Free Personal Injury Consultation in Buffalo, New York

Buffalo personal injury law follows New York's pure comparative negligence system and no-fault auto insurance requirements. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is 3 years, with medical malpractice claims having a 2.5-year deadline. Winter weather conditions in Buffalo create unique hazards including ice and snow-related slip and fall accidents.

Car, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents in Buffalo

Major highways in Buffalo include I-90 (New York State Thruway), I-190 (Niagara Thruway), NY-33 (Kensington Expressway), and NY-198 (Scajaquada Expressway). Lake-effect snow and winter conditions contribute to numerous serious accidents on these roadways. If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Buffalo, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our network attorneys have recovered millions for Buffalo accident victims.

Slip & Fall and Premises Liability

Property owners in Buffalo have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, apartment buildings, and on sidewalks can result in serious injuries including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage. New York law requires proving the property owner created the hazardous condition, had actual knowledge of it, or the condition existed for such a length of time that it should have been discovered and corrected. Our network attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for clients injured on unsafe premises throughout Buffalo.

Workplace Injuries

New York workers injured on the job are generally covered by workers' compensation, which provides medical benefits and wage replacement regardless of fault. However, in cases involving third-party negligence – such as defective equipment, negligent subcontractors, or motor vehicle accidents – injured workers may pursue personal injury claims in addition to workers' comp benefits. Construction accidents are particularly common in Buffalo, with New York Labor Law 240 (the "Scaffold Law") providing strict liability protection for workers injured in falls from heights or struck by falling objects.

Medical Malpractice

Major hospitals in Buffalo include Buffalo General Medical Center, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Sisters of Charity Hospital, Oishei Children's Hospital, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Medical malpractice cases in Buffalo require proving that a healthcare provider deviated from accepted standards of care, resulting in injury or death. These cases involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and emergency room negligence. New York has specific procedural requirements including a Certificate of Merit that must be filed with the complaint.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

New York follows a "one bite rule" for dog bite cases, but owners can be held strictly liable for medical expenses if the dog has shown prior vicious propensity. Owners can also be held liable under negligence principles if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. Dog attacks can cause severe physical injuries, scarring, and emotional trauma, particularly in children. Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies often cover dog bite claims in Buffalo.

Wrongful Death Claims

When negligence results in a fatality in Buffalo, the personal representative of the deceased's estate can file wrongful death claims in New York to recover damages for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost earnings, and loss of parental guidance. Separate survival actions can recover damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived, including pain and suffering before death.

Legal Process in Buffalo

Personal injury cases in Buffalo are filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Erie County. The Buffalo City Court handles smaller claims under $15,000. The legal process typically begins with a free consultation, followed by investigation, demand negotiations, and if necessary, filing a lawsuit. Most personal injury cases in Buffalo settle before trial, but our network attorneys are fully prepared to take cases to verdict when insurance companies refuse fair compensation.

2025 Accident Statistics

In 2025, Buffalo sees thousands of personal injury accidents annually, with winter weather contributing to elevated slip and fall and motor vehicle accident rates. The city's aging infrastructure and harsh winters create ongoing premises liability concerns. These statistics underscore the importance of experienced legal representation for injury victims in Buffalo.

Average personal injury settlements in Buffalo range from $20,000 for minor soft tissue injuries to over $1 million for catastrophic cases involving permanent disability, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or wrongful death. Our network of Buffalo attorneys has recovered tens of millions in compensation for injured clients.