Peter D. Rigelhaupt - New York, NY

Overview

Peter D. Rigelhaupt

Attorney at The Perecman Firm

Peter D. Rigelhaupt has been a vital member of The Perecman Firm since 2009, bringing over 20 years of experience in personal injury defense, including extensive work defending attorneys in legal malpractice cases. His deep understanding of defense strategies and insurance industry practices makes him a formidable negotiator. Since joining the firm, Peter has secured numerous seven-figure settlements for his clients, including a recent $5.5 million settlement for a union carpenter.

As the head of The Perecman Firm’s motion and appellate practice group, Peter’s sharp legal acumen and writing skills have been instrumental in securing major victories. One of his most notable achievements was helping persuade the New York State Court of Appeals to review a complex civil rights case. The court’s decision to overturn a lower court's dismissal led to a groundbreaking $4 million settlement for a woman wrongfully incarcerated due to a coerced confession. Peter frequently argues before the First and Second Departments of the Appellate Division and the New York State Court of Appeals, with nearly 100 reported cases in state and federal courts, along with numerous successful summary judgment motions.

Peter is known for his persistence and meticulous attention to detail. In one remarkable case, he represented a bus driver injured in an accident, uncovering the liability of a national fast-food chain that employed the at-fault delivery driver. This was despite the fact that the client’s previous attorney had settled a related case for just $20,000 without suing the fast-food chain. To fully protect his client’s interests, Peter also pursued a legal malpractice claim against the prior attorney. His diligence led to a multi-million-dollar settlement, exemplifying his commitment to thorough, client-focused advocacy.

Peter values direct communication with his clients, encouraging them to reach out to him via text at any time. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. His work has been recognized in the New York Law Journal’s Top Verdicts in New York, and he has consistently been named a leading attorney by Super Lawyers.

Outside of his legal career, Peter enjoys traveling, golfing, cooking, and attending live music events. A former disc jockey, he has a deep passion for music that he loves sharing with family and friends.