Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
As one of America’s largest personal injury law firms, our team of Buffalo personal injury lawyers at The Barnes Firm are here to help you recover the best result possible after an accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident in Buffalo, you can trust the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm to effectively represent your case. Our knowledgeable attorneys have the resources and experience you need to help you get the best possible result. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
Personal injury law compensates those injured by the negligence of others for their physical, financial, and emotional losses. If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Buffalo personal injury lawyer.
At The Barnes Firm, our distinguished personal injury lawyers have a wealth of experience helping clients like you focus on recovering their health and well-being while we put our decades of experience to work recovering for their complete losses. Throughout our history, we’ve earned a reputation for our dedication and commitment to our clients as well as for our professional integrity, which we’re proud to share, including recognition from all the following professional leaders:
The personal injury lawyers at The Barnes Firm know how difficult your experience is and are committed to advocating for your claim’s best possible resolution – in pursuit of your most complete recovery. Your case is important, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at (800) 800-0000 for more information about what we can do to help you today.
New York personal injury laws focus on four elements required to bring a successful personal injury claim. Many accident victims, however, are leery of bringing claims because they aren’t sure about the matter of fault. The fact is that – in New York – you can file a personal injury claim even if you share fault for the accident in question. Ultimately, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Determining fault is based on evidence and the law, and if any fault is assigned to you, it will affect the compensation you receive. For example, if you are found 20 percent responsible for the accident that leaves you injured, your settlement or court award amount will be reduced by that 20 percent.
The matter of fault is best left to a focused personal injury lawyer who will carefully consider the circumstances of your claim. It’s not unusual for claimants to assign fault to themselves even when the law sees things differently. Reach out for the professional legal guidance that you need.
At The Barnes Firm, you can expect our undivided attention. We recognize the financial and emotional hardships that accompany personal injury claims, and we’re committed to putting your mind at ease. While you focus on the hard work associated with regaining your health and well-being, we’ll go about building your strongest claim – in fierce pursuit of the compensation to which you are entitled and that you need to recover.
We alter our approach to the unique circumstances of every claim we take on, and we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to guide claims seamlessly toward outcomes that honor our clients’ legal rights. When you work with us, you’re in good hands, and we encourage you to give us a call today.
Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”
Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes
We have multiple Five Star Reviews from happy clients on Google and Yelp.
"Great Lawyers. Derek is awesome!"
"My lawyer was Mike Cooper, he helped me with my lawsuit when I broke my ankle. He was extremely helpful and attentive and helped me in my time of need. I cannot thank him enough for everything he did...
"My lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped so much! Very on top of everything and always kept me informed as to what was going on! I couldn’t recommend someone better!"
"Derek Roller attorney with the Barnes Firm did an outstanding job representing me in a vehicle accident. I was kept informed and followed up on consistently throughout the process and always kept my ...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and they helped me with my personal injury car accident lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough! They did everything in a timely manner, kept me updated and wh...
"Derek roller was very professional, down to earth, and tells it to you straight. He said he thinks he can help me and even if he can’t, he’s going to try. I didn’t know what to expect when I wa...
"I was represented by Phil Maiarana, when the insurance company made an offer, Phil did an excellent job and worked to get the original offer doubled! Outstanding customer service and support."
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped me with my motor vehicle accident/personal injury lawsuit. I felt heard, any documents that needed to be submitted were done so quickly and ef...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller, and he helped me with my motor vehicle accident/personal injury lawsuit. I felt heard, and any documents that needed to be submitted were done quickly and ...
"Raeanne Over and Matt Louisos have been absolutely wonderful to work with. He has helped turn an insurance nightmare into something breathable. I hope to never have to be in a compromising situation ...
"Highly Recommend this law firm especially Matt Louisos. Handled my case with no issues and got 4X the insurance offer."
"My attorney, Michael Cooper, settled my lawsuit in a timely manner and was very professional. I was very pleased working with him and his staff. I have confidence in his knowledge of his profession a...
"I dealt with lawyer Derek Roller...he has been amazing thru this whole experience. Mr. Roller has always been so supportive and encouraging to stay positive. It's because of Derek that I am finally s...
"My personal injury lawyer was Murrett, John C., Jr and they helped me with my car accident case lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough! I also would like to take the time and thank Nichole who always r...
"I was in a car accident and called The Barnes Firm for help. My attorney, Derek Roller, encouraged me to seek medical attention immediately when he realized I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t reme...
"My attorney Derek Roller represented me in my slip and fall case when I broke my right foot in 2021 after slipping and falling on a wet office floor. It was very painful! I wore a boot for several mo...
"After my auto accident as I was hit from behind, I started my case with Rich Barnes. After the tragic accident of Rich’s Daughter and Brother, Rich turned my case over to Derek Roller. After any Dr...
