About Richmond Vona
Your Trusted Western New York Injury Law Firm
We’re aggressive advocates for injury victims—and we pair that determination with the dignity, compassion, and respect every client deserves. With more than 30 years of combined experience and over $200 million recovered for our clients, our personal injury team knows how to secure the best possible results for you.
Buffalo is the “City of Good Neighbors,” and we take pride in living up to our city’s reputation. We prioritize accessibility and open, honest communication with our clients, taking the time to get to know you on a personal level and ensuring you understand every aspect of your case. Like family, we’ll be there for you when you need us.
Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys possess the skills, experience, and tenacity to take on large corporations and insurance companies, fighting for the justice and compensation you are entitled to under the law. If you or your loved one was seriously injured due to the reckless or careless actions of another, we can help you understand your legal options and work to protect your rights.
What Sets Us Apart
Open, Honest Communication
Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys never make false promises. We’ll let you know whether you have a valid case from your initial consultation, and we’ll keep you updated on what to expect throughout the process. Our team treats every client like a valued member of the Richmond Vona family—not like another case number.
Fully Personalized Legal Guidance
One-size-fits-all representation is not effective advocacy. Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys will put in the time and effort to listen to your story, investigate the details of your case, understand your needs, and build the best possible legal strategy for you.
Results-Oriented Representation
Professional accolades and experience matter—but for injury victims, nothing is more important than a successful recovery. We will work tirelessly to help you and your family obtain justice, accountability, and maximum financial compensation.
Accessible Advocacy
We believe that justice should be accessible to everyone in Buffalo and throughout Western New York, regardless of their financial means or circumstances. Our R/V Guarantee means we won’t charge any up-front fees for our services, and you won’t owe us anything unless we beat the insurance company’s initial settlement offer.
“No one expects to get in an accident, no one expects to get seriously injured. But when the unexpected happens, you can expect that Richmond Vona will have your back.”
Built on Experience, Trust, and Communication from the Foundation
Our founding partners, John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, established Richmond Vona in 2019 to redefine the way people perceive personal injury attorneys. As natives of Rochester and Buffalo, respectively, John and Keith are dedicated to serving and giving back to the kind, hardworking people of Western New York.
With more than three decades of combined personal injury experience, John and Keith have helped their clients recover more than $200 million in settlements and trial verdicts. That track record of success, both inside and outside the courtroom, has helped us earn a reputation among our clients and peers as a serious advocate for the injured.
Our firm is built on a team-first approach. We meet frequently to stay in sync on our cases, working together to ensure our clients have the best possible experience and optimal results. We understand that our clients are likely going through one of the most difficult times of their lives, and we want them to know that they can reach out to us and we’ll be there for them. When you entrust your case to our team, you can expect us to advocate aggressively for your best interests every step of the way.
About John Richmond
Co-Founder and CEO
John Richmond’s love of competition, his ability to work under pressure, and his desire to help others drove him to become a lawyer. Growing up in Rochester, his family taught him the importance of working hard and being good to others. John knew that if he was going to become a trial lawyer, he would do it for the right reasons—to stand up to insurance companies and be a voice for injury victims who needed help.
John’s accolades include recognition from New York Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, as well as multiple years ranked on the Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York and Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York.
About Keith Vona
Co-Founder
A native of Buffalo’s Lovejoy neighborhood, Keith Vona has never been one to back down from a challenge. After high school, Keith joined the Marine Corps, believing it to be the most difficult branch of the military. Service came naturally to Keith; after his time in the Marines, he worked for more than a decade as a police officer in Buffalo and started studying to become a lawyer.
As a co-founder of Richmond Vona, Keith focuses on working with mesothelioma victims. In addition to ranking among the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York, Keith has also been recognized by New York Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers.
Successful Verdicts & Settlements That Our Attorneys Have Achieved
OVER $200 MILLION IN RECOVERIES
EXPECT OUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION
When you hire Richmond Vona to handle your case, you can expect high-quality personal injury representation. You do not have to deal with gimmicks, false promises, or non-responsive legal professionals—because nothing is more frustrating than hiring an attorney who does not answer your calls or keep you updated on the progress of your case.
