MedLaw Cancer Partnership of Western New York

The MedLaw Cancer Partnership is Center for Elder Law & Justice’s medical-legal partnership with the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), ECMC Foundation and Western New York Breast Health. MedLaw has a dedicated full-time attorney who works in collaboration with ECMC staff, with a focus on serving the needs of patients, particularly those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or are at risk for breast cancer.

This project was made possible by the Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert (JALBCA). For more information about JALBCA and their mission, visit https://jalbca.org

Additionally, MedLaw has a network of volunteer attorneys and provides community education in order to address the legal and societal needs of breast cancer & palliative care patients in eight Western New York counties.

Clients of MedLaw primarily are referred through ECMC, Western New York Breast Health, and the Mobile Mammography Unit. There are no age restrictions for this unit.

For more information or to see if you qualify for services, call 716-853-3087 x 250 or toll free at 1-844-700-1872.

 

Our MedLaw office is located at:

ECMC

462 Grider Street

Ambulatory Building, Room 3065 Buffalo, NY

 

To get involved as a volunteer attorney or law student, visit our volunteer page!

 

 

MedLaw can help patient-clients with legal issues such as:

  • health insurance coverage & denials
  • housing (eviction, foreclosure & other issues)
  • income maintenance
  • employment issues
  • advanced directives
  • and more…

Fight for Healthy Communities

Provide Convenient & Accessible Services

Address the Social Determinants of Health

Provide Comprehensive Representation and Advice

FAQs

Legal issues involving housing, health insurance, employment rights, access to benefits, estate planning, immigration, and consumer debt, among others, become sources of stress for breast cancer patients and can even be a barrier to receiving medical treatment. MedLaw seeks to enhance the lives of breast cancer patients and survivors by addressing these needs within the walls of the hospital. Our services include full representation, brief advice and counsel, and community education.

I am receiving treatment for cancer and I need to take time off from work. Can you help me work with my employer to protect my job?

Yes, MedLaw can advise you of your workplace rights and work with you and your employer in the hopes of reaching an accommodation that will allow you to keep your job while you obtain the health treatments you need.

Due to my hospitalizations and treatment, I have fallen behind in paying my bills and rent. Can you help me with these problems?

Yes, MedLaw can help you determine if you qualify for any benefits, such as food stamps or short-term disability.  Obtaining these benefits may help you afford life essentials, such as food and housing.  Additionally, MedLaw can help you with consumer debt problems by speaking and negotiating with your creditors.

Do you provide representation in a medical malpractice lawsuit?

No, MedLaw does not provide representation in malpractice lawsuits.

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