team-member

Craig Rieff

N/A

Licensed for 37 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Car Accident

Language

English

About

Craig has 28 years of experience in personal injury law.  He attended The John Marshall Law School in Chicago and graduated in 1984. Craig worked as a bailiff and law clerk in Elkhart, Indiana for the Honorable Donald Jones and the Honorable Stephen Platt while preparing for the bar exam. After passing the bar exam, Craig joined the Law Offices of Charles C. Wicks.  After several years, the firm became Wicks and Rieff. Craig handled primarily personal injury cases, but also did family law and estate planning. In addition, Craig was Deputy County Prosecutor in the Elkhart City Court.  In 1989, he joined Gonderman Legal Corporation. The firm later became known as Gonderman & Rieff. Craig practiced exclusively in the area of personal injury litigation handling auto collision, slip and fall, medical malpractice and other types of civil litigation.  While there, he worked on several significant cases. Among those were cases resulting in settlements of $8.5 million and $5.9 million. One of the most satisfying cases Craig was involved in was the tragic case of a woman who was beaten to death by her husband in front of her two young children.  The husband had been provided a weekend pass from prison and the state failed to notify the woman as they had agreed to do. Although state law did not permit recovery for the children at the time, we were able to convince the governor to pay the two claims.  The firm took no fees on those two claims. The firm handled numerous other significant cases which resulted in significant recoveries for the injured client.  In 2007, Craig left Gonderman & Rieff and joined Sweeney Julian, where he practiced personal injury law exclusively.  Craig enjoys the satisfaction that comes with making sure that his clients receive fair compensation for the injuries they have suffered. Craig wrote an article for Trial Lawyers Association entitled “Landowner’s Liability for Obstructing the View of Motorists on Adjacent Public Roads” which was recently published in the Verdict Magazine. In addition to practicing in the area of personal injury, he has also completed mediation training and serve as a mediator in disputes involving personal injury. He also served as a judge for the local high school Moot Court program. Craig was born in Mishawaka and is a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from Mishawaka High School and attended Indiana University at South Bend where he graduated with a degree in History in 1981. Craig is married to the former Laura Pabst who is a licensed realtor with Cressy and Everett.  Craig has been active in community activities over the years. He coached baseball at both the Clay Junior Baseball Association and at Chet Wagner Little League for a period of about ten years.  He also coached both boy’s baseball and basketball for four years at Christ the King grade school. He also helped coach the girls’ soccer team at Christ the King.   Craig and Laura donate to various local and national charities including the Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County, St. Margaret’s House, The Woman’s Care Center, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Humane Society, Smile Train, The St. Joseph County Food Bank, The Center for the Homeless and the USO.

Practices Areas

Car Accident

Personal Injury

Motorcycle accident

Trucking accident

Language

English

Contact

Rieff Law Office415 Lincolnway WestMishawaka, IN, 46544

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
January 14, 2022

I would recommend Craig Rieff to represent oneself in a personal injury settlement. Craig was very thourough in finding out all the details from every party involved with the settlement. He is always accessible if you have any questions about your case at anytime. I was very pleased with the setrlement figure I was awarded and the case was settled in the approximate time crame he gave me

anonymous
February 7, 2020

Craig did an outstanding job handling our case. His attention to detail and years of experience helped settle our case out of court quickly. Presented a very precise game plan and was able to get us a nice settlement.

Stefen
April 18, 2017

Craig is a highly professional, and dedicated attorney that fights hard for his clients. His expertise helped me to make an informed decision about my circumstances, and helped to get the compensation that I needed.

Derek
May 5, 2015

Me Rieff represented me to the fullest eaten in my time of need he was very informative and very helpful with my case there was not one time in the entire case where I was left unsure or felt alone

Kimberly
October 10, 2013

I was on my way to work just sitting at a red light, waiting for it to turn green, and was hit from behind by a car which ended up totalling my vehicle and causing a slipped disc in my neck. I hired Mr. Rieff as my lawyer to work with the other person's insurance company to compensate me for the loss of my vehicle and medical expenses. Mr. Rieff was very persistent and thorough in dealing with the insurance company and kept me well informed every step of the way. He was very professional and knew what he was doing and I would recommend him to others in need of a lawyer.