"My personal Injury Lawyer at The Barnes Firm, Derek Roller helped me get the most from my case. He kept great communication with me and always had an answer to my questions. I can’t thank him enoug...
"My lawyer way Matt Louisos. He is an amazing lawyer. He addressed my concerns about my injury case. He also kept me informed on everything that was going on with my case"
"My personal injury lawyer was Mike Cooper and he helped me with my automobile accident lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough!"
"Louisos, Matthew A., Esq. was an outstanding lawyer who truly made a difference in my case. He maintained excellent communication through emails and phone calls, always keeping me updated. His profes...
"Michael Cooper and his team went above and beyond to assist me and get me to the end result with nothing but kindness and compassion. I highly recommend The Barnes Firm and will forever be grateful f...
"I was injured in a car accident while on vacation out of state. I called the Barnes Firm and attorney Mike Cooper took care of everything. Mike Cooper and his staff at the Barnes Firm were very profe...
"My Lawyer John C Murrett exhibited excellent communication skills, keeping me informed at every stage of the process and promptly addressing any concerns or inquiries I had. He ensured that I underst...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped me with my no fault lawsuit. I can't thank him enough!"
"I am very happy with the outcome of the service I received from The Barnes Firm. My lawyer Matt gave my case his all. It is very hard to fight a a lawsuit for a fall, let alone one in another state. ...
"I’m more than satisfied with the services that The Barnes firm has provided. My lawyer, Micheal J. Cooper was amazing. I highly recommend this law firm to everyone."
"My personal injury lawyer was Robert Schreck and they helped me with my personal injury lawsuit related to an automobile accident. I appreciated them taking care of all the issues that came up with m...
"During one of the most difficult times in my life, Derek at The Barnes firm and his team made things possible. I was with a different law firm prior to; however, I was displeased with their services ...
"I would definitely recommend Matt Louisos as a lawyer. Before I found Matt, I talked to another big name Law Firm and they said that they couldn’t help me. Once I reached out to Matt at The Barnes ...
"My personal injury lawyer was John C. Murrett and they helped me with my injury lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough!"
"Great firm that will fight for you. They were very helpful with my case, any questions I had, and always responded fast. I highly recommend The Barnes Firm, as they get you top dollar. Phil and Leah ...
"Wanted to let people know Derek J. Roller, Esq. of The Barnes Firm level of professionalism is unparalleled, and I am thankful for his commitment. Thank you again, Mark"
"Philip & his assistant Leah were very helpful. The Barnes Firm, assisted me with my questions and concerns. Most importantly they helped me get the medical attention I needed. I'm extremely grate...
"My personal injury lawyer was Mr. Robert Schreck. I was involved in a MVA and Mr. Schreck was able to get me a settlement higher than the insurance company initially offered. Communication was always...
"The Barnes Firm has helped me handle the death of my child in a auto accident and made it less painful for me. Thank you Michael Cooper! I always get paid what I'm promised and Mr. Cooper and Lori ha...
"I highly recommend The Barnes Firm and team of attorneys. Above and beyond all expectations. If you want a lawyer and a law firm that will actually care about you, and get your case done right, they ...
"Derek Roller did an amazing job settling our case 10/10 would recommend"
"Michael Cooper is an outstanding injury attorney. He communicates with you from beginning to end about how things are going with your case and if you have any concerns about the case you can reach ou...
"I called after my accident and attorney Michael Cooper has been there every step of the way. I recommend giving him a call after an accident."
"If your looking for a honest lawyer who gets the job done, Phil Maiarana is your guy. He got me what I asked for & more! Thank you Phil"
"My experience with The Barnes Firm was great and my lawyer, Philip J. Maiarana, was very knowledgeable and ensured that I got full coverage in terms of my settlements."
"My attorney was John C Murrett Jr, Esq. He and his assistant Nichole were most helpful and professional in the handling of my personal injury suit. The suit developed from a motor vehicle/ pedestrian...
"Matt Louisos was amazing. When I was told by others that nobody could do anything for me, Matt and his team at The Barnes Firm helped me with everything I needed and made sure that they went above an...
"My injury attorney, Derek Roller, was great to work with. He kept me updated along each step of the way, from the moment I contacted The Barnes Firm for a consult, through surgery and recovery, and f...
"Jack and Nichole were a great team. She guided me through every step of my medical and treatment. Jack stayed in constant contact with me keeping me updated on everything concerning my case. I'm so g...
"My Attorney is Philip J Maiarana & his Paralegal is Leah Novo. They are very professional & thorough. Everything was explained & was kept updated through text, email or a call. This was t...
"Phil at the Barnes Firm is the utmost professional. He is very knowledgeable and proficient. When you contact him with a question or concern he gets back to you immediately. I would recommend him to ...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped me with my Car Accident lawsuit. I can’t thank him enough! He was very nice and concern for my well being. He and The Barnes Firm were very ...
