Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- October 23, 2024
- Richmond Vona: Experienced Construction Accident Attorneys in Buffalo
- Your Rights as an Injured Worker in Buffalo, NY
- Available Compensation After a Construction Accident
- How Richmond Vona Can Assist With Your Case
- Meet the Team at Richmond Vona
- Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney at Richmond Vona
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Since construction sites often use heavy machinery, rickety scaffolding, and hazardous equipment, it’s not unusual for employees, contractors, and even passing pedestrians to experience an accident. In the worst cases, a construction mishap can even be fatal.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Buffalo construction accident, an attorney can help. Our Buffalo construction accident lawyers at Richmond Vona, LLC, represent victims in personal injury and wrongful death claims, and we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule your free consultation, call (716) 500-5678 or contact us online.
Richmond Vona: Experienced Construction Accident Attorneys in Buffalo
The seasoned attorneys at our personal injury law firm have over three decades of experience fighting for victims in personal injury claims. Since opening our doors, we’ve recovered over $175 million in life-changing case results that have helped our clients move forward after disastrous accidents.
Our award-winning attorneys are recipients of numerous notable accolades, including recognition as New York Super Lawyers, an honor bestowed on only the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state. Other honors we’ve received include Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers and Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers.
Co-founder John E. Richmond is from Western New York and is intimately familiar with the hazardous nature of construction sites after growing up near his father’s masonry business. Our legal team also includes several former construction workers and even defense attorneys who previously represented construction companies, providing us with unique insight and advantages when handling construction accident claims.
We take a client-centric approach to all our cases, assigning a team of three to four people to handle each claim. Our methods ensure you receive ongoing, transparent communication from the attorneys handling your case. Previous clients often share glowing testimonials highlighting their positive experiences working with us.
Michael T. Szczygiel: Protecting Injured Construction Workers
We are proud to count Michael Szczygiel as a member of our top-tier legal team. His unique professional background makes him a powerhouse advocate in construction accident cases. In his years of practice, he has secured multiple high-value construction accident case results, including some worth $7.5 million, $2.5 million, and $2 million.
As the son and brother of three Ironworkers 6 Journeymen, Michael aggressively defends the rights of injured workers. He has also performed union contract analysis and labor relations investigations for the Buffalo Public Schools Legal Department. He is a member of the United Spinal Association and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.
What Our Buffalo Clients Say
Your Rights as an Injured Worker in Buffalo, NY
New York has numerous laws protecting construction workers, contractors, and others who enter construction sites, including New York Labor Law § 200, § 240, and § 241. If you believe your employer, a company owner, a contractor, or someone else violated the law, they may be liable for your injuries, and our workplace injury attorneys can help.
New York Labor Law § 200
New York Labor Law § 200 gives regulators the right to prohibit the use of any machinery, equipment, or devices on construction sites if they’re found to be unsafe. If the Department of Labor posts a notice preventing the use of certain equipment or machinery, the employer must correct the issue and notify the agency before it can be used again. If the employer fails to repair the equipment and employees are injured as a result, the employer may be held responsible.
New York Labor Law § 240
Under New York Labor Law § 240, employers, contractors, and other businesses that use scaffolding must ensure its safety before allowing it to be used on construction sites. To be considered safe, scaffolding rising more than 20 feet from the ground must have a safety rail and minimize unsafe openings. It must also hold at least four times its maximum weight.
New York Labor Law § 241
In general, construction sites must be properly equipped and protected. New York Labor Law § 241 features numerous specific regulations concerning construction sites. They include the following:
- A requirement to lay flooring and underflooring as a building progresses.
- Iron and steel floor beams must be planked over during the construction process.
- Elevators used during construction must comply with height and barrier requirements.
The New York Department of Labor has the right to impose reasonable rules concerning specific construction sites in order to protect workers and passing pedestrians.
Available Compensation After a Construction Accident
The types of compensation you may receive following a construction accident lawsuit vary depending on your circumstances. Among other things, you may recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication.
- Lost wages while you’re unable to work.
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your regular job due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering.
- Lowered quality of life.
If you are an employee and suffered a construction site injury, you may receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs of medical expenses, disability, and lost wages. You may also be eligible to file a third-party claim for additional damages.
Surviving loved ones of workers who die in a construction accident may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawsuit may award you damages for funeral expenses, medical expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
Most personal injury claims end in a settlement. However, Richmond Vona is prepared to present your case before a judge and jury if going to court is necessary because the defendant is unwilling to compensate you fairly.
We have a strong track record of securing high-value compensation for catastrophic injuries sustained in construction accidents. For example, in one case, we negotiated a $600,000 settlement for a severely injured victim of a construction site accident.
How Richmond Vona Can Assist With Your Case
A construction accident claim can be complex. Hiring a firm that understands the nuances of construction accidents, including the laws and regulations that apply to construction companies, employers, and contractors, is essential. Richmond Vona has decades of experience representing clients in construction claims. We have what it takes to protect your rights.
Aside from representing you in your lawsuit, our Buffalo construction accident attorneys can assist with scheduling medical appointments. We are familiar with many specialized doctors and hospitals in the area. Whether you suffered a shoulder injury, traumatic brain injury, or PTSD, we can recommend a specialist to treat you after a construction accident. They may ultimately be called on to testify about the extent and severity of your injuries.
Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure nothing is overlooked. You can count on us to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and evaluate your medical records to help prove your claim. We will also leverage our extensive professional network and resources to help you through this difficult time and streamline the claims process.
Filing Your Construction Accident Claim on Time
The New York personal injury statute of limitations, including in most construction accident cases, is normally three years. However, there are exceptions that may extend or shorten this deadline.
Since the clock normally starts ticking immediately after an accident, it’s vital not to wait too long to seek legal advice. If you miss the governing deadline, your case will be dismissed in court.
Our Buffalo construction accident attorneys are ready to investigate your case and file a lawsuit before the deadline passes. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to gather the evidence necessary to prove 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.
Meet the Team at Richmond Vona
Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney at Richmond Vona
A construction accident can have serious physical and financial consequences that impact you for the rest of your life, especially if you suffer severe injuries. Even if you reach full recovery, you may be out of work for weeks or months, and bills can pile up quickly. Do not wait to take legal action.
Our construction accident lawyers in Buffalo are standing by to ensure you know your rights, answer your questions, determine how much your case may be worth, and fight aggressively to secure full and fair compensation. To get started with a free consultation, call (716) 500-5678 or contact us online.
