New York Mesothelioma Lawyers: Asbestos Exposure, Types of Claims, Case Process
One of the first steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis is finding a lawyer, preferably one licensed to practice in a state connected to your case. If you previously worked and were likely exposed to asbestos in the state of New York, previously lived in the state, or currently live there, we can help you locate an experienced mesothelioma lawyer for your case.
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How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer in New York
We can help you find a mesothelioma lawyer in a specific area in the state of New York. If you’re looking within New York City, you might find it helpful to search by borough. We also have information on places where asbestos was known to exist, occupations in the borough at risk of asbestos exposure, and more useful information.
Here are some of the locations in New York where you can find a mesothelioma lawyer:
How Can a Mesothelioma Lawyer Help You?
Mesothelioma lawyers provide valuable assistance to victims of asbestos exposure, aiding them in obtaining rightful compensation. Exceptional lawyers in this field possess extensive expertise from years of handling asbestos and mesothelioma legal claims. Moreover, they boast an impressive track record of favorable verdicts and settlements against negligent asbestos manufacturing corporations.
It is of the utmost importance to find a qualified mesothelioma lawyer to represent your claim. There are unlimited personal injury attorneys who may advertise themselves as qualified to take on a mesothelioma case. However, the best lawyers for an asbestos legal claim specialize in this area of law.
Mesothelioma legal claims can be complex, and it takes years of experience to master the process. Finding a lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma and asbestos claims will greatly benefit victims of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma lawyers also work on a contingency basis, which means victims will not have to pay anything upfront to hire them for their services.
Asbestos exposure victims will also not be inconvenienced by frequent travel, attending all court dates or in charge of filing paperwork. A mesothelioma lawyer will travel to victims to hear their story, handle paperwork, and coordinate the case process in your best interest.
Facts About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer diagnosed less than 3,000 times each year in the United States. The only cause of this cancer is asbestos exposure. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases dust into the air. This dust is composed of microscopic, needle-like fibers. If inhaled or swallowed, the tiny particles can become lodged in thin linings surrounding the lungs, abdomen or heart, causing irritation and tumor formation.
There are two main types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, while peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 10%-15% of cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases.
Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, it often results in pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining surrounding the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma forms when asbestos particles are swallowed. Since pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, the causes are not well-known.
Causes of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the direct result of corporate negligence. Large manufacturing corporations mined for asbestos and turned it into a material overused in American industries. These corporations failed to warn workers and consumers of the hazard before incorporating it into their products. These corporations failed the public and are the direct cause of thousands of mesothelioma cases each year since the mid-1900s.
Most cases of mesothelioma derive from occupational asbestos exposure. Due to the fact that many corporations used asbestos in their products and materials, people who worked for these companies were exposed to the cancer-causing material every day.
Asbestos was used for its heat resistance and durability. However, if the material is disturbed, it can break apart, sending asbestos dust into the air. This was a common occurrence for people working in manufacturing, construction and many other trades. Military asbestos exposure was also extremely common for the same reasons. It was durable and heat-resistant – important characteristics making asbestos a valuable commodity in military weapons, vehicles and uniforms.
It was also common for family members and loved ones to be exposed to asbestos secondhand when their loved one who worked an asbestos job would come home with loose fibers on their clothing or body.
Product asbestos exposure is another concern. Various products have been known to contain asbestos, especially cosmetic and hygiene products. The most famous product is Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. Asbestos is proven to contaminate talc, which is turned into talcum powder (primary ingredient in baby powder).
Asbestos Exposure in New York
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of known locations of asbestos exposure in New York. Most of the locations occur in New York City and the five boroughs. Search for your potential events of asbestos exposure with our free resource.
Asbestos in the Bronx
For more than a century, the Bronx has been home to two versions of Yankee Stadium – built across the street from each other – and the Bronx Zoo. The Bronx Botanical Garden and Co-Op City (the largest cooperative housing development in America) are also staples in this borough of New York.
The Bronx has many old buildings, which might include asbestos in the insulation, siding, floorboards, ceiling tiles and elsewhere. It is also considered the poorest borough in New York City and has the highest rate of poverty, which contributes to the number of older buildings. The lack of funding results in deteriorating buildings and structures, which leaves the public susceptible to asbestos exposure.
There are other known locations of asbestos exposure in the Bronx. The suburban area includes a courthouse, hospital, railroad, gas company, power plant and two universities.
Here are just some of the known asbestos exposure sites in the Bronx:
- Bronx County Courthouse
- Bronx Hospital
- Consolidated Gas Company of New York – Kingsbridge Station
- New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad – Van Nest Power Station
- New York University Aerospace Lab
- Con Edison – Hell Gate Power Plant
- North Side Savings Bank, 233rd St. & White Plains Road
- Yeshiva University Rose F. Kennedy Center
According to the CDC, there have been 74 mesothelioma-related deaths in Bronx County between 1999 and 2020. The number may seem insignificant compared to other cancers, but it is far too many innocent people exposed to asbestos and killed by their disease. These reckless corporations need to be held accountable.