We’re different. We take on fewer cases, which lets us put more of ourselves into everything we do. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, and we work carefully and compassionately to put your needs first every step of the way.
MEET OUR TEAM
Our Commitment to the People and Communities We Serve
The goal of every personal injury firm is to help its neighbors. At Richmond Vona, we strive to be the best neighbors we can be. We’re passionate about giving back to Western New York and supporting our local communities with the same compassion and focus we give to our clients.
Our Monthly Acts of Kindness program keeps our team engaged in making a difference, working with a variety of worthy causes to support those who need it most. Community organizations we’re proud to support include:
What You Can Expect From Us
Richmond Vona is committed to being more than just another personal injury firm. When you work with our trusted Western New York attorneys, you can expect:
- Relentless advocacy: We’re committed to delivering the results you are entitled to. We won’t back down until you’ve been fully and fairly compensated for your injuries.
- A full-service client experience: We’re always looking for ways to help you, both in and outside of the legal process. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you feeling safe, reassured, and stress-free.
- Compassionate and approachable: Our team will always steer you in the right direction. We’ll meet with you face-to-face before starting your case to get to know you personally.
- Transparent, honest communication: You’ll know what to expect from your case from the beginning, and we’ll always keep you updated on all your legal options.
- 24/7 availability: Injuries don’t only happen from 9 to 5. You can reach your lawyer at any time for questions, updates on your case, or personal support.
- Efficient, effective service: Our team-focused, lower-volume approach means we can move your case forward faster than other firms—without sacrificing quality or reducing your potential results. We use modern technology to build cases faster while ensuring transparency and clear communication with our clients.
- Individual care and focus: We assign small, dedicated teams to each client, ensuring you get the personalized attention you require.
- Serious trial representation: Our Buffalo personal injury lawyers aren’t afraid to go to court to win you the compensation you are owed.
Areas We Can Help
Our skilled Western New York attorneys are experienced in a variety of personal injury cases and practice areas, including:
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? If we can’t help, we’ll put you in touch with someone who can. We have the best partners across New York, including PB Elder Law for family law cases.
We’re Here to Help New Yorkers Get the Help They Deserve
If you or a loved one has been injured, the attorneys at Richmond Vona provide the representation required to secure your full financial recovery. Contact us online or call 716-500-5678 for a free, no-obligation consultation. With our R/V Guarantee, you won’t pay us anything unless you win.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
CAR ACCIDENT VICTIM REVIEWS
At Richmond Vona, LLC, our personal injury attorneys have the skills, experience, and tenacity to go up against individuals and insurance companies in order to fight for the justice and compensation you are entitled to. If you or your loved one was injured due to car accident, you need professional legal guidance. We can help you understand your various legal options and work to protect your right to a fair recovery. Our firm handles all types of personal injury cases.
“John Richmond has personally helped me with two car crash cases. He and his team are very strong communicators, keeping me updated every step of the way. They are extremely compassionate and very hard working. They wouldn’t let the insurance companies push me around and ultimately got me two great settlements. I’m extremely grateful that I found them because they took a ton of pressure and stress away from me and my family. I highly recommend this law firm.”
“I was in an accident in 2024 when I was hit by a tractor trailer. This has been an incredibly difficult time for me personally as I recover from multiple surgeries and adjusting to permanent life changes. While I am crushed that the accident happened at all, I am truly grateful for the support I have received throughout this process.
Rita, Liesl, Brian, Keith, and Rebecca have been there for me every step of the way, along with the rest of the team. They have been responsive, compassionate, and steady during moments when things felt overwhelming. Dealing with my insurance company has been brutal, and having a legal team that advocates for me, helps me navigate through the process, and makes sure I am taken seriously has made an enormous difference. I am incredibly thankful for this team.”
