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Michael Anthony Ponterio

Michael Anthony Ponterio

Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC, Mesothelioma & Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
  • Asbestos & Mesothelioma, Personal Injury, Products Liability ...
  • New York
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Biography

Michael A. Ponterio is a founding partner of Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC. Since 1985, Mr. Ponterio has represented families who have suffered injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos. He also practices in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, defective products and motor vehicle accidents. Mr. Ponterio has dedicated his practice to securing justice for clients who have suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries.

Since 1985, Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford has obtained over one billion in settlements or verdicts on behalf of the firm’s clients.

Mr. Ponterio has been representing people suffering from mesothelioma caused by asbestos for over 35 years. He obtained the first personal injury jury verdict in the State of New York for an asbestos victim as well as the first punitive damage award for an asbestos worker in the State of New York (Racich v. Celotex Corp.)

In September 2011, Mr. Ponterio obtained the first jury verdict in Western New York on behalf of a lead-poisoned child.

Some of the highlights of the honors Mr. Ponterio has received as a result of his representation of injured workers reflects the following:

• Top-10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma NYS Attorney recognized by National Trial Lawyers Association;
• 2019 – National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Attorneys;
Super Lawyer by Thompson Reuters from 2011 to 2020 recognizing Mr. Ponterio’s excellence in the practice of law. Only 5% of the attorneys in Upstate New York are named Super Lawyers.

In July 2020, Mr. Ponterio was elected to be a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation; an honorary society of lawyers, judges, law faculty and legal scholars who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and exemplary character in their legal careers.

Practice Areas
Asbestos & Mesothelioma
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Workers' Compensation
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New York
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Founding Partner
Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford
- Current
Michael A. Ponterio is a founding partner of Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC. Since 1985, Mr. Ponterio has represented families who have suffered injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos for over 35 years. He also practices in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, pharmaceutical injuries, defective products and motor vehicle accidents. Mr. Ponterio has dedicated his practice to securing justice for clients who have suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries.
Education
New England Law | Boston
J.D. (1983)
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New England Law | Boston Logo
Awards
Super Lawyer
Thomson Reuters
Recognized as a Super Lawyer in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021
Fellow
American Bar Association
2016 – Lifetime Achievement
Americas Top 100 Attorneys
Top 10% of Lawyers in the USA
2016 Member, Lawyers of Distinction
Member 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2015
Nations Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
Legal Elite Honoree
Buffalo Business First and Buffalo Law Journal
AV Distinguished Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
Top 100
The National Trial Lawyers
Professional Associations
American Association for Justice
Current
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New York State Trial Lawyer's Association
Current
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Western New York Trial Lawyer's Association
Current
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American Bar Association
Current
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Erie County Bar Association
Current
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Distinguished Justice Advocates Top 1% Attorneys in America
Current
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Million Dollar Advocates Forum The Top Trial Lawyers in America
Current
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Accredited Attorney of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Current
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The American Bar Foundation elected as a Fellow
Current
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New York State Bar  # 1903046
Member
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
“Products Liability in New York Strategy and Practice” contributing author
New York State Bar Association
Speaking Engagements
Civil Litigators Guide to Discovery Under New York Law
New York State Bar Association
Products Liability
New York State Bar Association
Honing Your Deposition Skills Products Liability
New York State Bar Association
Websites & Blogs
Website
Michael A. Ponterio, Founding Partner
Website
Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC
Contact & Map
Lipsitz & Ponterio LLC
424 Main Street, Suite 1500
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (866) 238-1452
Telephone: (716) 849-0701
Fax: (716) 849-0708