Asbestos in Brooklyn
Exposure to asbestos was a frequent occurrence in Brooklyn during the 20th century. Brooklyn was home to many companies that heavily relied on asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
Many industries incorporated the cancer-causing mineral into many products and materials, leading to countless people being exposed. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, the rare form of cancer that could take 50 years to develop.
Some of the confirmed sites of asbestos exposure in Brooklyn, New York are:
- 106th Infantry Armory
- 33rd St. Boiler House
- All Service Laundry
- American Manufacturing Company
- American Railway Express Company
- American Tobacco Company
- Brillo Manufacturing Company
- Columbia Chemical Works
- Devoe And Reynolds Company, Incorporated
- Gutta Percha and Rubber Manufacturing Company
- Flatbush Hygienic Ice Company
- Eclipse Box and Lumber Company
- International Steam Laundry Company (laundry plant)
- USS Bon Homme Richard (Brooklyn Navy Yard)
- Metropolitan Works
- New York Naval Shipyard
- Rutherford and Barnes
- Schaefer Brewery
- Thomson Meter Company
- Title Guarantee and Trust Company
- U.S. Naval Shipyard
- United States Post Office Building
- Kentile, Incorporated
- Valentine and Company
- YMCA
Since the YMCA, Brooklyn Navy Yard, local Navy shipyard, local post office, lumber company, and laundry facility all included asbestos at some point, anyone who worked at these locations or spent time there as a customer might’ve been exposed. These are just a few examples of people at risk in Brooklyn, New York.
According to CDC, there have been 173 mesothelioma-related deaths in Kings County (Brooklyn) between 1999 and 2020. The corporations responsible for reckless asbestos exposure need to be held accountable.
Asbestos in Manhattan
Asbestos was used in a majority of construction projects throughout the United States during the 20th century. With New York City being the most populated city in the country, many buildings were constructed during this time as the city expanded. These buildings were likely built with a type of asbestos common in building construction: chrysotile asbestos.
There were tons of chrysotile asbestos built into the World Trade Centers. The 9/11 terrorist attacks released splintered chrysotile asbestos fibers and toxic dust into the air throughout downtown Manhattan, exposing everyone in the area. 9/11 first responders, survivors and bystanders are all at risk for developing an asbestos disease, such as mesothelioma.
There are strict regulations in place today to prevent the careless use of asbestos. As an example, in March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the most common type of asbestos and the only type reportedly still imported and used in the United States. The other types are not banned but remain heavily regulated.
However, the concern now is legacy asbestos, which is asbestos remaining in old buildings. As we know, Manhattan is the center of New York City and contains many of the asbestos buildings built during the population boom in the 20th century.
Some of the confirmed asbestos exposure sites in Manhattan, New York are:
- Harlem Lighting Company – Power Plant
- Central Union Gas Company – 138th St. Gas Works
- Columbia University
- Consolidated Edison Powerhouse
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Incorporated
- Consolidated Gas Company – 21st St. Station
- Edison Electric Illuminating Company – Duane St. Station
- Edison Electric Illuminating Company – Pearl St. Power Station
- Empire State Building
- 65th Street Gas Plant
- Metropolitan Traction Company
- Municipal Asphalt Plant
- New York City Board Of Transportation – 59th Street Powerhouse
- New York Gas Electric Light Heat And Power Company – First Avenue Power Plant
- New York Telephone Company
- Radio City Music Hall
- Standard Gas Light Company – East 115th St Gas Plant
- Waterside Power House
These are just some of the known asbestos-containing locations throughout Manhattan. Anyone who worked on the construction of these buildings, worked for the companies who owned these buildings, or even visited these locations could have been exposed to asbestos.
According to the CDC, there have been 118 mesothelioma-related deaths between 1999 and 2020. This number is way too high, especially because this could have all been prevented had the corporations who manufactured asbestos warned the public and their workers.
Asbestos in Queens
Asbestos exposure was a common occurrence in Queens. Like other parts of New York City, industrial corporations had a heavy presence in the area. These companies spanned various industries, such as manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, automotive and power generation, and utilized asbestos-containing materials in many aspects.
Due to the number of industrial companies in Queens and their reliance on asbestos, there are many confirmed locations of asbestos buildings. Although the EPA has implemented strict regulations on asbestos – and even banned the import, manufacturing, sale, and use of chrysotile asbestos – the cancer-causing mineral still remains in old buildings.
