New York Mesothelioma Lawyer

Our New York Mesothelioma Settlements & Verdicts

On average, New York mesothelioma lawsuits typically award between $1 Million and $11.4 Million, depending on whether your case is resolved through an out-of-court settlement or trial verdict.

Our experienced mesothelioma lawyers have secured over $5.5 Billion total for victims of asbestos exposure, including almost $200 Million for families in New York.

New York mesothelioma settlements and verdicts secured by our firm include:

• $7.74 Million for a Brooklyn construction worker with pleural mesothelioma whose wife also developed lung cancer
• $5.42 Million to a Bronx boiler mechanic and steam fitter with pleural mesothelioma
• $5.25 Million for a Brooklyn seaman who worked on tugboats for a transportation company
• $4.58 Million to an HVAC worker exposed on the job in New York
• $4.32 Million for a Johnson City man with mesothelioma
• $4 Million to a New York union laborer with mesothelioma
• $3.9 Million for a New York client who did heating and cooling work
• $3 Million to a machinist on Staten Island with mesothelioma
• $2.9 Million for a New York electrician with pleural mesothelioma
• $2.85 Million to a client in New York with peritoneal mesothelioma
• $2.3 Million for a New York boiler tender and mechanic
• $2.1 Million to a New York tank investigator at oil companies
• $2 Million for a peritoneal mesothelioma patient from Niagara Falls
• $4.83 Million to a Delevan woman with mesothelioma
• $5.42 Million for a union plumber in the Bronx

This money comes from companies that knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn employees, consumers, or the public in order to protect their own profits.

While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our New York mesothelioma lawyers will fight hard to secure the largest payout possible in the shortest amount of time. In fact, many of our clients start receiving compensation in as few as 90 days of contacting us.

Let Sokolove Law Fight for You

Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured more than $5.5 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.

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Who Can Work with Our New York Mesothelioma Law Firm?

In general, New York mesothelioma law firms may be able to help anyone who was exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma.

Your attorney must be able to link your medical diagnosis to asbestos exposure and substantiate your exposure through employment records, witness testimony, or other evidence. We have decades of experience successfully doing this for our clients.

Our mesothelioma law firm in New York can help:

• Patients with illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis
• Family members, including spouses and children of the person diagnosed
• Representatives of the mesothelioma victim’s estate in the case of wrongful death

"Our primary role in the very beginning stages of a mesothelioma lawsuit is to be detectives. We have to find products that were around the victim during the time of their exposure to asbestos."
– Jim Sokolove, Founder (Retired 2013)

Even if you don’t remember how or when you were exposed to asbestos, our New York mesothelioma attorneys may still be able to help. We have the resources to prove asbestos exposure and pinpoint the companies responsible for your illness.

New York Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations

In New York, laws called statutes of limitations set strict deadlines for filing a mesothelioma personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

The mesothelioma statute of limitations in New York generally gives families 2 years after the date of a diagnosis and 3 years after a loved one's passing to file a mesothelioma lawsuit (NY CVP § 214(5)).

If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file an asbestos lawsuit and pursue compensation. Don’t wait and leave money sitting on the table.

Call (800) 647-3434 right now for help determining your eligibility to file a New York mesothelioma lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.

Filing a New York Mesothelioma Lawsuit: What to Expect

When families decide to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit, the process typically involves several structured steps aimed at identifying where asbestos exposure occurred, collecting supporting evidence, and seeking compensation from the responsible companies.

The majority of mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement, which means you may never have to set foot in court to receive compensation.

Filing a New York mesothelioma lawsuit generally involves:

• Contacting an experienced asbestos attorney
• Gathering evidence to prove exposure
• Filing the claim in the best court for your case
• Negotiating a settlement that provides full compensation
• Fighting for you in court if necessary

When you work with Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma attorneys can handle every step of the legal process on your behalf. Find out more about how filing a New York mesothelioma lawsuit works.

