John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- March 30, 2026
- Why Choose Our Trial-Ready Lawyers to Handle Your Premises Liability Case
- Who Can File a Premises Liability Claim in Buffalo, NY?
- Common Scenarios Leading to Premises Liability Injury Claims
- How Premises Liability Cases Are Different in Buffalo
- Contact Our Buffalo Premises Liability Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation
Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they allow hazardous conditions to exist on their property and you are injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses and suffering. A Buffalo premises liability lawyer can help you take legal action and hold the responsible party accountable.
At Richmond Vona, we have more than three decades of combined experience helping injured individuals secure the financial relief they deserve. We can handle your case from start to finish, so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life after an accident. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our team.
Why Choose Our Trial-Ready Lawyers to Handle Your Premises Liability Case
Premises liability claims can be complex. You’re often dealing with insurance companies that try to blame you for what happened or minimize your losses to pay as little as possible. Our premises liability lawyers in Buffalo are familiar with these tactics and know how to push back against unfair treatment. We fight to get the best possible results for your claim.
Our attorneys provide compassionate support and award-winning legal services tailored to your needs. We take the time to get to know you and explain every step, so you feel empowered and confident throughout the process.
One key factor that sets us apart from other firms is our trial-readiness. We build your claim as if it’s going to trial and are prepared when we need to take your case to court. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re ready to go the distance for you.
Buffalo Premises Liability Case Results
Our team has recovered over $200 million for our clients, including these notable premises liability case results:
- $505,000 for a client who suffered a serious back injury after slipping on an icy trail
- $325,000 for our client who slipped on an ice-covered handicap ramp when exiting their apartment building
- $300,000 for a client who suffered serious bone fractures after falling down stairs that lacked handrails
- $175,000 for a health care worker who was injured in a slip and fall accident and, as a result, was unable to work for years
- $155,000 for a client who suffered a deep leg wound and permanent scarring from a bracket protruding from a public bench.
Who Can File a Premises Liability Claim in Buffalo, NY?
While every case is different, accidents in stores, homes, parks, and other public and private premises typically occur because of the property owner’s carelessness. In the practice of law, this concept is called negligence, and it requires you to prove certain facts to recover compensation.
The four essential elements of a premises liability case include:
Duty of Care
You must show that the party had a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe, a duty which applies to owners, operators, landlords, tenants, event promoters, and any other person or entity who has control over the property.
Breach of Duty
You need to prove that the responsible party breached this duty through a certain act or failure to act, which allowed a dangerous condition to exist.
Causation
You must provide evidence that the breach of duty was a direct cause of the injury-causing accident, such that you wouldn’t have been hurt but for the breach.
Damages
You need to establish that you sustained losses, whether economic or non-economic in nature, because of your injuries.
At Richmond Vona, our Buffalo premises liability attorneys can help establish the elements of negligence to prove liability and seek the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries and losses.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
In a slip and fall case, the liable party is frequently the property owner. In New York State, the onus to keep property safe always lies with the property owner. From time to time, there are instances in which the property owner can successfully shift the responsibility for taking care of property to a third party, but we rarely see that. If that happens to be the case with any of the clients that we represent, we do a thorough investigation and know that
Common Scenarios Leading to Premises Liability Injury Claims
When a property owner or occupier fails to keep their premises safe or repair dangerous conditions, you may have grounds to file a legal claim after being injured. Common situations that involve negligence and could result in a premises liability claim include:
- Spills, debris, or clutter in walkways or aisles
- Broken stairs, railings, or sidewalks
- Damages flooring, tiles, or carpeting
- Inadequate security
- Poor lighting conditions
- Dog bites or other types of animal attacks
- Unsafe conditions at construction sites
- Loose wiring or outlets on the property
- Spoiled, expired, or poorly prepared food served on the property
Our team represented a client who tripped over a rug in a restaurant and suffered serious injuries from falling into a plate-glass door. While proving the restaurant’s liability was challenging, our slip and fall lawyers worked quickly to gather and preserve evidence, securing a settlement that was seven times the initial offer from the insurance company.
How Premises Liability Cases Are Different in Buffalo
Buffalo has harsh winter weather, aging infrastructure, active construction sites, and other factors that may increase the occurrence of premises liability claims. Being familiar with the local legal landscape, insurers, and court systems can help your lawyer build your case and move through the process faster without sacrificing quality.
With our headquarters in Buffalo, many of our team members have deep local roots. Our co-founder, Keith R. Vona, even grew up in Lovejoy and served as a Buffalo police officer. When we practice in our hometowns, we have the advantage of understanding the people we represent and knowing what steps to take to get results.
While we provide legal services throughout Erie County, we also prioritize community involvement. Our team has developed several initiatives and worked with local organizations to make our communities safer. When you need local premises lawyers in Buffalo who really care, we’re here to help.
"*" indicates required fields
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.
Contact Our Buffalo Premises Liability Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation
For more information on your rights in a premises liability claim, please contact Richmond Vona, LLC to set up a free case evaluation at our office. Our Buffalo premises liability lawyers have decades of combined experience advocating on behalf of injured victims in Erie County and throughout Western New York. We’re prepared to fight for your rights.