Paul
September 30, 2013

I hired Mr. Rieff as my attorney, and I am certainly glad that I did, he was extremely knowledgable and was excellent and thorough in preparing my case, he took his time to make sure all the facts were correct and kept me informed on what he was doing at all times, also any time I had a question for him, I could call his office and speak directly with him and not his secretary or any assistant, I have dealt with other attorneys and found it difficult to speak directly to them when I called, I would have to deal with a secretary or wait for a return call from them which took sometimes days. Mr. Rieff did win my case for me and I would recommend him to anyone, he is great, personable and a person with much integrity.

Craig
September 19, 2013

Attorney Rieff represented me when I was struck by another vehicle. He was very knowledgable in working with the insurance company's that were involved; and working with them to compensate me for the damages that occurred.

Rebecca
September 16, 2013

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

Margaret
September 9, 2013

Mr. Rieff handled an attack on our dog by another dog and minor injuries to my husband. Our dog sustained life threatening injuries, causing surmountable expenses. Mr. Rieff worked with the dog owners home insurance and was able to collect all of the expenses we incurred. We were pleased with the genuine concern he had and the quickness in which he was able to handle our claims. My husband and I will definitely recommend him to others.

anonymous
June 8, 2015

Being involved in a 3 car accident- the fault rested in one of the two other drivers. Quite a bit of "game playing" went on in an attempt to drag things out. Craig remained professional and determined to get the case to court and to put pressure on when needed. He won the case for me and navigated our way through all the 'games' the others were determined to play. I've never been involved in a law suit before so he had to counsel me on the many questions I had with regard to every aspect of the process.

anonymous
January 14, 2022

I would recommend Craig Rieff to represent oneself in a personal injury settlement. Craig was very thourough in finding out all the details from every party involved with the settlement. He is always accessible if you have any questions about your case at anytime. I was very pleased with the setrlement figure I was awarded and the case was settled in the approximate time crame he gave me

anonymous
February 7, 2020

Craig did an outstanding job handling our case. His attention to detail and years of experience helped settle our case out of court quickly. Presented a very precise game plan and was able to get us a nice settlement.

Stefen
April 18, 2017

Craig is a highly professional, and dedicated attorney that fights hard for his clients. His expertise helped me to make an informed decision about my circumstances, and helped to get the compensation that I needed.

Derek
May 5, 2015

Me Rieff represented me to the fullest eaten in my time of need he was very informative and very helpful with my case there was not one time in the entire case where I was left unsure or felt alone

Kimberly
October 10, 2013

I was on my way to work just sitting at a red light, waiting for it to turn green, and was hit from behind by a car which ended up totalling my vehicle and causing a slipped disc in my neck. I hired Mr. Rieff as my lawyer to work with the other person's insurance company to compensate me for the loss of my vehicle and medical expenses. Mr. Rieff was very persistent and thorough in dealing with the insurance company and kept me well informed every step of the way. He was very professional and knew what he was doing and I would recommend him to others in need of a lawyer.

Paul
September 30, 2013

I hired Mr. Rieff as my attorney, and I am certainly glad that I did, he was extremely knowledgable and was excellent and thorough in preparing my case, he took his time to make sure all the facts were correct and kept me informed on what he was doing at all times, also any time I had a question for him, I could call his office and speak directly with him and not his secretary or any assistant, I have dealt with other attorneys and found it difficult to speak directly to them when I called, I would have to deal with a secretary or wait for a return call from them which took sometimes days. Mr. Rieff did win my case for me and I would recommend him to anyone, he is great, personable and a person with much integrity.