1. Find the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer Near You

At Sokolove Law, our New York mesothelioma attorneys can provide you with a free legal consultation to determine if you may be eligible to file a claim.

During your consultation, we will ask you questions about your life and work history to determine how you were exposed to asbestos.

If you have a case, we can travel to meet you at a time and location of your choosing at no cost to you.

Our team understands how difficult a mesothelioma diagnosis can be and how quickly medical bills can pile up. That’s why we work to get started on your case as quickly as possible — often within 24 hours of your initial call.

“I was shocked at how fast Sokolove Law called me. Two days later, they were meeting with me at my house. I was in a mild shock, but it was a good shock.”
– Dennis, Firm Mesothelioma Client

2. We’ll Gather Evidence to Build Your Case

Asbestos exposure can take place 20-50 years before a mesothelioma diagnosis, which can make identifying the manufacturer of the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to difficult.

Thankfully, Sokolove Law has decades of experience working on mesothelioma cases, which has allowed us to compile a warehouse of evidence on:

• Asbestos-containing products
• Known sites of asbestos exposure
• The companies that may have put you in harm's way

We can use our experience and databases of evidence to identify the manufacturers responsible for your exposure and build a strong legal case on your behalf.

3. File New York Mesothelioma Claims

By working with an experienced legal team, you can get help filing your New York mesothelioma claim and ensuring that all deadlines are met and the paperwork for your case is properly submitted.

Patients and their families may qualify for compensation from different types of New York mesothelioma claims, including asbestos lawsuits against manufacturers, claims with trust funds created by bankrupt companies, and VA benefit claims.

When you work with Sokolove Law, we'll pursue compensation through all of the avenues available to you in order to maximize the amount of money you may receive.

4. Negotiate Mesothelioma Settlements

Your New York asbestos attorney will work to negotiate a mesothelioma settlement with the asbestos-related companies on your behalf. The average settlement for this cancer is over $1 Million.

Asbestos cases involve an average of 75 defendants, and you may qualify for compensation from each one.

The majority of mesothelioma cases end in settlements, providing families with quicker access to much-needed financial support.

"Our clients could receive compensation in as few as 6 weeks. The more likelihood is 2 or 3 months, and then you'll probably continue receiving various compensation for another year."
– Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law

5. New York Mesothelioma Trial Attorneys Fight for You

If a company doesn’t settle, the case may continue to court, where both sides will present their arguments before a judge and jury.

The jury will then deliver a verdict on whether the company’s asbestos-containing products played a role in your illness and determine the amount of compensation to be awarded.

Past New York mesothelioma verdicts include:

• $117 Million for a construction worker who helped build the World Trade Center
• $3.3 Million to a parts department worker at a car dealership in Orchard Park
• $16.5 Million for a talc user with mesothelioma, which was later overturned
• $40.1 Million to a U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
• $60 Million for a laborer exposed to asbestos-containing boilers in Brooklyn

Our mesothelioma trial attorneys in New York are committed to preparing strong, evidence-backed cases that are designed to stand up in court and help families secure the compensation they deserve.

Our New York Mesothelioma Lawyers Maximize Your Payouts

At Sokolove Law, our team has helped over 9,300 asbestos exposure victims nationwide, securing more than $5.5 Billion total. We know how to fight for the most compensation possible on behalf of our clients.

Our mesothelioma lawyers in New York can help clients prove asbestos exposure and pursue compensation through every available legal avenue.

Sources of compensation include:

• Mesothelioma lawsuits
• Asbestos trust funds
• Veterans benefits

Not every firm has the ability to pursue compensation from all of these sources. By thoroughly investigating your asbestos exposure and building a strong case, we work to maximize your total payout.

Filing New York Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits award between $1 Million and $11.4 Million on average, depending on whether your case settles or goes to court. These claims are filed against the companies that made, sold, or used the asbestos-containing materials that made you sick.

