Hear It From Our Clients

• • “From the moment I first met the staff at Van Dorn, Curtiss and Rousseau I felt like I was a priority.”
    From the moment I first met the staff at Van Dorn, Curtiss and Rousseau I felt like I was a priority. The professionalism, attention to detail and friendliness of the entire staff is top notch, these people set the bar in regards to personal injury law attorneys. Kristin Ross handled the majority of my case, from my very first meeting with her I felt she had a strong compassion for helping people, and she did not disappoint. I was constantly kept in the loop throughout the entire process, Shelly made sure I was copied on and understood every detail. When it came time for court, Kristin and Christina went out of their way to make sure I understood fully what was before me, what all my choices were and that I had the right to make decisions. Even if after two years my decisions may yield less compensation for them and myself. It didn’t matter, they just wanted me to be comfortable in my decision. Kristin Ross and her entire staff and colleagues helped me through a very traumatic time in my life. Van Dorn , Curtiss and Rousseau don’t just treat you like a client , they bring you into their family and treat you with respect. Mark J Anthony

    Mark A

  • “A+, 5 star experience, made me feel like I was a priority.”
    “Make the Right Choice” I am writing this in hopes that it helps someone make the right choice when deciding on a lawyer. I had hired a local lawyer who was referred to me by a friend. After about 3.5 years of going nowhere he decided to retire. He in turn gave my case to Van Dorn & Curtiss. This is where I met Kristin and her wonderful paralegal Shelly. I instantly noticed a difference. They believed me and made me feel like I was the only client they had (obviously I was not). I was a priority. I cannot say enough about Shelly. SOOO smart, organized and pleasant. Never once would I have thought calling my lawyers office would be an enjoyable experience. It was like she had all the answers right in front of her all the time. She is caring and honest and just such a pleasure to work with. Kristin is just amazing. She is beyond smart and motivated. She has a wonderful personality and is effective. Kristin made every situation we went into (depositions, IME Examinations, mediation) feel comfortable. She is honest, knows what works and also when to back off. We had a few great road trips to Albany, NY!!! Super easy to spend time with. She is the complete lawyer. I really could go on and on about my A+, 5 star experience but hopefully from what I have written you know that you are making the right choice if you choose Van Dorn & Curtiss. Deborah A. Hale Concord, NH

    Deb Hale

  • “They went above and beyond to help me. They are the best!!”
    I had a difficult dog bite issue with an uncooperative dog owner. Kristin Ross and her legal assistant Shelby Harris were amazing, they went above and beyond to help me . As a result, the dog owner was made to face his responsibility. They are the best!!

    Alice

  • “They were nothing but professional, kind, courteous and caring and put me first and it showed.”
    I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Van Dorn, Curtiss and Rousseau. I had a low speed auto accident and after meeting with Attorney Ross she agreed I had a case. My case was not a straight forward case but Attorney Ross was in communication with me and kept me appraised of every detail. We were not sure if my case would go to trial, but once the decision was made to go to trial, I could not have had a better team of attorneys on my side. They were with me every step of the way. Everything was done to prepare my case for trial, from contacting and having me meet with the right experts, holding a focus group and even meeting and gaining insight from those around me that know me best, my family. They were nothing but professional, kind, courteous and caring and put me first and it showed. They never wavered and I ended up with it turning out in my favor even when so many of the odds were stacked against me. I owe it all to Kristin, Cristina, Rob and the rest of the fine folks at Van Dorn, Curtiss and Rousseau.

    Kathy H

  • “They were honest and upfront with me at all times and fought to get me what was fair.”
    I was injured in a motor vehicle accident in 2010. I needed surgery and extensive physical therapy. My case was complicated and Van Dorn & Curtiss was always there for me and stuck with me through all of it. Once it was time, they were able to expertly navigate through the litigation process. Kristin Ross was absolutely wonderful and made me feel as though my case was her first priority. Kristin and her entire team went above and beyond and were amazing at keeping track of all of the medical bills and medical paperwork etc. They were honest and upfront with me at all times and fought to get me what was fair. I would highly recommend Van Dorn & Curtiss to anyone who is seeking legal representation in a motor vehicle accident and would like to sincerely thank all of you for your help and hard work.