"My attorney, Matt Louisos with The Barnes Firm, did an amazing job! Matt was very personable, easy to speak with and kept me informed consistently throughout the process. I absolutely recommend The B...
"They were very attentive to my needs, and willing to explain the process and steps to me. They took the time to hear me and my concerns and help to ease my nerves. Always readily available and quick ...
"My lawyer was Derek J. Roller, that helped with my automobile accident lawsuit. I could tell he took this case seriously and always gave me updates with what was happening. They were quick to deal wi...
"I'm so glad that I used The Barnes Firm because they went above and beyond with the things that they had to do for me in a very quick and informative way. I can't say enough about my personal lawyer ...
"No Fault case where my car insurance would not pay for injuries sustained. My car was rear ended & other driver took off. Injuries were not life threatening, but ended up having surgery 10 months...
"Thank you Matt Louisos and his team at The Barnes Firm! You were easy to work with and always there when I need you. I would recommend you to anyone!"
"My lawyer Michael Cooper is amazing, he helped me with everything, great doctors, great physical therapy a wonderful chiropractor, I couldn’t’ of asked for a better lawyer! He worked very hard to...
"Matt Louisos and his team were very easy to talk to and they worked very hard in getting me the maximum amount of money that I deserved due to my MVA. Thank you all very much!"
"Philip J Maiarana Esq. helped me with my injury case! He always kept me up to date on everything was very nice and I would definitely recommend him! Thank you so much!!"
Proving your New York personal injury case will depend on the available evidence, which your practiced personal injury attorney will take on gathering and skillfully compiling. The basics involve proving the other party’s negligence as well as the extent of your covered losses. When it comes to the other party’s negligence, evidence like the following generally comes into play:
Proving your legal damages, on the other hand, requires evidence like the following:
Your accomplished personal injury lawyer will ensure that the other party’s fault in the matter is well established and that your losses are all well accounted for. These important elements of your claim are far too important to neglect or gloss over.
The value of your case will be based on the losses you experience as a result of the other party’s negligence, which fall into three primary classifications.
The medical expenses you face in the aftermath of even a relatively minor personal injury claim can be immense. And if your injuries require ongoing care or lead to complications, your medical expenses can continue to mount into the future.
If you’ve been injured, it’s likely to go hand in hand with lost earnings – while you focus on your recovery. If this category of loss involves lost earning potential, you can expect your financial losses to be that much more serious.
Being injured as a result of someone else’s recklessness can be terrifying and can conjure intense emotional consequences in addition to the physical pain you suffer. Pain and suffering is a category of loss that can be challenging to attach a value to, but should not be overlooked.
The damages, or losses, you’ll pursue in your personal injury claim will include all the losses you experience – in their entirety. Without a complete account of these damages, your journey toward recovery will be more challenging. Basic losses include your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, and each of these categories can be considerable.
A statute of limitations refers to a legal time limit for filing a lawsuit against an at-fault party, and in New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. Once three years from the date of the injury-causing accident have elapsed, your ability to obtain financial compensation likely ends, which makes addressing the matter head-on from the start key.
It’s important to also note that, when it comes to wrongful death claims in New York, the statute of limitations is reduced to just two years from the date of your loved one’s death. Further, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is just 30 months – or two and a half years – from the date you were injured or the date your continuous care ended.
Other Areas We Serve in New York:
Rochester personal injury lawyer
Brooklyn personal injury lawyer
Long Island personal injury lawyer
The kinds of injuries that can lead to personal injury cases are nearly limitless, but most fall into categories like the following:
The Barnes Firm is here to help you. Our personal injury firm helps individuals and their families who
have suffered an injury in an accident.
Whether your car crash was minor or serious, any injuries sustained in an accident can be painful and costly.
All motorcycle accidents are different, the compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances surrounding your accident.
A truck accident can be catastrophic, even in low-impact crashes, if you or your family are involved, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
Whether the accident happened from a height, or at ground level, slip and fall injuries can be serious and sometimes, fatal.
Helping thousands of construction workers injured at construction sites, getting the best result possible for their cases.
Are you a victim of a dog bite injury? Our team can help you receive a fair compensation for you and your loved ones.
Drivers must respect a cyclist’s right to share the road bicyclists need to realize they have to obey traffic laws. Know your rights if you are involved in a Bicycle accidents.
Car and truck have the responsibility to drive in a safe, and be aware of any pedestrians that may be near or on the street.
The matter of whether or not you have a personal injury claim is a topic that is best discussed with an experienced personal injury lawyer. There are, however, four elements that must be present in order to bring a successful claim that it can help to know.
