John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- September 15, 2026
After an injury, medical appointments can pile up while paychecks stop, and an insurance company insists on a statement you may not be ready to give. Richmond Vona helps injured people understand whether they have a claim by providing answers grounded in compassion and preparing each case based on the available evidence. Call 716-500-5678 or contact us online to speak with a Buffalo personal injury lawyer.
- Richmond Vona is recognized as a Best Law Firm for Personal Injury Litigation in Buffalo by Best Lawyers
- Richmond Vona has recovered over $250 million for clients across Western New York, including significant settlements in personal injury cases
- Many of our attorneys have received recognition for their work in Buffalo, including several attorneys named in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America
- Keith Vona, Co-Founder of Richmond Vona, is proud to be from Lovejoy, Buffalo, and served in the United States Marine Corps and the Buffalo Police Force before becoming an attorney.
- Richmond Vona is proud to be actively involved in the Buffalo Community in a variety of ways and are proud community partners.
Types of Buffalo Personal Injury Claims We Handle
Our Buffalo lawyers focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases, leveraging past experiences to tailor their approach to each claim.
We handle cases involving:
Car accidents
Car accidents: We represent drivers and passengers injured in rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, head-on collisions, and other accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Truck accidents
Truck accidents: Commercial truck crashes often involve serious injuries and questions about the conduct of the driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, or another business.
Bus accidents
Bus accidents: Our attorneys handle claims involving public transit, school, and charter buses, as well as other passenger vehicles.
Motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists have little protection from the force of a collision. We investigate how the crash occurred and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.
Bicycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Boating accidents
Work injuries
Work injuries: Workers’ compensation generally covers job-related injuries, but an injured employee could also have a claim against a negligent third party, such as a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer.
Premises liability
Dog bites
Catastrophic injuries
Nursing home abuse and neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect: We represent residents and families affected by bedsores, falls, medication errors, malnutrition, physical abuse, and other failures in care.
Product liability
Product liability: A manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable when a defective or unreasonably dangerous product causes injury. Our attorneys pursue claims involving faulty designs, manufacturing defects, and inadequate safety warnings.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos claims
Mesothelioma and Asbestos claims: People exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma years later. We help affected individuals and their families identify possible sources of exposure and pursue compensation from the responsible companies.
Richmond Vona Is Your Buffalo Hometown Personal Injury Law Firm: Community-Backed, Trial Ready, and Here For You
Richmond Vona is a Western New York firm built for individuals and families in their time of need. Our attorneys prepare each claim with litigation in mind, gathering the evidence needed to negotiate from a position of strength or take the case to court when the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Each client also receives a team of two to three legal professionals who work together to answer questions and keep you informed, so you can focus on what matters most: recovery.
Meet Keith Vona, Co-Founder and Veteran
For Keith Vona, protecting his neighbors has been a lifelong commitment. The Lovejoy native served in the United States Marine Corps and later worked as a Buffalo police officer before becoming a personal injury attorney.
Much of Keith’s practice is focused on mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers, product liability, and catastrophic injury cases. His asbestos work has particular ties to Western New York, where generations of people worked in manufacturing plants and other industries that used asbestos-containing materials. Keith now helps workers and families affected by that exposure seek answers and accountability.
Keith works alongside his wife, Dawn Vona, Richmond Vona’s Director of Operations. While Keith advocates for injured clients, Dawn supports the staff, systems, and internal operations that keep the firm running.
Meet John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
John Richmond grew up in Greece, NY, just to the west of downtown Rochester, and now lives with his wife and daughter in the greater Buffalo area. His family taught him early that being part of a community means showing up for the people around you. That principle now shapes how he represents injured clients and leads the firm.
John handles catastrophic personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, dangerous products, and other preventable injuries. As CEO, he sets the firm’s direction and oversees the legal teams, operations, and marketing. He leads the firm’s growth strategy and its focus on delivering an exceptional client experience and real results.
John remains directly involved in the firm’s most significant cases while training its attorneys and partnering with lawyers who bring Richmond Vona in to assist with their clients’ claims.
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This law firm goes above and beyond to fight for you. Their entire team treats you with respect and truly cares about your well-being. Look no further if you need a personal injury lawyer.
John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury compensation is intended to help the victim return to their pre-accident state as closely as possible. If you have a viable personal injury case, you can seek compensation for all economic and non-economic damages you have suffered because of the incident.
Economic damages have a monetary value you can quantify with receipts, bills, and other financial documents. Examples include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, transportation costs for medical appointments, and expenses for disability-related home modifications or assistive devices.
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify and include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s actions were malicious or intentional. These aim to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
We Seek Maximum Financial Recovery for Your Losses
Richmond Vona was built in Western New York for the people who live and work here. As the firm has grown, our attorneys have remained closely involved in our clients’ cases and the Buffalo community.
Behind the scenes, we use modern case management technology to keep information organized, monitor deadlines, and help our attorneys move cases forward. We also work with investigators, medical professionals, and other experts when their knowledge can strengthen a claim. Every case is prepared for trial, giving the insurance company a reason to take your losses seriously. Our goal is to identify every available source of compensation and pursue the maximum recovery available to you.
We Get Results for Those Who Are Wrongfully Injured Throughout Buffalo
Successful Case Outcomes
- $4.25 million for a truck accident victim
- $3.2 million for mesothelioma from asbestos exposure
- $1.2 million for an automobile accident victim
- $825,000 for an automobile accident victim
- $800,000 for an injury from a defective product
- $450,000 for a dog bite victim
Through #RVintheCommunity, our firm works with partners such as Sweet Buffalo and serves as the presenting sponsor of the Buffalo Veterans Race, an event that reflects Keith Vona’s longstanding commitment to local veterans. John Richmond’s Angles podcast gives local creatives, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders a place to share their stories.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident?
What a Personal Injury Attorney Does
A personal injury attorney investigates what happened, identifies the parties and insurance policies involved, and gathers evidence before it disappears. The attorney also documents your medical expenses, lost income, future care needs, and the ways the injury has affected your life.
From there, your lawyer can submit a demand, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer. You should not have to absorb the financial consequences of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Hiring an attorney gives you an advocate whose job is to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation the evidence supports.
The Importance of Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney
The lawyer you choose can affect how your claim is prepared, how well you are kept informed, and whether the firm is ready to litigate when negotiations stall. Before signing a retainer, ask who will work on your case, how often you will receive updates, and whether the firm regularly takes personal injury cases to court.
“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.”
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
We understand that money is a primary concern when dealing with mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial burdens from your injury. When you work with Richmond Vona, you don’t have to add legal fees to that list.
We work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay anything up front for our services. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fees come from a percentage of your award rather than your pocket. Our firm also offers free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options before making any commitments.
We’re Proud to Serve the Greater Buffalo Area
After an accident, traveling to downtown Buffalo for a meeting may be difficult or simply too far. We understand. Richmond Vona offers consultations by phone or video, and our team can come to you or meet at a location closer to home.
We serve clients throughout Greater Buffalo, including:
- Amherst
- Tonawanda
- Cheektowaga
- Lancaster
- Kenmore
- Depew
- Williamsville
- West Seneca
- East Aurora
- Hamburg
- Orchard Park
- Niagara Falls
- Other communities throughout Western New York
Richmond Vona Is Your Go-To Buffalo Personal Injury Law Firm
If someone else’s negligence left you injured, contact Richmond Vona to discuss what happened and find out whether you have a case. Call 716-500-5678 or contact us online to request a free consultation with a Buffalo personal injury lawyer.