Richard J. "Rich" Barnes

As President of The Barnes Firm, I’ve built my career on the belief that preparation, persistence, and dedication are the keys to protecting clients’ rights. My journey began in public service as a Senior Assistant District Attorney, where I prosecuted serious felony cases, including a triple homicide trial. Those early experiences sharpened my skills as a trial lawyer and gave me a deep respect for the pursuit of justice. For more than three decades, I’ve carried that commitment into private practice, representing individuals and families in thousands of personal injury cases—from car accidents and construction site injuries to wrongful death claims—securing numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.

What makes my practice unique is the way we serve clients at The Barnes Firm. I believe every client deserves compassionate guidance, personalized representation, and clear communication. Leading a team of experienced attorneys with hundreds of years of combined experience, we utilize extensive resources—medical experts, investigators, and trial specialists—to provide the strongest advocacy possible. Our mission is simple: to help every client get the care, compensation, and justice they deserve while making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

How much does it cost to hire The Barnes Firm?

Clients never pay upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee comes only if we win your case. This ensures that everyone—no matter their financial situation—has access to strong legal representation.

Do I have to go to court for my case?

Not always. Many personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement. However, if the insurance company refuses to be fair, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. With more than thirty years of trial experience, I make sure our clients are confident and supported no matter which path their case takes.

What kinds of cases does The Barnes Firm handle?

We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, motorcycle and truck accidents, bicycle accidents, slip-and-falls, construction site injuries, and wrongful death claims. No matter the type of case, our mission is the same: to help our clients get the best result possible.

What is New York’s no-fault insurance system, and how does it affect my car accident claim?

In New York, no-fault insurance means your own insurance covers your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages after a car accident, no matter who was at fault. However, no-fault does not cover pain and suffering. To pursue those damages, you must meet New York’s “serious injury threshold.” Our team evaluates your case to determine if you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is generally two years. If the case involves a government entity, the deadline can be as short as 90 days to file a notice of claim. Acting quickly is critical so we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

One of the most challenging aspects of personal injury law is that clients often come to us during the most difficult times of their lives—after a serious accident, an injury at work, or even the loss of a loved one. They’re facing not only physical pain, but also emotional stress, financial pressure, and uncertainty about the future. At the same time, insurance companies and large corporations work hard to limit or deny claims, making it even harder for victims to get justice.

What drives me through those challenges is knowing that we have the experience, preparation, and persistence to level the playing field. At The Barnes Firm, I lead a team of knowledgeable attorneys and professionals who fight every day to make sure our clients are heard, supported, and compensated fairly. Seeing clients rebuild their lives after tragedy is what makes this work meaningful, even when it’s at its toughest.

What I’d like clients to know is that when they come to The Barnes Firm, they’re not just hiring a lawyer—they’re gaining a team that will fight for them with compassion, persistence, and dedication. With more than three decades of trial experience, I’ve learned that preparation and clear communication are just as important as courtroom skill. That’s why I work to ensure every client feels supported, informed, and confident throughout the legal process.

At the end of the day, my greatest satisfaction comes from helping people rebuild after tragedy and securing the justice they deserve. That commitment drives not just me, but every attorney and staff member at The Barnes Firm.