Mesothelioma Lawyers
The Ongoing Crisis of Asbestos Exposure
Even though asbestos use has been heavily restricted in the United States for decades, its legacy of harm continues. Thousands of New Yorkers are still being diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases every year.
Victims and their families face overwhelming medical costs, emotional distress, and uncertainty about their future. This is where an experienced asbestos lawyer becomes indispensable.
At the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino P.C., our mission, and that of our national legal partners who battle for justice for asbestos victims, is to hold negligent corporations accountable and help families recover compensation. As trusted mesothelioma lawyers near me, we understand both the medical and legal complexities involved in asbestos litigation and guide our clients through every stage of the process.
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What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their durability and resistance to fire and chemicals. For decades, industries praised asbestos as a “miracle mineral” and used it in:
Building insulation
Roofing shingles and tiles
Shipbuilding materials
Automotive brakes and clutches
Heat-resistant fabrics
Boilers and furnaces
The problem? Asbestos fibers are microscopic. When disturbed, they become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. Once inside the body, they lodge in tissues and cause chronic inflammation and genetic damage.
Over time—often 20 to 50 years later—victims develop fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. That delayed onset is why so many lawsuits are still being filed, even though asbestos use declined decades ago.
Common Diseases Linked to Asbestos Exposure
An experienced mesothelioma law firm knows that asbestos causes several distinct medical conditions.
1. Mesothelioma
A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
2. Asbestosis
A chronic lung condition caused by scar tissue from asbestos fibers. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and chest tightness.
3. Lung Cancer
While smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk—especially for smokers.
4. Pleural Plaques and Effusion
Thickened areas on the pleura or fluid buildup around the lungs, both of which can interfere with breathing.
Victims diagnosed with any of these conditions should consult an asbestos attorney immediately to preserve their legal rights.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, it is important to recognize the common signs and symptoms of related conditions:
Shortness of breath
Persistent coughing or wheezing
Chest pain and fluid buildup
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and loss of appetite
Swelling of the abdomen
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and contact a mesothelioma attorney near me to discuss your legal options. Documenting medical records and exposure history early can strengthen your claim.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found in New York and Throughout the USA
Although asbestos use has declined, it still exists in countless buildings, homes, and workplaces. In New York, asbestos is commonly found in:
Older Schools and Public Buildings – Many built before the 1980s used asbestos insulation and ceiling tiles.
Construction Sites – Drywall, joint compounds, roofing shingles, and flooring often contain asbestos.
Shipyards – Especially along the Hudson River and Long Island, where naval and shipping industries thrived.
Factories and Industrial Plants – Manufacturing facilities often relied on asbestos for fireproofing and machinery insulation.
Homes and Apartments – Asbestos insulation, vinyl floor tiles, and textured paints remain in many residences.
This means exposure is not limited to workers. Families may face secondary exposure from fibers carried home on clothing. Children of workers have later developed mesothelioma decades after incidental household contact.
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New York Laws on Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Understanding New York’s asbestos litigation laws is essential for filing a successful claim.
Statute of Limitations
Under CPLR § 214-c, New York follows the “discovery rule.” This means the statute of limitations begins when a victim knows or should have known about their asbestos-related condition. Typically:
Personal Injury Claims: Must be filed within 3 years of diagnosis.
Wrongful Death Claims: Must be filed within 2 years of the victim’s death.
Asbestos Safety Regulations
The New York State Department of Labor enforces strict rules for asbestos abatement and removal.
The EPA regulates asbestos under the Clean Air Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act.
OSHA enforces workplace safety standards for asbestos exposure.
Case Precedents in New York
In re New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCAL): Consolidated asbestos cases in NYC courts have created favorable precedents for victims.
Defendants are often held strictly liable if they knew—or should have known—about asbestos dangers.
Because laws and deadlines are complex, victims should immediately consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney for guidance.
History of Asbestos Lawsuits in the U.S. and New York
Asbestos litigation has shaped American tort law for decades.
Early Cases (1920s–1960s): Workers began filing lawsuits, but most were dismissed due to lack of evidence linking asbestos to disease.
1973 – Borel v. Fibreboard Paper Products Corp.: Landmark case that established manufacturers’ liability for asbestos injuries.
1980s–2000s: Thousands of lawsuits were filed, bankrupting many asbestos manufacturers. Trust funds were created to compensate victims.
Today: New York remains one of the busiest jurisdictions for asbestos litigation, with thousands of cases consolidated under NYCAL.
Experienced asbestos lawsuit lawyers understand this history and use it to strengthen modern claims.
How to File an Asbestos or Mesothelioma Claim
Filing an asbestos lawsuit in New York involves multiple steps.
Step 1: Medical Diagnosis
You must have a confirmed diagnosis from a qualified doctor linking your illness to asbestos exposure.
Step 2: Exposure History
Your lawyer will gather work records, military documents, witness statements, and product identification to prove exposure.
Step 3: Identify Liable Parties
Liability may fall on:
Product manufacturers
Employers
Contractors
Property owners
Asbestos bankruptcy trust funds
Step 4: File the Claim
Depending on the case, your mesothelioma attorney may file in New York state court, federal court, or make trust fund claims.
Step 5: Compensation
Victims may recover damages for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages and future earnings
Pain and suffering
Funeral and wrongful death damages
The Law Offices of Steven Gacovino P.C. guide clients through every step of this process with compassion and expertise.
Who Can Sue in Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cases?
Workers directly exposed in construction, shipyards, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries.
Military veterans exposed to asbestos during service.
Family members exposed through secondary contact.
Wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, or estates.
If you are searching for a mesothelioma attorney near me, know that eligibility often extends beyond direct exposure victims to families who suffered devastating secondary consequences.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino P.C.
Not every law firm has the resources and experience to handle complex asbestos litigation. The Law Offices of Steven Gacovino P.C. stand apart by:
Extensive experience as asbestos lawsuit lawyers in New York courts.
A strong network of medical experts, investigators, and asbestos historians.
Proven success in securing compensation for mesothelioma victims and their families.
Compassionate client support through every stage of litigation.
If you need a mesothelioma law firm that combines knowledge, dedication, and results, our team is here to fight for you.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino P.C.
The clock is ticking when it comes to filing an asbestos claim. Waiting too long can forfeit your right to compensation. Protect your health, your family, and your financial security.
Call the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino P.C. today at (844) 692-1200 or schedule a free consultation through our form submission section above.
Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers near me are ready to help you build a powerful case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuits
1. How long do I have to file a mesothelioma claim in New York?
You generally have 3 years from diagnosis or 2 years from death to file a claim, but earlier action increases your chance of success.
2. How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation varies but may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Settlements often reach into the millions depending on the case.
3. Do I need a mesothelioma lawyer near me or can I hire out of state?
Local knowledge matters. An experienced mesothelioma attorney near me understands New York’s asbestos litigation system and can provide faster results.
4. What if the company responsible is bankrupt?
Bankruptcy trust funds exist specifically to compensate asbestos victims. Our firm can help file trust claims in addition to lawsuits.
5. How much does it cost to hire an asbestos attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.