Gregory R. Connors, Founding Partner
greg@connorsandferris.com
Greg has dedicated his entire legal career, day and night, to protect Western New York's injured workers. Having appeared at thousands of Workers' Compensation hearings, he knows how frustrating and confusing Workers' Compensation can be. This is why injured workers need experienced and dedicated Workers' Compensation attorneys.
To properly handle a Workers' Compensation case and/or a Social Security claim, preparation and attention to detail are essential. That is why Greg and the entire team of attorneys at Connors & Ferris meet with each client at the onset of their representation. Each injured worker is provided all of the necessary and pertinent information to maximize their Workers' Compensation and Social Security benefits. This meeting also provides an opportunity to learn and understand the particulars of the claim. Greg's reputation of being well prepared and proactive in the pursuit of his clients' rights allows him to achieve the results you desire and deserve.
Outside the practice of law, Greg is active as a member of the Hunter's Hope Board of Directors which was created by Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly and his wife Jill. Greg and his wife, Jeni, are also active with the National Kidney Foundation committee for the annual Kidney Walk, which helps promote organ donation. Additionally, Greg was recently recognized as a recipient of the Rochester Business Journal's Forty Under 40 Award.
Greg is a graduate of Alfred University with honors and Ohio Northern Law School. Greg is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Monroe County Bar Association, the Erie County Bar Association as well as the New York State Injured Workers Bar Association. Greg has lectured for the Monroe County Bar Association and has represented clients before the Workers' Compensation Board, Workers' Compensation Board Office of Appeals, the Appellate Courts of New York State as well as the Social Security Administration.
Thomas Ferrazzi Ferris, Founding Partner
tom@connorsandferris.com
Tom's approach to representing injured workers in Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability and personal injury claims was formed as a young many when his father was severely injured on the job. Tom knows all too well the first crisis a family encounters is the trauma of the injury itself. Tom also knows that when a disability lingers from day to day, week to week, and month to month, questions about loss of income arise. Other questions that may arise without obvious answers are: "How do you file a Workers' Comp claim?" "Why isn't the insurance company paying?" "When will my surgery be approved?" Other common questions surface such as: "When should I apply for Social Security Disability?" "Am I still entitled to benefits if I'm back to work?" "Is someone other than my employer (third party) responsible for my injury?" Tom recognizes how important it is to comprehensively deal with each and every aspect of a person's disability.
Tom's personal experiences form the back-drop to a legal career dedicated to assisting injured workers with all the uncertainties disability and injury can bring when you are hurt. Tom has represented thousands of injured workers in Workers' Compensation, SSD and negligence claims. Tom's compassionate and thorough approach to representing injured workers before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board and the Social Security Administration will give you and your family peace of mind that all bases are covered so that you can focus on getting better.
Tom resides in the Town of Ogden with his wife Susan and four children. Tom is a graduate, with honors, from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, and received his law degree from the University of Buffalo School of Law. Tom is a member of the New York State and Monroe County Bar Associations as well as a member of the New York State Injured Workers' Bar Association. Tom is also a member of the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Issues Affecting People with Disabilities. Tom has appeared at thousands of Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability hearings and has represented injured workers before the appellate courts of New York and the New York State Retirement System. Tom has also had many articles published on the topic of Workers' Compensation and the rights of injured workers in New York.
Christopher M. Mesh, Partner
chris@connorsandferris.com
Does my Workers' Compensation affect my Social Security Disability? Does my Social Security Disability affect my Workers' Compensation? Can I receive Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability and Unemployment Insurance benefits? If you have a claim pending for any of the above benefits and do not know the answers to these questions, your rights may not be fully protected.
As an attorney who practices in the areas of Workers' Compensation (WC), Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Chris is extremely familiar with the technicalities of each system and the relationship each has with the other. It is Chris' policy that every client be informed as to the benefits to which they might be entitled and the affect of that benefit upon any other. Chris does not recommend proceeding with any SSD, SSI or WC claim without understanding how programs can impact each other. Please remember, being uninformed can mean being unprotected.
One might assume these questions have short and easy answers. But the short answer may not be the complete answer. Since the interplay between SSD, SSI and WC is so complex, Chris believes it is necessary to conduct a face-to-face interview. It is here where he answers all of your questions to ensure you are completely protected.
