Dolce Panepinto Law Firm

In 2016, the Dolce Panepinto team fought for and recovered more than $17 million in settlements and awards for our injured clients. As always, we worked extremely hard to get the best possible outcome for our clients and are proud to have had the opportunity to help them. We would like to congratulate our clients and wish them the best as they continue to move forward beyond their injuries. Here are some of the litigation highlights.

• A $2 Million settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 22 Plumber who suffered a serious back injury. Our client was on a ladder installing cast iron pipe overhead when a length of pipe broke loose and struck him.
• A $1.2 Million settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 210 Laborer who suffered a serious back injury. While unloading a forklift, a section of drywall fell on our client, striking him in the back and knocking him to the ground.
• A $1.2 Million settlement was reached on behalf of a District Council 11 Painter who suffered serious back, neck, shoulder, and knee injuries. Our client was painting a bridge when a large cable fell from above striking him on the head, cracking his hardhat and knocking him onto his knees.
• A $1 Million settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 210 Laborer who suffered serious neck, back, and shoulder injuries. While performing demolition work, he slipped on a chunk of wet concrete and was injured.
• A $850,000 settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 210 Laborer who suffered a serious knee injury. Our client was part of a team working on the bed of a moving flatbed truck, removing traffic cones from the highway when a stack of cones on the truck tipped over and fell on him.
• A $800,000 settlement was reached on behalf of a construction worker who suffered a serious back injury. Our client was carrying a heavy piece of industrial equipment when he slipped on hazardous debris. 

The former Buffalo Jills have something to cheer about this week. A judge ruled in a 2014 lawsuit filed by the Jills against the Buffalo Bills, that the cheerleaders were in fact employees, not independent contractors.

This ruling is important because as employees they are legally entitled to workers’ rights and regulations which they wouldn’t be if they were independent contractors. Under workers’ rights laws, the Jills will have to be paid at least minimum wage for their work.

Dolce Panepinto partner Sean Cooney is one of the attorneys representing the Jills, and is dedicated to protecting the rights of workers. You can find more information on the lawsuit here and here. For further questions contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

Rights of injured workers threatened workers’ compensation and the rights of injured workers has become a hot topic in today’s news. Recently, an Alabama judge has found portions of their state’s Workers’ Compensation Act to be unconstitutional. The judge ruled that the monetary cap for injured workers violates the due process of the law.

Similarly, here in New York State new workers’ compensation laws have been passed that threaten the rights of injured workers. These laws will not only decrease benefits, but also make it more difficult to qualify for benefits.

Our workers’ compensation team at Dolce Panepinto is always fighting for injured workers’ rights and are here to help. We will continue to keep you updated as changes continue to the workers’ compensation system. If you have any questions about your rights or if you or a family member has been hurt on the job, please do not hesitate to call us at 585-815-9003. Click here for more information.

Congressman Steve King, a republican from Iowa, has reintroduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act to Congress that could significantly affect workers’ wages.
The Davis-Bacon Act, passed by Congress in 1931, requires private contractors to pay workers the prevailing wage of their trade or occupation on all federally funded projects worth more than $2,000. Prevailing wages are determined by the Department of Labor and in most cases, the prevailing wage matches the union wage for that job type.

Like the five-day, 40-hour work week, this is an example of labor unions benefitting even nonunion workers. Without the Davis-Bacon Act, contractors would be able to pay their nonunion employees less than their union counterparts.

Dolce Panepinto knows how harmful this legislation would be to Western New York’s working families, and how important it is for workers to receive fair compensation. We stand ready and willing to fight for workers’ rights to guarantee they continue to get the wages they deserve. If you have any questions about this proposed repeal act and how it could affect you, or if you or a family member has been hurt on the job, please do not hesitate to call us at 716-852-1888.

Reasons to hire an attorney for a workers’ compensation claim: 

1. The workers’ compensation system is complex, confusing, and often difficult to navigate.
2. We will look out for your best interests, fight on your behalf against the insurance carrier to maximize your benefits, and make sure your questions are answered. 
3. In some cases, you may be entitled to a financial award, even if you did not miss any time from work as a result of your work-related injury.
4. The insurance carrier will have a team of attorneys working on their behalf, having an attorney fighting on your behalf helps to level the playing field.

