Injured While Volunteering in Buffalo, NY? 

You’ll Want to Know This

Volunteering is one of the most selfless things you can do. 

Whether you're handing out meals in downtown Buffalo or cleaning up parks along the Niagara River, you're giving your time to make someone else's life better. But when you get hurt in the process? That can throw your whole life off balance.

The physical pain is tough. But it doesn’t stop there. Suddenly, you’re staring down medical bills, missing work, and wondering if you’re even allowed to ask for help. You might be thinking, “Did signing that waiver mean I’m stuck with all of this?”

The Buffalo personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, have helped people just like you—kind-hearted, hardworking volunteers who got blindsided by an injury while trying to do good. 

As an experienced Buffalo law firm, we know New York’s laws inside and out, and we’re here to help you sort through the mess. Whether you were hurt on the job or while helping others, you might still be eligible for injury compensation even if you didn’t think you qualified.

Think That Waiver Protects Them? Here’s the Truth About Volunteer Injury Waivers in Buffalo

Let’s be honest. No one really reads those waivers word for word. 

You probably signed something at a food bank, church drive, or neighborhood cleanup, just wanting to jump in and help. But what’s actually hiding in that fine print?

Understanding Volunteer Liability Waivers

In New York, those waivers can be enforceable, but they aren’t bulletproof. 

Usually, there’s something in there called an “assumption of risk” clause. Translation? You’re agreeing that you know volunteering comes with risks, and you won’t sue if you get hurt.

But here's the thing: courts in Buffalo don’t just accept every waiver blindly. If that form was vague, confusing, or shoved in your face last-minute, it might not hold up. 

And if the organization acted recklessly or put you in harm’s way? That waiver may be worthless.

When Assumption of Risk Doesn’t Stick

Look, some risks are obvious. Lifting boxes? Yeah, your back might ache. But what if:

• They gave you broken equipment? Like a busted ladder or a tool that short-circuits.
• They knew something was unsafe, like loose stairs, but told you to go anyway?
• You weren’t offered basic safety gear? No gloves, no mask, no warning.

You didn’t sign up for that kind of danger. If they increased the risk or failed to warn you, the law might actually be on your side.

Feel Awful About Suing a Charity? You’re Not Alone—But Let’s Talk About It

Yeah, it’s awkward. You gave your time to help. The idea of suing a nonprofit? It probably feels wrong. But let’s get something straight. You have the right to protect yourself when you’re hurt because someone else dropped the ball.

Limits on Immunity for Nonprofits

In New York, charities and religious organizations aren’t untouchable. The law doesn’t give them a free pass if they’re careless. If they didn’t follow safety protocols or let a hazardous condition slide, they can absolutely be held accountable.

Even the most well-meaning organizations have to follow the rules, from city codes, building safety, to basic maintenance. If they mess up, they can’t just hide behind the idea that they’re “doing good.”

When You Might Be Able to Sue

You might have a valid case if:

• They were grossly negligent. Like ignoring a repeated warning about faulty wiring.
• They didn’t fix something they knew was dangerous. Maybe the icy steps were never salted.
• They let someone totally untrained oversee a risky task. And that person made things worse.

It all comes down to this: could they have prevented your injury? If the answer’s yes, then you’re not being unreasonable, you’re being responsible.

Got Hurt During a Buffalo Emergency? You Still Deserve Protection

We all know Buffalo weather doesn’t play around. Blizzards. Flooding. Wind that’ll knock you off your feet. When disaster strikes, volunteers show up. But sometimes, in that chaos, safety takes a back seat and that’s when people get hurt.

What Happens When Things Move Too Fast

Community events during emergencies are intense. You might’ve been handing out blankets at a shelter downtown, clearing branches in South Buffalo, or hauling supplies through knee-deep snow. And maybe no one explained the risks or handed you a hard hat.

That’s not okay. Even in a crisis, the people organizing these efforts have a duty to protect you. If they skipped safety checks or didn’t give you the gear you needed, they could be liable. You were there to help—not to end up in the ER.

Don’t Let a Nonprofit Off the Hook, You Deserve Better If You’ve Been Hurt

The question isn’t whether you were doing something good. It’s whether someone else made your experience dangerous.

Real Ways Nonprofits Can Be Held Responsible

Let’s say you were pitching in at a Buffalo animal shelter, helping rebuild some kennels. And then:

• You fell through a weak floor they never warned you about.
• They handed you a power saw with no explanation on how to use it.
• You told them something felt unsafe, and they shrugged it off.

That’s not on you. That’s on them.

Every nonprofit, no matter how small or scrappy, has a basic obligation to protect the people who help them. If they didn’t, the law’s on your side.

Injured as a Volunteer? You’ve Got Options and You Deserve Support

Right now, you’re probably in pain, frustrated, and a little lost. Maybe you’re juggling doctor visits, paperwork, and stress about missing work. It’s overwhelming. And it’s okay to admit you need help.

Here’s what you could get through a personal injury claim:

• Your medical bills covered. Whether it’s an ambulance ride, surgery, or follow-up care, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket.
• Lost income repaid. Time away from your job means money lost. Money that you need.
• Pain and emotional distress accounted for. Because what you’re going through isn’t just physical.
• Rehab and therapy costs handled. You might need months of recovery, and that adds up fast.

Even if your situation isn’t related to volunteering, we handle a wide range of cases - from workplace injury claims to car crash legal representation. 

Our team has even worked with individuals seeking a medical malpractice attorney in Buffalo. If you’re looking for a local personal injury law firm that’s ready to listen, we’ve got your back.

Bottom line? You stepped up to help others. Now it’s time for someone to step up for you.

Talk to Horn Wright, LLP, About Your Buffalo Volunteer Injury Case

If you were hurt while volunteering in Buffalo, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to help. Our personal injury lawyers understand what you’re going through and we know how New York law works when nonprofits cross the line. 

We take the time to listen, help you understand your rights, and fight for what you’re owed. If you’re ready to learn more about your options, leave a message online or call (855) 465-4622 to schedule your free initial consultation.

You deserve dedicated support from one of the best law firms in America.