Our Verdicts and Settlements
$2,500,000
Settlement at trial for negligent road design
$2,400,000
Settlement at trial for a construction worker
$1,750,000
For a student injured at school
$1,300,000
For a motorcyclist
$1,200,000
Verdict for Car Crash Victim
$1,000,000
For a motorcyclist
$950,000
For car crash victim
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in Amherst
No two premises liability claims are the same. An icy sidewalk fall, a dog bite, and an assault in a poorly secured parking lot each rest on different facts, different evidence, and different legal standards. But under New York law, they share a common thread: in every one, it has to be proven that the property owner owed you a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe, knew or should have known about the hazard, and failed to fix it or warn you. Getting that right takes a local firm that knows how New York law treats each type of claim.
At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we represent clients in Amherst in cases involving:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Snow and ice accidents
- Broken stairs, handrails, and walkways
- Poor lighting in parking lots, garages, and stairwells
- Falling merchandise and other store hazards
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Assaults caused by inadequate security
- Unsafe conditions in apartment buildings and rental properties
- Injuries at stores, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses
Whatever the hazard, whether it’s defective or uneven pavement, a spill, or a poorly lit stairwell, these cases are won or lost on evidence, and that evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage gets recorded over, spills are mopped up, broken steps are repaired, and witnesses forget what they saw.
The sooner you bring in an Amherst premises liability lawyer, the sooner we can investigate what happened, lock down the evidence that matters most in your case, and use it to hold the property owner accountable for the harm they caused you.
Why Amherst Victims Choose Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law
Property owners and their insurers have a familiar playbook: deny that anything was wrong, argue you weren’t watching where you were going, and run out the clock while evidence disappears. Their early settlement offers are often far lower than a claim is truly worth.
Countering that takes a firm that has seen the playbook before and has the resources to push back. Our personal injury lawyers in Amherst handle these claims every day, from an office in the community where your case happened. Behind every Amherst client stands a firm with more than 27 years of litigation experience, nearly 20,000 clients served, 48 attorneys, and a 240-person team.
A Law Firm Rooted in Western New York
Our attorneys know the properties, neighborhoods, and winter conditions that often lead to premises liability claims in Amherst and across Erie County. That local knowledge helps us investigate dangerous conditions quickly and build stronger cases from the start.
Injury and Disability Under One Roof
A serious fall or assault can do more than run up medical bills; it can keep you out of work for good. Our Amherst Social Security Disability attorneys can pursue your disability benefits alongside your injury claim, so your recovery is handled together.
We’re Trial-Ready Premises Liability Lawyers
Insurance companies know which law firms are prepared to take a case to trial. We build every premises liability claim as though it may end up before an Erie County jury, putting us in a stronger position during settlement negotiations and in the courtroom if litigation becomes necessary.
We Have a No-Fee Guarantee
You never pay us upfront. We only get paid if we win for you, so our success is directly tied to yours.
Free Case Evaluation
Speak with a lawyer at no cost. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
You’re More than a Case
We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your story and guide you through every step with care and compassion.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Claim in Amherst?
The value of a premises liability claim depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and the evidence supporting your losses. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we work to recover every category of damages available under New York law, including:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses and property damage
- Home modifications, assistive devices, and other long-term care costs when appropriate
- Wrongful death damages in fatal premises liability cases
Insurance companies often challenge future medical needs and lost earning capacity because these losses require strong medical and financial evidence. Our premises liability lawyers in Amherst work with experts when needed to document the full impact of your injuries and pursue the compensation you deserve.
"We fight for our clients as if they were family—taking cases to trial when necessary to ensure they receive the justice and financial recovery they deserve."
How Does a Premises Liability Lawyer in Amherst Handle Your Claim?
Handled alone, a premises case is a lopsided fight. The adjuster on the other end negotiates these claims for a living and is measured on how little the company pays out. A premises liability attorney evens the sides, taking over the investigation and the strategy while you concentrate on healing. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
✓ Identifying every responsible party: We determine whether property owners, businesses, tenants, or contractors share liability for your injuries.
✓ Preserving critical evidence: We secure surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance records, photographs, and witness statements before they’re lost.
✓ Meeting legal requirements: If a public entity is involved, we handle Notice of Claim requirements, prior written notice issues, and other procedural deadlines.
✓ Proving liability and damages: We use medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence to establish fault and document the full extent of your injuries.
✓ Calculating the full value of your claim: We pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future care, pain and suffering, and other recoverable damages.