Some of the known locations of asbestos exposure in Queens, New York are:
- Astoria Light, Heat & Power Company (gas works)
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Incorporated, Astoria Plant
- Family Court in Queens
- Astoria Powerhouse
- East River Gas Light Company (power plant)
- U.S. Pavilion, World’s Fair, Flushing Meadow
- Fresh Meadows Housing Project
- Hellgate Powerhouse
- Helmsley Spear, Incorporated
- Idlewild Airport
- Long Island Railroad (electric light plant)
- New Amsterdam Gas Company (gas plant)
- Steinway & Sons (Riker Avenue plant)
- Ravenswood Powerhouse
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York – Ravenswood Generating Station
According to the CDC, there were 215 mesothelioma-related deaths in Queens County between 1999 and 2020. Asbestos diseases should have been prevented by the corporations responsible for manufacturing the cancer-causing substance.
Asbestos in Staten Island
Similar to the other New York City boroughs, asbestos exposure occurred often in Staten Island. This borough housed numerous companies that extensively relied on asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. These companies were involved in several industries and incorporated the hazardous mineral into various products and materials, resulting in asbestos exposure for countless people.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of the rare cancer mesothelioma and can also lead to other serious health conditions. There are many confirmed sites of asbestos exposure and asbestos buildings in Staten Island.
Here are some known asbestos exposure sites in Staten Island, New York:
- American Linoleum Manufacturing Company
- National Drydock and Repair Company
- Arthur Kill Powerhouse
- Bethlehem Steel Corporation
- Borough of Richmond Garbage Destructor
- Con Edison (Arthur Kill generating station)
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Incorporated, Arthur Kill
- Distrigas of New York Corporation (gas plant)
- Grant City Pumping Station
- Manor Brewing Company
- Milliken Brothers
- Ansbacher Siegel Corporation
- New York and Staten Island Electric Company (power plant)
- New York and Richmond Gas Company
- New Method Service Company
- Nrg Energy Incorporated
- Rockwell International Con Ed
- Wallerstein Company, Incorporated
- Sailors Snug Harbor
- Seaview Hospital
- Socony Mobil Oil Company
- St. George and New Brighton
- Sun Chemical
- Travis Powerhouse
- Rubsam & Horrman Brewing Company
- Witte’s Yard
There are numerous other locations of asbestos exposure throughout Staten Island. Anyone who worked for these companies or in these locations was at risk of asbestos exposure.
According to the CDC, there were 64 mesothelioma-related deaths between 1999 and 2020, but they all could have been prevented. The asbestos corporations knew about the health risks associated with asbestos and hid them from the public. If you are a victim of asbestos exposure, Mesothelioma Guide urges you to seek legal guidance. The corporations responsible for asbestos exposure need to be held accountable.
Asbestos in New York Buildings
Asbestos has been a significant concern in buildings throughout New York due to its historical use in construction materials. The toxic substance was widely used in various applications, such as insulation, flooring, roofing, pipe insulation and fireproofing in buildings constructed before the 1980s.
Older buildings are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials due to its widespread use before the health risks associated with asbestos were fully recognized. The age of the city and its buildings contributes to the overwhelming presence of asbestos in New York and especially NYC buildings.
With New York City as the most populated city in the U.S., millions of city residents – whether they worked in a high risk occupation or lived or worked in a building with asbestos – are at risk of exposure.
Asbestos-Containing Materials in New York City Buildings
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted a survey to evaluate the public’s risk of asbestos exposure in New York City buildings to in-place asbestos-containing materials
Data was collected in 886 buildings from 16 different building categories in New York City. According to the survey, 68% of the buildings in New York City contain asbestos-containing materials, with 323 million square feet of asbestos-containing materials throughout the city (primarily thermal system insulation).
Overall, 16% of all asbestos-containing materials had greater than 10% of its surface damaged and another 68% of asbestos-containing materials had between 0% and 10% of its surface damaged. Nearly half of all asbestos-containing materials are in mechanical spaces within buildings. Due to the results of this survey, buildings in New York City were prioritized for management and an in-place management bill was introduced by the New York City Council.
Governing Bodies Overseeing Asbestos in New York
To address the risks associated with asbestos, New York has implemented regulations and guidelines for the handling, removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. The New York State Department of Health is the primary governing body overseeing asbestos in New York. The national regulatory body for asbestos is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Other governing bodies overseeing asbestos in New York are:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Protects workers from asbestos exposure by defining limits on how much asbestos can be in a workplace’s air
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation – Regulates the transportation and disposal of debris to a solid waste landfill after an asbestos abatement and removal project
- New York City Department of Environmental Protection – Governs asbestos handling, including abatement and removal, in the city of New York
- New York State Department of Labor – Licenses and certifies companies and workers to do asbestos work, and keeps a record of all asbestos projects in Brooklyn, New York
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires private employers to protect employees from asbestos exposure. In New York State, the Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau requires the same protection for city, county and state workers.