    J. Cotter

  • “I feel very comfortable in saying that my case was treated in the best hands and with a very positive outcome.”
    This office was amazing and thorough when I was injured/bitten by a dog. Kristin Ross and her personal assistant Shelly Vizena were very professional and accommodating. I feel very comfortable in saying that my case was treated in the best hands and with a very positive outcome.

    Heather M

  • “I would recommend this firm to anyone”
    Choosing a lawyer can be a tedious endeavor. But from the first time I met with Kristen, I knew she was going to be great. She made us feel that our case mattered. Kristen and her paralegal Amanda kept a great line of communication with what was going on in our case. And it made this process painless. I would recommend this firm to anyone.

    Dusty W

  • “Kristen Ross was an excellent choice.”
    Kristen Ross was an excellent choice. She was very professional and informative. She got me a large settlement. I am very happy with her and would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal help.

    Paula

  • “I wholeheartedly recommend using this firm if you ever have the unfortunate need to file a personal injury claim.”
    I was represented by Van Dorn and Curtiss for a slip and fall case. Kristin Ross handled my case and throughout the entire process she was professional, responsive to questions and concerns I had, compassionate and positive. I felt well taken care of not just by Kristin but by the entire staff. The case was resolved to my satisfaction and even though the process was stressful I certainly felt I was in capable and competent hands the entire way through. I wholeheartedly recommend using this firm if you ever have the unfortunate need to file a personal injury claim. I never had cause to do so in the past and hope I never have to in the future but I am happy with the choice I made for representation.

    Kathy R

  • “I would highly recommend Van Dorn & Curtiss to anyone in the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.”
    The Law Office of Van Dorn & Curtiss was professional and effective in representing me in a motor vehicle accident. Kristin was thorough and persistent with the insurance company and health service providers for both myself and my son. They were firmly in my corner; fighting for me every step of the way. I would highly recommend Van Dorn & Curtiss to anyone in the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.

    Christine J

  • “They were firmly in my corner; fighting for me every step of the way.”
    The Law Office of Van Dorn & Curtiss was professional and effective in representing me in a motor vehicle accident. Kristin and Amy were thorough and persistent with the insurance company and health service providers. They were firmly in my corner; fighting for me every step of the way. I would recommend Van Dorn & Curtiss to anyone in the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.

    A. Murphy

  • “They made sure I got more of a settlement than I had even expected.”
    I was severely bitten by a dog and have some significant physical damage. After becoming discouraged with speaking to other Law offices who told me they either didn’t feel I had a case, or who wanted me to do all the leg work in putting my case together, I was ready to give up. A few months later I thought I’d try again. I found the website for Van Dorn & Curtiss and decided to give them a call. I was contacted by Kristin Ross, Esq. who listened to my story and took the time to speak with me about it. She explained everything I needed to know and answered the questions I could think of at that time. I immediately knew that I wanted her to handle my case. Kristin and her outstanding Legal Assistant, Shelby Harris kept me informed the entire time. I felt at ease knowing that I was in good hands. I never knew Attorney’s could be so compassionate and really do care about their clients, until now. They worked hard on my behalf. They kept their costs down, they talked to insurance companies who I needed to pay bills to and were able to get them to bring their bills down for me. They made sure I got more of a settlement than I had even expected. Kristin and Shelby are a Dynamic Duo within the Law Offices of Van Dorn & Curtiss. I highly recommend them and any of their colleague’s, because I can see that the standards in this law office are set high for their clients. I can’t say enough. I was blessed to have found them.

    Lisa C

  • “Attorney Curtiss negotiated a $900,000 settlement.”
    Clay Barclay was injured in an industrial accident when a 1000 pound door swung open under pressure and knocked him to the ground. Attorney Curtiss negotiated a $900,000 settlement as well as wiping out a workers compensation lien that was worth over $500,000.

