Diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis after asbestos exposure? You may be entitled to compensation.
An asbestos lawsuit is a legal claim against the companies that made, sold or used asbestos products that caused your illness. At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP, we help New Yorkers and their families hold those companies accountable.
Many manufacturers knew asbestos was deadly and kept using it anyway. Workers and their families paid the price, often decades later. Since 1983, our firm has fought for injured people across New York City, Long Island, Westchester and upstate New York, recovering over $1 billion for our clients.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Call (800) 675-8556. Hablamos Español.
Mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis are the most common illnesses behind asbestos lawsuits. Other asbestos-linked cancers and diseases may also qualify.
Asbestos is a group of natural minerals once used in thousands of products for heat and fire resistance. When asbestos materials are cut, sanded or disturbed, tiny fibers float into the air. Once inhaled or swallowed, those fibers can lodge in the body and cause scarring, inflammation and cancer. Symptoms often take 20 to 50 years to appear.
Conditions that may support a claim include:
You can file an asbestos lawsuit if you were diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease. If a loved one died from one, their family or estate may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Most asbestos exposure happened on the job. In New York, workers at risk included those in:
Family members can be harmed too. Secondhand exposure happened when workers brought asbestos dust home on their clothes, hair and tools. Spouses and children who did the laundry or hugged a parent after work have developed mesothelioma decades later.
You prove asbestos exposure by linking your illness to specific products, job sites and companies. Your lawyers do this work, not you.
Because exposure often happened 30 or more years ago, our team pieces together your history from many sources:
You don’t need to remember every brand name. Even general details, like where you worked and what you did, can start an investigation.
Asbestos victims may recover money for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss to their families. Compensation can come from several sources at once.
Types of asbestos claims:
Damages may include:
Every case is different. The amount depends on your diagnosis, your exposure history and the companies involved.
In New York, you generally have 3 years to file an asbestos lawsuit from the date you discovered your illness, or should have discovered it. Families generally have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
The clock starts at diagnosis, not at the time of exposure. That matters because asbestos diseases can take decades to appear. Deadlines are different in other states, and trust funds set their own filing rules. If you were exposed in more than one state, more than one deadline may apply.
Waiting can cost you your right to compensation. Evidence and witnesses also become harder to find over time. Call us as soon as possible after a diagnosis so we can protect your claim.
See our New York statute of limitations guide
Most asbestos cases follow five steps, and our team handles each one for you.
If you’re too sick to travel, we can come to you.
We’re a New York firm that has represented injured people since 1983, and we treat every client like family.
How much does it cost to hire an asbestos lawyer? Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, so we’re only paid if we recover money for you.
Can I file an asbestos lawsuit if the company that exposed me went bankrupt? Yes. Many bankrupt asbestos companies set up trust funds to pay victims. You may be able to file trust claims and a lawsuit against other companies at the same time.
Can I file if I smoked? Yes. Smoking does not bar an asbestos claim. Asbestos and smoking together raise lung cancer risk, and companies can still be held responsible for their part.
Can I file a claim for a family member who died from mesothelioma? Yes. The estate can bring a wrongful death claim. In New York, the deadline is generally 2 years from the date of death.
Do I have to go to court? Usually not. Most asbestos cases settle before trial, and trust fund claims are handled outside of court.
What if I don’t know where I was exposed? That’s common. Our investigators use your work history, records and product databases to identify likely exposure sources.
How long does an asbestos case take? It varies by case. Trust claims may pay within months, while lawsuits can take a year or more. Courts may speed up cases for seriously ill clients.
Do I need a New York asbestos lawyer? If you live in New York or were exposed here, a firm that knows New York courts and deadlines is an advantage. We also handle asbestos cases nationwide.
The companies that exposed you have had decades to prepare. You deserve a legal team that’s ready to fight back. Call Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP at (800) 675-8556 or fill out our form for a free, confidential case review.