For further question regarding Workers' Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003. Below are some previous litigation highlights: 

• A $1.275 million settlement was reached during trial for a plasterer/drywall finisher who was injured while working inside of a building. Our client suffered serious injuries to his back, neck, knee, and wrist as a result of a fall down a wet staircase, a condition that had been created by the building owner. 
• A $1.25 million settlement was reached on behalf of a satellite dish Installer who suffered a herniated disc in his back. Our client was performing an installation when icy conditions at his work site caused him to fall. 
• A $1.2 million verdict was reached on behalf of a Laborers’ Local 210 laborer who suffered serious shoulder and neck injuries as a result of a fall at a job site. Our client was performing renovation work in an existing structure when the ceiling collapsed onto him, knocking him off his ladder and down onto the ground below. 
• A $950,000 settlement was reach on behalf of a roofer who suffered back, shoulder and knee injuries. Our client was removing an existing roof from a commercial structure when it collapsed beneath him sending him crashing through to the concrete below.

For further question regarding Workers' Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

Commonly Asked Workers’ Compensation Questions:
 

Q. What is a Workers’ Compensation claim? 
A. A Workers’ Compensation claim is a legal action that occurs when you get hurt during the course of your employment. In New York State you cannot sue your employer. When you get hurt at work, the Workers’ Compensation system provides for lost time financial payments and medical treatment required as a result of your work-related injury. 

Q. How do I know if I have a Workers’ Compensation claim? 
A. If you sustain an injury during the course of your employment, you should contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a Workers’ Compensation claim and assist you in filing the proper paperwork.

Q. How long do I have to file a Workers’ Compensation claim? 
A. You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim. 

Q. Is a Workers’ Compensation claim my only recourse if I am hurt at work? 
A. In New York State, you cannot sue your employer. In some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a Workers’ Compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued. 

Q. How much does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney cost? 
A. Workers’ Compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your Workers’ Compensation claim. More information on contingent fees can be found here. Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.

Q. Do I need an attorney? 
A. While an attorney is not required, it is strongly recommended that you retain an attorney. The Workers’ Compensation Law is complex, confusing, and often difficult to navigate. The insurance carrier will have an attorney fighting on their behalf, we recommend that you have an attorney fighting on your behalf. Having an attorney means ensuring your rights are protected, maximizing your benefits, and making sure your questions and concerns are addressed.

Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003. For further question regarding Worker's Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

A proposed repeal act could affect workers’ wages. Congressman Steve King, a Republican from Iowa, has reintroduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act to Congress that could significantly affect workers’ wages.

The Davis-Bacon Act, passed by Congress in 1931, requires private contractors to pay workers the prevailing wage of their trade or occupation on all federally funded projects worth more than $2,000. Prevailing wages are determined by the Department of Labor and in most cases, the prevailing wage matches the union wage for that job type. Like the five-day, 40-hour work week, this is an example of labor unions benefitting even nonunion workers. Without the Davis-Bacon Act, contractors would be able to pay their nonunion employees less than their union counterparts.

Dolce Panepinto attorney Kristin Allen knows how harmful this legislation would be to Western New York’s working families, and how important it is for workers to receive fair compensation. We stand ready and willing to fight for workers’ rights to guarantee they continue to get the wages they deserve.

If you have any questions about this proposed repeal act and how it could affect you, or if you or a family member has been hurt on the job, please do not hesitate to call Kristin Allen at 585-815-9003.

Having a hard working, experienced legal team fighting for your best interest is not just a privilege of the rich and powerful. Dolce Panepinto, P.C., is proud to level the playing field for working families. Our team of experienced, approachable attorneys includes laborers, an ironworker, labor organizers, and civil rights advocates. We are a full service personal injury firm created by, and for, workers. In addition to personal injury, our firm focuses on workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and all injury-related matters.

Attorney Kristin Allen has put together responses to some of the most commonly asked workers’ compensation questions. For more info, or if you have been injured or would like to file a workers’ compensation claim, please contact Kristin today at 585-815-9003 for a free case evaluation. 

1. How do I know if I have a workers’ compensation claim?
If you have been hurt at work, are in pain because of a repetitive motion you must perform as part of your job, or are sick due to something you were exposed to at work, then you most likely have a workers’ compensation claim. Contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible as there are time limits you must adhere to in order to file a claim.

2. How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two-year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim.

3. How much does a workers’ compensation attorney cost?
Workers’ compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your workers’ compensation claim, and what we take is a small percentage that is paid directly to us out of any amount awarded to you. You will never pay us anything out-of-pocket. More information on contingent fees can be found here (LINK: http://www.dolcepanepinto.com/2013/07/contingent-fee-agreements- explained/). Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.