Chris is a graduate of Florida State University and Albany Law School. He is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Erie County Bar Association, New York State Injured Workers' Bar and Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Chris is also admitted to practice Federal Law in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. Chris' primary areas of practice include Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income and Workers' Compensation.
Daniel E. Zea, Partner
dan@connorsandferris.com (Hablo Espanol)
Having represented employers and their Workers' Compensation insurance carriers in over 3,000 hearings, Dan has a unique perspective into the difficulties brought by an on-the-job injury. Claimants, particularly those without representation, must delicately weave through obstacles placed in front of them by insurance companies. Often, these obstacles can result in a suspension or drastic reduction in wage benefits and delays in medical treatment. Without representation, an unsuspecting claimant can be left befuddled, confused and seemingly without recourse. That is why Dan chose to dedicate his career to representing injured workers.
An informed claimant is best positioned to navigate the complexities of the Workers' Compensation system. A lawyer plays many roles. First and foremost, is the role of educator. That is why Dan makes it a practice to sit down with every client and thoroughly explain what the Workers' Compensation Law provides, but most importantly, what it demands and expects from them. Accordingly, Dan's clients are situated in the best position possible to maximize their benefits.
Despite the best planning, however, the Workers' Compensation system is often adversarial and litigation may ultimately be necessary. That is why an experienced litigator and advocate is imperative to the proper resolution of claims. You can rest assured that your rights and interests will be vigorously defended and pursued throughout the hearing process. Dedication and preparation are the keys to success in this arena and they are at the core of Dan's practice.
Dan obtained his Bachelor's Degree from the State University College at Geneseo and graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law. Dan is admitted to practice law in all New York Courts, including the United States District Court for the Western District of New York and Bankruptcy Court. His memberships include the New York State Injured Workers' Bar, The New York State Bar Association and the Monroe County Bar Association. Dan dedicates his practice to the representation of claimants before the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.
Alexander M. Osborne, Partner
alex@connorsandferris.com
The economic stability of New York State depends on the many hours of hard work provided by workers in manufacturing plants, administrative offices, and in the service sector. Unfortunately, the members of these work forces are sometimes hampered by accidents in the field and occupational diseases. The process in place to protect the tens-of-thousands of workers in New York State is under scrutiny by politicians who do not necessarily have the workers' best interest at heart. Many changes in the process have made it more difficult to recover the statutory benefits to which they are entitled. Injured workers have enough to deal with apart from the affects that an injury will have on their ability to make ends meet following an injury. That is where Alex's experience and service becomes vital.
The counsel Alex provides is based upon continually educating his clients about the process of making a workers' compensation claim, their rights, and their obligations. Alex works in every case to maximize both the statutory benefits provided by the Workers' Compensation Law and the medical benefits available to injured workers.
Alex's past experience in the area of Workers' Compensation includes having represented insurance companies. Alex's practice now exclusively focuses on representing injured workers and he believes this combination of experiences provides him with the tools necessary to maximize workers' benefits as quickly as possible within the current Workers' Compensation system.
Alex is a graduate of Nazareth College and Albany Law School. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Monroe County Bar Association, and the New York State Injured Workers' Bar Association. Alex's primary area of practice is in Workers' Compensation.
Michael O'Connor
mike@connorsandferris.com
Workers' Compensation is a system in place to handle the legalities of injuries arising out of and in the course of employment. Injuries can arise from an accident or from extensive wear and tear on the body due to the physical aspects of a job. Regardless of the cause, the resulting injuries can have a ripple effect that damages the injured worker in many ways other than mere physical pain.
Trying to understand the Workers' Compensation Law when it matters most can be a frustrating experience for injured workers. As attorneys, it is our job to act as an advisor and provide an injured worker with knowledge on what the law is and what experience has shown. The best thing Mike can do is provide you with great attorney customer service. Mike will keep you advised every step of the way, ultimately allowing you to make educated decisions throughout the process to ensure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.
Mike received his Bachelor's Degree, magna cum laude, from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He went on to receive his law degree from Western New England College School of Law. Mike is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Monroe County Bar Association and the New York State Injured Workers' Bar Association. Mike's primary area of practice is in Workers' Compensation.
