New York workers are entitled to safe workplaces. Though construction and industrial jobs are among the most dangerous jobs in New York, workplace injuries can happen in any job when employers, property owners, manufacturers, and others ignore safety standards.
Employees normally qualify for workers’ compensation after being injured on the job, but you may also qualify for additional damages through a third-party workplace injury lawsuit. Our nationally recognized team of Buffalo work injury lawyers have the skills, tenacity, and experience needed to go up against employers and insurance companies eager to deny your claim.
We will fight hard to secure full and fair compensation on your behalf. Schedule your free consultation with our top-rated Buffalo personal injury law firm by calling (716) 500-5678 or filling out our online contact form.
Why Choose a Buffalo Work Injury Lawyer From Richmond Vona?
Our Buffalo work injury attorneys have decades of combined personal injury experience and have recovered over $175 million in case results for our clients. The high quality of our services has won us numerous awards and accolades in the legal community, including:
- Super Lawyers
- Rising Stars
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Fellowship in the Litigation Counsel of America
Though our firm is nationally recognized, we focus heavily on serving communities in New York. Our attorneys regularly share legal advice as featured guests on local programming, including Western New York Living and The Big WECK “Buffalo on the Rise,” a forum for local business leaders.
Co-founder John E. Richmond was born and raised in Western New York, where his father owned a masonry business. He has been around construction sites in and around Buffalo his entire life. Because he understands our communities and the civil legal system in the region, John is well-prepared to take on at-fault employers, contractors, insurers, and other defendants based in the area.
When the unexpected happens, expect Richmond Vona to stand by your side. When you hire our experienced Buffalo workplace injury lawyers, we will assign a team of three to four attorneys, paralegals, and support staff dedicated to ensuring open communication and collaborative, results-oriented legal representation.
Available Compensation After a Workplace Injury
Injured employees in Buffalo workplace accidents may qualify for worker’s compensation, a third-party workplace injury claim, or both.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation provides medical care for your work-related injuries and replaces some of your lost wages. You must normally obtain medical care through a state-authorized workers’ compensation provider or your employer’s network.
Workers’ compensation pays up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you are 100 percent disabled. The maximum is based on the state’s average weekly wage. This amount is adjusted every year on July 1. As of July 1, 2024, the maximum weekly payment is $1,171.46. If you are partially disabled, your benefits will be reduced based on the degree of your disability.
If you are the spouse, minor child, or dependent of someone who died from workplace injuries, you may also be eligible for weekly wage benefits. If a worker dies without a spouse or dependents, the estate or parents could receive a one-time payment of up to $50,000.
Workers’ compensation benefits are more limited than damages available in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, you cannot receive pain and suffering damages through workers’ compensation, and you may be unable to see a doctor of your choice.
Though additional compensation may be available through a lawsuit, employers covered by workers’ compensation are generally immune from workplace injury lawsuits. Even so, our knowledgeable and compassionate workplace lawyers in Buffalo can help you file a claim against other at-fault parties in your case.
Third-Party Workplace Injury Claims
Many workplace injuries are caused by someone other than the employer, allowing you to file a third-party claim seeking compensation. For example, if your accident was caused by a defective product, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim against the manufacturer. The table below lists examples of who you can sue for workplace accident injuries:
| Type of Workplace Accident | Who You May Be Able to Sue |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle accident |
|
| Scaffolding accident |
|
| Forklift accident |
|
| Crane accidents |
|
| Building collapse |
|
| Slip and fall |
|
| Toxic chemical or asbestos exposure |
|
A third-party lawsuit can sometimes yield a significantly higher outcome than a workers’ compensation claim. Our workplace injury attorneys in Buffalo will provide personalized legal guidance and build the strongest case possible on your behalf. You will receive the same level of dedication regardless of whether your case is worth $5,000 or $5,000,000.
How Can Our Buffalo Workplace Accident Attorneys Help?
Our compassionate and aggressive Buffalo workplace injury lawyers will protect your rights and handle negotiations with defendants and insurers, taking the burden off of your shoulders. We will treat you like family and maintain an open line of communication. We want you to feel like you can always reach out to express your questions, comments, and concerns, knowing we will always be here to address them. Among other things, you can count on us to:
- Investigate – We will reconstruct the accident scene, interview witnesses, work with forensic experts, evaluate video footage, and make sure no stones are left unturned.
- Establish liability – We will identify all parties responsible for compensating you.
- Timely Claim Filings – We will file your workers’ compensation claim and third-party lawsuit before the all-important deadlines. The New York personal injury statute of limitations requires that injury cases be filed within three years. Workers’ compensation claims must be filed within two years, and you must also give your employer notice within 30 days of the accident.
- Negotiations – We will negotiate a fair settlement with the defending parties in your case and their insurers.
- Trial representation – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take at-fault defendants to court. We can also help you file a workers’ compensation appeal if your claim is denied or you receive fewer benefits than you are legally entitled to.
We charge no upfront fees. If we fail to recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. Your initial consultation is also free, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out. We will make sure you know your legal rights at no cost to you.
“It's really important to have a local firm for your case because a local firm will understand all the local players, will understand the community, and all these factors can really come into play and make a big impact on the ultimate success of your case.”
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Words cannot describe how grateful my wife and I are of John Richmond. His friendliness, knowledge, loyalty and professionalism are of the highest level. Being this was the first time we’ve had to obtain legal assistance, John made this process very easy for my wife and I. We both would highly recommend Richmond Vona.
What a phenomenal experience to come from a terrifying accident. From day 1 Richmond/Vona provided me with nothing but comfort and professionalism. Communication is paramount in my needs and they performed that with nothing short of exceptional. Mr. Richmond made me feel like this was the only case he was working on. Thank you to all of your staff for looking out for my best interests and taking a stressful situation and making it so very easy for me and my family.
My experience with Keith Vona was exceptional. To this day, I am grateful for the dedication and compassion he displayed throughout my case. The outcome of my case was successful as a result of his drive and commitment. I would highly recommend Keith Vona to anyone in need of legal representation.
Rely on the Team at Richmond Vona
If you were injured on the job, our top-rated Buffalo work injury lawyers are ready to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. We truly care about the people we represent. Our skilled attorneys love to think outside the box, going above and beyond to make our clients feel like family.
You can count on us to fight hard to secure the life-changing results you deserve. Contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 to schedule your free case evaluation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