    Clay Barclay-Workers Compensation

  • “You guys are amazing people”
    You guys are amazing people. I would recommend you to anyone, glad i met you and glad I got to work with you. Thank you. P.S. ill have to call once a month to say hi!

    Tory

  • “Great firm that really pays attention to all of the details.”
    Great firm that really pays attention to all of the details. Understanding, empathic, excellent communication.

    Kathy S

  • “Most amazing people to work with.”
    Most amazing people to work with. After switching lawyer after lawyer finally I got Van Dorn & Curtiss and they knocked the case out of the park actually with 3 cases for my family. They will get you your rights and results.

    Ken Heco

  • “This office took on the entire burden of everything else related to my case and offered direction and support.”
    I would highly recommend Van Dorn and Curtiss to everyone, but I can’t do that without adding Shelley to the recommendation! They are a highly professional, diligent, thorough group of people who have gone above and beyond to see us through our lawsuit. Shelley is amazing! My calls and emails have been answered promptly from the beginning. I was involved in a motor vehicle accident where I suffered a head injury. My job was to get to my appointments and take care of myself. This office took on the entire burden of everything else related to my case and offered direction and support for the medical challenges I continue to face. They certainly EARNED every penny.

    Pamela G

  • “I can say I hope I never need an Injury Lawyer again.”
    They were professional and helpful in every way. They were thoughtful in how they explained everything that I needed to know in terms I could understand. When things needed to be done they got it done.I can say I hope I never need an Injury Lawyer again. But They will be the very first people I call if I do..

    Sandy B

  • “I have had nothing but the best experience from this practice.”
    I have had nothing but the best experience from this practice. They have gone out of there way to help and give advise. I wouldn’t call any other Atty office. Thank you so much for being good at what you do.

    Sandra L

  • “He took the time to get to know us, always let us know what was going on, hung in there for us.”
    Hi I’m Cheryl H. A few years ago my husband and I were in a serious car accident in which the other driver crossed into our lane and hit us head on. My husband broke his back and I hurt my shoulder so bad that I needed surgery. The first lawyer we hired told us our case was only worth a small amount of money. This didn’t make sense to us. My daughter found Van Dorn and Curtiss on the internet and that’s how we came to call Rob Curtiss. Rob drove the hour and a half from his office to our home to meet with us. He explained to us that our first lawyer was wrong and that our case was worth a lot more money then we had been told. We were immediately comfortable with Robin. He took the time to get to know us and always let us know what was going on with our case. Throughout the case, Robin always told the insurance company that if it didn’t pay us a fair settlement he would take our case to a jury. Just before trial the insurance company finally put a fair offer on the table that we were able to accept. We really appreciate the fact that Robin hung in there for us. Not to mention that Robin and his assistant, Shelly always made themselves available when we had questions or concerns about anything.

