Buffalo’s Workers Deserve Justice After a Workplace Injury
Attorneys Who Fight for Workers Dealing with Serious Injuries
From the manufacturing hubs along the Buffalo River to the massive warehouse operations in Cheektowaga and Tonawanda, Buffalo’s workers keep the region running. Many are union members – factory workers, electricians, truck drivers, and construction crews – who rely on strict safety regulations to protect them. But when negligent contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers cut corners, workers pay the price. Faulty machinery, unsafe job sites, and ignored safety protocols cause devastating injuries that leave workers in Buffalo unable to provide for their families.
While workers’ compensation provides some relief, it often falls short of covering the full impact of a serious injury. When a third party – such as a negligent subcontractor or a company that supplied defective safety gear – is responsible, injured workers deserve more. A third-party claim can provide compensation for full lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that workers’ comp won’t cover. Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP stands up for Buffalo’s industrial workforce, ensuring they get the full compensation they deserve.
FAQs About Workplace Injuries in Buffalo
Factory workers, union tradespeople, warehouse employees, and truck drivers in Buffalo all face serious job risks – and when negligence causes an injury, they have the right to seek full compensation. Understanding how work injury claims work and knowing where to turn for trusted legal guidance is critical to protecting your future.
- What are the most common work-related injuries in Buffalo, and how do they impact workers?
- Which industries in Buffalo have the highest rates of serious workplace injuries?
- What should I do immediately after a workplace injury in Buffalo to protect my rights?
- Who can be held responsible for my work injury besides my employer?
- What types of workplace hazards in Buffalo are often caused by third-party negligence?
- How do Buffalo’s unions protect injured workers, and when can a union worker file a third-party claim?
- How do New York’s Labor Laws protect Buffalo construction workers when someone other than their employer is responsible for an injury?
- What should I do if my employer or their insurance company disputes my work injury claim?
- How do trucking, warehouse, and logistics jobs in Buffalo increase the risk of serious work injuries?
- What legal options do I have if defective equipment or unsafe machinery caused my workplace injury?
- What damages can I recover through a third-party work injury claim that workers’ compensation won’t cover?
- How do insurance companies try to minimize or deny compensation for work injury claims?
- What rights do surviving family members have after a fatal work accident in Buffalo?
- Can I file a work injury claim if I was hurt while driving for my job in Buffalo or Western New York?
- How can Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP help injured Buffalo workers get maximum compensation?
What are the most common work-related injuries in Buffalo, and how do they impact workers?
Buffalo workers face a range of serious injuries that can lead to long-term disabilities and financial hardships. Some of the most common work-related injuries include:
- Back and spinal injuries: Heavy lifting, repetitive strain, and slip-and-fall accidents can cause herniated discs, fractures, and chronic pain.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Falls from heights, falling objects, and vehicle accidents can lead to life-altering head injuries.
- Crush injuries and amputations: Manufacturing and warehouse workers are at risk of severe injuries from defective machinery or unsafe equipment.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Jobs requiring repeated motions, such as assembly line work or data entry, often lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
- Burns and chemical exposure: Industrial workers, electricians, and construction workers can suffer burns or respiratory illnesses from hazardous materials.
A serious workplace injury can take away a worker’s ability to earn a living, making it critical to explore all options for compensation. A work injury attorney can help identify responsible parties and secure the maximum financial recovery.
Which industries in Buffalo have the highest rates of serious workplace injuries?
Buffalo’s economy relies on several high-risk industries where workplace injuries are more common. The most dangerous industries include:
- Manufacturing and warehousing: Large plants in Buffalo and Cheektowaga expose workers to risks from heavy machinery, forklifts, and repetitive motions.
- Construction: Falls from scaffolding, electrocution, and struck-by accidents are major risks on downtown Buffalo high-rise projects and road construction zones.
- Healthcare: Nurses and hospital staff at places like Buffalo General Hospital face injuries from lifting patients, workplace violence, and exposure to infectious diseases.
- Trucking and logistics: Truck drivers and delivery workers navigating I-90 and Route 33 face vehicle accidents, cargo-related injuries, and repetitive strain.
- Retail and hospitality: Workers in restaurants, hotels, and large stores like those in Walden Galleria face slip-and-fall accidents, burns, and workplace violence.
Workers in these industries are often exposed to hazards caused by third-party negligence. A lawyer can help determine if an injured worker has a third-party claim beyond workers’ compensation.
What should I do immediately after a workplace injury in Buffalo to protect my rights?
Taking the right steps after a work injury can make a significant difference in protecting your legal rights and financial future. Injured workers should:
- Report the injury immediately: Notify a supervisor or manager as soon as possible to ensure the injury is documented.
