law could finally provide justice and financial relief to veterans and their families for health problems caused by water contamination at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The bi-partisan Honoring our PACT Act of 2021 has passed both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. It was sent […]

RPWB Helped Doctors Get Refunds for Non-Conforming Records Software

RPWB attorneys played a leading role in more than 5,000 doctors’ offices receiving refunds for being misled about their electronic medical record software qualifying for Medicare and Medicaid incentives. For years, Greenway Health sold software it claimed was certified under the federal government’s “Meaningful Use” program. That program includes financial incentives designed to reward physicians […]

Federal Court Certifies Fair Labor Standards Act Collective Action Against Las Vegas Restaurant

A federal district court has authorized notice to current and former employees of the Boiling Crab restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada who were employed at any time between March 23, 2018 and October 26, 2020.  The notice permits current and former workers to opt-in to the pending litigation alleging that employees were improperly denied compensation […]

Whistleblower Case Involving Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Settles for $24.5 million

Physician Partners of America, of Tampa, Fla., has agreed to repay the federal government $24.5 million in a settlement to resolve four whistleblower cases brought under the False Claims Act. Current and former employees of the company came forward to allege that the company billed Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary medical testing and services, paid […]

EPA Proposes Asbestos Ban

Many people do not realize it, but asbestos is not banned in the United States despite the fact it kills thousands of Americans each year by causing mesothelioma cancer and other forms of lung disease. That might be about to change. The EPA has announced it intends to ban the known carcinogen using new authority […]

Asbestos Awareness Week Shines Light on Mesothelioma, a Cancer that Continues to Devastate

The first week of April 2022 is Asbestos Awareness Week in the United States. Members of both houses of Congress unanimously approved resolutions making the designation. Once ubiquitous in worksites and homes throughout the country, we are still experiencing the negative health effects of asbestos decades after its peak use. Mesothelioma, the insidious cancer caused […]

U.S. News: RPWB is a Best Law Firm for National Mass Torts & Class Actions

RPWB is a top plaintiff law firm for our work on national mass torts and class actions, according to the 2022 Best Law Firm rankings by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to the national ranking for mass torts/class actions, RPWB was listed as a Best Law Firm for personal injury, product liability, medical […]

Jury Awards $8.2 million to Soldier in 3M Military Earplugs Case

Pensacola, Fla. – Another federal jury has found 3M liable for producing defective earplugs that caused our nation’s veterans to suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus. On October 1, 2021, jurors awarded $8.2 million to Army veteran Brandon Adkins of Washington, marking the third trial in which plaintiffs have been awarded money from 3M to […]

Burke: The Challenges and Responsibility of Representing Veterans

RPWB member Beth Burke led a continuing legal education session on representing veterans and military personnel at the Southern Trial Lawyers Association Annual Fall Conference in Louisville on Sept. 17. The topic was especially important to Burke, who grew up not far from Charleston. Southern states produce 44 percent of our nation’s troops. Charleston is […]

16 RPWB attorneys named to 2022 Best Lawyers list

Mount Pleasant, S.C. – Sixteen RPWB attorneys are listed in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® list for numerous practice areas including personal injury, product liability, mass tort and medical malpractice litigation. RPWB is the top-listed plaintiff firm in South Carolina for mass tort/class actions & product liability litigation. For the first […]

The combination of two drugs showed encouraging results for patients suffering from advanced peritoneal mesothelioma.

The use of a checkpoint inhibitor along with a drug to slow the growth of new blood vessels may delay the progression of peritoneal mesothelioma as well as increase the life expectancy of patients diagnosed with the deadly disease caused by asbestos exposure. A study by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found […]

Jury Returns $7 million Verdict Against 3M in Military Earplugs Lawsuit

Jurors in the first military earplug lawsuit returned a $7 million verdict that included more than $6 million in punitive damages against 3M for selling the military faulty earplugs. Combat Arms earplugs were widely used in the military between 2003 and 2015. The design of the earplugs made it difficult for service members to get […]

RPWB Attorneys Investigating Paraquat, a Herbicide Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

CHARLESTON, S.C. – RPWB attorneys are investigating the cases of farmers, agricultural workers, crop dusters and groundskeepers who developed Parkinson’s disease after using Paraquat weed killer. Several herbicides contain Paraquat, including: Gramoxone, Ortho-Paraquat, Para-SHOT, Parazone, Quick-Quat, Firestorm and Helmqua. The herbicides have been used in the United States since 1964, and have come under increased […]

