Peter W. Riley, Schwebel, Goetz and Sieben

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in personal injury law?

First, the increasing frequency with which treating physicians refuse to confer or provide medical reports. This increases costs and deprives the jury of the insight of the providers most familiar with the injury, care and treatment.

Second, the decreasing number of civil jury trials. Lawyers need trial experience to develop and hone their advocacy skills. Finding ways to efficiently try cases would help increase the number of trials.

Three, misinformation about civil trials and the jury system. Citizens think they won’t need the system until they do and fail to grasp the critical importance of the 7th Amendment right to a civil jury trial.

What advice would you give a client to avoid legal complications in a personal injury case?

Most critically, find a lawyer experienced in the type of case they have — whether it be premises, medical malpractice, auto or products — and in the type of injuries the case involves. This means asking detailed questions about the lawyer’s experience and how they would plan to handle the case. Then don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way, especially about anything they don’t fully understand.

Without revealing the names of a client, what is the most interesting transaction you’ve worked on lately?

My client sustained serious life-threatening injuries in a bad auto crash; indeed he went into cardiac arrest during surgery for his injuries. He was hospitalized for over 2 months followed by a month in a rehab center, and unfortunately some of his substantial bills were not covered by insurance because the injury occurred outside of the U.S. as did his initial treatment.

My client worked tirelessly to recover from his injuries and had an excellent attitude and a wonderfully supportive spouse. While we faced some significant legal challenges, the case resolved for a substantial recovery that provides resources for his future care as well as substantial compensation for his pain and disability

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I was the head cheerleader at my college