Rafael Gomez | Buffalo Accident & Injury Lawyer

• Member, New York State Bar Association

• Who's Who In Law, Business First
  2008

I took over the handling of a personal injury matter from a general practice attorney who had sued it, but gotten in over his head. He was on the verge of settling the case for $250,000 because he believed that was all the coverage available. After a year of discovery and litigation I was able to find an additional million dollars of insurance coverage, secure an Order from the Court finding the defendants liable for the accident and defendants agreed to arbitrate damages. The client saved about $50,000 in expert costs to prove up damages and we agreed to binding arbitration where I was able to secure an award of $750,000 for the client.

All of my business referrals come mostly from my track record and past clients bringing new clients into the firm.

A lawyer who treats the client in the way he or she wants to be treated. I regularly communicate with my clients about their matters and work with them to develop a litigation plan for the handling of the case. Unfortunately delays are common in litigation, but an informed client is a happy client.

It can help tremendously in determining the venue and the Judge and what type of outcome can be expected. There are wide variances from county to county in New York on how certain cases are viewed and handled, and more importantly resolved.

I discuss the matter with the client and determine if more information is needed before being able to accept a matter. I also discuss the fee structure and proposed litigation plan. Typically, the phone conference is more introductory and I follow-up with a face to face meeting with the client in the office or at their home.

Details about the matter for which representation is sought. With technology a lot can be accomplished via email and telephone to review a case and secure my retainer.

I believe in customer service and treating each client, no matter how big, or how small , the matter the same way. Over the years I have been lucky enough to litigate all types of matters from beginning to end and this experience assists in the advice I provide to my clients

Helping people. This is a people business, and the most rewarding part is helping relieve the stress which a legal matter puts on a client and getting it resolved for them.

Family and Friends. I spend my time away from the office with my wife and three boys and our family. When time allows, as well as my body, I still lace up the skates and play ice hockey and summertime usually finds me on a softball diamond with friends or baseball diamond with the kids.

I am active with my boys' school, our church and in the local Hispanic community.