Building owners, private employers, and schools must protect occupants, employees, students and faculty from hazardous materials, including asbestos. They are also required to identify and safely handle or remove any asbestos materials according to federal and state regulations.
The main rule for handling asbestos in New York is the work must be done by a trained professional. If not handled properly, airborne asbestos fibers can become a widespread health risk. If asbestos is removed by a professional, it is properly contained and completely removed, eliminating any hazard or risk.
According to the Department of Health, the following occupations are certified to handle asbestos:
- Asbestos handler
- Restricted asbestos handler
- Air sampling technician
- Inspector
- Management planner
- Operations and maintenance
- Supervisor/contractor
- Project monitor
- Project designer
The full New York State Asbestos Regulations are accessible on the State Department of Health website.
Industrial Asbestos Exposure in New York
Industrial asbestos exposure in New York refers to occupational asbestos exposure that occurred in an industrial setting. New York was a hub for American industrialization. The state is home to the largest city in the country, which made it a prime location for industrial and manufacturing jobs.
The widespread use of asbestos in New York can be traced back to the late 19th century when the industrial revolution was in full swing. The city’s booming construction industry, shipbuilding yards, power plants and manufacturing facilities heavily relied on asbestos-containing materials for insulation, fireproofing, and other purposes.
A large majority of the workforce during the 20th century was in industrialism. New York City was a main source of the United States’ industrial byproducts, such as construction materials, heating appliances, electrical elements, cars, ships, buildings and more.
Numerous industrial occupations and worksites throughout New York were known for asbestos exposure. Some of the notable locations include:
- Manhattan – Many older buildings in Manhattan, particularly those constructed before the 1980s, contained asbestos materials. Renovation or demolition projects in these buildings posed risks of asbestos fiber release.
- Brooklyn Navy Yard – This shipyard, located in Brooklyn, was a major source of asbestos exposure due to the widespread use of asbestos insulation in ships and shipbuilding facilities.
- Power plants – Power generation facilities across New York, such as the Indian Point Energy Center and the Ravenswood Generating Station, contained asbestos materials for insulation and fireproofing.
- Industrial facilities – Numerous factories, refineries, and manufacturing plants throughout the state used asbestos in their operations, leading to potential exposure risks for workers.
It’s important to note that asbestos exposure was not limited to these specific locations but extended to various industrial and construction sites throughout New York. Over the years, regulations and awareness regarding asbestos have increased, leading to stricter guidelines for its use and improved safety measures in workplaces. The EPA’s ban on chrysotile asbestos in 2024 strengthens the country’s anti-asbestos stance.
However, the legacy of past asbestos use still poses a health risk to individuals who were exposed to the mineral during the 20th century.
Asbestos at New York’s Old Shipyards
New York Navy Yard, also known as Brooklyn Navy Yard, was in operation for 165 years. The yard produced 160 Navy ships and was active during many key war periods throughout history.
When the Civil War began, the New York Navy Yard employed 1,650 men. At the end of the war, nearly 6,000 civilian workers were employed. Fast forward to World War II, 71,000 civilian and naval personnel were employed at the shipyard.
During the war, as more men had to fight, women began filling positions at the shipyard formerly held by men. In addition to the 71,000 employees, 4,657 women also worked in the shipyard – making it the largest single industrial employer in New York City.
Navy ships were built with large quantities of asbestos. The substance was imported to the shipyard, transported to working stations, and incorporated into building materials. Anyone involved in shipyard work was at risk of asbestos exposure. Due to the employment rate at Brooklyn Navy Yard, tens of thousands of people are at risk of developing a serious illness.
Repairing Asbestos-Containing Heating Systems
Heating systems were a new concept in the 20th century and needed effective insulation to prevent overheating and fires. Asbestos was often used as an insulator in heating elements and appliances.
The substance was incorporated into such a large number of products and materials that the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s definition of “presumed asbestos-containing material” is “all thermal system insulation and surfacing material.”
According to the survey conducted by NYCDEP, there once was 323 million square feet of asbestos-containing materials throughout the city, and the primary material was thermal system insulation. This means anyone who installed these systems, repairs them, removes them, or has them in their home or office was or is at risk of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma Death Rankings
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and usually is associated with a poor prognosis of 12-16 months for patients. Due to this, many patients do not survive this cancer. Around 2,500-3,000 people die from this cancer each year in the United States. However, there are beneficial mesothelioma treatment options at select cancer centers.
According to the CDC, the state of New York ranks number 1 in the United States for mesothelioma-related deaths.