By working with our New York mesothelioma lawyers, you can get help:

• Identifying the asbestos-containing products you were exposed to
• Holding the companies that made or sold those products accountable for your illness
• Pursuing significant compensation that can help cover treatments and provide financial stability

Over 99% of mesothelioma lawsuits result in settlements, which means many of our clients never have to step foot in court in order to receive compensation.

Our New York mesothelioma attorneys can also help families file an asbestos claim after the death of their loved one.

Pursuing Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Many asbestos-related companies declared bankruptcy to avoid the lawsuits filed against them. However, the courts ordered these companies to create asbestos trust funds to pay current and future mesothelioma victims.

Asbestos trust fund claims don't require you to go to court. You may be able to access compensation from multiple trust funds without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Mesothelioma VA Benefits for Veterans

If you or your loved one developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during military service, you may be able to file a claim for VA benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mesothelioma has a 100% disability rating, which means veterans with this cancer may be eligible for over $3,930 a month in compensation and free health care.

Our VA-accredited lawyers can help you prepare your claim, even if you have been denied VA benefits in the past. Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit won't impact your VA claim.

New York Mesothelioma Lawsuit News 2026

Mesothelioma lawsuits continue to move forward in New York as victims seek justice for asbestos exposure. Courts have held companies accountable for exposing workers, veterans, and consumers to dangerous asbestos fibers.

These cases have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements, helping families recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and more. Staying informed about New York mesothelioma lawsuit news can help those affected better understand their legal rights.

Here are some of the latest New York asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuit updates:

• May 2026: A New York City court awarded $25 Million to a construction worker with mesothelioma after working with asbestos-containing tiles for years.
• April 2026: Asbestos remediation at Schuylerville Elementary School was scheduled to start with workers performing tasks such as scraping painted surfaces, resealing, and applying a primer coat to walls built using the toxic mineral.
• October 2025: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized an agreement with NRGY Development to clean up asbestos at the former Goudey Power Station in Johnson City, New York.
• September 2025: The New York State Department of Labor clarified that all renovation, demolition, and repair work on structures in the state now requires an asbestos survey to protect workers and residents.
• August 2025: A New York appeals court let a $3.3 Million asbestos verdict stand. The victim, a former parts department worker at a Lincoln-Ford-Mercury dealership in Orchard Park, had worked at the dealer from 1975 to 1980 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021, according to the lawsuit.
• May 2025: A New York court awarded $117 Million to a construction worker with mesothelioma who was exposed to asbestos during work on the World Trade Center in the 1970s. The verdict is reportedly the largest single-plaintiff asbestos verdict in New York State history.
• April 2025: An audit found that more than 80% of New York City public schools built with asbestos were not inspected from 2023 to 2024, as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.
• June 2024: A judge ruled that the evidence in a New York asbestos lawsuit supported the jury's award to a boilermaker with lung cancer of $38 Million, which included $6.5 Million in punitive damages.
• January 2024: A New York court refused to dismiss a pizza oven maker from an asbestos lawsuit, finding enough evidence for a mesothelioma patient to move forward with his claims.
• September 2023: New York asbestos lawyers secured a $28.5 Million verdict for a union steamfitter who developed lung cancer after working with asbestos products on construction sites, including the World Trade Center project.
• April 2022: New York state’s highest court overturned a $16.5 Million jury verdict against talc supplier Whittaker, Clark & Daniels in a case filed by a mesothelioma victim. While the court found there wasn't enough evidence to link the patient's disease to a talc-based cosmetic powder, she had received talcum powder settlements from the other defendants prior to trial.

These developments show that asbestos exposure remains a serious public health and legal issue across New York, with courts and regulatory agencies continuing to hold companies accountable. If your family has been affected by mesothelioma, our New York asbestos lawyers are ready to fight hard for you.

