Philip Maiarana

I’m Philip Maiarana, a Senior Trial Attorney at The Barnes Firm in Buffalo, NY. My practice focuses on civil litigation, particularly automobile liability and premises liability cases. Born and raised in Western New York, I take pride in representing members of my community and helping individuals and families rebuild their lives after serious accidents.

What makes my practice unique is the combination of my local roots, trial experience, and client-first approach. I have represented clients in cases ranging from car and trucking accidents to slip and fall incidents caused by unsafe property conditions. My goal is not only to fight for the best possible result but also to guide clients through the legal process with compassion and clear communication during what is often a very difficult time.

How long will my case take?

Every case is different, and the timeline depends on many factors — including the extent of your injuries, the length of your medical treatment, and whether the case is resolved through settlement or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more. My priority is to make sure your case is handled as efficiently as possible while still working to achieve the best result for you.

How much does it cost to hire The Barnes Firm?

Nothing upfront. At The Barnes Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. This makes it possible for anyone in Buffalo or across Western New York to have access to quality legal representation.

Why should I choose The Barnes Firm in Buffalo?

Our Buffalo office combines local knowledge with the resources of a nationally recognized firm. We know the roads, the weather conditions, and the challenges that often lead to accidents in Western New York, and we have the resources to go up against the largest insurance companies. Most importantly, we’re part of this community, and we fight every day to make sure our neighbors get the justice they deserve.

How much is my case worth?

The value of a case depends on your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, and how the accident has affected your life. In Buffalo, I often see cases involving serious car and truck accidents on highways like the I-90 or Route 33, or slip-and-fall accidents on icy sidewalks and unsafe properties. Each case is different, but I carefully evaluate the details and work with local experts to determine what fair compensation looks like for you.

Do I have to go to court for a Buffalo accident case?

Not always. Many cases here in Buffalo are resolved through settlement without ever stepping into a courtroom. However, if the insurance company doesn’t make a fair offer, I’m fully prepared to take your case before a jury in Erie or Niagara County. My trial experience in local courts helps me advocate strongly when the other side refuses to do what’s right.

One of the most challenging aspects of practicing in automobile liability and premises liability is that insurance companies often do everything they can to deny responsibility or minimize the impact of an injury. In Buffalo and Western New York, I frequently see insurers argue that icy sidewalks, snowy parking lots, or dangerous road conditions weren’t the property owner’s or driver’s fault. They also sometimes claim that a client’s injuries aren’t as serious as they truly are.

These challenges require careful investigation, thorough preparation, and strong trial advocacy. I often work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to make sure the full story is told — whether it’s showing how a crash happened on the I-90 or proving that a property owner failed to address hazardous winter conditions.

What keeps me motivated is knowing that for my clients, these aren’t just legal issues — they’re life-changing events. Helping them overcome these challenges and securing the outcome they need is what makes this work meaningful.

When I am not in the office or in Court, you can find me enjoying time with my family!

What I’d like people to know is that when you come to me at The Barnes Firm in Buffalo, you’re not just another case — you’re a neighbor, a member of our community, and someone who deserves to be heard. Growing up in Western New York has given me a strong sense of connection to this region, and it’s an honor to now serve the people here as an advocate.

I understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with an accident, whether it’s a crash on the I-90, a fall on unsafe property, or another serious injury. My promise to every client is that I’ll be there to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and fight for the best possible outcome so you can move forward with confidence.