    Cheryl H. , Car Accident

  • “Whoever finds their way to your door will find compassion, competence, ethical treatment, and – above all – justice.”
    My name is Diana Willoughby and I am from Claremont, New Hampshire. I was involved in an automobile accident in 2004 when my vehicle was struck in the rear by a careless driver. This began my journey through a quagmire of pain, orthopedic specialists, painful medical procedures, referrals, rigorous physical therapy, and additional hospitalizations stemming from the accidents. As painful as these injuries and rehabilitation were, I truly did not consider them to be part of the nightmare, because they were, after all, accidents. The actual nightmares were delivered through the callous indifference of insurance companies and the sheer insanity of the Workers Compensation system. Insurance companies fought with each other and Workers Comp fought with me. My checks were often withheld for months at a time with no explanation and few options for recourse. During all of this fighting, my bills piled higher as my financial resources dwindled. I was confounded by the conflicting directions I was expected to follow, especially when my case worker’s name seemed to change on a weekly basis. When a Workers’ Comp doctor actually hurt me during an examination in order to prove that I was not really injured, I finally understood that these institutions were not invested in my well-being at all. It was all about saving them money. After two years, I was finally well enough to return to work full time, although I would never be able to resume my normal duties, and it was time to discuss a financial settlement. My attorney referred me to Robin Curtiss of Van Dorn and Curtiss, PLLC. That same month, we learned that my sweetheart, now my husband, had cancer and was facing a battle for his life. I nearly despaired of the task before me: How could I get anyone to really understand the ordeal I’d been through, much less place a monetary value on it? Would these people understand that my energies needed to be devoted to helping my husband instead of my “case?” With much trepidation, I finally responded to their letter of inquiry. As I reflect upon my experience with Robin and Shelly, his most capable assistant, I find myself thinking in superlatives. Words like integrity, honesty, and diligence flow effortlessly from my fingers, but even those hardly describe the courtesy and respect I was afforded by these remarkable individuals. They quietly and unobtrusively took my burden as their own, untangling my nightmare with all its complications, all while giving me the privacy and space I needed to deal with my husband’s illness. In a relatively short time, long-delayed medical bills were paid, insurance companies stopped calling me, and the Workers’ Comp demons simply disappeared. The dollar amount of my settlement was larger than I would have ever imagined, even in my wildest dreams. Thank you, Robin and Shelly, for your part in restoring serenity and peace of mind to my world. I know that whoever finds their way to your door will find compassion, competence, ethical treatment, and – above all – justice. Diana Willoughby, Claremont, New Hampshire

    Diana Willoughby, Auto Accident, Orthopedic Injuries

  • “Robin’s efforts truly helped me get my life back on track.”
    Hello, I’m Rick Kelley and I live in Houlton, Maine. Several years ago I was rear-ended while driving and suffered a back injury. The back injury got worse and worse and eventually I was unable to continue working as a landscape architect. Needless to say I was very concerned about my future. My father suggested I talk to Robin Curtiss, who was representing him at the time. The first time Robin and I met he told me that Van Dorn & Curtiss was a “full service firm” which meant that they would help me with every aspect of my case. This turned out to be true. Not only did Robin aggressively pursue the insurance company of the driver who hit me – he also helped me obtain payments through my employment disability insurance and eventually helped me obtain social security disability payments as well. At first, the insurance company of the driver who hit me refused to pay. Robin told the company we would have to try the case and began preparing to do just that. When the company realized he was serious – they settled the case for $750,000.00, an amount I considered fair. But Robin wasn’t done – he negotiated down the amounts I needed to reimburse my own insurance company for the medical payments it had made. Everything Robin did was aimed at maximizing the amount of money I would put in my pocket at the end of the day. Robin’s efforts truly helped me get my life back on track. He became my friend as well as my lawyer. I have recommended Robin to my own friends and acquaintances and I recommend him to you as well.

    Rick Kelley, Auto Accident, Back Injury, $750,000 Settlement

  • “I was quite pleased with the settlement Robin negotiated on my behalf.”
    My name is Evie Newbold. In June of 2003, at the age of 18 I came from my home in the United Kingdom to work at a children’s summer camp in northern New Hampshire. Not long after I arrived, I was bitten in the face by a large Akita dog. The owner of the dog never warned me that his dog could be dangerous. I ended up requiring a three layer skin closure and some scaring is still visible on the left side of my face. Being only 18 and from a foreign country as well, I didn’t really have any idea what I should be doing to protect my rights against the dog owner. My parents contacted Robin Curtiss via the internet and I’m really glad they did. Robin explained to us that he could handle my claim even after I returned to England. He and his assistant Shelly always kept me well informed about what was going on with my case. Later, my parents and I came to New Hampshire to enter into settlement discussions with the dog owner’s insurance company. Robin really took the time to explain the process to all of us. He also made us very comfortable that if the insurance company didn’t make a fair offer he would take our case to trial. In the end I was quite pleased with the settlement Robin negotiated on my behalf. I am certainly happy that we found Van Dorn & Curtiss. They made a tough experience much easier to get through.

    Evie Newbold, Attacked by Akita dog.

