Richard P. Amico

I serve as the Chief Trial Counsel for The Barnes Firm in both New York and California and also co-chair our Labor Law Department. Since beginning my career in 1989, I’ve focused my practice on advocating for individuals injured in construction accidents, motor vehicle crashes, and incidents involving defective products.

What sets my practice apart is the depth of trial experience I bring—and my willingness to take cases all the way through appeals. I’ve obtained multiple million-dollar verdicts and settlements, including a $5.75 million judgment in May 2023 for a tragic construction accident. I also personally write and argue appeals in every appellate department in New York, including the Court of Appeals. I’m deeply dedicated to each client—traveling to Albany to advocate for accident victims, giving out my cell number so clients can reach me anytime, and personally handling full-service representation with both skill and compassion.

Do I have a case if I was hurt on a construction site?

Absolutely. Construction accidents are some of the most complex cases because multiple parties may be responsible—owners, contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers. As co-chair of The Barnes Firm’s Labor Law Department, I have extensive experience in these cases and know how to hold the right parties accountable.

What if the insurance company offers me a quick settlement?

Be careful. Insurance companies often make low offers before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept, you can’t go back for more. I always advise clients to let me review any offer before making a decision—I fight to ensure settlements reflect the true costs of your injuries, including future medical care and lost earnings.

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

In most cases, the statute of limitations in New York is three years from the date of the accident. However, certain cases—like wrongful death claims or claims against government entities—have shorter deadlines. That’s why it’s so important to contact a lawyer right away so we can protect your rights and make sure your claim is filed on time.

What if the other driver in my New York car accident didn’t have insurance?

In New York, your own policy includes uninsured motorist coverage that may still allow you to recover damages. Additionally, New York is a no-fault state, which means your insurance covers your initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. I help clients navigate these rules to make sure they receive every dollar of coverage they’re entitled to.

On May 16, 2023, my partner Anna Robbins and I obtained an award for a family that lost a father.  The father, a tipper operator at a landfill in Seneca Falls, New York, was cleaning the deck of the tipper when the defendants’ truck backed onto it to off-load 50 tons of municipal waste.  The driver did not follow the landfill’s safety rules, and the truck did not have proper safety equipment to warn the worker that the truck was backing onto the tipper.  The truck driver crushed the worker from his ankles to his skull causing his heart and lungs to be ejected through his axilla.  He died on the scene but not before experiencing significant pre-impact terror and conscious pain and suffering.  The family was awarded $3,000,000.00 for the worker’s injuries and loss of parental guidance as well as $477,053 in pecuniary losses.  In addition, the plaintiffs were awarded prejudgment interest in the amount of $2,274,564.17 making the total judgment $5,751,617.17.

One of the most challenging aspects of my practice is that many of my clients come to me at some of the lowest points in their lives—after a serious injury, a workplace accident, or the loss of a loved one. On top of that, these cases are often complex and hard-fought, involving powerful corporations, contractors, or insurance companies with vast resources on their side.

What drives me through these challenges is knowing I have the experience, persistence, and resources at The Barnes Firm to level the playing field. Whether it’s taking a case to trial, handling a complicated appeal, or standing up for construction workers under New York’s labor laws, I am committed to fighting relentlessly until my clients get the justice they deserve.

Early in my career, I saw how devastating construction accidents and serious injuries could be—not just for the individuals involved, but for their entire families. Those experiences inspired me to focus my practice on personal injury and labor law, where I could make a meaningful difference by standing up to powerful companies and insurers on behalf of working people. Over the years, the clients I’ve represented, and the results we’ve achieved together, have continued to reinforce my commitment to this work and to fighting for justice in every case.

What I’d like clients to know is that when they come to me, they’re not just hiring a lawyer—they’re gaining an advocate who will stand by them from start to finish, whether that means negotiating a settlement, going to trial, or even pursuing an appeal. At The Barnes Firm, we have the strength, resources, and experience to take on the biggest corporations and insurance companies, but we never lose sight of the individual client and their story.

My greatest satisfaction comes from helping hardworking people and families rebuild after tragedy, and I consider it a privilege to fight for their rights. That commitment drives me every single day.