4. Do I really need to look for work while I am receiving workers' compensation benefits? Even if I have a permanent disability and I have been approved for SSD?
Any time a claimant has a partial disability, whether they are temporarily or permanently partially disabled, a claimant must look for work within their restrictions in order to keep receiving lost wage benefits. This is true, even if you are actively receiving Social Security disability benefits. If you are out of work and receiving partial disability lost wage benefits, then it is your obligation to attempt to get a job. If you find a job but make less money than before you were injured, you may be entitled to reduced earnings. This means there are times that you can return to the workforce and still receive workers' compensation lost wage benefits.

There are several employment resources that may help you with your job search or retraining. They include: ACCES-VR, Genesee County Job Development Bureau, or any One-Stop Career Center, etc. There are also many online websites that aid in local job searching.

5. Am I able to receive an award for pain and suffering as part of my workers' compensation claim?
No, there is no award for pain and suffering when you file a workers' compensation claim. The workers’ compensation system is in place to compensate workers for lost wages and medical treatment only.

6. Is a workers’ compensation claim my only option if I am hurt at work?
In New York State, you cannot sue your employer but in some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor-vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued.

7. I have a job that involves repetitive work and now I have pain in my hands and shoulders, is this covered by workers' compensation since I did not actually have an injury on any particular date?
Yes, depending on what your job entails, a worker can develop an injury over time due to repetitive work. This is considered an "occupational disease" and a claim for medical treatment and lost wages can be filed. This should be filed with the Workers' Compensation Board within two years of when you knew or should have known it was work-related.

8. I work in a very noisy environment and I am noticing that I have hearing loss from it. Can I file a claim for loss of hearing? When do I file it?
Yes, this is called "occupational hearing loss." You have two years and 90 days from when you stop working in the noisy environment to file a claim for hearing loss. The test for loss of hearing must be done at least 90 days after removal from the noisy workplace.

If you or a member of your family has been injured, please contact us today at 585-815-9003.

Having a hard working, experienced legal team fighting for your best interest is not just a privilege of the rich and powerful. Dolce Panepinto, P.C., is proud to level the playing field for working families. Our team of experienced, approachable attorneys includes laborers, an ironworker, labor organizers, and civil rights advocates. We are a full service personal injury firm created by, and for, workers. In addition to personal injury, our firm focuses on workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and all injury-related matters.

Attorney Kristin Allen has put together responses to some of the most commonly asked workers’ compensation questions. For more info, or if you have been injured or would like to file a workers’ compensation claim, please contact Kristin today at 585-815-9003 for a free case evaluation. 

1. How do I know if I have a workers’ compensation claim?
If you have been hurt at work, are in pain because of a repetitive motion you must perform as part of your job, or are sick due to something you were exposed to at work, then you most likely have a workers’ compensation claim. Contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible as there are time limits you must adhere to in order to file a claim.

2. How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two-year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim.

3. How much does a Workers’ Compensation attorney cost?
Workers’ compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your workers’ compensation claim, and what we take is a small percentage that is paid directly to us out of any amount awarded to you. You will never pay us anything out-of-pocket. More information on contingent fees can be found here (LINK: http://www.dolcepanepinto.com/2013/07/contingent-fee-agreements- explained/). Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.

4. Do I really need to look for work while I am receiving workers' compensation benefits? Even if I have a permanent disability and I have been approved for SSD?
Any time a claimant has a partial disability, whether they are temporarily or permanently partially disabled, a claimant must look for work within their restrictions in order to keep receiving lost wage benefits. This is true, even if you are actively receiving Social Security disability benefits. If you are out of work and receiving partial disability lost wage benefits, then it is your obligation to attempt to get a job. If you find a job but make less money than before you were injured, you may be entitled to reduced earnings. This means there are times that you can return to the workforce and still receive workers' compensation lost wage benefits.

There are several employment resources that may help you with your job search or retraining. They include: ACCES-VR, Genesee County Job Development Bureau, or any One-Stop Career Center, etc. There are also many online websites that aid in local job searching.

5. Am I able to receive an award for pain and suffering as part of my workers' compensation claim?
No, there is no award for pain and suffering when you file a workers' compensation claim. The workers’ compensation system is in place to compensate workers for lost wages and medical treatment only.

6. Is a workers’ compensation claim my only option if I am hurt at work?
In New York State, you cannot sue your employer but in some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor-vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued.