RPWB Opposes Proposed $2 Billion Roundup Cancer Settlement

  AIKEN, S.C. – Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman joined more than 90 other law firms in opposing a proposed class action settlement for people who have developed cancer as a result of exposure to Roundup Weed Killer. The proposed $2 billion settlement is deeply flawed and would impair cancer victims’ ability to seek appropriate […]

$5.4 Million Settlement Reached in Fatal Charleston DUI

  CHARLESTON, S.C. — A case involving a 32-year-old Chicago man who was killed by a drunk driver in Charleston recently resolved for $5.4 million. In January 2019, William Kappel, Jr. (deceased), his wife Laura, and Jacqueline Zink traveled to Charleston to visit their friend Joseph Murray, who had recently moved to the Lowcountry from […]

RPWB Welcomes a New Member

Matt Nickles, who has worked as an associate at our firm since 2014, became a member at the beginning of this year. Nickles focuses on medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, catastrophic personal injury, premises liability, product liability, class actions and other complex litigation. He is experienced in litigating medical malpractice and pharmacy liability cases, including […]

RPWB is a US News 2021 Best Law Firm

CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. News & World Report has named Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman as a 2021 Best Law Firm for its work in personal injury, product liability, mass torts, medical malpractice, securities litigation, healthcare law and railroad law. The announcement by U.S. News followed RPWB’s inclusion on the 2021 Best Lawyers in America […]

The chase of PPP fraud is on

When the federal government raced to release more than $2.2 trillion in coronavirus aid earlier this year, it did so knowing that some of that money would go to fraudulent claims. With the money needed immediately by struggling businesses and workers, the government could not efficiently control fraud on the front end, so it was […]

Top-Listed Firm for Personal Injury, Product Liability and Mass Torts

RPWB is the top-listed plaintiff law firm in South Carolina for personal injury, product liability and mass tort litigation in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In all, 14 RPWB attorneys were named Best Lawyers in their respective practice areas. Two other RPWB lawyers were named “Ones to Watch,” a designation for […]

How are Mesothelioma Lawsuits Paid Out?

By Ken Wilson Some of the most frequent questions we get about mesothelioma lawsuits concern how they are ultimately paid out to clients and how long it will all take. To address those questions, let me give you a little bit of context about how mesothelioma lawsuits work. When a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, […]

$1.5 Billion Syngenta Corn Farmer Settlement Finalized

Corn Farmer Settlement Checks Are On The Way This week we received some very good news for corn farmers nationwide who suffered price losses associated with the botched launch of genetically-modified corn seed by Syngenta in 2013. On January 3, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas in Kansas City approved a […]

RPWB is a 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firm

CHARLESTON, S.C. – U.S. News & World Report has named Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman as a 2020 Best Law Firm for the firm’s work in personal injury, mass torts and class actions, product liability, medical malpractice, securities litigation, healthcare law and railroad law. U.S. News’ announcement came on the heels of the 2020 Best […]

16 RPWB Lawyers Selected For Best Lawyers List

CHARLESTON – RPWB was once again the top-listed plaintiff law firm in South Carolina for product liability cases as well as mass tort and class action lawsuits in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, which was released in August 2019. In total, 16 RPWB attorneys were designated as 2020 Best Lawyers, including […]

Asbestos causes mesothelioma, and now scientists know why

It is no secret that exposure to asbestos causes cancer. However, while scientists definitively established this link decades ago, the exact mechanism was still a mystery. A recent study apparently demonstrates just how asbestos causes mesothelioma, which at some point in the future could possibly be helpful to doctors in South Carolina who treat patients […]

Study confirms link between cosmetic products and mesothelioma

Wearing makeup and using other cosmetic products is quite common in South Carolina. Unfortunately, just because something is common does not mean it is safe. For example, asbestos contamination is shockingly common in the cosmetics industry. A recent study established a definite link between the deadly cancer mesothelioma and asbestos found in many cosmetic products. […]

FDA pushes for more testing amid asbestos exposure concern

Current asbestos testing standards for industries that use talc are fairly loose. As recent reports have shown that many products contain this toxic substance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pushing for new testing standards. If implemented, it could possibly lower the risk of asbestos exposure for people in South Carolina and across the […]

Is diagnosing mesothelioma difficult?

If you’ve worked in a job that exposed you to asbestos, you may already know the risk for mesothelioma. But when the disease takes years to show up, how do doctors know whether or not you have it? Mesothelioma is a rare disease. And many different illnesses have similar symptoms. To diagnose patients, doctors must […]

How can I find clinical trials for mesothelioma?