Pleural Mesothelioma Deaths
Of the main types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is the most common type. It accounts for around 80% of all mesothelioma cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 225 pleural mesothelioma deaths in that state of New York between 1999 and 2020.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Deaths
Peritoneal mesothelioma is diagnosed less often than pleural mesothelioma. This type accounts for 10% or 15% of all mesothelioma cases.
According to the CDC, New York had 163 peritoneal mesothelioma deaths between 1999 and 2020.
Asbestos Verdicts & Settlements in New York
New York City has long been a preferred jurisdiction for asbestos litigation and mesothelioma lawsuits. The city is ranked in the top three for the last three years in asbestos claims:
- 131 mesothelioma claims filed in 2020
- 118 mesothelioma claims filed in 2021
- 146 mesothelioma claims filed in 2022
When a mesothelioma claim is filed, it can either lead to an asbestos trust fund claim or a lawsuit. An asbestos trust fund claim is against bankrupt companies, which are no longer “active defendants” in legal proceedings. Asbestos trust funds are bank accounts with money set aside to pay claimants.
Lawsuits either end with a trial verdict or a settlement. The least common route is trial verdict. Most asbestos companies want to avoid litigation because juries typically order liable companies to pay large amounts of money.
Here are some examples of asbestos verdicts in New York:
- In 2013, five men, formerly working as steamfitters, plumbers and construction workers, filed an asbestos claim against two separate boiler companies – Burnham Commercial and Cleaver-Brooks. A Manhattan Supreme Court jury declared the national companies acted with reckless regard for human life and awarded $190M to the group of men for their occupational asbestos exposure lawsuit. At the time, it was the largest asbestos verdict in the city.
- In 2016, a former part-time worker on home renovation projects also filed a lawsuit against Burnham Commercial, alleging the company was responsible for his mesothelioma. His work on renovation projects often involved the removal of boilers, which contained asbestos. The jury awarded the victim $22 million.
- In 2018, a home demolition worker in Brooklyn during the 1970s and 1980s sued three companies – A.O. Smith Corp., Burnham Commercial and Peerless – claiming they were responsible for his diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma. A Manhattan jury delivered the $60 million verdict for the mesothelioma lawsuit after nine weeks of courtroom litigation.
- In 2019, a former Brooklyn resident sued Johnson & Johnson alleging the use of their Baby Powder product led to her mesothelioma. She routinely used the talcum powder product for decades, until she saw a TV commercial warning of the links between the baby powder and cancer. After filing the lawsuit in 2017, a Manhattan jury delivered the $325 million verdict in May of 2019 – $25 million in compensatory damages and $300 million in punitive damages.
New York Sites Linked to Asbestos Exposure
Here are some of the known asbestos exposure locations in different cities within the state of New York. This list is not complete, meaning some asbestos exposure locations are not on the list. Use this list as a resource to help trace your history of exposure.
Albany
- Albany AirportAlbany Chemical Company
- Albany Electric Illuminating Company
- Albany Medical Center
- Albany Railway Company
- Albany City Hall
- Continuous Rail Joint Company
- Delaware and Hudson Company
- Filtration Plant Pumping Station
- Hall, Hartwell & Company
- State Of New York, Department Of Public Works, Office Building
- New York State Capitol and Education Building
- Proctor & Gamble Paper Mill
- Refrigeration Plant
- Star Textile
- Mobil Oil Company
- Tobin Packing
Bronx
- Bronx County Courthouse
- Bronx Hospital
- Consolidated Edison – Hell Gate Power Plant
- Consolidated Gas Company Of New York – Kingsbridge Station
- North Side Savings Bank, 233rd St. & White Plains Rd.
- New York, New Haven And Hartford Railroad – Van Nest Power Station
- New York University, Aerospace Lab
- Otto Stahl
- Yeshiva University, Rose F. Kennedy Center
Brooklyn
- American Manufacturing Company
- American Railway Express Company
- Brooklyn Navy Yard
- Brooklyn Police Station
- Charles Pfizer & Company
- Consolidated Edison Powerhouse
- Greenpoint Hospital
- H. Kohnstamm & Company, Inc.
- Williamsburg Power Company
- National Coal Tar Company
- Planet Mills
- Riteway Laundry
- Thomson Meter Company
- Uniform Rental Incorporated
- Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus
- YMCA Building
Buffalo
- Allied Chemical & Dye Corporation
- Buffalo City Hospital
- Buffalo Dry Dock Company
- Buffalo Electric Power Plant
- Buffalo Railway Company
- Buffalo Y.M.C.A.