$25 Million New York Mesothelioma Verdict for a Construction Worker

In May 2026, a New York jury awarded $25 Million to a retired construction worker who developed mesothelioma after alleged exposure to asbestos-containing floor tiles during his career.

The New York mesothelioma lawsuit claimed the 70-year-old worker spent years installing and removing asbestos tiles, including American Biltrite’s Amtico^® flooring products, at construction sites throughout the state.

The verdict included $20 Million for past and future pain and suffering and an additional $5 Million in punitive damages tied to findings that the company acted with reckless disregard for consumer safety.

$3.3 Million New York Mesothelioma Verdict Upheld

In August 2025, a New York appeals court upheld a $3.3 Million jury verdict for a former parts department employee at a Lincoln-Ford-Mercury dealership in Orchard Park. Ford unsuccessfully argued that the man was not a mechanic and lacked sufficient exposure.

The victim had worked at the dealership from 1975 to 1980 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021. His New York mesothelioma lawsuit alleged that routine handling of Ford brake and clutch components exposed him to asbestos fibers.

According to court filings, the man opened boxes of asbestos-containing parts, wiped dust from counters where brake debris accumulated, and stood near mechanics during more than 1,000 brake jobs involving sanding, blowouts, and repairs.

$117 Million Mesothelioma Verdict to a World Trade Center Worker

In May 2025, a New York jury awarded a historic $117 Million mesothelioma verdict to a former World Trade Center steelworker and his wife after finding that asbestos exposure in the 1970s led to his diagnosis.

The case centered on the man's work at the original World Trade Center site, where he was allegedly exposed to asbestos-containing materials commonly used in construction for fireproofing and insulation.

The award is the highest for any individual plaintiff in asbestos litigation in the state, according to the man's New York mesothelioma lawyers.

$38 Million New York Asbestos Lung Cancer Verdict Upheld

In July 2024, a court refused to overturn a New York asbestos verdict for a boilermaker against boiler manufacturer Burnham.

The case involved Romeo Maffei, who developed lung cancer after working with Burnham boilers and components. Jurors awarded more than $38 Million, including $26.5 Million for pain and suffering and $6.5 Million in punitive damages.

The court found strong evidence that Burnham had long known about the dangers of asbestos but continued using it in their products for decades without warning workers or consumers.

$28.5 Million Asbestos Verdict for a Steamfitter Exposed at the World Trade Center

A New York jury awarded $28.5 Million to steamfitter James Petro Sr. after finding that asbestos exposure during his decades-long career caused his lung cancer.

The court found Mario & DiBono Plastering Co. 30% liable, Tishman Realty & Construction 15% liable, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 25% liable.

Jurors rejected the defense's arguments that smoking caused Petro’s illness and instead credited evidence of prolonged occupational asbestos exposure at large-scale construction sites, including the World Trade Center.

$16.5 Million New York Talc Cancer Verdict Tossed

New York’s top court overturned a $16.5 Million jury verdict in a talcum powder cancer case, ruling that the plaintiff failed to prove her asbestos exposure level was sufficient to cause mesothelioma.

The case involved a woman who used Desert Flower talcum powder daily from 1960 to 1971 before developing the disease years later. However, the court found that the evidence did not meet the legal standard for causation in toxic tort cases.

Before trial, the woman had already reached mesothelioma settlements with multiple other defendants, leaving supplier Whittaker, Clark & Daniels as the sole defendant at trial.

$12.5 Million New York Mesothelioma Verdict for 3 Families

A New York Supreme Court jury awarded $12.5 Million total to the families of an electrician, steamfitter, and insulator who developed mesothelioma after years of occupational asbestos exposure.

Each worker’s story reflected different exposures:

• The insulator worked on Con Edison powerhouses in the 1950s and 1960s and was awarded $3.5 Million, with Con Edison found 30% liable.
• The steamfitter worked during the original construction of the World Trade Center and received a $6 Million award after jurors found Mario & DiBono responsible for asbestos fireproofing spray.
• The electrician handled asbestos-containing electrical components at job sites throughout New York and was awarded $3 Million, with Eaton/Cutler Hammer assigned 15% liability.

