Roger A. Ritchie, Jr.
Ritchie Law Firm
71 South Court Square
Suite A
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Map
Phone: (540) 421-7003 | Fax: (540) 564-0001
http://www.ritchielawfirm.com
http://ssadisabilityclaims.wordpress.com
Tractor Trailer and Auto Accident Injury Law
Legal Topic
Personal Injury
Preferred New Clients
Tractor Trailer and Auto Accidents.
Sub-Topics
Accidents & Personal Injury
- Construction Site Injuries
- Slip & Fall
Car Accident
- Whiplash
Dangerous Property
Financial Injuries
- False Charities
Intentional Injuries
- Assault & Battery
- Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Mass Accidents
- Mass Transit - Bus, Train, Subway
Medical Malpractice
- Birth Injuries and Defects
- Elder and Nursing Home Abuse
- Medication Malpractice
- Spinal Cord Injury
Motorcycle Accident
Product Liability
- Design Defects
- Manufacturing Defects
Professional Malpractice
- Legal Malpractice
Serious/Catastrophic Injuries
- Amputation
- Birth Injury
- Head/Brain Injury
- Paralysis
Truck Accident
Wrongful Death
Legal Topic
Government
Preferred New Clients
Social Security Disability.
Sub-Topics
Government Agencies & Programs
- Medicare & Medicaid
Social Security Disability
- DAC (Disabled Adult Child Benefits)
- Individual Disability
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Bar Admissions
VA
Bar Number: 40378
WV
Bar Number: 7366
Other Court Admissions
I was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Virginia in 1996, and the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in 1997. I practice before the U.S. District Courts of the Western District of Virginia and the U.S. Districts of the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia. I have been admitted to practice before the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. I am a member of the Virginia State Bar and the West Virginia State Bar, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Bar, and the Staunton/Augusta County Bar Association.
Association Memberships
• Sustaining Member: National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives 2009-present
• Medical Legal Committee: Harrisonburg-Rockingham Bar Association 2003-present
• Augusta County Bar Association: 1999-present
• West Virginia State Bar: 1997-present
• Virginia State Bar: 1996-present
Continuing Education
I attend conferences and seminars covering various topics, but primarily in the area of focus of my practice. I have lectured to the public on Personal Injury, Social Security and Medical Coding topics. Most recently, I lectured at National College in Harrisonburg and a medico-legal seminar in Winchester, Virginia. My seminar covered important topics and coding issues. I have been an approved vendor for American Academy of Professional Coders. Several local health care providers found the medico-legal seminar in Winchester, Virginia helpful.
Papers and Publications
I have published three brochures dealing with Social Security Disability, Long Term Disability (Non-Erisa) and Truck/Auto Injury Law. I also maintain a blog.
Example Cases
Automobile Accident and Injury
Personal Injury
I litigated and argued a insurance claim denial before the Virginia Supreme Court involving a person injured by a drunk driver on Interstate 81. Smith vs. Colonial Ins. (Virginia Supreme Court)
Social Security Disability
I appealed and successfully obtained benefits for a younger ill persons in U.S. Federal Court after being denied benefits at two ALJ's . On both occasions before the Federal Court, my case was remanded for improper denials by the Social Security Administration. U.S. District Court (Western Division of Virginia)
Education
California Western
Juris Doctorate
San Diego
CA
1996
Honor Committee, Student Council Treasurer and Law Clerk for Professor
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Arts
Charlottesville
VA
1991
History
Number of Attorneys
6
State Licensed In
Virginia
Firm Focus and History
I have been in practice since 1996, focusing his practice exclusively in representation of the seriously injured and ill. Currently, my concentration and focus is on personal injury cases involving traumatic brain injury, wrongful death, auto and tractor trailer collisions, products liability, and social security disability claims.
Ritchie Law Firm was established in 1996.
Professional Services — Legal: Representing and helping persons in Virginia and West Virginia. I have represented seriously injured and ill persons from the following counties and communities:
Virginia Counties: Albemarle, Augusta, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Highland, King George, Loudoun, Louisa, Madison, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Warren.
Virginia Cities: Alexandria, Charlottesville, Culpepper, Dale City, Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, Leesburg, Luray, Manassas, Mount Vernon, Reston, Staunton, Strasburg, Warrenton, Winchester, Woodbridge, and Woodstock.
West Virginia Counties: Berkeley, Jefferson, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, and Morgan.
West Virginia Cities: Berkeley Springs, Charles Town, Keyser, Martinsburg, Moorefield, Petersburg, and Romney.
Previous Employment Summary
I was part of the Federal work study program as a legal clerk for both a tax law professor and an employment law professor while in school. I have actively worked as an attorney since I graduated from law school.
Activities and Awards
• Pro Bono Award - Blue Ridge Legal Services
• Pro Bono Award - California Legal Clinic, San Diego
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I invite my clients to be actively involved in their cases. I tell them to call me when they have questions or have suggestions based on legal information they think is important. My approach is more in line with a team approach philosophy.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I think it is very helpful to have my client to prepare time lines, summaries, and various charts and diagrams.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
My philosophy in this area is that I am willing to talk with someone for 15 minutes about anything that concerns a legal matter. I typically provide free brochures to persons who desire legal information involving the areas I focus on.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to help people solve problems and receive justice. Good legal representation involves justice, compassion, and commitment.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have handled numerous personal injury cases involving serious injury from reckless and negligent tractor trailer and automobile driving on roads and interstates in Virginia and West Virginia. I have litigated insurance claims primarily in Western Virginia and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, including but not limited to Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire, and Morgan counties and the cities of Martinsburg and Charles Town, West Virginia.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
When people are seriously hurt in automobile accidents, they need help. The stress of recovery, medical treatment, mounting bills and lost time from work and family puts a tremendous amount of pressure on them and their loved ones.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people understand the process of a injury or disability claim, get needed compensation, and assist them if finding compassionate and effective medical services.
Tell us about your law firm:
I try to surround myself with helpful and nurturing people. Our clients are hurting on so many levels and need help and encouragement to get better and follow through with the process.
What are your strengths and style?
I think I am a good listener, direct in my communication and look to find the positive aspects of life in the midst of a stressful and tense time.
Personal Interests:
Orphan and Fatherless Children Ministries, Compassion International, Habitat for Humanity, Community Help Projects involving medical care and construction and ESL and tutoring for refugees and children in need.
Office Manager/Assistant
Keary
Fax
(540) 564-0001
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Staff and administrative persons with Spanish and French proficiency.
Additional Offices
Staunton Office
704 Richmond Road
Suite 1
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 886-6124
Winchester Office
25 East Boscawen Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 722-6125
Martinsburg Office
200 West Burke Street
Suite A
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Charlottesville Office
The Jordan Building
1160 Pepsi Place
Suite 110
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 975-6124
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I typically enter into contingency fee contracts with my clients. Most of my client cannot afford to pay for legal services based on my hourly rate. Contingency contracts share the burden and risk and help many people get needed legal representation.
Hourly Rates
$275.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, for 15 minutes.
Typical Retainer
No.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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