- Chevrolet – Manufacturing Plant
- Dunlop Tire and Rubber Company
- Elementary School #39
- Ford Motor Stamping Plant
- Lackawanna Coal and Coke Company
- Hewitt Robins, Inc. – Hewitt Rubber Division
- International Railway Company
- Jacob Dold Packing Company
- General Motors Plant
- Millard Fillmore Hospital
- Lackawanna Iron and Steel Company
- National Aniline and Chemical Company
- Punxsutawney Iron Company
- Republic Steel Corp
- Schoellkopf and Company
- University Of Buffalo
- Thornton and Chester Milling Company
Long Island
- Consolidated Edison
- J.A. Bostwick
- Jericho Office Center
- Liquid Carbonic Corporation
- National Container Corporation
- Pepsi Cola
- Pepsi Cola Company
- Town Of Oyster Bay
Manhattan
- Harlem Lighting Company – Power Plant
- Central Union Gas Company – 138th St. Gas Works
- Columbia University
- Consolidated Edison – Power Plant
- Consolidated Edison, 14th Street Powerhouse
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Incorporated
- Consolidated Gas Company – 21st St. Station
- Edison Electric Illuminating Company – Duane St. Station
- Empire State Building
- 65th Street Gas Plant
- Waterside Power House
- Municipal Asphalt Plant
- New York City Board of Transportation – 59th Street Powerhouse
- New York Gas Electric Light Heat and Power Company – First Avenue Power Plant
- New York Telephone Company
- Radio City Music Hall
- Standard Gas Light Company – East 115th St Gas Plant
- Metropolitan Traction Company – 25th Street Station
Queens
- Astoria Light, Heat & Power Company – Gas Works
- Steinway & Sons – Riker Avenue Plant
- U.S. Pavillion, World’s Fair, Flushing Meadow
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Incorporated, Astoria Plant
- East River Gas Light Company – Power Plant
- Family Court, Queens
- Fresh Meadows Housing Project
- Hellgate Powerhouse
- Helmsley Spear, Incorporated
- Idlewild Airport
- Long Island Railroad – Electric Light Plant
- New Amsterdam Gas Company – Gas Plant
- Ravenswood Powerhouse
- Astoria Powerhouse
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York – Ravenswood Generating Station
Rochester
- American Brewing Company
- Bausch & Lomb Building
- Beech Nut Packing Company
- Nazareth College
- Children’s Detention Center
- Clapp’s Baby Food Unit
- Delco Plant
- Eastman Kodak Company
- General Motors Plant
- IBM Building
- Mechanics Laundry Company, Incorporated
- Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad Company
- Pneumatic Signal Company
- R.T. Ford Company
- Rochester Electric & Gas
- Rochester Food Products
- Rochester Railway Company
- Rochester State Hospital
- Rochester Transit System
- Stromberg Carlson Company
- University of Rochester
Staten Island
- Elin Park
- Ansbacher Siegel Corporation
- Arthur Kill Powerhouse
- Bethlehem Steel Corporation
- Borough of Richmond Garbage Destructor
- Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc, Arthur Kill
- Distrigas of New York Corporation – Gas Plant
- American Linoleum Manufacturing Company
- Grant City Pumping Station
- Manor Brewing Company
- NRG Energy, Inc
- New Method Service Company
- New York And Richmond Gas Company – Gas Plant
- New York And Staten Island Electric Company – Power Plant
- National Drydock and Repair Company
- Rubsam & Horrman Brewing Company
- Sailors Snug Harbor
- Seaview Hospital
- Socony Mobil Oil Company
- St. George And New Brighton
- Sun Chemical Corporation, Chemical Products Division
- Travis Powerhouse
- Wallerstein Company, Incorporated
Syracuse
- Allied Chemical & Dye Corporation
- Borden Ice Cream Plant
- Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company
- Central New York Power Corporation – Gas Plant
- Chrysler Corporation
- Bristol Laboratories
- Frazer & Jones Company
- General Electric Plant
- National Biscuit Company (NABISCO)
- Kemp and Burpee Manufacturing Company
- General Motors Plant
- Onondaga County Steam Plant
- Upstate Medical Center
- Semet-Solvay Company
- State University of New York (SUNY)
- Syracuse University
- Pierce Butler and Pierce Manufacturing Company
- YMCA Building
Yonkers
- Alexander Smith & Sons Carpet Company
- Habirshaw Cable and Wire Corporation
- Blair Shipyard
- Leake and Watts Orphan House
- National Sugar Refining Company
- Yonkers Sugar House
- New York Central Railroad
- New York Central Railroad Company
- Phelps Dodge Copper Products
- Refined Syrups & Sugar, Inc.
- Robert M. Mcculloch
- Roosevelt School
- S.S. Hepworth And Company
- Saunders Trade Schools
- Saunders Trades School
- T.H. Miller
- Union Railway Company
- Waring Hat Manufacturing Company
- Yonkers Hospital
- Yonkers Railroad Company
- New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company
How to File a Mesothelioma Claim in New York
To file a mesothelioma claim in New York, you must first choose a lawyer. Finding a qualified mesothelioma lawyer will help make the claim process as easy as possible. Mesothelioma lawyers have years – even decades – of experience handling the complex procedures for a mesothelioma claim.
