Matthew T. Fella

Matthew Fella

I'm reviewing this comment and must take serious exception to same. I left the employ of Gruenberg Kelly Della in January of 2016. Her case settled at that office in February of 2018; a No-Fault arbitration was had for unpaid medical bills and won satisfactorily to the client and NOW a review is written. Ms. Certain was not 'my client' but a client of the firm. I am not allowed to contact these clients to advise that I have left the office. That is not my place. Vilma was treating at many different medical offices following her car accident and was getting second and third opinions regarding surgery or next step procedures. As a 16 year practicing personal injury attorney, I have come across many doctors and surgeons that my clients have had previous positive experience with - those are the doctors that I refer my clients to when they ask for a recommendation. Coincidentally, the surgeon that this client is referring to saw the patient for ONE examination. My only job as a personal injury attorney is to advise on the law and allow the doctors to do the medical treatment. Based upon those medical records there is a valuation under the law that may be recovered. NYS Insurance Law regarding recovery in motor vehicle accident cases is very specific as to what can and cannot be compensated. The nature of the injuries, the pain of the client/patient and what the doctor's recommend and perform all factor in to the 'value' of a case. I do not make these rules. Being a personal injury attorney puts us in a unique position of turning someone's injury into dollars and cents. That's the law. Further, there are ZERO guarantees surrounding an injury case following a motor vehicle accident. I could therefore promise nothing to my clients. Nothing is guaranteed. I actually go out of my way for my clients in all practice areas that I handle so to say I have no 'morals' is a bold-faced lie. I remember specifically meeting with this client, Vilma and her husband, Noel after hours at their business and upon their convenience only to have this review posted. I receive nothing from any doctors whom treat my clients or perform surgery. So to be "in it for the money" sounds crazy. Additionally, as an employee of a law firm, I would have received NO benefit from this client having surgery. If it effected the outcome of her case at all, the law firm would have made more $$, I would have received nothing. My understanding is that this client won her case and thereafter won a No-Fault arbitration for unpaid bills. I have had no contact with these people or dealings on their case for 2.5 years. While working on this matter I would return phone calls, follow-up on issues and problems, meet the clients at their leisure after business hours and to their convenience. This review does nothing more than to attempt to tarnish a business professional's reputation with no facts, evidence or truth.