About Richard
Richard N. "Rick" Shapiro: Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
For over three decades, Richard N. (Rick) Shapiro has been a relentless advocate for individuals injured due to the negligence of others. As a leading Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer, Mr. Shapiro has built a reputation for unwavering dedication, strategic legal expertise, and a proven track record of securing significant compensation for his clients. He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a seasoned trial attorney with an extraordinary ability to understand complex legal issues and effectively present them to a jury. When you need a legal champion who will fight tirelessly for your rights and maximum recovery, Rick Shapiro is the name to trust.
Mr. Shapiro’s career has been defined by a commitment to excellence and a passion for justice. He’s consistently recognized as a Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly, a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the legal community. His extensive experience encompasses a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, wrongful death, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and railroad injuries.
What Sets Rick Shapiro Apart?
Mr. Shapiro’s success isn’t based solely on experience. It’s built upon a unique combination of skills and knowledge:
- Trial Expertise: He has won client appeals before state supreme courts across multiple states – Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, and three times before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit – demonstrating his exceptional trial skills and strategic thinking.
- 100+ Million Dollar Record: His firm has achieved settlements and verdicts exceeding $100 million, showcasing his ability to obtain substantial compensation for his clients. The successful TN Supreme Court appeal, pursued for seven years, exemplifies his dedication and perseverance.
- Innovative Legal Approach: Mr. Shapiro’s unique background as an American inventor & product designer (holding 18 U.S. patents, including the Radio Flyer patent license) provides a distinct advantage in product liability cases. He possesses a deep understanding of product design, manufacturing, and potential defects, enabling him to build a stronger case and maximize compensation for his clients.
- Award-Winning Author & Advocate: He is an international award-winning fiction thriller author, demonstrating his ability to think critically and creatively – skills that translate seamlessly into his legal practice.
- Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate: Mr. Shapiro is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (ABA Accredited), reflecting his rigorous training and expertise in litigation.
Practice Areas:
Mr. Shapiro’s firm handles a comprehensive range of personal injury claims, including:
- Car Accidents: We aggressively pursue compensation for injuries sustained in automobile collisions.
- Wrongful Death: We provide compassionate support and legal representation to families who have lost a loved one due to another’s negligence.
- Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers: We specialize in complex trucking accident claims, seeking justice for victims injured by commercial vehicles.
- Railroad Worker Injuries and Disease Claims: We have extensive experience representing railroad employees injured on the job or suffering from occupational illnesses.
- Bike Accidents: We advocate for cyclists injured in collisions with motor vehicles.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We fight for the rights of pedestrians injured due to negligent drivers.
- Medical Malpractice: We investigate and pursue claims arising from negligent medical care.
- Faulty Product Liability: We handle product liability cases, including those involving dangerous toys and defective equipment.
Education & Credentials:
Bar Admissions: Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., U.S. Supreme Court Practice
Awards & Recognition: Lawyer of the Year: Railroad Law, Norfolk (2025), Lawyer of the Year: Railroad Law, Norfolk (2019), Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Recognized: Railroad Law, Top-100 Trial Lawyer (Martindale-Hubbell), in Best Attorney USA since 2010
Affiliations: Virginia Bar Association, American Association for Justice
Mr. Shapiro is dedicated to providing personalized attention and strategic legal counsel to every client. He understands the emotional and financial challenges associated with personal injury claims and strives to deliver the best possible outcome. Contact Rick Shapiro today to discuss your case and learn how he can protect your rights.
Practice Areas
Case History
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Railroad Law, Norfolk (2025)
- Lawyer of the Year: Railroad Law, Norfolk (2019)
- Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Recognized: Railroad Law
- Practice Area: Personal Injury Litigation
- Practice Area: Product Liability Litigation
- Practice Area: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- Practice Area: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Special Focus: Plaintiffs
- Special Focus: Product Liability
- Virginia Super Lawyer (since 2006)
- AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- Top-100 Trial Lawyer