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Legally Reviewed By: Darron E. Berquist
Managing Attorney | Mesothelioma & Asbestos in New York
- Page Last Updated:
- May 30, 2024
- Editorial Guidelines
Legally Reviewed By: Darron Berquist
Managing Attorney | Mesothelioma & Asbestos
- Page Last Updated:
- May 30, 2024
- Editorial Guidelines
Why should I choose The Lanier Law Firm?
What is the statute of limitations to file a mesothelioma claim in New York City?
Compensation for Mesothelioma
What options are available for family members?
New York City Occupations with a History of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos in the World Trade Center
Asbestos Exposure in Public Buildings in NYC
Contact Us
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you were almost certainly exposed to asbestos during the last several decades. New York is a historic city filled with aging buildings and structures that continue to harbor asbestos. Whether you were exposed at work, school, home, or in a public building, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Call our New York City mesothelioma lawyers today at (212) 421-2800 for a free case review.
Why should I choose The Lanier Law Firm?
Founded in 1990 byMark Lanier, The Lanier Law Firm has amassed over 30 years of experience in asbestos litigation. Having witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional suffering experienced by mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, it gives us great satisfaction to help these families in their time of need.
When you hire The Lanier Law Firm to handle your mesothelioma case, you can count on us for the following:
- A detailed investigation into your life and work history to discover all sources of exposure to asbestos
- Skillful litigation of your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, up through and including trial if necessary
- Sound legal advice
- Personalized, compassionate service delivered with integrity, transparency, and respect
- Attorneys who will travel to you if you are unable to meet in our office
- No upfront fees for our service: we charge a percentage of your compensation after you receive it
The NYC mesothelioma lawyers at The Lanier Law Firm have ahistory of successfully standing up to large companies on behalf of everyday individuals. We treat every client with respect, compassion and dignity while striving for nothing less than the maximum available compensation. We call our philosophy “redefining legal care” because we truly care about each client.
Client Testimonials
Below is a sample of the feedback we have received from our clients:
“My wife was diagnosed with mesothelioma…We worked with Darron Berquist. Darron and his team worked tirelessly on our case and guided us through the process step by step. The Lanier Law Firm cares about its clients, and I would fully recommend them.”
“Our mom was diagnosed with mesothelioma a few years back. She has since passed away. The Team at Lanier Law Firm was always very easy to work with. We are grateful for the work that the firm did to assist our family in that period of time. Dan LaTerra...Thank You!”
“My family is eternally grateful to Darron Berquist of The Lanier Law Firm for his gentle and reliable handling of our legal needs. He kept us informed, answered our questions without delay, and kept to all of his promises. From the first day we met, we knew we could trust and rest easier knowing - really feeling - we were in great hands.”
Case Results
The Lanier Law Firm is one of the leading mesothelioma law firms in the world. We are known for our extraordinary case results, such as the below:
- $2.1 billion verdict on behalf of 22 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer following exposure to asbestos from the use of baby powder
- $115.6 million verdict on behalf of 21 steelworkers diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses
- $1,975,000 for awoman exposed to asbestos brought home on the work clothes of her husband
- $1,800,000 for the family of a retired truck driver exposed to asbestos on the job
Meet Our NYC Mesothelioma Lawyers
Our New York City asbestos attorneys are consistently designated for the highest honors available to those in our profession, including Super Lawyers, Rising Stars and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers in America.
Mark Lanier
Founder of the Lanier Law Firm
Darron E. Berquist
Managing Attorney, Asbestos Exposure
Daniel LaTerra
NYC Asbestos Exposure Attorney
What is the statute of limitations to file a mesothelioma claim in New York City?
In New York, asbestos injury lawsuits must be initiated within three years of the injured person’s diagnosis. Lawsuits based upon the death of an asbestos victim must be brought within two years of the date of death.
It is important to contact a New York City mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure the lawyer has adequate time to build your case before the statute of limitations runs out.
Compensation for Mesothelioma
When you choose our knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyers in New York City, we will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available. Compensation for mesothelioma may come from the following types of claims:
- Mesothelioma lawsuits
- Asbestos trust fund claims
- VA claims
- Workers’ compensation claims
In a mesothelioma lawsuit, you can pursue damages from the manufacturers responsible for the asbestos products you were exposed to.If any of the responsible companies declared bankruptcy, you may be entitled to pursue similar damages through an asbestos trust fund claim.
What options are available for family members?
If your loved one has passed away from mesothelioma, you may be entitled to pursue the damages through a wrongful death lawsuit or trust fund claim. Damages may include compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, loss of financial support, and punitive damages.
