Niagara Falls Mesothelioma Lawyer

Dedicated Mesothelioma Attorney in Niagara Falls, NY

A Niagara Falls mesothelioma lawyer can assist patients and families in seeking compensation following a diagnosis. Niagara Falls employers in chemical manufacturing, power generation, construction, and heavy industry used asbestos products for much of the twentieth century. Learn about your legal rights if you or someone you love has received a mesothelioma diagnosis. 

We can help you determine who may be responsible for your exposure while evidence is still available.

Advocating for Our Community

Litigating a mesothelioma case is different from most personal injury claims. Exposure may have happened many years ago and at multiple employers and job sites. For nearly three decades, Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has invested in resources to help determine where and how clients were exposed to asbestos. The firm has represented over 40,000 clients throughout the country. 

Our experience allows us to quickly evaluate new claims while providing each client with personal attention and access to our legal resources. Our founder, Jim Ferraro, even published a book titled “Blindsided” describing our firm’s dedication to helping those injured through corporate wrongdoing.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin membrane lining the testes, abdomen, lungs, or heart. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can cause mesothelioma after being lodged in the tissue for decades. Symptoms of mesothelioma often do not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure.

Workers in Niagara Falls could have been exposed to asbestos at places like manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, chemical operations, and construction sites, among others. Workers in Niagara Falls industries may have been exposed to asbestos through:

• Insulation
• Pipe or boiler repairs
• Demolition
• Factory equipment
• Turbines

Mesothelioma symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, buildup of fluid in the lungs, and more. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Physicians use imaging scans and biopsies to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 2,709 new cases of mesothelioma in 2023. That same year, there were 173 new cases in New York. 

Do I Have a Claim?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may still have time to file a claim. Many victims believe they are not eligible to pursue compensation because too much time has passed. However, the statute of limitations begins at the date of discovery/diagnosis, not the date of exposure. 

To have a valid claim, you must have evidence of mesothelioma provided by a doctor. You also need information about your work history and exposure to asbestos. Records can include former employment records, military service documents, or product information.

You can file a claim even if you were exposed to asbestos at multiple companies. You may still be entitled to compensation even if a company responsible for your exposure has gone out of business.

Who May Be Liable?

Typically, you can name your direct employer(s) as a defendant in a claim. In some cases, other parties could be responsible for maintaining a safe workplace. Other parties that may be held liable can include:

• The manufacturer of asbestos products used at work
• Asbestos product distributors or suppliers
• Contractors working on the property
• Manufacturers who produced equipment containing asbestos
• Property owners where exposure occurred
• Employers are responsible for maintaining the space

Some mesothelioma cases involve exposure to several different products. You may have come into contact with asbestos at different job sites throughout your career. Lawyers work with you to determine all sources of exposure. You may be eligible to file claims against multiple defendants or certain bankruptcy trusts.

For individuals in Niagara Falls, your case may take place in or involve the Niagara County Courthouse located at 175 Hawley Street, Lockport, NY 14094. However, this depends on where the exposure occurred.

Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer

When you hire a mesothelioma lawyer, they can look into the details of your past to see what contributed to your diagnosis, even if exposure occurred many years ago. 

A Niagara Falls mesothelioma attorney can review your archived employment records and use them to determine where you worked. Your attorney can research the use of asbestos at each worksite you provide and determine if there are any bankruptcies we should consider. This research often leads to locating former coworkers and consulting with medical and occupational professionals to strengthen your case.

FAQs

What Is the Average Payout for a Mesothelioma Claim?

Mesothelioma payouts can vary widely from case to case. Since every situation is different, there is no typical settlement or verdict amount. Factors that affect how much compensation you could receive include how severely you are affected by the illness, your medical bills and lost wages, how much asbestos you were exposed to, and how many companies are at fault. 

Can Family Members File a Claim if a Loved One Died Due to Mesothelioma?

Yes, in some cases, family members who survive the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Benefits could include reimbursement for funeral costs, medical bills prior to death, loss of financial support, and burial expenses. Deadlines apply, so contact an attorney as soon as possible to get started on your claim. 

Who Do You File a Claim Against for Mesothelioma?

Generally, you would name the companies that manufactured, supplied, distributed, or installed the products containing asbestos that you were exposed to. In some situations, there may be multiple companies that can be named in a single claim. If the company named in a claim declares bankruptcy, there may be an asbestos bankruptcy trust fund available to provide compensation.

How Long Does a Mesothelioma Case Take?

Every case is different and could take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to reach a settlement or go to trial. How long it takes depends on how complicated the case is, how many defendants there are, and whether your claim settles or goes to court. Since mesothelioma is a very serious illness, the courts typically treat these cases with a sense of urgency.

Schedule a Free Consultation 

After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, many patients wonder about treatment options, financial security, and who is responsible for their asbestos exposure. Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has dedicated nearly 30 years to advocating for asbestos victims nationwide, successfully assisting more than 40,000 clients in their pursuit of compensation. Contact us to go over your job history, concerns about exposure, and the legal choices that could benefit you and your household.