New York has a long history of asbestos use and subsequent litigation. In the 19th and 20th centuries, asbestos containing products were used extensively throughout New York. Although the link between it and lung disease was established by the early 20th centuries, many companies decided its low costs were most important and continued to use it.
As a result, many people exposed to asbestos through their work and at home have been stricken by an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma and have brought lawsuits in New York. Literally thousands of cases have been filed in New York since the early 1980s.
Because of the great volume of cases filed in New York, experience has shown that many people were exposed to asbestos at particular types of job sites in New York. Further, to handle the many claims, the courts in New York have developed procedures to speed up resolution of the most serious and life-threatening claims, such as mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer claims. Call the lawyers of Gregg J. Borri law offices at (212) 980-8866 to discuss the filing of your asbestos claim in New York.
New York Asbestos Exposure Sites
New York City has been a center for industry almost as long as it has existed. Unfortunately, in addition to the financial benefits the city and state enjoy, this has also lead to certain health risks. A countless number of workers have been exposed to asbestos in a variety of workplaces, including:
- Power plants (operated by Con Edison and LILCO)
- Shipyards (Brooklyn Navy Shipyard, Todd Shipyard)
- Construction sites (commercial office buildings, power facilities, hospitals, airports, public facilities)
- Building renovation or demolition job sites (office buildings, power facilities, hospitals, airports and public facilities)
- Residential construction and renovation job sites
- Printing plants
Many people have also been exposed to asbestos from a loved one’s clothing contaminated on one of these types of job sites.
Fast Claim Resolution in New York
Because New York law gives people with life threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer a trial preference (that is the right to an assigned trial date within one year) the courts have developed fast track procedures for the resolution of the claims of asbestos victims in dire straits.
In New York City for instance, every May and December the court selects cases of seriously ill asbestos victims for trial within six months. This accelerated docket provides qualifying asbestos victims with the chance to resolve their claims promptly by settlement or trial. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you very likely qualify for inclusion in the New York City accelerated asbestos trial calendar.
Elsewhere in New York State, victims of mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer are similarly entitled to preferential treatment by providing for trial dates within about a year. It is the scheduling of a firm trial date that most often results in the settlement of a case.
So generally speaking, if you can file your case in New York, you should.
Contact Us
The Gregg J. Borri Law Offices can provide effective legal services for your New York asbestos claim. To discuss how we can help you and your family, contact us at 212-980-8866.