From asbestos-containing building material to naturally occurring asbestos, New York is one of the most dangerous states in terms of asbestos exposure.
For years, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority pumped asbestos-filled air into a bus depot in East New York for decades, exposing thousands of people without their knowledge. Every air vent of the bus depot was lined with an asbestos-laced cloth, used to make the air vents less noisy by reducing vibrations.
As a New York asbestos exposure lawyer could explain, many of the older buildings around the state, like the bus depot, have outdated equipment and materials like insulation and flooring that contain asbestos.
Naturally occurring asbestos in New York can also lead to exposure. Since asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral when it is disturbed by being crushed, cut or handled particles naked to the human eye can easily be inhaled and consumed.
World War II Shipyards
During World War II, the New York Navy Yard was located in Brooklyn. Before being established as a military shipyard, it was used to build merchant ships.
For decades, asbestos was used in Navy and merchant marine ships to insulate boilers, pipes, turbines, pumps, engines, incinerators, and other heat-sensitive areas. Many seamen, shipbuilders, and officers were exposed to asbestos and developed illnesses like mesothelioma.
Although the use of asbestos has decreased significantly since the 1980s, large numbers of ships and boats still contain asbestos to insulate boilers, pipes, gaskets, and packing. Shipyard workers remain highly vulnerable to asbestos exposure during repair and overhaul activities.
9/11 Tragedy
The tragedy of the bombing of the World Trade Center sent hundreds of tons of asbestos and other dangerous material into the air. Many in the city on the day of the attack were exposed as well as many that came to the city to help clean up the aftermath. Many of those people are now being diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses related to the harmful material they were exposed to like mesothelioma.
Almost everyone in New York City that day and the few following days after the attack was exposed to harmful materials. It is estimated that more than 500,000 people were exposed to harmful materials during the cleanup after the attack.
It has been reported that 1,187 people (439 rescue/recovery workers and 748 general public) have been diagnosed with three different types of cancers between 2007 and 2008. A total of 10,000 people were diagnosed with cancer linked to 9/11.
Client Receives Payout from September 11 Victim Relief Fund
A family in Novato, California, represented by Brayton Purcell LLP, received a payout of over $2 million from the September 11 Victim Relief Fund. Brayton Purcell LLP represented the family in a pro bono effort that was part of the Trial Lawyers Care (TLC) program. TLC is a nonprofit corporation of volunteer trial lawyers providing legal services to September 11th victims.
Reach out to a New York Asbestos Exposure Lawyer Today
Brayton Purcell LLP is dedicated to seeing justice served to those in need. Get in touch with a New York asbestos exposure attorney today if you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma or other severe harm after asbestos exposure. Our dedicated team could help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you need.