“Samantha Catone @ Richmond Vona, LLC in Buffalo has done / is doing a fantastic job advocating for me in the aftermath of my automobile accident in August 2023. She has guided my decisions as I navigate through the NYS No Fault system to obtain the best medical care available as I begin to heal from my spine and neck injuries. I am confident that RV will preserve to the conclusion of my recovery to the fullest extent possible in the future. I have and will continue to recommend RV to anyone who finds themselves in need of legal representation under any similar circumstances. Thank you Sammy!”
“Rita and Brian have been incredible in helping me get through a difficult time after a car accident. Since day one, they have taken care of everything so that I could focus on seeing all the doctors and recovering from my injuries. They have treated me with care and respect the entire time and are always quick to respond when I have questions. I would recommend them to anyone in need of an injury attorney. I appreciate everything you both have done and continue to do!”
“Melissa and Mr. Brady were phenomenal and helped make my life beyond easier after my car accident. I should’ve called them sooner! They made sure everything was taken care of and were extremely knowledgeable. Everyone at the office who answered my calls were all fabulous as well. I cannot say enough positive things about Richmond Vona! They will take excellent care of you and make your life easier during the chaotic time that leads you to call them. I will be telling everyone if they need help that this is the legal practice to call! Thank you all again for everything and for all of your help I’m beyond grateful. ”
“Brian, Liesl and Rita are the “DREAM TEAM”! They are outstanding in supporting me during this extremely difficult time in my life, and are continuing to do so! They are always there for me. I would highly recommend Richmond Vona to anyone in need of an auto accident attorney! Thank you for your expertise!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Peter and Melissa, they really took care of me medically first. I had a concussion and injuries after my car accident and I received piles of paperwork from the insurance company, Peter and Melissa took care of everything so I can focus on getting better. Their 24 hr telephone system also amazing.
Thank you!”
“My son was in a nasty car accident that wasn’t his fault. His car was totaled. The driver was driving a car that wasn’t theirs and only carried liability (the lowest possible coverage). That did not cover even half of the value of my son’s car. I reached out to a friend I went to law school with (Paul). My question had more to do with his background as state trooper than it did about personal injury. While speaking with him, he informed me about so many things I was completely unaware of with NYS no fault, etc. I’m so glad I made that call. I connected Paul with my son and they worked together on his case. My son had spinal injuries he would have never found out about until they would have required surgery. I would recommend Paul to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer. We didn’t think we needed one. I was so wrong. Everything has been taken care of, hassle free. Richmond Vona is clearly an excellent firm.”
“Michael and his team helped me get out of a sticky situation promptly. We were able to gain a successful outcome for the both of us. I forgot to write this review had some more questions months later and Michael was more than happy to help me achieve my goal at hand. Thankyou Richmond Vona for making sure I didn’t leave empty handed from a car accident that I was no way near at fault. Almost lost my life in that car accident but thankfully I was better assisted by such a professional law firm. The law firm I chose before Richmond Vona gave me a hard time and a run around for over a year!!!! Michael made sure that we won the case and was satisfied with the final results. I recommend this law firm to anyone and everyone!!!!!”
“I was in a car accident at work. I couldn’t get any law office to help me in Rochester. I couldn’t get any firm to help with my workers comp case as well. I called Richmond Vona and talked with a lawyer and they not only took my case but referred me to another firm for workers comp. I was in need of help and they took care of me. They worked with my limitations and made it easy. Rita was especially helpful and accommodating. Would definitely recommend them.”
“After my husband and I were involved in a car accident, we were overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Thankfully, we found attorney, Kristopher Schwarzmueller, and his incredible team (Maddy and Josh) of Richmond Vona, LLC, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support and expertise throughout the entire process.
From our first consultation, they were compassionate, professional, and truly had our best interests at heart. They handled every aspect of our case with diligence—communicating clearly, keeping us informed, and fighting to ensure we received the best possible outcome. Their attention to detail and dedication made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate.