7. I have a job that involves repetitive work and now I have pain in my hands and shoulders, is this covered by workers' compensation since I did not actually have an injury on any particular date?
Yes, depending on what your job entails, a worker can develop an injury over time due to repetitive work. This is considered an "occupational disease" and a claim for medical treatment and lost wages can be filed. This should be filed with the Workers' Compensation Board within two years of when you knew or should have known it was work-related.

8. I work in a very noisy environment and I am noticing that I have hearing loss from it. Can I file a claim for loss of hearing? When do I file it?
Yes, this is called "occupational hearing loss." You have two years and 90 days from when you stop working in the noisy environment to file a claim for hearing loss. The test for loss of hearing must be done at least 90 days after removal from the noisy workplace.

If you or a member of your family has been injured, please contact us today at 585-815-9003.

Dolce Panepinto recovered more than $17 million for injured clients in 2016. Last year, the Dolce Panepinto team fought for and recovered more than $17 million in settlements and awards for our injured clients. As always, we worked extremely hard to get the best possible outcome for our clients and are proud to have had the opportunity to help them. We would like to congratulate our clients and wish them the best as they continue to move forward beyond their injuries. Here are some of the litigation highlights:

A $2 million settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 22 plumber who suffered a serious back injury. Our client was on a ladder installing cast iron pipe overhead when a length of pipe broke loose and struck him.

A $1.2 million settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 210 laborer who suffered a serious back injury. While unloading a forklift, a section of drywall fell on our client, striking him in the back and knocking him to the ground.

A $1.2 million settlement was reached on behalf of a District Council 11 painter who suffered serious back, neck, shoulder and knee injuries. Our client was painting a bridge when a large cable fell from above striking him on the head, cracking his hard hat and knocking him onto his knees.

A $1 million settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 210 laborer who suffered serious neck, back and shoulder injuries. While performing demolition work, he slipped on a chunk of wet concrete and was injured.
 
A $850,000 settlement was reached on behalf of a Local 210 laborer who suffered a serious knee injury. Our client was part of a team working on the bed of a moving flatbed truck, removing traffic cones from the highway when a stack of cones on the truck tipped over and fell on him. 

A $800,000 settlement was reached on behalf of a construction worker who suffered a serious back injury. Our client was carrying a heavy piece of industrial equipment when he slipped on hazardous debris.

Dolce Panepinto is proud to announce the hiring of Attorney Kristin Allen and the grand opening of our new Batavia office located directly above the New York State Workers' Compensation Board in the at 83 Main St., Suite 220, Batavia, NY 14020. Kristin has been practicing Workers’ Compensation law for the past 16 years and has been handling Workers’ Compensation claims on behalf of injured workers in Batavia for the past 10 years. Her vast knowledge of the Workers’ Compensation system combined with her remarkable work ethic and friendly personality make her an ideal fit for our legal team.

“It had long been a dream of my late partner Frank Dolce to have a Workers’ Compensation Department at Dolce Panepinto and we were able to make that dream a reality in 2013 with the hiring of Holly Schoenborn and Colleen Malchow,” explained Senior Partner Marc Panepinto. “The addition of Kristin Allen and the Batavia office are an extension of that dream. Kristin is a very intelligent attorney and an extremely hard worker. I know Frank would be proud to have her.”

Kristin joins attorneys Holly Schoenborn and Colleen Malchow in our dedicated Workers’ Compensation Department which works hand in hand with the rest of the Dolce Panepinto team. We take the team approach to practicing in the areas of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, and all injury-related matters, which means that all of our clients' cases are evaluated by several attorneys to devise the proper legal strategy for each matter. You and your family may have the ability to file several types of claims relating to the same incident. We handle those claims simultaneously as a team, working hand in hand to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

When asked about her new position with Dolce Panepinto, Allen said, “I am thrilled to be joining a firm comprised of Western New York’s brightest and hardest working attorneys. Working in a true team environment is a dream come true and I am excited for the results we will provide for my clients.”

All three of our Workers’ Compensation attorneys are available to speak to the leadership and/or membership of your union or volunteer fire department about Workers’ Compensation basics and the ways in which the law applies to your specific field. If you would like to find out more, or to schedule a presentation, please contact Carlos Torres at our Buffalo office at 716-852-1888.

Once again, our Batavia office is located directly above the Workers’ Compensation Board office at 83 Main St., Suite 220, Batavia, NY 14020. There is free parking in the rear and an elevator is available to reach the second floor. If you or anybody in your family has been injured and are in need of legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact Kristin today at 585-815-9003 for a free case evaluation.