New York Mesothelioma Claims Process
The New York mesothelioma claim filing process can be simplified by an experienced lawyer who specializes in these types of cases.
The New York mesothelioma claims process involves:
- Selecting an experienced mesothelioma lawyer qualified to take on your case
- Meeting with your mesothelioma lawyer and law firm
- Providing details and documentation to your lawyer to support your claim
- Reviewing your asbestos exposure
- Filing your mesothelioma claim
- Compiling evidence of wrongdoing by companies based on your work and residential histories and likely exposures to asbestos
- Providing a deposition (recorded testimony)
- Discussing a potential settlement with the defendant company or companies
- Taking the case to trial, with the goal of a favorable verdict
Once you provide your mesothelioma lawyer with supporting details and documentation, you will have little involvement in the process. Experienced mesothelioma lawyers will review and file all required paperwork for your mesothelioma claim. After the claim has been filed, your lawyer will research and compile all evidence to support the claim.
More often than not, liable companies offer settlements to victims rather than escalating the matter to a court trial. Usually when a mesothelioma lawsuit goes to court, liable companies are ordered to pay massive verdicts, so the companies prefer to avoid putting themselves in jeopardy.
Another route to avoid trial is forming an asbestos trust fund. Due to the massive verdict companies are ordered to pay in court, a law was passed allowing these companies to file bankruptcy and protect their assets. Once the company files for bankruptcy, they create million-dollar asbestos trust funds to pay current and future victims of asbestos exposure.
If the company has filed for bankruptcy and has an asbestos trust fund, the process usually ends before a deposition. You won’t have to go to court or discuss any settlement.
Types of Mesothelioma Claims
Victims of asbestos exposure are entitled to compensation from liable corporations. Fortunately, there are multiple avenues to receive legal compensation: asbestos trust fund claims, mesothelioma lawsuits, wrongful death lawsuits or VA claims.
Filing any type of mesothelioma claim is easiest when an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is on your side. These types of claims are complex and require years of experience to understand the process.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Asbestos trust funds are bank accounts created by liable asbestos companies. Due to the number of asbestos-related lawsuits these companies faced, many companies filed for bankruptcy. The courts ordered the bankrupt companies to establish asbestos trust funds with court-approved funding. These trust funds guarantee justified compensation for patients with asbestos diseases in the present and future.
Receiving compensation via an asbestos trust fund is the most common method of mesothelioma compensation. There are billions of dollars available to asbestos exposure victims. However, funds vary depending on the trust fund.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma lawsuits rarely make it to trial. Most asbestos companies avoid trial and offer settlements to victims.
When lawsuits go to trial, the defendant companies risk losing and having to pay victims millions of dollars. If your lawyer can prove your history of asbestos exposure and the involvement of the company (or companies), then juries are likely to favor your case with a verdict.
Families of mesothelioma victims who passed away can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The companies who manufactured asbestos are responsible for asbestos exposure, diseases originating from exposure and deaths by asbestos diseases.
These types of lawsuits are different from typical personal injury lawsuits, which is why it’s important to find a lawyer who specializes in asbestos. Regardless if your mesothelioma lawsuit goes to trial or you receive a settlement, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will know when to push for more or when to agree to a settlement.
VA Claims for Mesothelioma
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various compensation and health benefits for veterans with mesothelioma and their loved ones. Veterans with mesothelioma may be eligible for VA Disability Compensation, VA Pension, Aid & Attendance and Housebound benefits and VA Health Care.
The VA also offers Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors Pension, Aid and Attendance (A&A), CHAMPVA Health Insurance and Burial Benefits for surviving family or dependents.
Filing a claim with the VA can be a complicated process. MesotheliomaGuide’s VA-Accredited Claims Agent, LCDR Carl Jewett, has years of experience assisting veterans in filing VA claims. Contact Carl at cjewett@mesotheliomaguide.com for help filing your VA claim. He will ensure all required paperwork and documentation is completed and submitted timely.
Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma Claims in New York
Statute of limitations is a legal time limit for any legal claims. This time limit applies to how long a victim has to file a claim.
Mesothelioma claims are considered personal injury and wrongful death cases. In the state of New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three (3) years. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two (2) years.
In most cases, the clock begins once the victim is injured or impacted. However, mesothelioma cases are different. Victims usually don’t realize they are affected by asbestos exposure until 20-50 years after, when they’re diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Therefore, the statute of limitations for mesothelioma cases in New York is three years after the patient receives an official medical diagnosis confirming they have the cancer, or two years after the victim dies of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Treatment in New York
Mesothelioma treatment options are available at cancer centers throughout the U.S. and the state of New York. The most common treatment methods for mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials. Treatment options vary depending on the type of mesothelioma.
