Injured on the Job?
We’ve Got Your Back.
Trusted Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Serving Buffalo & Western New York
At Collins & Collins Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming it can be to suffer a work-related injury. From lost wages to medical bills and pressure from your employer, the system can feel stacked against you. That’s where we come in.
We’ve represented injured workers across Buffalo and Western New York for decades, helping them secure the Workers’ Compensation benefits they’re entitled to under New York law. If you were hurt on the job, don’t wait—Call 716-885-9700 today.
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation in New York
If you’ve been injured on the job in New York, you have rights—and a limited window to act. Workers’ Compensation is designed to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more, but the process can be confusing. From deadlines to doctor visits, here’s what you need to know to protect your claim and your future.
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You Have a Right to File—Even If the Injury Was Your Fault
New York is a no-fault state for Workers’ Comp. That means you’re entitled to benefits even if your mistake caused the injury. You cannot be legally fired for filing a claim.
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You Must Notify Your Employer Within 30 Days
To preserve your rights, you must inform your employer in writing within 30 days of the accident. Missing this deadline could hurt your case.
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Medical Care Is Covered
Authorized treatments, surgeries, prescriptions, and therapy are typically covered—but you must use a provider authorized by the NY Workers’ Compensation Board.
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You’re Entitled to Wage Replacement
If you’re unable to work, you may be eligible for cash benefits based on your average weekly wage and degree of disability. Payments are generally two-thirds of your lost wages, up to a maximum set by the state.
Common Workplace Injuries We Handle
Construction Accidents
falls, equipment failure, trench collapses, broken bones, concussions, crush injuries, spinal cord damage
Repetitive Strain Injuries
carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tennis elbow, trigger finger
Machinery-Related Injuries
amputations, lacerations, crush injuries, eye trauma
Toxic Exposure
lung disease, skin rashes, chemical burns, mesothelioma
Lifting and Back Injuries
herniated discs, lower back strain, sciatica, muscle tears
Slip & Fall Incidents
fractures, sprains, head injuries, tailbone bruises
Work-Related Vehicle Crashes
whiplash, broken ribs, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal injuries
collisions occuring "on the clock" are covered by Workers' Comp.
Why Choose Collins & Collins?
With over 75 years of experience fighting for injured workers across Western New York, Collins & Collins is built on trust, tenacity, and results. We know the law, we know Buffalo, and we know how to win. From your first call to your final check—we’re by your side every step of the way.
Local and Experienced
Based in Buffalo, we’ve been helping injured workers for over 75 years.
We Come to You
Hospitalized? Recovering at home? We’ll meet wherever you are.
You Don’t Pay a Dollar Unless We Win*
No Upfront Cost – You pay nothing unless we win your case.
We Handle the Paperwork, Appeals & Hearings
So you can focus on healing.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"Collins & Collins is very knowledgeable and professional in understanding the worker’s compensation process and I highly recommend them. Colleen helped me understand what was happening during each step. She was proactive in addressing new information and making recommendations to ensure the best outcome. At first, I thought, because it seemed to be a simple case, that I could work directly with the insurance company but the insurance company did not seem to care about my case. Once Colleen was working with me, the process moved forward and I finally got the necessary treatment and was able to return to work. My only regret is not engaging their help earlier."
— Brian Ruhland
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"I chose Collins and Collins law firm to help me with my workers compensation and social security case. I worked with Coleen Collins and Colleen Bugmann.
Colleen Collins is attentive, she returned my calls promptly and responded to my emails without delay. If she was unavailable she always left a message on her voicemail so you knew when she would get back to you by.
Colleen clearly explained every step of the worker’s comp process. She answered all my questions and advised me on what the best route would be. She gave me time to think about my options and supported my decision.
Colleen is kind and understanding. I found it easy to have conversations with her about personal medical, financial and emotional factors that are part of dealing with a work related injury. Coleen was a lifeline for me during this difficult time.
Colleen Bugmann handled my social security case. She explained the process and how it worked and what I could expect. Discussing personal information with Colleen was easy because she was kind and understanding. Colleen made what I thought was going to be a difficult process very easy.
Dealing with a work related injury is so stressful but having an exceptional law firm on your side can make all the difference. I cannot thank Collins and Collins enough for everything they have done to help me."
— Margaret Reagan
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Colleen, who was very knowledgeable answering questions and explained everything in a way that you can understand
She was very responsive always returns calls and made this entire process a lot easier it was a pleasure to work with her."
— Darian Devonshire
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"You and your staff at Collins and Collins have represented me since 2012 and most recently in 2024/25. You are proficient in the WC laws of New York State. Your professionalism and knowledge in my navigation of his case was very helpful."
— Sharon Derner
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
As someone who has never been hurt at work I can definitely say the process would have been a nightmare without Coleen. Workers comp was quiet throughout my whole claims process telling me little to nothing before I representation. Coleen brought me up to speed with all the information I needed in ordered to feel comfortable and feel like I had all the information regarding my healthcare and workers comp journey to being healed. Thank you so much Coleen for all that you do, this would have never gotten settled without you.
— Sean Bailey
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
"You’re firm (you) have been great handling everything from reimbursements, denials, hearings etc."
— Daryl Oliver
“At Collins & Collins, representing the hardworking men and women of New York State in workers' compensation and personal injury cases isn't just our job- it's personal. For 25 years, it's been my mission to stand up for those who need it most."
— Coleen M. Collins
NYS Workers' Compensation L.R.
Buffalo Knows Hard Work. We Know How to Protect It.
From ironworkers and electricians to nurses, warehouse employees, and city workers—we represent the people who keep Buffalo running.
We know local employers. We know union benefits. We know how to fight back against denied claims and lowball settlements.
Workers’ Compensation Legal Terms & Meanings
We’re Workers’ Compensation Experts—And We’ll Make Sure You Understand Every Step
At Collins & Collins, we’ve spent decades representing injured workers across New York State. We know that Workers’ Compensation can feel complicated and full of unfamiliar terms—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team will explain every detail in plain language, answer your questions, and guide you through each step of the process. From the moment you call us, we’re here to protect your rights, maximize your benefits, and make sure you understand exactly what’s happening with your case.
Average Weekly Wage (AWW)
The average amount you earned per week before your injury, used to calculate benefits.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Payments for when you can’t work at all for a temporary period due to your injury.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
Benefits when you can work in some capacity but earn less than before your injury.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Compensation for a lasting impairment that partially limits your ability to work.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
Benefits for injuries that permanently prevent you from working in any capacity.
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The point when your condition is unlikely to improve further, even with treatment.
Independent Medical Examination (IME)
A medical evaluation requested by the employer or insurer to assess your injury.
Impairment Rating
A doctor’s percentage estimate of how much your injury limits you permanently.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Services to help you return to work, including retraining or job placement assistance.
Notice of Injury
The formal notification you must give your employer about your injury, often within a set deadline.
Statute of Limitations
The legal time limit to file a workers’ comp claim after an injury.
Occupational Disease
An illness or condition caused by your work environment or duties, rather than a single accident.
Medical-Only Claim
A claim where only medical expenses are covered, without wage loss benefits.
Loss of Earning Capacity
A measure of how much your injury reduces your ability to earn income.
Third-Party Claim
A separate claim against someone other than your employer who contributed to your injury.