New York is the country’s fourth-most populated state. It’s also the fourth highest-ranking state in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths.

An estimated 15,200 people died from asbestos-related diseases in New York between 1999 and 2017. Of those deaths, 2,830 — or roughly 18.6% — were attributed to the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. (1)

Nassau County, a suburban county on Long Island, saw 1,403 asbestos-related deaths during that 18-year period — one of the highest ranking counties in all of New York. Erie and Suffolk counties ranked No. 1 and No. 3. All three counties have an average of close to 75 asbestos-related deaths per year. (2)

Queens County in New York City ranks No. 4; Kings County (Brooklyn) is No. 5; New York County is No. 9; and the Bronx is No. 11 on the list of New York counties poisoned with asbestos. (3)

Industrial Asbestos and Talcum Powder Exposure

  • Thousands of products contained asbestos — including talcum powder, brakes, insulation, roofing materials, and ceiling and floor tiles.
  • There were many industries that used asbestos products in the past, and they are still used by some today.
  • You may get diagnosed with mesothelioma 20-50 years after your exposure from inhaling asbestos fibers.

Mesothelioma is known as the signature asbestos-related cancer. As an occupational disease, it is a preventable cancer, which makes it all the more tragic.

New York’s old shipyards, including the Brooklyn Navy Yard, are infamous for their asbestos-contamination problems.

Industrial workers who are most plagued by asbestos exposure are those who have spent years in shipyard repair, heating-systems repair, the construction and automobile industries, and the Navy.

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Asbestos Verdicts & Settlements in New York

Since being established in 1986, Weitz & Luxenberg has grown into an unparalleled legal force.

Our staff of top-notch lawyers is recognized coast-to-coast for winning multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for industrial workers diagnosed with occupational asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-linked lung cancer. Some of our New York victories include:

Hear From Our Clients

Weitz & Luxenberg, these guys aren’t charlatans. They aren’t greedy. They’re humanitarians. Genuine humanitarians. They’re on a quest to help people. They really are. The help I received from Weitz & Luxenberg was incredible. And it came at a time when I needed it the most because of the very bad situation I was in, both in regards to my health and finances.”

Jim Kress

Choose W&L As Your New York Mesothelioma Lawyer

Past Verdicts

$37 Million

W&L won Phase II of a reverse-bifurcated lung cancer trial against Robert A. Keasbey Company. The company was a former insulation contractor that also distributed asbestos products in New York.

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Every Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos lawyer is proud of the firm’s reputation for providing effective legal support for workers diagnosed with mesothelioma.

U.S. News & World Report and the peer-review publication Best Lawyers have recognized our firm as the national Law Firm of the Year in the category of Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs. Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys are regularly lauded as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars of the New York Metro area. And our founding partners have each been named New York City “Lawyer of the Year.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who Is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma in New York?

Long-term occupational asbestos exposure accounts for most cases of mesothelioma. Between 150 to 200 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually in New York. New York occupations at the highest risk of asbestos exposure include miners, factory workers — particularly of products involving insulation — ship builders, insulation installers, railroad and automotive mechanics, and construction workers. (4)

What Should I Do If I Suspect Asbestos Exposure?

If you have already been exposed to asbestos, take steps to avoid further exposure. If you smoke, stop and avoid further environmental exposure to tobacco smoke. Avoid exposure to respiratory infections. If you develop symptoms — such as fever, chest pain, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue or weakness, or weight loss or gain — follow up with your doctor as soon as possible. (5)

How Can Weitz & Luxenberg Help with My Mesothelioma Case?

W&L is committed to achieving the optimal outcome for your case. Our firm was founded on helping mesothelioma clients fight for justice. We will compassionately guide you through the complexities of the legal process. This means listening to your story, investigating, filing a lawsuit on your behalf, filing claims with asbestos trust funds, representing you in court and/or negotiating a settlement.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Mesothelioma Case in New York?

There is no set timeframe for resolving mesothelioma cases in New York. That being said, many New York mesothelioma cases have been resolved in as few as 12 to 18 months. Many factors contribute to the length and complexity of each case including the number of defendants (i.e. parties being sued), the length and amount of pain and suffering you have endured, your prior health, your age, your lifestyle, the number and types of asbestos products you were exposed to, and the length of your exposure. These are only some of the factors that will be considered in evaluating and prosecuting your case.