If you have mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, you know that only limited treatment exists. However, science is always searching for new ways to treat or cure the disease. If you have exhausted your options for treatment, a clinical trial can test out a new way to fight your mesothelioma. Your doctor may be aware of […]

Asbestos litigation: Johnson & Johnson faces another lawsuit

South Carolina consumers should feel confident that they are making safe purchases, but this is unfortunately more difficult than it seems. Companies are frequently more concerned with their own bottom lines than they are with the health and safety of their customers. Concerned over citizens’ safety, one state is engaging in asbestos litigation against Valeant […]

Construction workers learn of asbestos exposure months later

There is a very good reason that asbestos abatement is tightly regulated in South Carolina. When mishandled, asbestos fibers are released into the air. Those airborne fibers are easily inhaled. For those who do not quite understand just how serious this is, it is important to know that asbestos exposure can lead to a number […]

Miners, construction workers at higher risk for mesothelioma

Asbestos has not disappeared from South Carolina. Whether from old buildings and products or in new uses, asbestos can still be found in many — all over and even in the workplace. Almost anyone could be at risk for exposure, but there are some who face an even greater risk than others. Here are some […]

Renovations caused asbestos exposure for residents, workers

Having a safe place to live is important for the health and safety of all South Carolina residents. No one really wants to face ongoing health threats at home. Unseen dangers can be anywhere, though. For some people, a particularly troublesome unseen danger is asbestos exposure, which can cause life-threatening illnesses. The Occupational Safety and […]

You have probably been affected by asbestos exposure

There are many valid concerns about being exposed to the toxic substance known as asbestos. Since asbestos exposure is known to cause mesothelioma and other fatal diseases, most people want to avoid it at all costs. However, many people in South Carolina have been exposed to asbestos on at least one occasion. Limited exposure to […]

Demolition site cited for second asbestos exposure violation

People in South Carolina might associate large implosions and wrecking balls with building demolitions. These are not the only options, especially when it comes to buildings that contain asbestos. Demolition may take place over much longer periods of time, such as an out-of-state project that has been going on for at least two years. Unfortunately, […]

South Carolina teachers at risk for developing mesothelioma

Teaching is not necessarily an easy profession, but South Carolina teachers still choose this career path because they are passionate about education. However, while teachers spend years educating young students, many are also suffering from regular asbestos exposure. All that exposure means that elementary and middle school teachers have a much higher risk for developing […]

Illegal storage sites and asbestos exposure

There are strict rules regarding removing and disposing of asbestos, and they exist for a reason. When disturbed, asbestos particles can easily be released into the air. Inhaling those particles is extremely dangerous, so minimizing the chance of exposure is a good idea. Unfortunately, most people in South Carolina do not even realize they suffered […]

Is a clinical trial right for me?

Newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients generally have many questions about their treatment options. Treatment can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma, location, and stage, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. But a typical mesothelioma treatment plan may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. In addition to these standard treatment options, patients […]

Asbestos exposure is still killing people

Even though the Environmental Protection Agency has banned most uses of asbestos, it can still be found in both new and old materials, products and more. Since it is no secret that asbestos is a dangerous and carcinogenic substance, industries that still use it should exercise extreme caution to prevent possible exposure. Unfortunately, this does […]

What is the average age of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma?

We recently published a SlideShare titled “What is the average age of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma?” If you wish to speak to an attorney about your options after a mesothelioma diagnosis, please call 866-283-5862. What Is The Average Age Of a Mesothelioma Diagnosis? from The Law Buzz

School, a place for learning and asbestos exposure?

South Carolina parents send their children to school with the expectation that they will receive a good education in a safe environment. But what if schools are not as safe as they are supposed to be? Children could be unwitting victims of asbestos exposure, which can lead to serious and even fatal health problems in […]

Conflicting findings regarding asbestos exposure from baby powder

When a South Carolina parent buys a product for his or her child, there is the assumption that the product will be safe to use and not cause any harm, injury or illness. Over the last few weeks, reports about the possibility of asbestos exposure due to Johnson & Johnson baby powder products has caused […]

Asbestos Find Causes Retailers to Pull Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder

Major retailers including Walmart, CVS and Rite Aid have pulled 22-ounce bottles of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder after the FDA found traces of asbestos in a recently-tested bottle. The presence of asbestos in Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder prompted Johnson & Johnson to initiate a voluntary recall on approximately 33,000 bottles of the talcum […]

Johnson & Johnson