New York Mesothelioma Lawyers: Asbestos Exposure, Types of Claims, Case Process

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.

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.

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).

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.

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:

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.

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:

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 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. 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:

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 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, the cancer-causing mineral is still remaining in old buildings.

Some of the known locations of asbestos exposure in Queens, New York are:

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.

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:

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 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.

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.

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:

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:

The full New York State Asbestos Regulations are accessible on the State Department of Health website.

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:

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. However, the legacy of past asbestos use still poses a health risk to individuals who were exposed to the mineral during the 20th century.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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:

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.

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.