Dolce Panepinto is proud to announce the hiring of Attorney Kristin Allen and the grand opening of our new Batavia office located directly above the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board in the at 83 Main St., Suite 220, Batavia, NY 14020. Kristin has been practicing Workers’ Compensation law for the past 16 years and has been handling Workers’ Compensation claims on behalf of injured workers in Batavia for the past 10 years. Her vast knowledge of the Workers’ Compensation system combined with her remarkable work ethic and friendly personality make her an ideal fit for our legal team.

“It had long been a dream of my late partner Frank Dolce to have a Workers’ Compensation Department at Dolce Panepinto and we were able to make that dream a reality in 2013 with the hiring of Holly Schoenborn and Colleen Malchow,” explained Senior Partner Marc Panepinto. “The addition of Kristin Allen and the Batavia office are an extension of that dream. Kristin is a very intelligent attorney and an extremely hard worker. I know Frank would be proud to have her.”

Kristin joins attorneys Holly Schoenborn and Colleen Malchow in our dedicated Workers’ Compensation Department which works hand in hand with the rest of the Dolce Panepinto team. We take the team approach to practicing in the areas of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, and all injury-related matters, which means that all of our clients' cases are evaluated by several attorneys to devise the proper legal strategy for each matter. You and your family may have the ability to file several types of claims relating to the same incident. We handle those claims simultaneously as a team, working hand in hand to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

When asked about her new position with Dolce Panepinto, Allen said, “I am thrilled to be joining a firm comprised of Western New York’s brightest and hardest working attorneys. Working in a true team environment is a dream come true and I am excited for the results we will provide for my clients.”

All three of our Workers’ Compensation attorneys are available to speak to the leadership and/or membership of your union or volunteer fire department about Workers’ Compensation basics and the ways in which the law applies to your specific field. If you would like to find out more, or to schedule a presentation, please contact Carlos Torres at our Buffalo office at 716-852-1888.

Once again, our Batavia office is located directly above the Workers’ Compensation Board office at 83 Main St., Suite 220, Batavia, NY 14020. There is free parking in the rear and an elevator is available to reach the second floor. If you or anybody in your family has been injured and are in need of legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact Kristin today at 585-815-9003 for a free case evaluation.

Dolce Panepinto is proud to announce the hiring of Attorney Kristin Allen and the grand opening of our new Batavia office located directly above the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board at 83 Main St., Suite 220, Batavia, NY 14020. Kristin has been practicing Workers’ Compensation law for the past 16 years and has been handling Workers’ Compensation claims on behalf of injured workers in Batavia for the past 10 years. Her vast knowledge of the Workers’ Compensation system combined with her remarkable work ethic and friendly personality make her an ideal fit for our legal team.

“It had long been a dream of my late partner Frank Dolce to have a Workers’ Compensation Department at Dolce Panepinto and we were able to make that dream a reality in 2013 with the hiring of Holly Schoenborn and Colleen Malchow,” explained Senior Partner Marc Panepinto. “The addition of Kristin Allen and the Batavia office are an extension of that dream. Kristin is a very intelligent attorney and an extremely hard worker. I know Frank would be proud to have her.”

Kristin joins attorneys Holly Schoenborn and Colleen Malchow in our dedicated Workers’ Compensation Department, which works hand in hand with the rest of the Dolce Panepinto team. We take the team approach to practicing in the areas of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security, Disability, and all injury-related matters, which means that all of our clients' cases are evaluated by several attorneys to devise the proper legal strategy for each matter. You and your family may have the ability to file several types of claims relating to the same incident. We handle those claims simultaneously as a team, working hand in hand to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

When asked about her new position with Dolce Panepinto, Allen said, “I am thrilled to be joining a firm comprised of Western New York’s brightest and hardest working attorneys. Working in a true team environment is a dream come true and I am excited for the results we will provide for my clients.”

All three of our Workers’ Compensation attorneys are available to speak to the leadership and/or membership of your union or volunteer fire department about Workers’ Compensation basics and the ways in which the law applies to your specific field. If you would like to find out more, or to schedule a presentation, please contact Carlos Torres at our Buffalo office at 716-852-1888.

Once again, our Batavia office is located directly above the Workers’ Compensation Board office at 83 Main St., Suite 220, Batavia, NY 14020. There is free parking in the rear and an elevator is available to reach the second floor. If you or anybody in your family has been injured and are in need of legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact Kristin today at 585-815-9003 for a free case evaluation.