Craig Allen Rieff

I was hit by an RV hauler (semi truck) on my way to work in January of 2010. The truck failed to stop at a stop sign and ran into me, totaling my vehicle.  I suffered numerous contusions on legs as well as fractures in my ankle and tissue damage in my leg.  No surgery was necessary at the time of ... injury; however, I was not allowed to bear weight for a few weeks, and then participated in a long course of physical therapy.  I consulted with Craig a few days after my accident due to the fact that the insurance provider of the person who hit me kept pushing me to settle.  Craig did a great job of explaining my legal rights and informing me that I did not need to settle on anything until my treatment was completed.  He also explained my rights regarding payment of my bills.  Despite the lengthy physical therapy and home exercise program, I developed bursitis in both hips, and continued to have pain in my ankle that shot up to my knee and hip.  My orthopedic surgeon continuously told me that ankle injuries take a long time to heal, and to be patient.   Craig regularly kept in touch and gathered information from my monthly physician visits as well as my documentation of concerns/problems.  During a deposition meeting with my doctor, Craig was told that I should not be continuing to have pain given the type of injury that I sustained, at which time Craig pointed out to the physician that an MRI had not been done yet, which may help determine possible source of pain.   The physician insisted that an MRI had indeed been done and pulled up medical records to review. To the physician's surprise, one had NOT been done.  Next visit, an MRI was scheduled and results  showed internal damage which merited surgical intervention.  I feel that Craig did a great job of being proactive for me, by not simply accepting what he was originally told (that I should not be continuing to have pain) and pushing to explore a reason for my continued pain.  After surgery, I again underwent a program of physical therapy lasting a few months.  Once therapy was completed, and we had a good idea of residual difficulties that I may have to live with, Craig proceeded with the formal action of initiating a lawsuit.  He kept me informed every step of the way, and answered any and all of my questions in a very timely manner. He helped me prepare for my deposition, and was a comforting presence to me during the deposition as I found it surprisingly emotional, and very nerve-racking.  We were scheduled for mediation prior to a trial when Craig heard from the insurance company of the defendant, asking if we would consider negotiating a settlement prior to mediation.  Craig thoroughly explained the pros and cons of negotiating a settlement, proceeding to mediation, and also of a trial.  I felt comfortable with participating in negotiations, knowing that Craig was ready to go in to mediation and even a trial if I felt it was necessary.  We were fortunate to be able to reach a settlement through negotiation and avoid mediation or trial.  My entire process took over three years, and Craig was there for me each step of the way.  I believe that he helped me bring closure to the legal aspects of my injury in the best way possible. I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in need of legal counsel to meet with Craig. Sent from my iPad