  • “Robin did a great job for me and I would recommend him to anybody.”
    My name is Robert W. Nutting. A few years ago I was shopping in a large chain store when I slipped in some linseed oil that had been spilled on the floor. I ended up seriously injuring my right shoulder and I eventually needed surgery. I contacted Van Dorn & Curtiss because I heard they really knew what they were doing when it came to personal injury. Robin Curtiss was able to arrange a sit down with the store’s attorneys. It was a long day but at the end we settled the case for an amount I considered quite fair. Robin did a great job for me and I would recommend him to anybody with a personal injury claim.

    Robert N.

  • “Ed and his firm truly go the extra mile.”
    Hello, my name is April Hudson and I live in Island Pond, Vermont in the Northeast Kingdom. Several years ago a doctor performed surgery on my foot and made several bad mistakes. As a result, I had to have more and more surgery and finally my ankle had to be fused so when I walked it was like permanently wearing a ski boot. I went to see a lawyer in Newport, Vermont and he referred me to Ed Van Dorn. Thank God he did. The doctor and his insurance company refused to take responsibility for his mistakes and the disability they caused me. So we had to take the case to court. Ed Van Dorn and his firm worked long and hard and finally there was a jury trial in Guildhall, Vermont, in Essex County. During a long trial Ed convinced the jury that the doctor had committed malpractice and they gave me a financial award that I sorely needed. Not only this, but after the trial, Ed was able to negotiate an addition to the award so I would have enough money to cover all my expenses. There was a write-up in the paper about my case and I think Ed will make it available with this recommendation. Ed and his firm truly go the extra mile. I would highly recommend Ed and his firm, Van Dorn & Curtiss, to anyone who needed a lawyer for a medical malpractice or any serious personal injury claim.

    April Hudson, Surgical Medical Malpractice

  • “Without Ed’s help I don’t know where I’d be today – he fought for me every step of the way.”
    My name is Victor Kalina and I live in Windsor, Vermont. Several years ago I was riding my bicycle in Hanover, New Hampshire when a car suddenly pulled in front of me and caused a terrible accident. I was knocked unconscious and was in a coma for several weeks in the hospital. When I came out of the coma, I was at a loss about what to do. A friend of mine who was a CPA recommended that I talk to Ed Van Dorn. Ed agreed to take my case. From the accident, I was diagnosed with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and had a very difficult time adjusting to normal life. My ability to work was severely impaired and I was in serious financial straits. At first, the negligent driver’s insurance company refused to pay a good faith settlement. Ed filed a law suit on my behalf and went head to head with the insurance company lawyers. Finally, when he convinced them he was taking the case to trial, they agreed to mediate. At the mediation, even though the insurance company offered almost the entire policy limit, Ed and I decided to stand fast. Several weeks after the mediation, Ed convinced one of the defense lawyers they’d better pay the settlement I needed or the case was going to court. They paid the amount I needed. Without Ed’s help I don’t know where I’d be today. Because of Ed’s help I now live a full and meaningful life. I’ve remarried and have a loving relationship with my family. I credit the help of Ed Van Dorn for making this possible. He was with me and fought for me every step of the way. I would whole heartedly recommend Ed and his firm Van Dorn & Curtiss to anyone who needs the best possible personal injury law firm for a serious accident. I would be willing to talk to anyone with a serious personal injury about what Ed did to help me, especially anyone with a traumatic brain injury. You can contact Ed’s firm for my contact information. Sincerely, Victor Kalina

    Victor Kalina, Bicycle/Auto Accident, Traumatic Brain Injury

  • “Our settlements were unimaginable. I cannot imagine anyone else representing me or my family.”
    I’ve had a great pleasure working with this office. From the first day of meeting Robin I knew that I was in good hands. The capability of this law firm is intense. Shelly the paralegal is amazing and extremely knowledgeable, she will walk you trough everything step by step. They stand behind their clients 100%. Our settlements were unimaginable. I cannot imagine anyone else representing me or my family. Highly recommended !!

    Ken V