Craig
September 19, 2013

Attorney Rieff represented me when I was struck by another vehicle. He was very knowledgable in working with the insurance company's that were involved; and working with them to compensate me for the damages that occurred.

Rebecca
September 16, 2013

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

Margaret
September 9, 2013

Mr. Rieff handled an attack on our dog by another dog and minor injuries to my husband. Our dog sustained life threatening injuries, causing surmountable expenses. Mr. Rieff worked with the dog owners home insurance and was able to collect all of the expenses we incurred. We were pleased with the genuine concern he had and the quickness in which he was able to handle our claims. My husband and I will definitely recommend him to others.

anonymous
June 8, 2015

Being involved in a 3 car accident- the fault rested in one of the two other drivers. Quite a bit of "game playing" went on in an attempt to drag things out. Craig remained professional and determined to get the case to court and to put pressure on when needed. He won the case for me and navigated our way through all the 'games' the others were determined to play. I've never been involved in a law suit before so he had to counsel me on the many questions I had with regard to every aspect of the process.

anonymous
January 14, 2022

I would recommend Craig Rieff to represent oneself in a personal injury settlement. Craig was very thourough in finding out all the details from every party involved with the settlement. He is always accessible if you have any questions about your case at anytime. I was very pleased with the setrlement figure I was awarded and the case was settled in the approximate time crame he gave me

anonymous
February 7, 2020

Craig did an outstanding job handling our case. His attention to detail and years of experience helped settle our case out of court quickly. Presented a very precise game plan and was able to get us a nice settlement.

Stefen
April 18, 2017

Craig is a highly professional, and dedicated attorney that fights hard for his clients. His expertise helped me to make an informed decision about my circumstances, and helped to get the compensation that I needed.

Derek
May 5, 2015

Me Rieff represented me to the fullest eaten in my time of need he was very informative and very helpful with my case there was not one time in the entire case where I was left unsure or felt alone

Kimberly
October 10, 2013

I was on my way to work just sitting at a red light, waiting for it to turn green, and was hit from behind by a car which ended up totalling my vehicle and causing a slipped disc in my neck. I hired Mr. Rieff as my lawyer to work with the other person's insurance company to compensate me for the loss of my vehicle and medical expenses. Mr. Rieff was very persistent and thorough in dealing with the insurance company and kept me well informed every step of the way. He was very professional and knew what he was doing and I would recommend him to others in need of a lawyer.

Paul
September 30, 2013

I hired Mr. Rieff as my attorney, and I am certainly glad that I did, he was extremely knowledgable and was excellent and thorough in preparing my case, he took his time to make sure all the facts were correct and kept me informed on what he was doing at all times, also any time I had a question for him, I could call his office and speak directly with him and not his secretary or any assistant, I have dealt with other attorneys and found it difficult to speak directly to them when I called, I would have to deal with a secretary or wait for a return call from them which took sometimes days. Mr. Rieff did win my case for me and I would recommend him to anyone, he is great, personable and a person with much integrity.

Craig
September 19, 2013

Attorney Rieff represented me when I was struck by another vehicle. He was very knowledgable in working with the insurance company's that were involved; and working with them to compensate me for the damages that occurred.

Rebecca
September 16, 2013

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

Margaret
September 9, 2013

Mr. Rieff handled an attack on our dog by another dog and minor injuries to my husband. Our dog sustained life threatening injuries, causing surmountable expenses. Mr. Rieff worked with the dog owners home insurance and was able to collect all of the expenses we incurred. We were pleased with the genuine concern he had and the quickness in which he was able to handle our claims. My husband and I will definitely recommend him to others.

anonymous
June 8, 2015

Being involved in a 3 car accident- the fault rested in one of the two other drivers. Quite a bit of "game playing" went on in an attempt to drag things out. Craig remained professional and determined to get the case to court and to put pressure on when needed. He won the case for me and navigated our way through all the 'games' the others were determined to play. I've never been involved in a law suit before so he had to counsel me on the many questions I had with regard to every aspect of the process.