- Seek medical attention: Get treatment at a hospital such as ECMC or Buffalo General, and ensure all injuries are properly recorded.
- Document the scene: If possible, take photos of the hazard that caused the injury and collect witness statements.
- Keep detailed records: Save copies of medical reports, accident reports, and any communication with your employer or insurance company.
- Consult a work injury attorney: Before dealing with insurance companies, speak with a lawyer to ensure your claim is handled properly and that all compensation options are explored.
Delays or mistakes in the process can cost injured workers thousands in lost compensation. A lawyer can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Who can be held responsible for my work injury besides my employer?
When a work injury is caused by negligence, multiple parties beyond an employer may be responsible. Potential third-party claims may involve:
- General contractors and subcontractors: Unsafe job site conditions or failure to follow safety regulations can make contractors liable.
- Property owners: If a dangerous condition on a property, such as an unmarked hazard or structural failure, contributed to the injury, the owner may be responsible.
- Equipment and tool manufacturers: If a defective tool, machine, or safety gear caused the injury, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
- Vendors and outside maintenance crews: Companies responsible for maintaining machinery, cleaning floors, or delivering materials may be liable for negligence.
- Reckless drivers: If a worker is injured in a vehicle accident while on the job, the at-fault driver could be held responsible.
Third-party claims provide additional compensation beyond workers’ comp. A lawyer can investigate and hold all negligent parties accountable.
What types of workplace hazards in Buffalo are often caused by third-party negligence?
Negligence by contractors, property owners, or vendors often leads to serious workplace accidents. Common hazards include:
- Unsafe scaffolding and fall hazards: Poorly maintained scaffolding or unsecured ladders at Buffalo construction sites can lead to severe falls.
- Defective machinery and equipment failures: Faulty presses, forklifts, or conveyor belts in manufacturing plants can cause devastating injuries.
- Hazardous chemical exposure: Poor handling of toxic chemicals in industrial settings can lead to long-term respiratory illnesses or burns.
- Negligent property maintenance: Unsafe parking lots, stairwells, or walkways in office buildings or warehouses can cause slip-and-fall injuries.
- Poorly secured loads on trucks: Improperly loaded cargo can shift and cause injuries to warehouse workers and truck drivers.
Identifying who is responsible for these hazards can be difficult. A lawyer can investigate the accident and determine if a third-party claim is an option.
How do Buffalo’s unions protect injured workers, and when can a union worker file a third-party claim?
Buffalo has a strong union presence, with labor organizations protecting workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and public services. Unions fight for better safety standards, negotiate contracts with workers’ comp protections, and provide support for injured members. However, workers’ compensation often doesn’t cover everything, which is where a third-party claim comes in. A union worker may have a third-party claim if their injury was caused by someone other than their employer, such as a negligent subcontractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or reckless driver. For example, if a union electrician on a downtown Buffalo construction site is injured by defective wiring supplied by an outside vendor, they may be eligible to sue for additional compensation beyond workers’ comp.
How do New York’s labor laws protect Buffalo construction workers when someone other than their employer is responsible for an injury?
New York’s labor laws provide some of the nation’s strongest legal protections for construction workers, particularly Labor Law 240, known as the Scaffold Law, and Labor Law 241. Labor Law 240 holds general contractors and property owners strictly liable for falls from heights, including scaffolding, ladders, and unsecured platforms. Labor Law 241 protects workers injured due to unsafe conditions, such as improper safety gear or hazardous job sites. In Buffalo, where major construction projects are constantly underway – from the Canalside redevelopment to roadwork on I-90 – these laws ensure that workers injured due to a third party’s negligence can pursue full compensation. If a contractor or property owner failed to provide required safety measures, an injured worker may have grounds for a third-party lawsuit in addition to their workers’ compensation benefits.
What should I do if my employer or their insurance company disputes my work injury claim?
Employers and insurance companies frequently try to minimize or deny valid claims. If your claim is disputed:
- Gather additional evidence: Obtain detailed medical records, witness statements, and photos of the injury site.
- Request an independent medical examination (IME): If the insurance company disputes the severity of the injury, an IME may provide additional proof.
- Appeal the denial: Workers have the right to challenge denied claims through the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
- Avoid signing away your rights: Some insurers offer low settlements to avoid paying full benefits – always consult a lawyer before accepting.
- Hire a work injury attorney: A lawyer can push back against insurance company tactics and ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
How do trucking, warehouse, and logistics jobs in Buffalo increase the risk of serious work injuries?