The verdict underscores how widespread asbestos exposure was across multiple trades and worksites, often affecting workers who were never directly warned of the risks.

See If We Can Help Your Family Too

Since 1979, Sokolove Law has secured over $5.5 Billion for thousands of mesothelioma victims and their families.

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Types of New York Asbestos Lawyers

New York asbestos lawyers handle a wide range of cases involving asbestos exposure and related illnesses.

Depending on your diagnosis and how you were exposed, different types of asbestos attorneys in New York may be able to pursue compensation and accountability on your behalf.

Our New York asbestos lawyers can help with cases involving mesothelioma, lung cancer, secondary asbestos exposure, talcum powder, and more.

New York Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Our New York mesothelioma lawyers can investigate your work history and other potential exposure sources to identify the companies responsible.

About 150 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed throughout New York each year, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Our team can pursue compensation from multiple sources, including mesothelioma lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits to help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs.

New York Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawyers

If a patient passes away before filing a claim or before their case is resolved, their surviving family members or estate representative may still have the right to pursue compensation with the help of our New York mesothelioma wrongful death lawyers.

More than 15,200 New York residents have passed away from asbestos-related diseases, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Wrongful death claims can help families recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income or companionship, and more.

New York Asbestos Lung Cancer Attorney​

Asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer, especially in workers exposed over long periods. Thousands of job sites across the state caused many workers to come in contact with toxic fibers.

In New York, the rate of new lung cancer cases is about the same as the national average, with 52.8 cases per 100,000 people, according to the American Lung Association.

Our New York lung cancer lawyers help victims determine whether exposure contributed to their diagnosis and pursue compensation from those responsible.

New York Talcum Powder Lawyers

Many talcum powder products have been found to contain microscopic asbestos fibers, which can increase the risk of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other serious illnesses.

Workers at One Mine and Mill in Balmat were exposed to significant levels of asbestos-containing dust, according to a survey by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Testing confirmed that the talc itself contained high amounts of tremolite asbestos (about 67-88%) and anthophyllite (about 4-12%).

Our New York talcum powder lawyers can help individuals who used contaminated talc products file lawsuits against manufacturers that failed to warn consumers about asbestos risks.

New York Secondary Asbestos Exposure Lawyers

Secondary asbestos exposure can occur when workers unknowingly bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing or tools, exposing family members.

"Even as an infant, my dad worked on the hydroelectric dam, and they had issues with asbestos, and he'd be bringing it home on his clothes."
– Alan Bonin, U.S. Army Veteran & Mesothelioma Client

Our New York secondary asbestos exposure lawyers can help spouses, children, and other family members pursue compensation if they developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness due to secondhand exposure.

Hear from Our New York Mesothelioma Clients

We’re dedicated to helping families throughout New York pursue justice after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our team provides every client with the personalized attention they deserve and aims to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Hear from clients who have worked with our New York mesothelioma lawyers to hold asbestos-related companies accountable and seek compensation for their families.

Helping a New York Auto Mechanic with Mesothelioma

Theodore, also known as “Teddy,” was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He also worked as a mechanic assistant for Nassau County and a heavy equipment operator and highway maintenance supervisor, where he oversaw mechanics replacing brakes and clutches.

Decades later, Teddy was tired all the time and had trouble breathing. After doctors drained 5 liters of fluid from his chest, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and died about 3 years later.

Knowing what happened to his dad wasn't fair, Teddy's son Steve reached out to our New York mesothelioma law firm for help getting justice. Our team was able to fight on their behalf and recover the compensation the family deserved.

"The legal team did everything. All we had to do was tell them my dad's story, and they took all the information, and they ran with it," Steve said. "They did all the paperwork, they filed all the court proceedings that they needed to do, and we just kind of sat back."

