James VanDette
Experienced Personal Injury Advocate in Western New York
Have you been seriously injured due to the intentional or negligent actions of another person? When an injury changes your life, you need experienced counsel who understands both the legal system and the practical challenges you face.
With over 15 years of experience, James VanDette has helped clients across Western New York recover compensation after life-altering injuries. He focuses his practice on personal injury litigation and has extensive experience handling complex claims involving significant damages. His approach is strategic, thorough, and results-driven.
James is committed to protecting his clients’ rights and pursuing full and fair compensation. He leverages his litigation experience, professional relationships, and deep knowledge of New York law to guide clients through every stage of the process.
Practice Areas
- Personal Injury
- Automobile Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Civil Rights Violations
- Wrongful Death Claims
- Family Law
Education
St. John’s University School of Law
J.D., With Honors
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A., magna cum laude
University of Leicester, England
Honors and Affiliations:
- Pi Beta Kappa
- Pi Eta Sigma
Results
James VanDette has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of injured clients. Representative results include*:
$1.4 Million
Animal Bite – A young girl injured as a result of a dog bite (reflects proceeds of structured settlement).
$925,000
Motor Vehicle Accident – Worker injured in a collision, sustaining a fracture and scarring.
$500,000
Slip and Fall – Client suffered a broken leg after a fall.
$450,000
Motor Vehicle Accident – Rear-end collision involving a tractor trailer.
$365,000
Slip and Fall – Soft tissue injuries requiring surgery.
$358,000
Personal Injury – Police officer injured during the course of an arrest.
$300,000
Automobile Accident – Rear-end collision with non-surgical neck injury.
$300,000
Slip and Fall – Elderly woman suffered fractured hip and wrist.
$240,000
Animal Bite – Client sustained injuries from a dog bite.
$225,000
Slip and Fall – Aggravation of pre-existing back injury requiring surgery.
$200,000
Slip and Fall – Knee surgery required due to broken step.
$190,000
Slip and Fall – Back injury following fall.
$150,000
Motor Vehicle Accident – Wrist ligament injury.
$150,000
Motor Vehicle Accident – Rear-end collision resulting in hip injury.
$100,000
Motor Vehicle Accident – Full policy limits recovery.
$100,000
Motor Vehicle Accident – Elderly pedestrian received full policy limits.
$98,500
Bicyclist Accident – Broken finger sustained in bicycle accident.
$1.4 Million
Animal Bite – A young girl injured as a result of a dog bite (reflects proceeds of structured settlement).
$925,000
Motor Vehicle Accident – Worker injured in a collision, sustaining a fracture and scarring.
*Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Professional Associations
- Bar Association of Erie County, Member
- Former Chairperson, Admission to the Bar Committee (Bar Association of Erie County)
- New York State Bar Association
- New York State Defender’s Association
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- Northern Chautauqua Bar Association
- Editor, St. John’s Journal of Legal Commentary
Bar Admissions
- New York
- U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
Community Involvement
- Attorney Advisor, Maryvale High School
- New York State High School Mock Trial Competition (2011–2018)
Schedule a Consultation
Serious injuries require serious representation. James VanDette provides experienced, focused advocacy designed to secure meaningful recovery and accountability.
Contact the firm to discuss your case and learn how he can assist you.