New York State is considered by some to be the birthplace of the asbestos industry in the U.S. The largest producer of asbestos products in the world, Johns-Manville Company, was born out of the merger of two companies, one of which was founded in New York City as the H.W. Johns Manufacturing Company. Johns-Manville was responsible for the manufacture and distribution of millions of asbestos-containing products worldwide; making it also responsible for exposing millions of workers and consumers to asbestos.
If you or someone you love currently (or formerly) live or work in NY and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-caused illness, such as mesothelioma, you may be entitled to a significant amount of compensation. Our asbestos lawyers in New York are intimately familiar with the history of asbestos exposure as well as the laws governing its use. To find out how we can help you, call 1-800-352-0871 or send us an email and someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly.
Mesothelioma Lawyers New York
Our asbestos attorneys have extensive knowledge of the history of asbestos use throughout the state of New York, dating back to the 1850s when the Johns-Manville Corporation was formed. We have researched the root of asbestos exposure in the state and are able to help individuals and families affected by the decisions and actions of various companies across several industries.
In addition to three natural asbestos deposits within the state (two near the New York/Rhode Island state line), there are hundreds of worksites, public buildings and other locations where asbestos has been found at dangerously high levels, including:
- Chemical plants
- Power plants — e.g., the Astoria Powerhouse (Queens), the Arthur Kill Powerhouse (Staten Island)
- Shipyards — e.g., Brooklyn Navy Shipyard, Caddell Dry Dock and Repair (Staten Island), the Todds Shipyard (Brooklyn)
- Manufacturing sites — e.g. Johns Manville Corporation (New York City)
- Ground Zero/the site of the World Trade Centers
- Public buildings — e.g., Grand Central Station, many schools
Workers who were exposed to high levels of asbestos for long periods of time are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma, but anyone who experienced even the slightest exposure may be affected.
There are over 400 NY jobsites and other sites in the state where asbestos exposure has been a problem. Some of the cities where there have been high amounts of asbestos include these:
- Albany
- Binghamton
- Buffalo
- Hudson
- Ithaca
- Jamaica
- New York City
- Manhattan
- Niagara Falls
- Tarrytown
- Syracuse
- Yonkers
- White Plains
One of the largest deposits of asbestos in this state is In Jefferson County NY near Goverenur. Before the 1980s, this area had some of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the country. The other two areas are close to the state of Vermont, and many talc mining operations are done there.
9/11 and Asbestos Exposure in New York
Of course, there was a great deal of asbestos contamination during the terrorist acts of 9/11 on the World Trade Center. More than 5000 tons of Monokote, made by WR Grace & Company, was used to build the towers in the 60s. This toxic material spread all over Manhattan and Brooklyn in the days after the attacks. Even today, many people in the city are suffering from higher than normal rates of respiratory problems. Time will tell if we will see a higher incidence of mesothelioma.
Two months after the terrorist attacks, low levels of deadly asbestos were measured in surface dust in lower Manhattan, but none was found in Upper Manhattan. However, some experts think that there was a time lag between the attacks and when the testing was done, so it is likely that the results underestimate the levels of asbestos immediately after the events.
After the 10th anniversary in 2011, it was found that many 9/11 emergency workers are having health problems and some of that is due to breathing in pulverized concrete, asbestos and various toxic heavy metals.
Mesothelioma Statistics in New York
From 1979-1999, most people who suffered from asbestos diseases in the state were from Queens. About 230 deaths were attributed to mesothelioma, and 62 were from asbestosis. People who lived and worked in the Bronx suffered lower rates, but still, 69 had mesothelioma and 24 had asbestosis. The difference between the two rates can be for two reasons: Queens has more population, and also, this borough has more industrial sites where there is a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos Litigation and Johns-Manville Corporation
Johns-Manville Corporation was formed in 1858 when H. W. Johns Manufacturing Company in New York City merged with Manville Covering Company in Wisconsin. The company quickly became the global leader in the manufacture of asbestos-containing products, including:
- Pipe insulation
- Asbestos shingles
- Asbestos roofing materials
- Asbestos cement pipe
As the largest producer of asbestos-containing products in the U.S., Johns-Manville is responsible for exposing millions of workers and consumers to the harmful effects of asbestos. According to court documents, employees of John-Manville began claiming disability and filing lawsuits over workplace asbestos exposure as early as 1929. During the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, thousands of additional lawsuits were filed against the company based on asbestos illnesses, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. As a result, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1982.
Find out How a New York Asbestos Attorney Can Help You
Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, cancer, and asbestosis can cause a great deal of trauma to an individual and his or her family. Despite learning about the potential dangers of asbestos, many companies across the state and the U.S. continued to use asbestos in their products, knowingly exposing workers and consumers. Our New York mesothelioma lawyers help workers and residents who have suffered as a result of such greedy decisions and are available to review your potential case in a free and confidential consultation.
To learn more about the effects of asbestos exposure or to speak with an attorney about a potential claim, contact us today. We can be reached toll free at 1-800-352-0871. Our consultations are free and we do not charge for our services unless we win a settlement or court award.
