All firm attorneys also earn Best Lawyers in America 2026 honors

We are proud to announce that Frei, Mims and Perushek LLP has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms^® , considered to be a testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to legal excellence. Ranked by Best Law Firms regionally in 5 practice areas, Frei, Mims and Perushek LLP has distinguished itself in the legal industry, earning this prestigious accolade.

Firms included in the 2026 Best Law Firms^® list are recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^®. All four of the firm’s partners are recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. 

When is a missed or delayed diagnosis of breast cancer medical malpractice?

The answer can be illustrated by the story of my client, an exceptional young woman who is currently fighting invasive metastatic breast cancer. Sadly, her fight is the result of the carelessness of her medical practice.

Changes in the law went into effect July 1, 2025, with the passage of the Sexual Assault Employer Accountability Act (HB 1730/SB 894). Under this law, a “vulnerable victim” of sexual assault can hold the employer responsible by showing, among other things, that the assaulter/employee was likely to have access to the victim, failed to control the employee or prevent the assault, and knew of its ability to control and opportunity to control. “Vulnerable victims” include health-care patients, minors, and the disabled, among others.

Prior to this change, the victim would not have been able to hold the hospital responsible. As a practical matter, it would make it difficult to recover at all because the employee likely is not insured for this incident. But now, that victim can attempt to hold the hospital responsible, which also makes its insurance available.

You’re driving home to Virginia after a relaxing vacation at the Jersey Shore. Traffic on I-95 slows to a crawl as you approach Philadelphia. Suddenly, a chain reaction crash unfolds in front of you. You’re struck, your car is totaled, and you feel sharp pain in your neck. The at-fault driver? Intoxicated—and carrying far too little insurance to cover your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

This is not just a hypothetical. Our firm recently represented a client in almost this exact situation. The accident happened in Pennsylvania, but our client’s Virginia underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage ultimately made all the difference. Working alongside a Pennsylvania attorney, we navigated both states’ laws to ensure the claim was handled correctly. The result: a good settlement that provided compensation for our client’s injuries, financial losses, and pain and suffering.

When your child is injured, Virginia law gives you, the parent or guardian, the right to seek justice — but the process is different than it is for adults.

Protecting Your Child’s Future After an Injury

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children — from investing in top-rated car seats and helmets to teaching them to avoid strangers and to look both ways when crossing the street. But accidents still happen, and when they do, parents and guardians in Virginia have the right to seek justice on behalf of their child.

Matt is an experienced and accomplished trial lawyer who shares our dedication to the highest standards of legal representation. He has spent a decade defending personal injury claims, giving him unique insight into how insurance companies and defense counsel approach these cases.

Upon completing a judicial clerkship with Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Charles J. Maxfield, Matt joined McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen & Katz, P.C., where he spent 10 years defending personal injury and other civil claims, as well as defending administrative matters before Virginia and DC professional licensing boards. He has been repeatedly recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers, and in 2021 by Virginia Business Magazine as Virginia Elite in Civil Litigation. Matt is an active member of the Fairfax and Virginia State Bar Associations.

Frei, Mims and Perushek, a top-rated, boutique law firm, is seeking an associate to join our team of experienced personal injury lawyers. The successful candidate must have the drive and talent to become a top-notch trial lawyer, as well as courtroom presence and exceptional research and writing skills. A keen interest in helping those injured through medical malpractice, defective products, and catastrophic events will make you a strong applicant. We offer a relaxed work environment with generous health, leave and retirement benefits. Join our firm and you will fast-track your career by working with some of Virginia’s best trial lawyers, in a first-class office within walking distance of the Fairfax Courts.

Responsibilities

A medical malpractice case is a complex and lengthy process. It ends either with a settlement or a jury trial and the jury’s verdict. If the plaintiff wins, the jury foreman will read, “We, the jury, on the issues joined, find in favor of the plaintiff and assess damages in the amount of…”

Medical malpractice attorney Gary B. Mims explaining the legal term “standard of care” to George Mason University students.