Jason Zack
jason@connorsandferris.com
Jason is dedicated to representing the rights of injured workers and offers a compassionate approach as counsel. Jason began his legal career in Eastern New York, representing individuals in Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability claims. Jason represented clients from Peekskill to Plattsburgh and he eventually headed the firm's satellite office in Albany.
Prior to joining Connors & Ferris, Jason lived and practiced law on Long Island. Jason gained valuable experience in the practice area of representing public school districts. Through this experience, Jason gained knowledge of many legal issues concerning employee disability. Jason's past experiences allow him to better inform clients of their rights, obligations and options under New York State's Workers' Compensation Law and Federal Social Security Disability Law.
Jason, a native of the Buffalo area, has recently returned to the region and looks forward to serving the interests of the injured workers in our community.
Jason received his bachelors degree from SUNY Potsdam and went on to receive his law degree from Albany Law School of Union University. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Erie County Bar Association and the Injured Workers Bar Association.
Kevin R. Doering
kevin@connorsandferris.com
Kevin knows that the time following a work injury is often extremely stressful. He also understands that navigating the workers' compensation system to obtain those benefits to which you are entitled can be a confusing process. After a work-related injury you must file certain documents with the Workers' Compensation Board. You will undoubtedly receive many documents from the Workers' Compensation Board and your employer's insurance company. You may not know how to respond or even if a response is necessary. It is Kevin's goal to assist you through this process and insure you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
It is important and beneficial for you to have your own attorney to insure your best interests are represented throughout the duration of your claim. As an injured worker, there is no one else in the system to represent your interests. The Workers' Compensation Law is a uniquely complicated area of law. Your claim will be handled by your employer's insurance carrier and a claims adjuster who is very familiar with the Workers' Compensation system. Furthermore, the insurance carrier will be represented by an attorney who will also be well versed in the Workers' Compensation Law and its special nuances.
Kevin's practice is exclusively focused on the representation of injured workers. He is located in the Buffalo office and is a life long resident of the Buffalo area. While Kevin represents only injured workers, his past experience as an attorney working for a firm who exclusively represented insurance companies enhances his insight into your claim.
Kevin graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Geneseo and received a Bachelor of Science degree and Business Administration. He obtained a law degree from the University of Buffalo School of Law. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Erie County Bar Association and the New York State Injured Workers Bar Association. Kevin has appeared at thousands of Workers' Compensation hearings in Buffalo and has also appeared on Workers' Compensation issues before the New York State Appellate Court.
Randi Proukou
randi@connorsandferris.com
As someone who has had a family member sustain a work related injury, Randi understands how frustrating and stressful the Workers' Compensation process can be. In an instant, benefits can be suspended or reduced, and medical care can be delayed or denied. It is Randi's role to assume those burdens and assist you in understanding and navigating the process to insure you receive the maximum benefits and medical care to which you are entitled.
Randi received her Bachelor's Degree from Nazareth College and her law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law. Randi is admitted to practice law in New York State and is a member of the New York State Injured Workers' Bar, the New York State Bar Association, the Monroe County Bar Association, and the Monroe County Women's Bar Association. Randi's area of practice is dedicated to representing claimants in Workers' Compensation.
Robert W. Clark
bob@connorsandferris.com
Workers Compensation Law is constantly changing. In order for injured workers to maximize their benefits, it is important that they retain an attorney who is both knowledgeable and passionate about the rights of injured workers. The insurance carrier will be represented by an attorney that specializes in workers' compensation claims and you deserve the same.
Bob understands the many legal implications associated with filing a workers' compensation claim and will walk you through the claim process from start to finish. Bob's depth of exposure with workers' compensation claims has provided him with the necessary experience and perspective to competently handle your claim.
Bob received his B.A. from The State University of New York at Geneseo and his J.D. from The University at Buffalo Law School, SUNY. Prior to joining Connors & Ferris, LLP, Bob previously worked at an employment law firm where he advocated on behalf of hourly employees alleging minimum wage and overtime violations under federal and state law.
Bob is admitted to practice law in New York State and is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association, and Injured Workers' Bar Association. When not advocating for injured workers at the Workers Compensation Board, Bob handles unemployment insurance benefit cases as a volunteer attorney with the Monroe County Volunteer Legal Services Project ("VLSP"). Bob can help you with your workers' compensation, social security disability, or personal injury claim.