If your loved one would have qualified for VA benefits or workers’ compensation, you may also be able to obtain death benefits through these programs. These benefits may come in a lump sum or monthly or biweekly payments.Workers’ compensation and VA claims provide monthly disability compensation and free medical care if you meet the eligibility criteria. Our attorneys can help you determine which types of claims you qualify to file.
New York City Occupations with a History of Asbestos Exposure
Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common source of asbestos exposure. The risk of mesothelioma is highest for workers exposed daily to high concentrations of asbestos over an extended period. Some workers are still exposed today. High-risk jobs in New York City include the following:
- Airline workers
- Auto mechanics
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Factory workers
- Firefighters
- First responders
- Plumbers
- Power plant workers
- Shipyard workers
Construction Workers
Construction workers faced significant asbestos exposure throughout the 20th century into the 1980s because the material was used in nearly every building component. Although asbestos is not used in construction today, construction workers still have a high risk of exposure to legacy asbestos in old buildings during demolitions, repairs, and renovations.
Buildings are just one source of asbestos exposure. The infrastructure of New York City is also old enough to harbor legacy asbestos, as shown in the chart:
Pipe insulation, cement water pipes, steam pipes, and concrete commonly contain asbestos. Construction workers may be exposed to asbestos when repairing or updating structures containing the material.
Factory Workers
During the 20th century, factory workers handled large volumes of asbestos-containing products while working in poorly ventilated buildings.
New York City was once famous for its garment district, which began in 1919. Asbestos exposure was common in the textile and apparel industries because it was often woven into cloth to strengthen the material and add fire retardancy. The industry also relied heavily on asbestos in factory machinery. From 1966 through 1979, the garment district was a major employer of documented and undocumented immigrant workers.
Shipbuilders
Asbestos was widely used in the construction of commercial ships during the first half of the 20th century. It was used as a lining and insulation material, as well as in smaller components, such as pipe insulation, gaskets, filters, caulking, and electrical wiring insulation.As such, asbestos exposure in shipyard workers is not uncommon.
In New York City, the Brooklyn Navy Shipyard built vessels for the Navy until its closure in 1966. Asbestos was so heavily used on Navy ships that military veterans account for nearly a third of all mesothelioma cases, and most are Navy veterans. The City of New York turned the 300-acre property into an industrial park in 1969. Seatrain Shipbuilding operated at the site until 1979. Both the industrial park and the shipyard most likely relied heavily on asbestos during this time.
First Responders
It is not uncommon for the many aging apartment buildings throughout the city to catch fire or collapse, necessitating the immediate assistance of first responders, such as the following:
- Firefighters
- Search and rescue workers
- Police
- Paramedics
- Emergency medical technicians
Asbestos is generally safe when it remains intact and contained within undamaged material. However, when the asbestos-containing material is damaged during building fires, collapses, and other disasters, its invisible fibers can become airborne and inhaled.
Asbestos in the World Trade Center
The World Trade Center contained more than 1,000 tons of asbestos in building components. The terrorist attacks and subsequent collapse on September 11, 2001, released released the toxic material into the air. First responders, cleanup workers, and survivors were exposed to a large concentration of asbestos fibers. The site smoldered for more than three months, emitting a cloud of asbestos and other toxic particles into the surrounding area.
Individuals exposed to the debris caused by the 9/11 terrorist attack are eligible to participate in the WTC Health Program, which provides free health monitoring and medical treatment for people with certified health conditions. Mesothelioma is among the certified condition. Anyone who lived, worked, or attended school or day care in the area impacted by the cloud of dust is also eligible.
Asbestos Exposure in Public Buildings in NYC
A New York City Department of Environmental Protection study found that 68 percent of NYC buildings harbor asbestos-containing materials. More alarmingly, 84 percent of the materials had surface damage, posing a danger of asbestos fibers being released into the environment.
Buildings in New York City that are known to contain or have contained asbestos include the following:
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital – The hospital has been upfront about the presence of asbestos and has followed all laws. Areas containing asbestos are conspicuously marked.
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority – This has been abated. For decades, the MTA pumped asbestos-tainted air into an East New York bus depot when it used asbestos-laced filters in 57 vents to dampen noise.
- Apartment buildings – Many of the apartment buildings in New York contain asbestos. Some landlords attempt to avoid asbestos abatement by falsifying inspection reports. In 2018, this led to the arrest of 17 landlords whose tenants were living with asbestos without their knowledge.
New York City residents concerned about or aware of the presence of asbestos can call 311 to report the issue.
Contact Our NYC Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our award-winning New York City mesothelioma lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. You have nothing to lose by contacting our firm. The initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact us today using our contact form or at (212) 421-2800 to schedule your free consultation.
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