The person whose negligence left you injured must have owed you a duty of care, to begin with. This simply means that they had a duty to consider your safety. A prime example of this duty is the responsibility to others on the road that motorists accept when they drive. Another is the responsibility to afford reasonable care that commercial property owners owe their customers, guests, and visitors.
This is the element of personal injury law when negligence enters the picture. The party whom you consider at fault for your injuries must have breached the duty of care they owed you, which translates to acting negligently. For example, a driver who is impaired, speeding, distracted, exhausted, or dangerously aggressive breaches the duty of care they owe others on the road.
Finally, the accident in question must have caused you to suffer legal damages, which are losses that are covered by the law. At their most basic, these include:
The other party’s negligence in the matter must have been the direct cause of the accident that left you injured. For example, if a speeding driver loses control of their vehicle and crashes into you in an intersection, their negligence – in the form of speeding – can be easily identified as the cause of the accident.
Personal injury law applies whenever the four elements of a personal injury claim can be met, but most claims fall into common categories.
Traffic crashes can take many, many forms, including all the following types of dangerous accidents:
Premises liability claims refer to claims that are based on the negligence of property owners, and some of the most common types include the following:
Product liability claims relate to the manufacturers of consumer products whose negligence harms consumers. A prime example is medicines that are deemed dangerous. These claims fall into separate categories that include:
There are also claims that are very similar to personal injury claims, but that fall into different classifications, including:
With over 100 years of combined experience, our personal injury attorneys are here to help you get the best result possible.
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY
Personal service is a key element to our legal service. We keep our clients informed of the progress of their case along the entire way.
Our team is experienced and dedicated to bring our clients results. We lead your case to a successful resolution for you and your loved ones.
We’re here to help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps at no initial cost.
Our priority is to lead your case to a successful resolution. That is our focus. You won’t pay any fees until we win your case. Results over fees.
Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
Under New York law, victims have three years from the day of their injury to file a lawsuit. That said, there are certain things that can extend this limitation. Regardless of how much time you think you have to file a claim, you should call a New York personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.
Read More Here: New York Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Finding a personal injury lawyer can be difficult, and there are thousands of lawyers out there ready to take your case. Some of the things you should look for include a track record of success with cases like yours, experience, and a good reputation in the legal community. Also, you should look for a lawyer that you like personally and whose communication style you are comfortable with.
To sue for an injury in NYC, you need to file a complaint in the appropriate New York court alleging your injuries and how they were caused. In addition, you need to serve the party you are suing. As a victim, you should keep in mind that most injury cases do not go to court and are instead resolved by reaching a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Personal injury settlements vary widely, and the average settlement for personal injury cases in New York changes each year. It also has no bearing on how much you can expect to receive for your injury. Some of the factors that can affect the value of your claim include the severity of your injuries, your income, and your prognosis.
Pain and suffering can be calculated either by multiplying your economic damages by a certain number or setting a daily rate for each day you are injured. Your lawyer can ensure that you obtain as much compensation as possible for your pain and suffering after an accident.
There is no set time limit for insurance companies to settle claims, but there are certain time limits that operate to keep the process moving along.
For example, insurance companies have 15 days after you file a claim to request more information and to initiate an investigation. While there is no time limit on how much their investigation may take, they are required to process them in good faith. After the investigation concludes, the insurance company has 15 days to notify you whether they will accept or deny your claim.
New York personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means the amount you will pay your lawyer depends on how much compensation you receive. They will receive a pre-arranged percentage of your total settlement or award. If you do not obtain compensation, you will not have to pay your lawyer anything.
As a victim of an accident, there are certain steps that you should take to protect your right to recover compensation. Some of the most important include:
Read More Here: What To Do After A Car Accident
Victims have three years from the date of their injury to file a claim, but there are certain things that can extend this period. You should call an attorney as soon as you can, regardless of how much time you have to file a claim.
Liability can stem from the negligence of a party, vicarious liability for employers of negligent employees, or even strict liability of a product manufacturer. Liability is a complex legal question that should always be assessed by a skilled attorney.
New York is a pure comparative negligence state. So, you can be 99% at fault and still receive 1% of the settlement amount. Historically, states in the U.S. followed the doctrine of contributory negligence. This doctrine prevented a plaintiff from suing another party if they were injured and partially to blame for an accident.
Read More Here: New York Comparative Negligence
To establish pain and suffering, you must provide adequate documentation to support the claim. Judges and insurance companies will ask for evidence when determining compensation. Some ways you can provide proof are:
Read More Here: Suing For Pain and Suffering in New York
In New York, some common types of personal injury cases include:
Read More Here: What Kind of Cases do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
A common misconception about personal injury lawsuits is that they take years to process or that you will receive an immediate offer to make your case go away. The reality is that there are no true timelines for how long a trial should take to settle as circumstances around the personal injury itself always affect the outcome.
Read More Here: Why Is My Lawyer Taking So Long To Settle My Case
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