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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 Sickels, Frei and Mims 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

Attorney Gary B. Mims is listed among Virginia’s Super Lawyers 2009 and DC Super Lawyers 2009. Law and Politics publishes Super Lawyers in more than 35 states. According to the publisher the list includes lawyers who have been selected by their peers as the top 5 percent in the state. The roster is based upon a multi-step process that begins with ballots to active lawyers and is backed by independent candidate research.

A Caroline County Virginia jury recently awarded $2.7 million and over $500,000 in pre-judgment interest for the victim of a serious auto collision who suffered post traumatic seizure disorder. Partner Steve Frei successfully argued that the 53 year old man sustained trauma to his head when the van in which he was a passenger was rear-ended. Unfortunately physicians have been unable to control the victim’s seizures with medication. The victim’s injuries have cost him his livelihood and severely impacted his quality of life.

Sickels, Frei and Mims partners Steve Frei and Gary Mims won a $1.45 million settlement for a 65 year old retired Army officer for his HMO’s failure to diagnose prostate cancer. The plaintiff was screened for prostate cancer by his HMO but was never informed that his PSA was elevated at 5.6 (0-4 is normal) nor was he treated. Two years later, the plaintiff changed providers and a PSA test came back at over 32.00. Unfortunately, by that time, the cancer had metastasized and was incurable.

In December 2007, Washingtonian magazine listed Gary B. Mims as one of the top 1 percent of personal injury attorneys in the region.