Senior Counsel

Claire Neiger, Esq.

p. 215.791.6263  |  f. 215.735.1133

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Memberships

Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association
New Jersey Bar Association

Education

Temple University School of Law, J.D.

Overview

Claire Neiger leads GMR’s Medical Malpractice Practice Department with over thirty years of experience representing the area’s major hospitals, physicians, nurses, dentists, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities in major medical malpractice trials. These cases have included oncology, orthopedics, wound care, general surgery, radiology, family practice, psychiatry, obstetrics, and gynecology in Philadelphia, New Jersey,  and the surrounding counties. Claire is skilled in all aspects of defending complex medical negligence claims, including obtaining rapid resolution of matters through motion practice, arbitration, and mediation.

Claire’s hospital clients also rely on her expertise to defend them in general liability and premises liability areas.  Thus, Claire has extensively litigated matters in the areas of security guard and third-party assaults, cafeteria incidents, slip and falls, ADA violations, parking lot incidents, and Mental Health Procedure Act cases.

Claire also handles the firm’s catastrophic injury, traumatic brain injury, and major injury cases resulting from construction, motor vehicle, and general liability accidents. She is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Claire has won the vast majority of her trials, achieving jury defense verdicts in nearly 100 of them in many different practice areas and jurisdictions. Claire has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer by her peers, as published by Philadelphia Magazine.

Claire has also successfully defended her defense verdicts before the Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit.  Some of her featured successes include Lawson v. Albert Einstein Medical Center (alleged unlawful detention); Taylor v. Golden Living (pressure wound); Emerich v. Philadelphia Center for Human Development (Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Procedures Act); Brown v. Albert Einstein Medical Center (medical malpractice); Djukanovic v. Albert Einstein Medical Center (assault by third-party); and Porterfield v. Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (medical malpractice). She successfully argued to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court the first Mental Health case defining mental health counselors’ and psychiatrists’ duties to warn third-parties of danger from their patients.

When Claire is not arguing, she enjoys hiking, bird watching, and traveling. Her daughter is carrying on the family tradition as a practicing Philadelphia lawyer. Her son is currently in law school and will carry on in the profession as well. Lance, the family dog, also looks good behind the desk!

Representative Matters

Four GMR Partners Secured Jury Trial Defense Verdicts! What a fantastic final four!

» Read Story

GMR Wins Philadelphia Wrongful Death Malpractice Trial

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Obtains Dismissal with Prejudice in Philadelphia County Medical Malpractice Claim only Months after the Case was Filed

» Read Story

The Pennsylvania Superior Court Unanimously Affirmed Claire Neiger’s Philadelphia Defense Verdict Finding Use of Force by Hospital Security Officers Justified

» Read Story

Back to Back Defense Verdicts for Claire Neiger in Med Mal and Limited Tort Cases

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Secures Philadelphia Jury Trial Defense Verdict in Nursing Malpractice Action

» Read Story

Philadelphia Jury Finds Use of Force By Security Officers Justified

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Obtains Defense Verdict in Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Trial with Leg Amputation

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Defeats Plaintiff’s Second Attempt at Bad Faith Against Insurance Company

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Obtains Defense Verdict In Montgomery County Jury Trial Where Negligence Is Conceded

» Read Story

Defense Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case with $8,000,000 Demand

» Read Story

Philadelphia County Bad Faith Dismissal/UIM Jury Trial Victory in a Case with Multiple Fractures and Alleged Traumatic Brain Injury

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Nabs Defense Verdict for Philadelphia Hospital in Trip and Fall Jury Trial

» Read Story

GMR Obtains Nonsuit Verdict in Multi-Million Dollar Medical Malpractice Claim

» Read Story

GMR Starts the Year Off with 12 Jury Trial Defense Verdicts

» Read Story

Verdict Limited to $18,500 in Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Trial with $2.7 Million Initial Demand

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Obtains Defense Verdict for Hospital in Two Week Assault Trial

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Obtains Defense Trial Verdict in Case Involving an Automatic Door

» Read Story
array(9) { [0]=> object(WP_Post)#3112 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(7523) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "15" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-03-08 10:58:50" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-08 15:58:50" ["post_content"]=> string(778) "

Today, on International Women's Day, GMR proudly recognizes and celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in the legal profession. We honor the resilience, intellect, and dedication that our female colleagues bring to the legal field every day.

While we celebrate the progress made, we acknowledge that there's still work to be done. GMR remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, thrives and succeeds.