Play A Military Veteran's Mesothelioma Journey

Video Summary: Decades after serving in the Vietnam War, Teddy was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer that eventually took his life. His son Steve shares how the family handled the loss and how Sokolove Law was able to help. View Transcript.

My name is Steve, and my father was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was incredibly proud of being in the military. He was drafted and sent to Germany, where he worked as a cook during the Vietnam War. Being a veteran was his whole life, and it was the proudest thing he shared with people. He would always salute random strangers who were wearing veterans’ hats. When my brother signed up for the military, watching my dad feel that same pride all over again—seeing his son follow the same path he did—was really special. He was a pretty special person.

After he came home from the military, he got a job with the county. He was hired as a mechanic’s helper and worked in a garage where they would blow out brake pads and dust. The brake pads he was changing all contained asbestos. We also had a summer house in Pennsylvania, and one summer he went there to chop wood and take care of things around the house. Suddenly, he couldn’t breathe. It felt like there was a heavy weight on his chest, and he just couldn’t catch his breath.

He ended up going to the hospital, where doctors discovered he had a pleural effusion. There were five liters of fluid in his chest. After surgery, the doctor came in and told us, “You have mesothelioma.”

At first, getting my dad to treatment was fairly easy because he was still somewhat healthy. About a year and a half in, it became much harder. Physically, he just wasn’t able to handle it anymore. Every three weeks he had treatment, and every other week he had an MRI or CAT scan. It was a constant cycle—treatment, CAT scan, MRI—over and over again. It was draining. It was draining for him, and it was draining for me. It was just a lot to handle.

I’m really upset because I had been looking forward to making him a grandfather. I dreamed of bringing a baby home to him one day, and now I can’t.

There was no reason for him to die. Asbestos is the cause of this entire thing. We decided to pursue a lawsuit because it wasn’t my dad’s fault, and it wasn’t fair what happened to him. He deserved compensation for what he went through.

Hiring Sokolove Law was one of the best decisions we made. The woman I spoke with on the phone made me feel comfortable right away. She made me feel safe, and she was incredibly compassionate and empathetic about our situation. It just felt like the right fit.

The law firm did so much for us. They helped us navigate the entire situation and were always calling to check on how we were doing. They checked on my dad’s treatment and wanted to know how things were going. I developed a real relationship with them. They would call to see how my dad was doing even when they didn’t have to, and that meant a lot.

Even months after my father passed, they still called to check in. They felt like family. We felt like part of their team—that they were truly there to take care of us. It was never about what they were going to get out of it. They genuinely wanted us to feel supported, safe, and cared for while dealing with the diagnosis my dad was given.

New York Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma Statistics

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos. It can occur after a single exposure or after decades of prolonged exposure. It’s not uncommon for it to take 20-50 years for the signs of asbestos-related illness to first appear.

In New York, thousands of job sites were known sources of asbestos exposure. Asbestos statistics in New York show that the cancer-causing mineral remains a serious public health threat across the state.

New York asbestos exposure and mesothelioma statistics include:

• In 2022, 186 new mesothelioma cases were reported in New York, according to the CDC.
• From 1999 to 2017, more than 15,200 asbestos-related deaths were recorded in New York, with 1,124 linked to asbestosis, 2,830 to mesothelioma, and 11,320 to lung cancer, according to EWG.
• During this period, Erie County saw about 1,417 asbestos-related deaths, followed by Nassau County with 1,403, Suffolk County with 1,386, Queens County with 1,072, Kings County with 774, and Westchester County with 756.
• New York recorded 4.1 asbestos-related deaths per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the nationwide average of 4.9.
• Niagara County had the state's highest asbestos-related death rate at 14.4, followed by Cattaraugus County at 12, and Lewis County at 9.7.
• New York had the 2nd largest number of mesothelioma deaths in the nation and ranked 1st in years of potential life lost due to mesothelioma, according to NIOSH data published by the NY State Department of Health.
• For the same period, New York experienced the 8th highest number of asbestosis deaths in the nation and ranked 5th in asbestosis-related years of potential life lost, according to NIOSH.
• New York was among the 5 states with the most combined asbestosis and mesothelioma fatalities from 1979 through 2001, with between 3,800 and 5,900 deaths, as per EWG.
• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined 55,700 people who were near the World Trade Center during and after 9/11. Of those, 1,187 — including 439 rescue workers and 748 members of the general public — had been diagnosed with cancer between 2007 and 2008.
• A New York mesothelioma doctor warned that New York could see double or triple the number of lung cancer and mesothelioma cases among people who were in New York City on 9/11 in the decades after the attack.
• The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which covers pulmonary diseases and 58 types of cancer, including mesothelioma, has paid out more than $16.8 Billion to over 71,000 claimants, with nearly $2 Billion awarded in 2025 alone.

Many New York residents were directly exposed to asbestos while working in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and public infrastructure, where asbestos-containing materials were widely used for decades.

New York Asbestos Exposure Sites

There are currently over 6,460 known job sites linked to asbestos exposure throughout New York. Common sources of asbestos exposure include shipyards, construction sites, and factories.

The H.W. Johns Manufacturing Company, which later became Johns Manville, was founded in New York City in 1858. As recently as 1982, Johns Manville claimed to be the largest processor of asbestos, making New York ground zero for the American asbestos industry.

These companies have the most New York job sites linked to asbestos exposure: Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. with 75, General Electric with 65, International Paper with 45, Con Edison with 44, and Bethlehem Steel with 43.

Other known asbestos sites around New York include:

• Atlantic Cement Company
• Babcock & Wilcox
• Beech-Nut Inc.
• Brooklyn Naval Yard
• Celotox
• Chevrolet
• Corning Glass Works
• Esso International
• Fulton Boiler Works
• General Electric
• General Motors
• Georgia Pacific Corporation
• Gouverneur Iron Works
• Harbor Marine Contracting
• National Gypsum
• New York City Housing Authority
• Pepsi Cola Company
• Remington Arms Co.
• Republic Steel Corp.
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Todd Shipyard
• Westinghouse Electric
• Yankee Stadium

These are just a few workplaces throughout New York where asbestos has been found. However, the list does not reflect current conditions as many sites have since removed all asbestos-containing materials.

New York has the highest density of asbestos exposure job sites of any state due to its extensive asbestos-related history.

Use our free asbestos exposure job site database to see if you may have been exposed to asbestos while at work.

An asbestos attorney in New York can help determine if you may have been at risk of exposure at any of these sites.

New York's Heavy Asbestos Legacy

New York's asbestos legacy is a statewide problem. Decades of heavy industry, shipbuilding, and manufacturing across the state created some of the most widespread asbestos exposure in the country, and the consequences are still being felt today.

In cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Schenectady, and the Adirondack mill towns, a wide range of industries were among the heaviest users of asbestos in the country. Shipyards along the Great Lakes added another major exposure pathway, as did the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

In New York City alone, a Department of Environmental Protection survey found that 68% of all buildings contain asbestos-containing materials.

In 2001, the collapse of the Twin Towers reportedly released about 400 tons of asbestos, mercury, fiberglass, and benzene into the air over New York City. Many of those who were exposed are just now getting sick.

Sokolove Law: Top Mesothelioma Lawyers in New York Since 1979

At Sokolove Law, we recognize how overwhelming and devastating a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be. Our firm is here to put our resources and experience to work for you.

Over the past 45 years, we've secured more than $5.5 Billion total for families across the country, including many clients in New York.

Additionally, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our mesothelioma lawyers in New York — we only get paid if you do, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.

Call us at (800) 647-3434 right now or fill out our contact form for a free case review. Our team is standing by 24/7 to help with any questions you may have.

Attorney for Mesothelioma in New York FAQs