Cancer centers in New York specializing in mesothelioma treatment are:
- Mount Sinai Health System
- NYU Langone Health
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
- New York Proton Center
At MesotheliomaGuide, we spread awareness of this devastating disease and offer legal guidance for victims of asbestos exposure. We also have patient advocates on staff to help mesothelioma patients navigate their diagnosis and find treatment. Contact our registered nurse, Karen Ritter, at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com. She can help answer any health-related questions and assist you in finding a cancer center for mesothelioma treatment.
Get Help Finding a Mesothelioma Lawyer in New York
A mesothelioma diagnosis is often devastating news for a patient and their loved ones. This is why it is so important to know where to turn for help during such an overwhelming time.
There are countless lawyers located in the state of New York who are willing to help you and your loved ones navigate the complexities of a mesothelioma lawsuit. However, to maximize your time, efforts and potential compensation, it is best to seek out an attorney or law firm specializing in mesothelioma claims and licensed to practice law nationwide. A national law firm like Bullock Campbell Bullock & Harris, PC has more skill and access to resources than law firms focusing on their local areas.
Bullock Campbell Bullock & Harris, PC is a top-tier national mesothelioma law firm. The attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience working with mesothelioma victims. BCBH Law attorneys are well-versed in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation, ensuring your case is carried out successfully.
You can be in touch with BCBH Law attorneys with just a little information and one click. Completing this step is going to make the entire legal process much simpler for you or your loved one.
Contact the mesothelioma attorneys at BCBH Law for legal help with your mesothelioma claim.
Mesothelioma Laws & Law Firms by State
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Cases in New York
Who Can File a Mesothelioma Claim in New York?
Anyone with evidence of asbestos exposure or a diagnosed asbestos-related disease can file a mesothelioma claim. If you currently live in New York or lived there previously – or if you worked in New York – you can file a claim in this state. There are many avenues to receive mesothelioma compensation. Filing a mesothelioma claim may involve a lawsuit, an asbestos trust fund claim or a VA claim.
How Long Does a Mesothelioma Lawsuit Take?
A mesothelioma lawsuit can take a few months or multiple years to finalize. There is not a definitive timeline for mesothelioma cases because they can be so complex. However, finding an experienced mesothelioma lawyer to take on your case will expedite the process.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Mesothelioma Claims in New York?
The statute of limitations for a mesothelioma claim in New York is three (3) years. The three year timeline begins when the patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, or an asbestos-related disease. For wrongful death lawsuits, the statute of limitations in New York is two (2) years. This timeline begins the day the patient passes away.
How Much Is a Mesothelioma Case Worth?
The average compensation amount for mesothelioma claims is between $1 million and $1.4 million. However, the compensation amount can rarely be predicted. Mesothelioma claims are complex and have unlimited variables that affect the outcome. Finding an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will help secure rightfully deserved compensation.
Sources & Author
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- Mesothelioma Deaths per State, 1999-2020 Results. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/saved/D76/D345F113. Accessed: 06/06/2023.
- Asbestos-containing materials in New York City buildings. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1597168/#:~:text=Overall%2068%25%20of%20the%20buildings,10%25%20of%20its%20surface%20damaged. Accessed: 06/06/2023.
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- New York (Brooklyn) Navy Yard. Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved from: https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/organization-and-administration/historic-bases/ny-brooklyn-navy-yard.html. Accessed: 06/07/2023.
- New York City Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Environemtnal Compliance. Asbestos Control Program. Asbestos Rules and Regulations. Title 15, Chapter 1. Retrieved from: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dep/downloads/pdf/air/asbestos/asbestos-rules-regulations-title-15.pdf. Accessed: 06/07/2023.
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- Cancer victims win $190 million in asbestos case — the ‘largest ever’ judgment of its kind in New York City. New York Post. Retrieved from: https://nypost.com/2013/07/24/cancer-victims-win-190-million-in-asbestos-case-the-largest-ever-judgment-of-its-kind-in-new-york-city/. Accessed: 06/07/2023.
- $22 Million Verdict Against Burnham in NYCAL Case. New York Post. Retrieved from: https://asbestoscasetracker.com/significant-verdicts/22-million-verdict-against-burnham-in-nycal-case/. Accessed: 06/07/2023.
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- Ex-Brooklyn resident wins $325M in Johnson & Johnson tainted baby powder suit. New York Post. Retrieved from: https://nypost.com/2019/05/31/ex-brooklyn-resident-wins-325m-in-johnson-johnson-tainted-baby-powder-suit/. Accessed: 06/07/2023.