Happy International Women's Day to all the phenomenal women in law and beyond! The Future is Female

 

" ["post_title"]=> string(30) "International Women's Day 2024" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(29) "international-womens-day-2024" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-03-08 10:58:50" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-08 15:58:50" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=7523" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [1]=> object(WP_Post)#3113 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(7515) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "15" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-03-07 09:43:02" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-07 14:43:02" ["post_content"]=> string(601) "

On March 5th, GMR attorneys attended the Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel's 6th annual women's event. 

The event was moderated by June Essis and the speakers were Jennifer Coatsworth and Renee Garcia. There was a great conversation about what it takes to achieve your goals as a woman in the legal community and how to effectively lead your team. Everyone enjoyed the event and the team bonding that followed. 

" ["post_title"]=> string(41) "GMR Attends 6th Annual PADC Women's Event" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(40) "gmr-attends-6th-annual-padc-womens-event" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-03-07 09:44:56" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-07 14:44:56" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=7515" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [2]=> object(WP_Post)#3114 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(7510) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "15" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-03-01 10:42:57" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-01 15:42:57" ["post_content"]=> string(1120) "

Goldberg, Miller & Rubin proudly celebrates the women attorneys, paralegals, and staff members at the firm.

Recognizing and promoting diversity in the legal profession is crucial for creating an inclusive and dynamic environment. Empowering women in the legal field not only fosters a more balanced workplace but also brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the forefront.

The Women’s Initiative at GMR was founded to foster the careers of the women attorneys in the firm and to provide support throughout the various stages of their professional lives. GMR has historically strived to maintain a working environment that recruits and promotes women which is exemplified in the overwhelming presence of women in the firm.

It's important to continue supporting initiatives that encourage the professional development and advancement of women in law. The future is female.

 

" ["post_title"]=> string(26) "Women's History Month 2024" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(25) "womens-history-month-2024" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-03-01 10:42:57" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-01 15:42:57" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=7510" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [3]=> object(WP_Post)#3115 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(6400) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "5" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-05-23 11:02:22" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-23 15:02:22" ["post_content"]=> string(1097) "

GMR had more attorneys than ever recognized as Super Lawyers in 2022. Lori Miller, Eamon Merrigan, Matthew Moroney, Claire Neiger, Jason Rubin, and Cy Goldberg have been named 2022 Super Lawyers again. Jessica Smeriglio, Brandon Evangelist, Tyson Mott, Thomas Giardina, and Jessica Keller were selected by the Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers search committee as Rising Stars. Only 2.5 percent of eligible attorneys in the state receive a Rising Star designation.

Super Lawyers is a patented rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. The Rising Stars list is developed using the same patented multiphase selection process, except candidates must be 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less.

 

" ["post_title"]=> string(100) "GMR Congratulates Eleven of Our Attorneys Recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars!" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(99) "gmr-congratulates-nine-of-our-attorneys-recognized-as-pennsylvania-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-05-23 16:41:50" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-23 20:41:50" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=6400" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [4]=> object(WP_Post)#3116 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(5713) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2021-06-09 15:57:12" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-06-09 19:57:12" ["post_content"]=> string(1043) "

GMR had more attorneys than ever recognized as Super Lawyers in 2021. Lori Miller, Eamon Merrigan, Matthew Moroney, Claire Neiger, Jason Rubin, and Cy Goldberg have been named 2021 Super Lawyers. Jeffrey Tenthoff, Lauren Glynn, and Jessica Smeriglio were selected by the Thomas Reuters Super Lawyers search committee as Rising Stars. Only 2.5 percent of eligible attorneys in the state receive a Rising Star designation.


Super Lawyers is a patented rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. The Rising Stars list is developed using the same patented multiphase selection process, except candidates must be 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less.

 

" ["post_title"]=> string(97) "GMR Congratulates Nine of Our Attorneys Recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(97) "gmr-congratulates-nine-of-our-attorneys-recognized-as-pennsylvania-super-lawyers-and-rising-stars" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-09-30 11:49:05" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-09-30 15:49:05" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=5713" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [5]=> object(WP_Post)#3117 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(5579) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2021-03-26 09:05:01" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-03-26 13:05:01" ["post_content"]=> string(774) "

Claire Neiger shared valuable insights from her three decades of experience handling hospital and nursing home cases in a Continuing Legal Education seminar attended by dozens of attorneys. Claire captivated her audience by discussing claims in many areas, such as negligent care, negligence claims following voluntary and involuntary commitments, medical error claims, emotional, physical, and sexual assaults, pressure wound cases, and even post-mortem body care and disposal. Claire also provided strategies to deal with electronic medical records and witnesses in hospital cases and addressed recent changes in the law.