If you’re looking for an attorney who genuinely cares and will go above and beyond for you, look no further. We highly recommend Attorney, Kristopher Schwarzmueller, and team at Richmond Vona, LLC to anyone in need of top-tier legal representation. (richmondvona.com) If I could give more than 5 stars⭐️ I would!”
“Richmond Vona in my opinion are the best accident attorneys in this area. They are very personable and professional. They all went above and beyond to make sure I was always well informed. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate everything they do for you. Thank you all very much.”
“I can’t say enough good things about Richmond Vona. After my car accident, they provided me with exceptional support and clarity during a challenging time. From the moment I reached out, their team was dedicated to helping me navigate the process. They connected me with excellent providers and consistently checked in on my recovery after surgery.
When I needed a post-op medical device that my insurance wouldn’t cover, they didn’t hesitate to advocate for me. Their persistence and commitment ensured that I got the support I needed.
This is a team you can count on. I would recommend Richmond Vona to anyone in need of assistance after an accident. They treat you like family and genuinely care about your well-being.”
“We wanted to say thank you so very much for Keith Vona and all of his team throughout the past 3 years and all the hard work that was paid attention in our case. Car accidents are never easy, loss of income, loss of jobs, physicality, several surgeries. It changes the person forever and no one understands this pain and suffering as much as our doctors and lawyers. This law firm was on top of everything, calling our car dealership to ensure we had transportation, to calling our doctors and jobs to make sure we were compensated for time lost. It becomes personal when someone goes through so much emotionally, and this group was always available to listen and help. The holidays were no exception, when we had nothing, the kind employees at Richmond/Vona made sure we had a Thanksgiving dinner and personally delivered it themselves. That’s the compassion you can find here. They pay attention to all details and never let you feel like you’re going through this alone. We are grateful that they got us our full compensation allowed by the state laws and stayed with us to the very end.”
“After not knowing what to do after an accident. I contacted many agencies. When I contact Richmond Vona it was different. They rushed to my needs. They listened, they helped and made my life way easier. They got me a better settlement than William Mattar or Brown Chiari. They cared. I will forever be grateful to them. If you are in a accident call Richmond Vona. Thank me later!!!!”
Successful Verdicts & Settlements That Our Attorneys Have Achieved
OVER $200 MILLION IN RECOVERIES
YOUR FUTURE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
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I met Rita & Brian mere days after my motor vehicle accident occurred. They were so kind and patient with me, as I navigated multiple injuries to recount my experience, explain to me in detail what to expect, and guide me through the process without ever feeling like a burden or bother. When it came time to file official forms with the court to secure a judge assignment and proceed with legal action, I felt confident that Rita, Brian, and Liesl had my best interests at heart. We discussed summer plans, the football season, and how my family was doing – because Richmond Vona sees clients as more than just their case. When I panicked, thinking proceedings were taking too long or I didn’t receive a mileage payment from my insurance adjuster, the team reminded me of the steps and sought out answers for the payment delay. Just past the one-year anniversary of my accident, I was handed a settlement check for the full amount I was eligible to receive. I even got well wishes prior to surgery when I could have been but a memory. Trust the staff of Richmond Vona to do their best for you and care as if you were a member of their family.
Personally, I’m not one to leave reviews. Of course you have you have your good and your bad. The English language doesn’t provide the right words to explain the time I spent with Mike. My lawyer was beyond spectacular. He was patient and aggressive. I learned alot throughout the process. If your in need of any type of legal assistance, there isn’t any other choice. 5 stars isn’t enough, if I ever have any legal matters I absolutely wouldn’t go anywhere else. Thank you Mike. I sincerely appreciate you.
I love the offices of Richmond & Vona. I had met Keith Vona before needing any legal help, and turned to him as soon as I had legal questions. His office and staff have made this whole process less stressful! The staff has been wonderful and patient. I have been working with Sammy and she has been very friendly and knowledgeable as well as kept me current on all aspects of my case. Great job to this law firm. I highly recommend Richmond & Vona!
YOUR FUTURE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
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