In a recent episode of The Attorney Post, William Ricigliano, founder of RF Injury Law, shared powerful insights about his three-decade-long career focused on personal injury law, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases. Practicing across New York and New Jersey, Ricigliano discussed the evolution of his career, his firm’s adaptive strategies during the pandemic, and the ongoing challenges in representing TBI clients.
Ricigliano emphasized that trust and results are at the core of RF Injury Law’s mission. Personal injury clients often face overwhelming uncertainty about their futures, making the law firm's commitment to transparency and results-driven strategies essential for building strong client relationships.
Reflecting on his 30-year legal career, Ricigliano highlighted the emotional weight that accompanies representing injured individuals. His passion for achieving meaningful outcomes remains steadfast, even after decades of practice.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested law firms nationwide, and RF Injury Law was no exception. The firm had just opened a New Jersey office when the shutdowns halted case flow and delayed court operations. Despite these challenges, Ricigliano and his team pivoted quickly by implementing strategic plans for virtual client engagement and remote court operations.
One innovative solution was the creation of a mobile office, complete with a conference room and full telecommunications capabilities. This "Law Mobile" allowed the firm to continue serving clients safely and effectively during a time when traditional office operations were disrupted.
Ricigliano candidly discussed the sting of early career setbacks, noting that losing his first case was a formative experience. Instead of being defeated, he chose to adapt, learn new strategies, and incorporate lessons from legal seminars to refine his trial techniques. He likened the discomfort of changing litigation approaches to learning a new golf swing—awkward at first but rewarding over time.
This willingness to evolve became crucial when representing TBI clients, where subtle but life-altering symptoms must be clearly communicated to juries unfamiliar with the complexities of brain injuries.
Ricigliano's first major brain injury trial remains a career milestone. Despite the presiding judge’s skepticism that the case would result in a million-dollar verdict, the jury awarded his client $3.7 million. The outcome was a testament to the thorough preparation and deep understanding required to explain invisible injuries to a jury.
Since then, TBI cases have made up approximately 70% of Ricigliano’s practice. He emphasized that brain injuries often involve internal symptoms—cognitive dysfunction, behavioral changes, memory loss—that are difficult to "prove" without careful documentation, medical testimony, and client education.
One of Ricigliano’s notable strategies is the use of focus groups during trial preparations. These groups offer crucial insights into how jurors might perceive evidence, helping to fine-tune trial presentations. Given the emotional and financial stakes, Ricigliano emphasized that jurors must understand compensation is not a "reward," but rather a necessity to secure the injured client's future.
In TBI cases, where clients may outwardly appear "normal" despite suffering devastating internal injuries, crafting a compelling narrative is vital. Without clear storytelling, subtle but debilitating injuries can easily be misunderstood or minimized.
Ricigliano also addressed the public's persistent negative stereotypes of personal injury lawyers. While acknowledging that incompetence and fraud exist in the profession, he stressed that true trial lawyers must master complex legal principles, evidence rules, and courtroom strategy—far from the caricature of the "ambulance chaser."
He recalled attending a brain injury conference and being inspired by the dedication of attorneys representing vulnerable clients, reinforcing his commitment to elevating the standards of personal injury law.
Beyond the courtroom, Ricigliano and his firm are deeply involved in community initiatives, including support for St. Jude's and City Meals on Wheels. His Bronx and New Jersey offices also host events like holiday toy drives, reflecting RF Injury Law’s broader commitment to community care.
As for future directions, Ricigliano advocates for reforms in wrongful death compensation laws and against arbitrary caps on damages. He encourages prospective clients to interview multiple lawyers before choosing representation—ensuring alignment on experience, approach, and dedication.
RF Injury Law
6509 Bergenline Avenue
West New York, NJ 07093
3350 Riverwood Parkway
201-342-7995
20 West 36th Street
Suite 701
New York, NY 10018
212-725-5755
Online at: RF Injury Law