✓ Responding to comparative negligence defenses: We challenge allegations that you were partly at fault and work to maximize your recovery under New York law.
✓ Preparing your case for trial: We negotiate from a position of strength by preparing your case as though it will be heard by an Erie County jury.
The single costliest thing most people do is wait. With each passing week, footage loops over itself, the hazard gets repaired, witnesses scatter, and public-entity deadlines edge closer.
Calling an Amherst premises liability attorney at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law early is the surest way to keep those doors open, and from the moment you do, the paperwork and the pressure become our problem, not yours.
Injuries Eligible for Compensation in a Premises Liability Claim
A premises injury might mean a few weeks in a cast or a lifetime of adjustment. Our premises liability attorneys in Amherst often pursue compensation for injuries including:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord, back, and neck injuries
- Sprains, strains, and torn soft tissue
- Injuries to the hip, knee, shoulder, and other joints
- Lacerations, permanent scarring, and internal injuries
The severity of your injuries plays a major role in the value of your premises liability claim. We work with your medical providers and, when appropriate, outside experts to document the full extent of your injuries and the treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care you may need.
Ida and Stephanie were great! They kept me posted about my case. They provided documents for my doctors to fill out so I had as much medical records as I could! Stephanie represented me in the Judge appeal and was great asking me questions about my disability and helping me convey those disabilities to the judge! I’m so grateful ☺️ for their help! Highly recommend them!
Working with Hiller Comerford was easy. They took care of everything and their communication was exceptional. I’ve already referred others to them.
Seriously grateful to my attorney, Ryan Taylor. I spent years trying to navigate VA disability on my own and they managed to finally make headway where I could not.
Everyone I spoke with and worked with was extremely kind and had great communication also they were compassionate,they worked very diligently to help me and kept me well informed throughout the process I couldn't thank them enough.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law for their exceptional support and guidance throughout my disability benefits process. Their expertise and dedication made an overwhelming situation feel manageable, and they ensured every step was handled with care and clarity. I am truly grateful for their assistance and highly recommend their services.
My lawyer RyanTaylor was amazing. He told me exactly how the process goes, what to expect and how long it realistically would take. He was able to get for me exactly what I had tried twice to do myself but was rejected by the VA for. I will recommend all my Veteran friends to him.
Hard workers, always looking at the positive side of the case and always listening to the client. Only down remark is hard to get calls back.
Hiller Comerford have been amazing. They got me a fully favorable decision on my disability claim, I could have never been able to do that on my own. Everyone in their office is so kind and so knowledgeable. They really helped make a difficult time of my life a pleasure. Thank you so much Hiller Comerford!!!
The firm understands the situation, and are very acknowledged about the social security laws and guidelines. Staff were very friendly. The attorney that represented me was Charles Gaughan and the case manager was Olivia Fritzen. They did a wonderful job with my representation for my case. I would highly recommend The law firm of Hiller and Comerford.
The Clock Is Already Running on Your Premises Liability Claim
The deadline to file a premises liability lawsuit in New York depends on when your injury occurred. For most claims arising on or after July 19, 2025, the statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Claims against the Town of Amherst, Erie County, or another public entity often have much shorter deadlines, including a Notice of Claim that is generally required within 90 days.
The practical deadline is often even earlier. The evidence that proves fault- video, the hazard itself, witnesses who remember clearly- tends to vanish within weeks. Contacting an experienced premises liability lawyer in Amherst as soon as possible gives your attorney the best opportunity to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions our premises liability lawyers in Amherst hear most often from the clients we represent.
What qualifies as a premises liability case in Amherst?
A premises liability claim arises when a property owner’s negligence causes someone to be injured by an unsafe condition. Common examples include slip and fall accidents, icy sidewalks, broken stairs, inadequate security, falling merchandise, dog bites, and unsafe apartment buildings or businesses. In New York, you’ll generally need to show the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Because insurance companies often try to place more blame on injured victims, it’s important to have an experienced premises liability lawyer in Amherst protect your interests.
What should I do right after getting hurt on a property in Amherst?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the accident to the property owner, manager, or business, ask for an incident report if one is available, and take photos of the hazardous condition before it’s repaired. Keep your medical records and receipts, and speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.
Who can be held liable in an Amherst premises liability case?
Liability depends on who owned, occupied, or controlled the property. Depending on the circumstances, the responsible party may be a homeowner, landlord, business owner, property management company, maintenance contractor, or a government entity. Our premises liability attorneys will investigate every potential source of liability to build the strongest possible claim.
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer in Amherst?
Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law handles premises liability cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free.