Buffalo is a major transportation hub, with trucking and warehouse workers handling high volumes of freight along I-190, Route 5, and the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. These jobs come with high risks, including vehicle accidents, forklift injuries, and overexertion injuries from heavy lifting. Warehouse workers in Cheektowaga may suffer crush injuries due to unsafe shelving or defective equipment, while truck drivers navigating icy roads in winter may be involved in severe collisions. When a third party, such as a negligent freight company, equipment manufacturer, or another driver, is responsible for the injury, workers can seek compensation beyond workers’ comp through a third-party claim.
What legal options do I have if defective equipment or unsafe machinery caused my workplace injury?
If defective equipment or unsafe machinery caused an injury, workers may have multiple legal options, including:
- A product liability lawsuit: If the equipment was defectively designed or manufactured, the manufacturer can be held accountable.
- A negligence claim against a maintenance provider: If a third-party company failed to properly maintain the equipment, they may be liable.
- A third-party injury claim against a vendor: If a supplier provided faulty parts or failed to train workers on safe operation, they could be responsible.
- Workers’ compensation benefits: Even if a third-party lawsuit is filed, workers’ comp benefits can still help cover immediate costs.
These cases can be complex, but a lawyer can help injured workers identify all possible sources of compensation.
What damages can I recover through a third-party work injury claim that workers’ compensation won’t cover?
Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and partial lost wages, but third-party claims allow workers to recover:
- Full lost wages: Unlike workers’ comp, a lawsuit can seek full past and future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering: Workers’ comp does not compensate for pain, but a third-party claim can.
- Loss of future earning potential: If a permanent injury reduces work ability, additional compensation can be pursued.
- Punitive damages: If gross negligence caused the injury, additional damages may be awarded.
Filing a third-party claim can significantly increase a worker’s financial recovery. A lawyer can ensure all damages are accounted for.
How do insurance companies try to minimize or deny compensation for work injury claims?
Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line, often using tactics to delay, dispute, or reduce payouts to injured workers. Common strategies include arguing that the injury was pre-existing, claiming the worker failed to follow safety procedures, or insisting that medical treatment is unnecessary. In Buffalo, where winter conditions contribute to many workplace falls, insurers may argue that an injury happened outside of work to avoid paying benefits. Additionally, workers’ compensation insurers often push injured employees to return to work before they are fully healed. Having an experienced attorney helps counter these tactics, ensuring workers get the compensation they are rightfully owed.
What rights do surviving family members have after a fatal work accident in Buffalo?
Losing a loved one in a workplace accident is devastating, and families may struggle with sudden financial burdens. In New York, surviving family members can file for workers’ compensation death benefits, which cover funeral costs and partial wage replacement. However, when a third party’s negligence caused the fatal accident, such as a defective machine, a reckless driver, or a negligent contractor, the family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, if a Buffalo construction worker is killed due to an unsecured crane operated by an outside contractor, their family could seek additional compensation through a third-party claim. A lawyer can help families understand their rights and fight for the full compensation they deserve.
Can I file a work injury claim if I was hurt while driving for my job in Buffalo or Western New York?
Yes, if you were injured while driving for work, whether as a truck driver, delivery worker, or traveling employee, you may be eligible for compensation. Workers’ compensation typically covers injuries sustained while driving for work, but if another driver was at fault, you may also have a third-party claim. For instance, if a delivery driver is hit by a distracted driver on Elmwood Avenue or Route 33, they could file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in addition to collecting workers’ comp. Additionally, if a work vehicle was defective or improperly maintained, the manufacturer or maintenance provider could be liable. Consulting a lawyer ensures that injured workers explore all available legal options for full financial recovery.
How can Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP help injured Buffalo workers get maximum compensation?
The firm provides:
- Aggressive investigation: We identify all liable parties and gather strong evidence.
- Skilled negotiation: Our attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies to ensure fair settlements.
- Legal expertise: We can help you navigate the complex New York work injury laws.
- No upfront fees: Payment only if compensation is recovered.
For injured Buffalo workers, getting legal representation can be the difference between financial hardship and a full recovery.
Fighting for Injured Buffalo Workers Every Step of the Way
A serious work injury can change everything – your health, your income, and your future. If negligence played a role in your accident, you shouldn’t be left struggling with medical bills and lost wages while the responsible party walks away. Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP has been standing up for Buffalo’s injured workers for decades, securing full compensation for those harmed by unsafe job sites, defective equipment, and negligent third parties. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, transportation, or another high-risk industry, our legal team knows how to investigate claims, hold the right parties accountable, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
Don’t settle for less than what you’re owed. Contact a Buffalo work injury attorney for a free case evaluation. There are no upfront costs, and you only pay if we win your case. Let us take on the legal battle while you focus on recovery.