" ["post_title"]=> string(56) "Claire Neiger Presents Primer for Hospital Attorneys CLE" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(56) "claire-neiger-presents-primer-for-hospital-attorneys-cle" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-03-26 09:05:01" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-03-26 13:05:01" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=5579" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [6]=> object(WP_Post)#3118 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3483) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "5" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-08-14 16:09:41" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-14 20:09:41" ["post_content"]=> string(517) "

Claire Neiger and Lori Miller presented "Increasing the Odds of Winning Decubitis Ulcer & Other Hospital Trials" at the Pennsylvania Association for Health Care Risk Management's Annual Fall Conference in Hershey, PA.  The healthcare risk managers in attendance complimented Lori and Claire on an entertaining and informative program.  Lori would be happy to hear from you if you are interested in having the firm make a presentation regarding this information or any healthcare defense litigation topic.

" ["post_title"]=> string(72) "Claire Neiger & Lori Miller Presented at PAHCRM's Annual Fall Conference" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(68) "claire-neiger-lori-miller-speaking-at-pahcrms-annual-fall-conference" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 13:08:25" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 18:08:25" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=3483" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [7]=> object(WP_Post)#3119 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3095) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "5" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-03-13 17:05:27" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-03-13 21:05:27" ["post_content"]=> string(660) "

Claire Neiger and Villanova University alumnus, Eamon Merrigan and Villanova Law School alumna, Lauren Glynn were invited to speak at the Corporate Law Society and Health Law Society’s joint panel on healthcare law. Claire provided insights on defending medical malpractice claims and winning trials for her clients.  Many of the students had questions about expert witnesses which Eamon deftly answered relying on his extensive experience of effective cross-examination leading to defense jury trial verdicts on behalf of his clients. Finally, Lauren was able to share her journey from assistant district attorney to successful civil trial attorney.

" ["post_title"]=> string(76) "Claire Neiger, Eamon Merrigan and Lauren Glynn Speak at Villanova Law School" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(68) "claire-neiger-eamon-merrigan-lauren-glynn-speak-villanova-law-school" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-03-13 18:17:51" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-03-13 22:17:51" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://gmrlawfirm.com/?p=3095" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [8]=> object(WP_Post)#3120 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(995) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-11-06 14:06:18" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-11-06 14:06:18" ["post_content"]=> string(902) "

GMR had a record-breaking month with 6 consecutive jury trial defense verdicts.  Claire Neiger started the month off with a defense verdict in a general liability trial before Philadelphia Judge Annette Rizzo that involved a fall at a Philadelphia hospital resulting in serious injury.  That same day, Kristine Meindl obtained a defense verdict in a Delaware County motor vehicle trial before Judge Christine Fizzano Cannon.  In Montgomery County, Eamon Merrigan prevailed on a medical malpractice case tried before Judge Thomas P. Rodgers.

Richard Castagna, Matthew Moroney and Kristine Meindl each obtained defense verdicts in Philadelphia County motor vehicle cases.   Mr. Castagna won his trial on liability and Ms. Meindl with a limited tort defense.  Although Mr. Moroney conceded negligence, the jury did not find factual cause, resulting in a defense victory.

 

" ["post_title"]=> string(94) "GMR Obtains Six Consecutive Jury Trial Defense Verdicts in Three Counties in Less Than a Month" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(94) "gmr-obtains-six-consecutive-jury-trial-defense-verdicts-in-three-counties-in-less-than-a-month" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2017-03-07 08:53:55" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2017-03-07 13:53:55" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(32) "http://www.gmrlawfirm.com/?p=995" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } }

Media

International Women’s Day 2024

» Read Story

GMR Attends 6th Annual PADC Women’s Event

» Read Story

Women’s History Month 2024

» Read Story

GMR Congratulates Eleven of Our Attorneys Recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars!

» Read Story

GMR Congratulates Nine of Our Attorneys Recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

» Read Story

Claire Neiger Presents Primer for Hospital Attorneys CLE

» Read Story

Claire Neiger & Lori Miller Presented at PAHCRM’s Annual Fall Conference

» Read Story

Claire Neiger, Eamon Merrigan and Lauren Glynn Speak at Villanova Law School

» Read Story

GMR Obtains Six Consecutive Jury Trial Defense Verdicts in Three Counties in Less Than a Month

» Read Story